Hundreds of firefighters worked to control wildfires in Portugal, Greece, and Spain. Authorities warned residents near Thessaloniki, Greece, to stay indoors because of toxic smoke from a recycling plant fire caused by a wildfire.
Key Facts
Wildfires have been burning for several days in Portugal, Greece, and Spain.
Spain and Italy sent firefighters and aircraft to help Portugal fight a large blaze.
The wildfire in central Portugal’s Vouzela area burned about 12,000 hectares (30,000 acres).
Around 155 firefighters and support teams are battling a wildfire near Athens, Greece.
In northern Greece, a fire at a recycling plant near Thessaloniki caused toxic smoke and evacuation alerts.
A man was arrested for allegedly starting the wildfire near Thessaloniki by causing sparks with his vehicle.
Most wildfires in Greece, about 85%, are caused by human carelessness such as machinery sparks, cigarettes, or barbecues.
Greece frequently faces severe wildfires during hot, dry summers, with past fires causing many deaths.
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Dr. Debra Houry, former CDC chief medical officer, discussed her time at the agency during President Donald Trump's administration. She explained why she documented decisions with emails and shared concerns about political interference in the CDC’s work under the new administration.
Key Facts
Dr. Houry worked at the CDC for 11 years and was the chief medical officer until August 2025.
She served briefly as acting CDC director at the start of the Trump administration but was not officially named by the administration.
Dr. Houry kept detailed emails and documents to record decision-making processes, especially when she saw conflicts of interest or political interference.
About 250 of her emails and documents were made public by a Senate committee overseeing health agencies.
She noted that early in President Trump’s term, many CDC websites were taken down by executive order, which she found unusual for a science agency.
Dr. Houry said she did not usually brief the secretary, differing from past CDC practices, and witnessed political requests for reviewing old issues that she thought were unnecessary.
She expressed concern that under the new administration, scientific facts and data might not be enough to guide the CDC’s work.
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Paul McCartney performed the Beatles song "I Want to Hold Your Hand" for the first time in 60 years at the wedding of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. The performance took place at Madison Square Garden during a star-filled reception and was the first public live performance of the song since 1964.
Key Facts
Paul McCartney played "I Want to Hold Your Hand" at Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce’s wedding reception in New York.
The Beatles last performed this song live in 1964 at the Paramount Theatre in New York.
"I Want to Hold Your Hand" was the Beatles’ first No. 1 hit in the United States.
Taylor Swift and Paul McCartney have publicly shown admiration for each other and appeared together on Rolling Stone magazine in 2020.
Stevie Nicks, former Fleetwood Mac singer, also performed at the wedding reception.
McCartney attended Swift’s Eras Tour concert in June 2024, and Swift attended one of McCartney’s concerts in 2022.
The Beatles originally released "I Want to Hold Your Hand" in 1963, and it sold over 12 million copies worldwide.
McCartney has met and expressed respect for young artists like Billie Eilish and Olivia Rodrigo through social gatherings hosted by his family.
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George Cottrell, a 32-year-old aristocrat and convicted criminal, is involved in a controversy around Nigel Farage and Reform UK. Cottrell provided support, including security and social media help, to Farage before Farage became an MP, but Farage did not declare these benefits as required by parliamentary rules.
Key Facts
George Cottrell is a British aristocrat born in 1993 with a family background linked to a soap business.
He was expelled from school due to a gambling addiction and later worked closely with Nigel Farage.
Cottrell volunteered for Farage’s campaign in 2015 and became head of fundraising for Ukip at age 22.
In 2016, Cottrell was arrested in the US for a money laundering sting operation and later pleaded guilty to wire fraud, serving eight months in prison.
After release, he returned to the UK and later moved to Montenegro, where he was involved with an online betting company using cryptocurrency.
Nigel Farage reportedly received help from Cottrell before becoming an MP but did not declare this as a benefit, which is required under parliamentary rules.
Reform UK says no rules were broken because the support was personal and came before Farage’s election.
The Parliamentary Standards Commissioner is investigating whether Farage broke rules related to another financial gift from billionaire Christopher Harborne.
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Nigel Farage has been accused of receiving money and support from controversial figures, including a crypto billionaire and a man convicted of financial crimes in the US. Robert Jenrick, a former government minister, defended Farage’s actions by saying there was nothing improper and that all support came from legal sources.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage received £5 million from Christopher Harborne, a British-Thai crypto billionaire.
Farage also received help from George Cottrell, who was convicted in the US for crimes including money laundering and fraud.
Cottrell provided Farage with a place to live, social media support, and security.
Robert Jenrick defended Farage on a TV program, saying there was no wrongdoing.
Jenrick previously overturned a local council decision that benefited a Conservative donor.
Farage did not declare these benefits as required by parliamentary rules because they occurred before he became an MP.
Farage had been the honorary president of the Reform party during this period.
The article questions the legitimacy of Farage’s financial and social support but official statements claim all funding was legal.
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As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, this article reviews important moments in NASA's history. It highlights key events from President John F. Kennedy's announcement to go to the moon, the Challenger space shuttle disaster, and current efforts to send astronauts back to space.
Key Facts
The United States is marking its 250th birthday.
NASA has played a major role in the country's history.
President John F. Kennedy announced the goal to land on the moon.
The Challenger space shuttle mission ended in disaster.
NASA is currently working on returning astronauts to space.
The article reflects on these major space events during the birthday celebration.
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Representatives Carlos Gimenez and Adriano Espaillat, both immigrants who became U.S. citizens, spoke about their experiences with immigration and becoming American citizens on the show "Face the Nation." They discussed the opportunities and freedoms they found in the United States.
Key Facts
Carlos Gimenez and Adriano Espaillat are U.S. Representatives and naturalized American citizens.
Both immigrated to the United States before becoming citizens.
They shared their personal stories on the television program "Face the Nation."
The discussion focused on immigration and the process of becoming American citizens.
They highlighted the opportunity to live in a country with freedom.
The interview was part of a segment by CBS News.
The conversation aimed to provide insights into immigrant experiences and family journeys.
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Senator Mitch McConnell is hospitalized after a medical emergency, raising questions about who would take his Senate seat if he cannot finish his term. Kentucky changed its rules in 2024 to require special elections instead of allowing the governor to appoint a replacement senator.
Key Facts
Mitch McConnell is Kentucky’s longest-serving senator and is currently hospitalized.
His office says he is recovering and working with staff while the Senate is not in session.
McConnell announced in 2025 he will not run for reelection in 2026.
Kentucky passed a law in 2024 that removes the governor’s power to appoint interim senators.
Vacant Senate seats in Kentucky must now be filled by a special election.
The law does not clearly explain how to handle a vacancy close to a regular Senate election.
Elaine Chao, McConnell’s wife and former Transportation Secretary, recently visited China, drawing public attention.
McConnell’s current term ends in January 2027, and voters will elect his successor in November 2026.
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum defended the $16 million renovation of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool, saying it stopped a large water leak and improved the site. He confirmed vandals damaged the pool’s liner but said the repair costs will be small and the damage will be fixed soon.
Key Facts
Renovations on the Reflecting Pool began in April 2026 and have cost over $16 million.
The renovation cost $4 million more than the original no-bid contract.
The pool used to leak 45,000 gallons of water daily, but this has mostly stopped.
Vandals cut multiple gashes totaling 350 feet in the pool’s liner.
Secretary Burgum supports President Donald Trump’s claim that vandals caused the damage.
Additional security cameras have been installed at the Reflecting Pool.
The repair work includes a new nanobubbler system to reduce algae growth.
Burgum says the remaining damage repairs will not cost much and will be completed soon.
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The TV show "Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan" on July 5, 2026, featured interviews with NCAA President Charlie Baker and Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Carlos Gimenez. They talked about immigration and shared their personal experiences as Americans.
Key Facts
The program aired on July 5, 2026.
Ed O'Keefe conducted the interviews.
Guests included NCAA President Charlie Baker.
Representatives Adriano Espaillat and Carlos Gimenez also appeared.
The discussion focused on immigration issues.
The guests shared their own American stories.
The show can be viewed on the CBS News app.
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AustralianSuper, Australia’s largest superannuation fund managing $388 billion, reversed its previous decision to avoid coal by becoming the largest investor in Whitehaven Coal. This move raises questions about its commitment to net zero carbon emissions, a target aligned with the Paris agreement.
Key Facts
In 2020, AustralianSuper committed to a net zero carbon emissions target and sold its shares in Whitehaven Coal.
By 2026, AustralianSuper became Whitehaven Coal’s biggest investor, holding more than $600 million in shares.
Whitehaven operates six coal mines in New South Wales and Queensland and plans to develop more.
AustralianSuper states the investment was based on market value and metallurgical coal’s role in steel production.
Many super funds limit investments in thermal coal due to its environmental harm, but AustralianSuper’s move may encourage others to increase coal investments.
Experts express concern that the fund focuses on investment returns more than climate risks.
AustralianSuper also holds shares in Woodside Energy, an oil and gas company with expansion plans.
Research shows most Australians want their super funds to avoid investments that harm the environment or society.
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Queensland's government is reviewing rules that require mining companies to set aside money for cleaning up mines after they close. Some people worry that if these rules are weakened, taxpayers might end up paying for mine cleanups, especially for abandoned or poorly managed sites.
Key Facts
Queensland is reviewing a financial provision scheme started in 2019 that makes mining companies guarantee funds for mine cleanup.
The review aims to balance strong environmental standards with encouraging investment in mining, especially for smaller or junior mining companies.
Some environmental groups worry that smaller mining companies might abandon mines without proper cleanup, leaving costs to the public.
Larger mining companies sometimes sell mines to smaller firms that may not have enough money to cover rehabilitation.
A cattle farmer near the Bluff coal mine in Queensland is concerned about damage to her land and unanswered compensation claims after the mine owner went into receivership.
The Queensland Resources Council, representing mining companies, supports the government’s review and wants to contribute to the process.
Critics urge the government not to weaken the financial protections to avoid environmental damage and costs falling on ordinary Queenslanders.
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Agentic AI offers great potential for government use, but current AI systems are not reliable enough to be widely used. Improving reliability is necessary to unlock the benefits of agentic AI.
Key Facts
Agentic AI refers to artificial intelligence systems that can operate independently to achieve goals.
These systems have significant potential to help government functions.
At present, agentic AI cannot be deployed at large scale because they lack sufficient reliability.
Reliability means the AI performs well and consistently without errors.
Building reliable agentic AI will allow broader and safer use in government settings.
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Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said the algae in the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool is completely gone. The pool had algae problems during a $14.6 million renovation but is now clear after being refilled.
Key Facts
The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool underwent a $14.6 million renovation.
During the refilling process, the pool had algae and muddy green water.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum confirmed the algae is now completely gone.
The algae issue was temporary and appeared only while refilling the pool.
The Reflecting Pool is a landmark located in Washington, D.C.
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A shooting at a Fourth of July cookout near Coney Island beach in New York left eight people injured, including four children. Police said one woman is in critical condition, while the others are stable and expected to survive.
Key Facts
The shooting happened Saturday night in the yard of an apartment building near Coney Island boardwalk.
Eight people were shot, including four children aged 6, 7, 12, and 14.
A 21-year-old woman is in critical condition; the others are stable.
The shooter wore a black mask and fired into the crowd during a family cookout.
Police recovered a gun but the suspect fled the scene.
The shooting happened near the location of the Nathan’s Famous hot dog eating contest.
Police said no earlier fights or problems were reported at the gathering.
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Iran held mass funeral ceremonies for its late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, with thousands attending. Mojtaba Khamenei, the new supreme leader and son of the deceased, was not seen at the funerals and is reported to have been injured in the attack that killed his father.
Key Facts
Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Iran’s previous supreme leader, was killed in an air strike on February 28, involving the United States and Israel.
Mojtaba Khamenei, his son and successor, has not appeared in public since the attack.
Mojtaba suffered serious injuries to his face and legs in the strike.
Other sons of Ali Khamenei prayed at the funeral ceremonies.
The funerals took place at Tehran’s Imam Khomeini Mosalla Grand Mosque and other Shiite religious sites.
Tens of thousands of people, including soldiers and ordinary citizens, attended the multi-day funeral events.
The attack led to a war between Iran, the US, and Israel, causing deaths and damage across the region.
Iran’s government and the Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps remain in power despite the conflict.
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Iran is increasing its control over the strait of Hormuz, a crucial waterway for global shipping, amid events surrounding the funeral of the country’s supreme leader, Ali Khamenei. Tensions have risen as Iran’s military warns ships, and international efforts, including from France and the UK, aim to keep shipping routes open and safe.
Key Facts
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is tightening control over the strait of Hormuz.
Many ships have been stuck in the strait and recently used a southern route supported by the US and Oman to avoid Iran-controlled northern routes.
France and the UK plan to send a naval force to clear mines and protect the southern route.
Iran rejects this naval plan as interference in its affairs.
Ship traffic through the strait has decreased, with more ships using routes controlled by Iran.
Oil prices have dropped from $125 to about $75 per barrel due to increased oil availability.
The US and Iran signed a deal requiring Iran to restore normal shipping traffic and not impose tolls for 60 days.
Oman is proposing a system to charge fees for services in the strait, similar to what exists in the strait of Malacca.
Talks between the US and Iran are paused until after Khamenei’s funeral, with military build-ups continuing on both sides.
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On July 4, multiple shootings took place in New York and other states during holiday gatherings. In Brooklyn, eight people including four children were shot at a family barbecue, and two NYPD officers were injured in a separate shooting. Similar violent incidents were reported in South Carolina, Florida, and Michigan.
Key Facts
Eight people, including children aged 6, 7, 12, and 14, were shot during a family barbecue in Brooklyn’s Coney Island area.
The shooter was a man in black with a ski mask who fired multiple rounds then fled; police found 10 bullet casings and a gun with an extended magazine.
Seven victims are expected to survive; a 21-year-old woman is in critical condition.
No arrests were made yet for the Brooklyn barbecue shooting.
Two NYPD officers were hurt in Crown Heights during a confrontation with an 18-year-old armed suspect who fired at police; the suspect was arrested.
Separate shootings occurred in Hilton Head, South Carolina, resulting in seven injured; Pensacola, Florida, where one person was killed and five injured; and Mount Clemens, Michigan, where five were wounded including two minors.
Authorities are investigating all incidents and recovering firearms from the scenes.
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Bison are living and grazing on Catalina Island, which is off the coast of California. A CBS News videographer captured footage of these animals on the island.
Key Facts
Bison are present on Catalina Island in California.
The animals were filmed grazing, showing their natural behavior.
The video was produced by CBS News.
The videographer's name is Russell Nickerson.
Catalina Island is located off the California coast.
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Delivery company Evri is suing the BBC for £1.2 million, claiming a Panorama documentary caused it financial harm by making false statements about its business practices. Evri says the documentary wrongly accused it of exploiting workers and underpaying couriers, leading to lost potential contracts.
Key Facts
Evri has filed a lawsuit against the BBC in the High Court for £1.2 million.
The claim relates to a Panorama documentary titled "Evri: Where’s my parcel?" aired on 15 December 2025.
Evri says the documentary falsely accused it of paying couriers below the minimum wage and misleading parliament.
The company claims it lost prospective clients and contracts worth about £1.2 million due to the broadcast.
Evri seeks special damages, general damages, and a court order stopping the BBC from repeating the claims.
The documentary remains available online with a note about the libel claim.
Evri was owned by Apollo Capital Management as of 2024, after rebranding from Hermes in 2022.
The BBC declined to comment on the legal case, and Evri has not made further public comments as the case is ongoing.
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