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The European Union has quietly tried to reopen communication with Russia to avoid being left out of any talks about ending the war in Ukraine. This effort comes while Ukraine carried out a large drone attack on a Moscow oil refinery, and Russia continues to prefer negotiating directly with the United States.
Key Facts
The EU has made brief diplomatic contacts with Russia recently to open communication channels.
No detailed discussions have taken place yet between the EU and Russia.
The EU supports Ukraine’s goal of a just and lasting peace but does not see itself as a mediator.
Russia’s President Putin has tried to exclude Europe and Ukraine from negotiations and focus on talks with the U.S.
Putin says Russia has not rejected talks with the EU and is open to communication.
EU leaders, including European Council President Antonio Costa, are coordinating on potential engagement with Russia.
These developments happen amid ongoing conflict in Ukraine, including a recent major drone attack on a Moscow oil refinery.
The EU’s outreach aims to protect its interests and maintain diplomatic channels with Russia for any future peace efforts.
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A man from Georgia nearly lost his ability to enjoy music after a serious accident. With determination and the help of technology, he has become a record-breaking drummer again.
Key Facts
The man is from Georgia.
He had a serious accident that almost ended his music passion.
He used technology as part of his recovery.
He showed strong determination to keep playing music.
He now holds a record as a drummer.
His story was featured in the CBS Mornings series "Pushing the Limits."
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In Britain, activists protesting against Israel’s actions in Gaza are increasingly being treated as terrorists under terrorism laws, while support for Israel’s policies remains accepted in politics. This shift raises questions about why opposition to alleged war crimes and genocide in Gaza is framed as extremism, whereas the ongoing destruction in Gaza receives less political scrutiny.
Key Facts
Israel and its leaders face accusations of genocide, war crimes, and crimes against humanity in international courts.
Since October 2023, Gaza has experienced severe destruction described by experts as genocide.
Britain has prosecuted activists who protest against Israel’s actions, such as the case of the Filton 4.
Damage to property by activists is being discussed using terrorism language, while large-scale destruction in Gaza is not.
Terrorism laws in democracies aim to address serious threats to public safety and security.
Criticism of Israel in Britain is increasingly linked to allegations of extremism and anti-Semitism.
The distinction between criticizing a government’s policies and hatred of a people is often blurred in discussions about Israel.
Jewish communities deserve protection from hostility, but criticism of government policies should not be confused with prejudice.
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Tornadoes caused damage in several cities across the Midwest and the southern United States. Tropical Storm Arthur brought flooding to areas in Texas and Louisiana.
Key Facts
Tornadoes hit multiple cities in the Midwest and South regions.
Tropical Storm Arthur caused flooding in parts of Texas.
Louisiana also experienced flooding from the storm.
The severe weather affected both urban and rural areas.
CBS News reported on these weather events and their impact.
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Israeli drone strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least three people shortly after the United States and Iran signed a deal to end their conflict on all fronts, including Lebanon. Despite the agreement, Israel has kept its forces inside southern Lebanon and continues military actions, while the armed group Hezbollah has responded with attacks against Israeli soldiers.
Key Facts
Israeli drone attacks killed two people near Kfar Tebnit and one in Zabadin, Lebanon.
Another Israeli strike wounded two people in Beit Yahoun, Nabatieh governorate.
The US and Iran signed an interim agreement to extend a ceasefire covering conflicts including Lebanon.
Israel's military released a map showing forces positioned about 10 km inside southern Lebanon along the "Yellow Line."
This military presence and territorial reach may violate a 2022 maritime agreement between Israel and Lebanon protecting Lebanon’s Qana gas project.
Israel faces internal pressure from political leaders to take a tougher stance on Lebanon and continue military actions.
Hezbollah claims the US-Iran deal gives it leverage and has responded with attacks killing and injuring Israeli soldiers.
Hezbollah refuses to accept a one-sided ceasefire or disarmament demanded by the Lebanese government.
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Hundreds of bright blue sea creatures called by-the-wind sailors have washed up on beaches in Wales. These animals are related to jellyfish and corals, have mild stinging cells, and are usually found in large groups after storms or ocean currents bring them ashore.
Key Facts
The creatures are called Velella velella or by-the-wind sailors.
They were seen on beaches in Anglesey, Gwynedd, and Tenby in Wales.
By-the-wind sailors have a small sail that catches the wind and moves them on the ocean surface.
They are about 7 centimeters long and cannot swim on their own.
They often appear in autumn and winter when currents carry them long distances.
Although they sting, their sting is mild compared to the Portuguese man o’ war.
Their stinging cells can still work even when they are washed up and seem dead.
Experts warn people not to touch them, especially on sensitive skin areas.
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The US Forest Service plans to spray glyphosate and other herbicides on national forest land near Lake Tahoe to help restore areas damaged by a wildfire. Local residents and officials are concerned about the health and environmental risks of glyphosate, which has been linked to cancer and harm to animals.
Key Facts
The Forest Service wants to use glyphosate to clear vegetation before planting new trees after the 2021 Caldor fire.
Glyphosate is a weed killer first introduced by Monsanto in the 1970s and is a common herbicide.
The World Health Organization classifies glyphosate as probably cancer-causing to humans.
The EPA says glyphosate is unlikely to cause cancer.
Bayer owns Monsanto and defends glyphosate’s safety.
Spray application will be done by backpack sprayers, not aerial spraying, to reduce harm to native plants and water bodies.
Lake Tahoe’s watershed includes much national forest land where spraying is planned; meltwater flows into the lake.
Local groups and residents are organizing to oppose or change the spraying plan due to health and environmental concerns.
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Since the US and Iran signed a peace deal, fighting in Lebanon has decreased. However, Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon have still killed at least five people, so it is unclear if the deal will bring lasting peace to Lebanon.
Key Facts
A peace deal was signed between the US and Iran.
Fighting in Lebanon has dropped since the deal was signed.
Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed at least five people recently.
Lebanese media reported on the ongoing violence despite the peace deal.
The deal's impact on lasting peace in Lebanon remains uncertain.
The peace deal affected relations between the US, Iran, Lebanon, and Israel.
The US under President Donald Trump is involved in the deal.
The situation in Lebanon is connected to wider Middle East conflicts.
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The United States Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced a review of US troop deployments in Europe that will last up to six months. He warned NATO allies that the US might reduce support and withhold payments if they do not meet their defense spending promises.
Key Facts
The review will include talks with the US Congress, which requires a minimum US troop presence in Europe.
Hegseth criticized some NATO allies for not supporting the US during its conflict with Iran.
The US plans to reduce some warships, aircraft, and other military resources available to NATO.
The goal is to encourage Europe to take more responsibility for its own defense.
NATO allies and Canada recently increased their defense spending by $90 billion, a 20% rise from last year.
NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte said the US reductions in crisis forces are already happening immediately.
Some NATO countries have offered to increase their contributions to NATO’s crisis pool to fill gaps left by US reductions.
The US reductions include fewer refueling aircraft, fighter jets, drones, and ships, according to a military source.
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Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth announced a six-month review of U.S. military forces in Europe. He criticized NATO allies by calling the alliance a "paper tiger," meaning he sees it as weak or ineffective.
Key Facts
The review will look at how U.S. troops are deployed in Europe.
Hegseth spoke at NATO headquarters in Brussels.
He accused NATO allies of being ineffective or weak.
The review aims to help the alliance take faster action.
This announcement came from the U.S. Secretary of Defense.
The focus is on Europe and the NATO military alliance.
The term "paper tiger" means something looks strong but is not really powerful.
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Amber heat warnings have been issued for parts of southern England as a second heatwave approaches, with temperatures expected to reach up to 33°C on Monday. The heatwave warnings cover areas including London, eastern England, and the south-east, while cooler weather is expected in northern parts of the UK.
Key Facts
Amber heat warnings mean there is a risk to the general population, not just vulnerable people.
The warnings cover eastern England, London, the south-east, and the south-west from Thursday morning to Tuesday evening.
Temperatures are expected to be around 30°C on Friday and rise to 33°C on Monday in southern England.
A heatwave in the UK is defined as three days in a row with temperatures above 25°C to 28°C, depending on the region.
Some areas of southern England are likely to meet these heatwave criteria by Saturday, more widely by Sunday.
Cooler temperatures are expected in the rest of the UK, with Glasgow’s max expected to be 8-9°C lower than London.
The Met Office warns of possible thunderstorms and advises caution with water safety due to the risk of cold-water shock and strong currents.
Sixteen people died in water incidents during the previous May heatwave, prompting safety reminders.
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French cities are experiencing higher temperatures due to climate change. To cope with extreme heat, urban areas in France are adopting new ways to stay cool, even though many French people prefer not to use air conditioning.
Key Facts
Climate change is causing warmer temperatures, especially in French cities.
Cities face more heat effects because buildings and streets absorb and hold heat.
French cities are trying different methods to reduce heat, like opening public swimming areas.
Many French people avoid using air conditioning, preferring other cooling methods.
Heatwaves raise concerns about health and comfort, especially in crowded places like prisons.
The article is part of a series exploring French culture and current events.
France is preparing for new heatwaves as temperatures rise across Europe.
Urban planning and community habits play a role in how people stay cool during extreme heat.
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Steven Lyons, a major Scottish crime figure, lost his court fight in the Netherlands to avoid being sent to Spain. He faces charges there for drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes. He was arrested in Bali and transferred to the Netherlands due to Spain and Indonesia lacking an extradition deal.
Key Facts
Steven Lyons is a leading gang boss from Scotland.
He was arrested in Bali in March using a European Arrest Warrant from Spain.
Since Spain and Indonesia have no extradition agreement, Lyons was sent to the Netherlands.
A Dutch court ruled he must be extradited to Spain to face serious criminal charges.
The charges include drug trafficking, money laundering, and violent offenses.
The court rejected his arguments about problems with the arrest warrant or investigation.
Spanish police said Lyons' gang operates across Europe, the Middle East, and Asia with complex money laundering.
The Lyons criminal group has been involved in violent feuds and international drug crime for over 20 years.
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Two men in the UK were sentenced to prison for helping Chinese intelligence. One was a Border Force officer who used government computers to track Hong Kong pro-democracy activists living in the UK, and the other acted as his contact with Chinese authorities.
Key Facts
Chi Leung "Peter" Wai received 10 years in prison; Chung Biu "Bill" Yuen got 8 years.
Wai worked at Heathrow Airport with access to Home Office computers containing information on foreign nationals.
Wai used this access to help Chinese intelligence track Hong Kong dissidents who fled to the UK.
Yuen, a former Hong Kong police officer and office manager at Hong Kong's London trade office, was Wai’s connection to Chinese authorities.
Wai was previously a UK police officer and Royal Navy serviceman and had several other security-related roles.
Wai involved a fellow Border Force officer, Matthew Trickett, in spying on Hong Kong activists; Trickett died in a suspected suicide after their arrest.
British politicians, including MP Sir Iain Duncan Smith, were also monitored.
UK officials said the case shows that foreign spying and interference are not allowed on British soil.
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Traditional foods are becoming popular again in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city. More people want to eat native dishes because they believe these foods are healthier and remind them of home.
Key Facts
Traditional cuisine is gaining popularity in Zimbabwe’s second-largest city.
Increased health awareness is one reason people want indigenous foods.
Nostalgia, or fond memories of homeland, also drives demand.
Restaurants serving traditional Zimbabwean dishes are increasing.
Customers include health-conscious locals and Zimbabweans returning from abroad.
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In northern Benin, a training program teaches men about the challenges women face in their communities. Men who complete the program become “model husbands” and help improve gender relations by supporting women’s health and social well-being.
Key Facts
The program takes place in northern Benin.
It aims to raise men’s awareness of women’s experiences and challenges.
Men learn how they can help reduce health risks and social pressures for women.
Graduates become advocates for better treatment of women in their communities.
These men are called “model husbands.”
The program addresses conservative social settings where gender issues are sensitive.
The article was reported by FRANCE 24 on June 18, 2026.
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Kenya's President William Ruto attended the G7 summit after being invited by French President Emmanuel Macron. At the summit, Ruto called for African countries to receive better recognition from international organizations.
Key Facts
President William Ruto of Kenya attended the G7 summit in 2026.
French President Emmanuel Macron invited Ruto during the Africa Forward summit in Nairobi.
Ruto used the summit to ask for greater recognition of Africa by international institutions.
The G7 summit is a meeting of leaders from seven major world economies.
The call highlights ongoing concerns about Africa's representation in global decision-making bodies.
The Africa Forward summit aimed to discuss Africa’s development and partnership with the world.
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Most major rail operators in Great Britain are now owned by the government as part of a plan by the Labour government to improve the train system. This nationalisation effort, which started before Labour took office, aims to finish by 2027 and will be managed by a new public body called Great British Railways.
Key Facts
Eleven out of sixteen major rail operators in Great Britain are currently publicly owned.
The government plans to nationalise the remaining five operators by October 2027.
Nationalisation is happening about every three months, speeding up under Transport Secretary Heidi Alexander.
Earlier nationalisations were done by the previous Conservative government or by devolved governments in Wales and Scotland.
Great British Railways will be created to oversee rail services and infrastructure, combining public train operators and Network Rail, which owns tracks and stations.
Trains themselves will remain privately owned despite the nationalisation of operators.
Some operators have improved on-time performance, while others have seen declines since nationalisation began.
Experts warn nationalisation alone may not solve issues like rising costs and high government subsidies for rail services.
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A strong tornado hit central Illinois on Wednesday, causing damage to homes, vehicles, and power lines, and leaving over 34,000 people without electricity. Emergency crews responded to the destruction, and injuries were reported but no deaths. Additional tornado warnings remain in effect in parts of Illinois and other states as severe weather continues across the Midwest.
Key Facts
The tornado struck central Illinois around 6:40 p.m. local time.
Areas affected include Charleston, Effingham, and rural communities north of Effingham.
The storm caused uprooted trees, downed power lines, and damage to buildings and cars.
Over 34,000 Illinois residents lost power, with large outages in Effingham and Coles County.
Emergency officials urged people to stay indoors and avoid traveling due to blocked roads.
Injuries were reported, but no deaths occurred according to local emergency management.
The National Weather Service called the situation "particularly dangerous" due to possible strong tornadoes.
Additional tornado warnings are in place in parts of Louisiana and other states as the storm system moves east.
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