A humanitarian worker from the Democratic Republic of Congo was flown to the UK for medical monitoring after possible contact with Ebola. The person shows no symptoms and is being watched in a London hospital as a precaution during the Ebola incubation period.
Key Facts
The worker is a UK resident involved in Ebola outbreak response in Congo.
They have no symptoms but are being isolated and monitored in a hospital with special facilities.
Ebola incubation can last from 2 to 21 days, during which isolation is required.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids, not through the air.
Symptoms start like flu and can develop into severe illness, including organ failure and bleeding.
The UK has had three Ebola cases before, all healthcare workers from West Africa, with no spread in the UK.
The Congo outbreak, declared in May 2026, has over 2,400 confirmed cases and 967 deaths so far.
The Ebola strain in this outbreak has no approved vaccine yet, making it harder to control.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Spanish hotel company Meliá announced it will close all its hotels in Cuba due to ongoing problems caused by U.S. sanctions. These sanctions have made it difficult for the company to do business, and the move affects Cuba’s struggling tourism industry.
Key Facts
Meliá is shutting down all its hotel operations in Cuba starting Friday.
The U.S. recently added Cuba’s Ministry of Tourism to a blacklist, affecting over a dozen hotels run by Meliá.
Meliá had already stopped managing 15 hotels linked to a Cuban military business group sanctioned by the U.S.
The company once owned 34 five-star hotels in major Cuban tourist spots like Havana and Varadero.
U.S. sanctions against Cuba include freezing assets, blocking access to U.S. financial markets, and travel bans on related people.
Cuba faces severe electricity blackouts, medicine shortages, and other crises worsened by the U.S. energy embargo.
Tourism in Cuba dropped 48% in early 2026 compared to 2015, with other major hotel chains and airlines also leaving.
The U.S. government increased pressure on Cuba after Venezuela’s former President Nicolás Maduro was captured, aiming to change Cuba’s political and economic system.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Bertha strengthened in the Gulf of Mexico and is expected to bring heavy rain, flooding, and wind along the northern Gulf Coast from Florida to Louisiana. The storm is forecast to weaken as it moves inland, with coastal areas preparing by distributing sandbags and issuing warnings.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha had maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph) on Tuesday.
The storm was about 105 miles southwest of Panama City, Florida, moving northwest slowly.
A tropical storm warning was in effect from the Florida Panhandle to Louisiana, including New Orleans.
Heavy rain of 2 to 4 inches (5 to 10 centimeters) was expected, with possible flash flooding in urban areas.
Storm surges up to 4 feet (1.2 meters) could affect Louisiana’s coast near the Mississippi River.
Authorities in Mississippi, Louisiana, and Florida opened sandbag distribution sites for residents.
Bertha is the second tropical storm of the Atlantic hurricane season; previous storm Arthur caused flooding in the southeast U.S.
Hurricane Fausto, in the eastern Pacific, strengthened but posed no threat to land.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Sharon Osbourne marked the first anniversary of her husband Ozzy Osbourne’s death by encouraging fans to remember him by playing his music loudly. Ozzy, a famous heavy metal singer from Birmingham, died at 76 after health issues, including Parkinson’s disease.
Key Facts
Ozzy Osbourne, a pioneering heavy metal singer, died on July 22, 2025, aged 76.
He was born and raised in the Aston area of Birmingham, England.
Ozzy was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 2019 and had other health problems.
His final concert, "Back to the Beginning," raised money for Parkinson’s research and children’s charities.
Sharon Osbourne urged fans to celebrate Ozzy by playing his music loudly and remember his humor and honesty.
Birmingham is holding its first Ozzy Day to honor his legacy with free events.
Ozzy Osbourne was known as “The Prince of Darkness” but was also described as genuine and funny.
Sharon said the charity work started by Ozzy will continue until a cure for Parkinson’s is found.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Young women in their 20s in England are developing type 2 diabetes more often, with a sharp rise since the Covid pandemic. This increase is linked to higher obesity rates, and early diagnosis is important to avoid serious health problems.
Key Facts
Type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly in people under 40, especially women aged 20 to 29.
The rise in type 2 diabetes cases is closely connected to increasing obesity rates.
Nearly one in three people in England are now obese, with the biggest increases among people aged 20-39.
Younger people are developing severe obesity earlier, which may explain the earlier onset of type 2 diabetes.
About 90% of the six million people with diabetes in the UK have type 2 diabetes.
Type 2 diabetes can sometimes be controlled by healthy eating and weight loss without medication.
New treatments like GLP-1 injections and pills may help alongside lifestyle changes.
The disease is still more common in older adults, but cases are decreasing slightly in those over 60.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Venezuela confirmed three deaths caused by hantavirus infections and is investigating two more suspected cases. Officials say the virus has not spread between people and poses no general risk to the public.
Key Facts
Three people in Venezuela died from hantavirus infections, confirmed by the Health Ministry.
Two additional deaths, both health workers in Barinas state, are suspected to be caused by hantavirus and are under investigation.
The confirmed deaths occurred in Anzoátegui state, while the suspected cases are in Barinas, about 655 kilometers apart.
Venezuelan authorities say there is no evidence of the virus spreading from person to person.
Hantavirus is mainly spread by contact with rodents like rats and mice.
The virus can cause severe lung infection or kidney failure in some cases.
Health workers will be sent to affected areas to protect public health.
A recent hantavirus outbreak on a cruise ship involved the Andes hantavirus, which can sometimes spread between people and has a high death rate.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists studied how chimpanzees and bonobos use touching, hugging, and kissing to calm each other before stressful events like fights over food. This behavior helps them trust and cooperate peacefully and may have started millions of years ago before humans existed.
Key Facts
Researchers observed chimpanzees and bonobos in sanctuaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
The apes touched and embraced each other before food was given, to reduce stress and build trust.
Physical contact included touching, hugging, kissing, and even putting fingers in mouths.
Groups that showed more close contact were more peaceful when sharing food.
Scientists called these actions "reassurance trains," where many apes hugged in a row.
The behavior is seen as a very old way to communicate and likely existed before humans and apes split from a common ancestor around seven million years ago.
This study was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
The findings suggest human gestures like hugs or pats before stressful events may come from these ancient social behaviors.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Somalia’s government is worried about WhatsApp’s new feature that allows users to chat using usernames instead of phone numbers. They say this could make it harder to track criminals and increase fraud in a country fighting Islamist militants like al-Shabab.
Key Facts
WhatsApp plans to let people use usernames rather than phone numbers to chat.
Somalia’s Communications Minister says this could hurt security and make criminals harder to find.
Somalia relies heavily on mobile money transactions, which could be targeted by fraud.
Al-Shabab, an Islamist militant group, has used WhatsApp for extortion and propaganda.
Somalia has previously shut down WhatsApp groups linked to al-Shabab’s criminal activities.
WhatsApp said phone numbers will still be needed and the new feature includes protections against scams.
India has also raised concerns about usernames increasing fraud and impersonation risks.
Somalia is asking Meta (WhatsApp’s owner) to prove the feature won’t harm digital tracking before allowing it.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. military conducted its eleventh night of strikes against Iran, with explosions reported in the Tabriz region in the northwest of the country. These strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global trade.
Key Facts
The U.S. began the strikes at 7 pm Eastern Time (2300 GMT) on Tuesday.
Explosions were reported in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, which differs from earlier strikes mainly focused in southern Iran.
The goal of the strikes is to limit Iran’s threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
The strikes resumed after a June 17 agreement between the U.S. and Iran ended.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) oversees these military actions.
There is an ongoing competition between the U.S. and Iran for control of the Gulf’s waterways.
This marks a continuation of heightened tensions between the two countries.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Severe storms caused flash flooding across the Northeastern United States, affecting areas from Ohio to New England. The National Weather Service warned that the situation was dangerous and could threaten lives.
Key Facts
Storms hit the most populated part of the country on Tuesday.
Widespread flash flooding occurred in states from Ohio to New England.
The National Weather Service described the flooding as dangerous and life-threatening.
The flooding affected roads and communities in multiple states.
Weather experts provided forecasts and updates through news outlets.
Residents were advised to take precautions due to the severe weather.
The storm system brought heavy rain leading to rapid water rise.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump said the United States is not done attacking Iran as conflict in the Middle East grows. Iran and its allies have launched attacks on Gulf states, while the US responded with strikes and diplomatic talks continue.
Key Facts
President Trump warned Iran would take 20 to 25 years to recover from US attacks.
Iran and its Houthi allies expanded strikes against Gulf states like Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Iran targeted US forces and military sites in the region, including radar and defense systems.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to block Saudi ports, potentially affecting oil exports.
Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi threat and fights between Saudi forces and Houthis recently resumed.
Two oil tankers reversed course in the Red Sea, possibly due to the Houthi threat to port access.
President Trump said the US would act if the Houthis blockaded Saudi ports, recalling past actions against them.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Bertha is forming and weather experts are tracking its path. Meteorologists expect the storm to move along a certain route, which they share to help people prepare.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently developing.
Weathercasters are closely monitoring its path.
The storm's expected route has been projected and shared publicly.
The information helps communities prepare for possible weather impacts.
Updates are available through CBS News and their app.
Lonnie Quinn is a chief weathercaster providing this information.
Tropical storms are organized weather systems with strong winds and rain.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Bertha is getting stronger in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Coast is preparing for heavy rain and possible dangerous flooding caused by the storm.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently active in the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is increasing in strength.
Areas along the Gulf Coast are expecting heavy rainfall.
There is a risk of flooding from both rain and storm surge, which is water pushed onto land by winds.
Meteorologists are tracking the storm's path closely.
Local communities are taking steps to prepare for potential flooding and dangerous conditions.
Officials may issue warnings to keep people safe from the storm’s impact.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Lebanese army has started sending troops to three towns in southern Lebanon. This move is part of a plan supported by the United States to improve security and prevent Hezbollah, a military group, from operating in these areas.
Key Facts
The Lebanese army is deploying in three southern towns.
This deployment is part of a new framework agreement.
The agreement is supported by the United States.
The plan aims to improve security in southern Lebanon.
A main goal is to keep the group Hezbollah out of these towns.
The areas where the army is deploying are called "pilot zones."
The Lebanese army’s ability to maintain security in these zones will be tested.
The agreement involves cooperation linked to Israel.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Moldova’s parliament elected Vasile Tofan as the new prime minister and approved his government. Tofan’s main goal is to improve the economy and continue Moldova’s process to join the European Union.
Key Facts
Vasile Tofan was elected prime minister with 53 votes in favor, 21 against, and 21 abstentions.
He replaces Alexandru Munteanu, who resigned after only eight months in office.
Tofan is not linked to any political party but was nominated by President Maia Sandu and supported by her party.
Moldova aims to advance EU membership talks, with a plan to join the EU by 2030.
Moldova received EU candidate status in 2022 and started formal membership talks with the EU last month.
The new government plans to revive the economy, reduce budget deficits, and sell state-owned companies.
Moldova is one of Europe’s poorest countries, with a 2.4% economic growth last year.
Moldova’s politics often shift between pro-European and pro-Russian groups; the EU accuses Russia of interfering in Moldova’s elections.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Lebanon’s president recently visited President Donald Trump at the White House, marking the first visit by a Lebanese leader in almost 20 years. Lebanon and Israel have restarted diplomatic relations with a new agreement aimed at stopping long-standing conflicts, but many people in southern Lebanon remain doubtful and violence continues.
Key Facts
Lebanon's president met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
This was the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the U.S. in nearly 20 years.
Lebanon and Israel resumed diplomatic relations under President Trump’s administration.
A new deal was signed to try to end decades of war between Lebanon and Israel.
Many people in southern Lebanon are skeptical about the new agreement.
Violence in the region continues despite the deal.
The special correspondent reporting on this is Simona Foltyn.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Millions of people along the U.S. Gulf Coast are getting ready for Tropical Storm Bertha. In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy removed the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces. In New Jersey, officials reported that over 6,000 noncitizens registered to vote recently, but fewer than 400 actually voted.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to affect millions along the Gulf Coast.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy fired the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
This firing is part of changes in Ukraine’s top military leadership.
New Jersey’s governor said more than 6,000 noncitizens registered to vote in 2023 and 2024.
Fewer than 400 of those registered noncitizens cast a ballot.
The voter registration and turnout numbers were reported by New Jersey’s governor.
The situations reported involve weather, military leadership, and voting registration.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A humanitarian worker was flown from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to a London hospital for monitoring after possible exposure to Ebola. The worker shows no symptoms and is being kept in isolation as a safety precaution during the virus's incubation period.
Key Facts
The worker was treating Ebola patients in the DRC before evacuation.
The UK Health Security Agency arranged a special flight to bring the person to London.
The individual currently shows no signs of Ebola and remains healthy.
Ebola’s incubation period is between 2 and 21 days; the person will be isolated and monitored during this time.
No confirmed Ebola cases exist in the UK, and the risk to the public is low.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated items.
Symptoms include fever, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and organ problems.
In May, WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a global health emergency.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government encourages office workers to wear shorts and casual clothes during hot summer months to stay cool and save energy. While some people welcome the change, some women say the policy is unfair because they must still wear tights and feel uncomfortable seeing men’s leg hair at work.
Key Facts
Tokyo’s government started promoting "Tokyo Cool Biz," allowing shorts and casual wear in offices to help people cope with summer heat.
The initiative builds on a previous campaign called "Cool Biz," started in 2005 to save energy by loosening office dress codes.
A survey showed 53.5% of people opposed wearing shorts at work, mainly due to concerns about body shape and body hair.
Women are more likely than men to feel uncomfortable seeing men’s bare legs and leg hair, calling it "leg hair harassment" or "sunehara."
Some men have started removing leg hair with laser treatments to avoid offending female coworkers.
Japan is experiencing record summer heat, with warnings about "brutally hot days" over 40°C (104°F).
Heatstroke cases have increased, with several deaths and thousands hospitalized recently.
People are also using cooling products like clothes with fans, wet towels, and portable fans to manage the heat.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Anna Deavere Smith, an actress and playwright, has created a new play called "Basil Biggs" that explores her family history. She spoke about this project during an interview in Philadelphia for the arts and culture series CANVAS.
Key Facts
Anna Deavere Smith is known for her acting roles in TV shows like “The West Wing” and “Nurse Jackie.”
She is also recognized as a playwright, creating unique theatrical dramas about American life.
Her newest work, "Basil Biggs," focuses on her own family's past.
Jeffrey Brown interviewed her in Philadelphia about this project.
The interview is part of an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
