Five years after the Taliban took control of Kabul, Afghanistan, the group now controls the entire country and maintains relative security. However, their social policies, especially restrictions on women’s education and rights, have caused serious problems for Afghan society and the economy.
Key Facts
The Taliban regained control of Kabul five years ago, ending nearly 20 years after their first government collapsed.
Unlike their first rule, the Taliban now controls all of Afghanistan and faces no major insurgent threats like before.
Security has improved, allowing safer travel within the country.
The Afghan economy suffers from loss of international aid but has stabilized somewhat through trade, resource extraction, and remittances from abroad.
The Taliban government works on large infrastructure projects like the Qosh Tepa Canal and regional gas pipelines.
Public finances remain unclear and the government struggles with corruption and weak institutions.
The Taliban has restricted education and jobs for women and girls, banning formal education beyond sixth grade for girls.
This exclusion creates shortages of female professionals, hurting healthcare, education, and the broader economy.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Heavy rain has caused flooding in the U.S. Midwest while Hurricane Lala is approaching Hawaii. The article also covers a spy satellite company and reviews a meeting between President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that happened one year ago.
Key Facts
The Midwest region in the United States is experiencing flooding due to heavy rain.
Hurricane Lala is nearing Hawaii and may impact the area soon.
The article includes information about a company that builds spy satellites, which are used for intelligence gathering.
It reflects on the meeting between President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin that took place one year ago.
Coverage appears on CBS Saturday Morning news program.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A French father and his two young sons were stranded at sea for over 16 hours after their rented jet ski capsized near Koh Samui, Thailand. They were found and rescued the next day, treated at a hospital, and then continued their holiday.
Key Facts
The jet ski was rented for a 45-minute ride around 5 pm local time on Koh Samui.
Rough waves caused the jet ski’s engine to stop and eventually capsize.
The father and sons were found drifting at sea about 10 am the following day.
Rescuers used speedboats and jet skis to search the area, including towards nearby Koh Phangan island.
The father and sons were wearing life jackets during the incident.
The family’s mother and older sister waited for them on the beach during the rescue.
The rescued family was checked at the hospital and discharged shortly after.
The family stayed in Thailand and continued their vacation after the rescue.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two Israeli airstrikes in southern Lebanon killed nine people, including three children, and injured 11 others. These attacks marked the worst violence since a June ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah aimed at reducing hostilities.
Key Facts
Israeli warplanes bombed a home near Ansar village, killing seven people and destroying the house.
Another airstrike hit a home in Deir al-Zahrani town, killing two and injuring nine.
An Israeli drone targeted a motorcycle in Nabatieh city, but the rider’s fate is unknown.
Israel said the strikes targeted Hezbollah military sites after Hezbollah fighters attacked Israeli soldiers.
The attacks happened outside Israel’s declared “security zone” in southern Lebanon.
Roads around the affected villages were crowded as people tried to escape to safer areas.
Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam condemned the strikes and called for an end to the violence.
These attacks came despite a US-backed ceasefire and agreements aiming to reduce conflict in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong earthquake with a magnitude of 7.7 struck the Flores region in East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia, causing buildings to collapse and resulting in multiple deaths and injuries. Officials warned people to avoid damaged buildings and coastal areas due to possible aftershocks and related dangers.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit before 5 a.m. local time near Nagekeo, East Nusa Tenggara.
It had a depth of 15 km and a magnitude of 7.7.
At least 22 people have died, with many more injured.
Videos on social media show buildings collapsing and people fleeing in panic.
A tsunami warning was issued but lifted a few hours later after small waves were recorded.
Rescue agencies are actively working to keep people safe and assess damage.
Authorities advise the public to avoid damaged buildings and coastal zones.
Aftershocks may continue, so caution remains necessary.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Jason Arday, a black professor at Cambridge University, died unexpectedly. He had faced public questions about the originality of his academic work, sparking a debate about race and scrutiny in academia.
Key Facts
Jason Arday was the youngest black professor at Cambridge, appointed in 2023.
He worked in the sociology of education and was a well-known academic figure.
In 2026, allegations arose claiming parts of his PhD research were plagiarized.
Liverpool John Moores University reviewed his work and supported its quality.
Arday said any mistakes were due to his autism; some academics were divided over the allegations.
He resigned from Cambridge, citing the harsh accusations as damaging to him and his family.
Arday’s family said he faced a campaign of misinformation that overwhelmed him.
Some believe he faced harsher public criticism because he was a black man in a high-profile academic role.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Flooding caused by a broken pipe at Heathrow Airport has blocked road access to terminals 2 and 3. Passengers are advised to use trains or the subway instead, as car parks and roadways near these terminals are not accessible while repairs take place.
Key Facts
A pipe leak caused flooding around terminals 2 and 3 at Heathrow Airport.
Road access to these terminals and their car parks is currently blocked.
Passengers should use rail and subway transport to reach these terminals.
The airport is working to fix the leak and resume normal access quickly.
The disruption occurred during busy school holidays, when passenger numbers are high.
On July 19, over 267,000 passengers passed through Heathrow, its busiest day this year.
Heathrow is one of the world's busiest airports, handling up to 1,300 flights daily.
Passengers who booked parking or flights are advised to contact providers about possible refunds or changes.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article tells the story of two people from New York who became friends after meeting on a commuter train. They decided to travel together to a tropical island. The story highlights positive and uplifting news.
Key Facts
Two New Yorkers met on a commuter train.
They became unlikely friends.
They traveled together to a tropical island.
The story is part of a series called "The Uplift."
The news aims to share heartwarming and positive stories.
The report is available on CBS News and its app.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
An Israeli airstrike hit a family home in Ansar, southern Lebanon, killing at least seven people, including children. The attack is part of ongoing violence and destruction in southern Lebanon.
Key Facts
The strike happened overnight in Ansar, a town in southern Lebanon.
At least seven people died in the attack.
Some of the victims were children.
The strike was carried out by Israeli forces.
The area has experienced ongoing attacks and damage recently.
Al Jazeera reporter Ali Hashem visited the scene of the strike.
The event is part of a larger pattern of conflict in southern Lebanon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Scientists and public officials continue to debate how Covid-19 began, with two main theories: a natural animal spillover or an accidental lab release in Wuhan, China. Despite investigations and political arguments, clear evidence for either theory is still missing, and experts call for careful, unbiased studies to find answers and prepare for future pandemics.
Key Facts
Covid-19 origins are disputed, with two main possible sources: an animal market spillover or a lab accident.
Wuhan had the world's largest collection of bat coronaviruses and conducted risky virus experiments.
Some US National Institutes of Health money funded lab work in Wuhan.
Published research did not identify the exact virus that caused Covid-19.
Evidence has not confirmed the virus in animals or a lab before the outbreak.
The debate has become politically charged and divisive.
Experts urge humility, transparency, and international cooperation in investigating the origins.
Proper safety rules and public discussion are needed for biomedical research to prevent future risks.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hundreds of endangered sea turtles get stranded each year on Cape Cod’s beaches because they get caught in cold water when winter arrives. A large group of volunteers, scientists, and veterinarians rescue and care for these turtles at the New England Aquarium’s Sea Turtle Hospital before releasing them back into the ocean.
Key Facts
Around 473 sea turtles were found cold-stunned and rescued in Cape Cod last winter.
The number of turtles stranded on Cape Cod has increased from about 50 a year in the early 2000s to nearly 500 now.
Warmer ocean waters in the Gulf of Maine allow more turtles to come to Cape Cod in the summer.
Cape Cod’s shape traps turtles, making it hard for them to swim south when the water cools.
Cold-stunned turtles show signs of hypothermia and need medical treatment.
Volunteers patrol beaches in cold conditions, sometimes at night, to find and save turtles.
The sea turtles are cared for at the New England Aquarium’s hospital until they recover.
Once stable and healthy, turtles undergo a check before being released back to the ocean.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A man named Mark Byram II bought a 17th-century painting online and discovered it may have a hidden history. Experts think the artwork could be from a 17th-century Spanish Baroque school or workshop, and the painting shows a common Christian scene of Jesus praying with an angel.
Key Facts
Mark Byram II, age 24, found the painting on Facebook Marketplace while browsing.
The painting shows Jesus praying and an angel offering a chalice, possibly the Agony in the Garden scene.
The painting seems cut and attached to another canvas, with signs of restoration using 18th-century nails.
Some experts believe parts of the painting were overpainted with lower-quality work.
The artwork may come from a Spanish Baroque style, which uses dramatic lighting and emotional figures.
The scene depicted is a common subject in Christian art, painted by many famous artists like Raphael and El Greco.
An appraiser said the painting is likely from a student or workshop, not a famous master artist.
The painting could be worth a few hundred to a few thousand dollars and further testing with special light is planned.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii, with the Big Island expected to face the strongest impact, including damaging winds and heavy rain. Authorities have issued hurricane and tropical storm warnings, opened emergency shelters, and canceled flights to prepare for the storm.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Lala is about 200 miles east-southeast of South Point, Hawaii, moving west-northwest at 13 mph.
The storm has maximum sustained winds of 65 mph and may become a hurricane near the Big Island.
The Big Island is under a Hurricane Warning; Maui, Oahu, and Kauai counties are under Tropical Storm Warnings.
Rainfall of 8 to 12 inches is expected on Maui and the Big Island, with up to 25 inches possible on the Big Island.
Flooding, mudslides, and dangerous surf conditions are possible due to heavy rain and storm surge.
Emergency shelters are open on the Big Island, Maui, Honolulu, and may open on Kauai if needed.
Multiple flights have been canceled on Neighbor Islands and transpacific routes due to the approaching storm.
Officials advised residents to prepare by bringing supplies, such as food, water, and medicine, to shelters.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon killed at least seven people in one village, marking the deadliest violence since a recent truce started two months ago. Despite the ceasefire, this shows a rise in conflict, while talks between Lebanon and Israel continue.
Key Facts
At least seven people died in Israeli air strikes in southern Lebanon.
The strikes happened overnight in one village.
This violence is the deadliest since a two-month truce began.
The ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon is still fragile.
Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel are ongoing.
The situation indicates growing tensions in southern Lebanon.
The report comes from a France 24 correspondent in Beirut.
The conflict involves Israel, Lebanon, and groups like Hezbollah.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Taliban leaders celebrated five years since they regained control of Afghanistan after U.S. forces left in 2021. A United Nations official warned that the country faces a serious human rights crisis, especially due to the banning of education for girls over 12 and restrictions on women’s freedoms.
Key Facts
The Taliban returned to power on August 15, 2021, after the U.S. and NATO troops withdrew from Afghanistan.
The withdrawal caused chaos at Kabul airport as many tried to leave Afghanistan.
The Taliban government banned girls from education past the sixth grade and later banned higher education for women.
Women are also banned from public gyms, parks, sports, and long-distance travel without a male guardian.
Taliban leaders held celebrations at the Loya Jirga assembly hall with officials and citizens but no women were present.
The Taliban claim they have brought stability and peace after decades of conflict.
The Taliban government remains mostly isolated internationally, with Russia being the only country that officially recognizes it.
United Nations officials have expressed serious concerns about human rights conditions under Taliban rule.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Many college students and their parents are worried about how artificial intelligence (AI) will affect future jobs. Colleges are changing how they teach to help students learn skills that AI cannot easily replace, such as critical thinking and teamwork.
Key Facts
About 69% of college students worry that AI will make it harder to find a job after graduation.
Nearly 22% of students have changed their major because of concerns about the job market.
Colleges are adding AI education along with skills like communication, leadership, and critical thinking.
Some students, like those studying accounting, see AI doing much of the work and are adjusting their studies.
Other students choose majors they love, even if AI may impact job opportunities in those fields.
Employers still want graduates to do more advanced tasks, like managing projects and explaining their work.
Accounting firms continue to hire many graduates, but expect stronger skills than before.
AI is changing job expectations, so colleges must prepare students for new workplace demands.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong 7.7 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of eastern Indonesia near Flores island early on August 15, 2026. At least 38 people died, several were injured, and hundreds evacuated amid initial tsunami warnings, which were later lifted.
Key Facts
The earthquake occurred near Flores island in East Nusa Tenggara province, about 60 kilometers north-northwest of Ende.
It happened just before 5 a.m. local time at a shallow depth of about 10 kilometers.
The National Disaster Management Agency (BNPB) reported 38 fatalities, 6 injured, and 2 missing.
Emergency crews, including the Indonesian National Armed Forces, took part in evacuations and damage assessments.
Initial tsunami warnings were issued by Indonesia’s Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency but were later canceled.
About 2,000 people self-evacuated in the Nagekeo Regency on Flores island as a safety precaution.
Multiple aftershocks followed, including quakes of magnitude 6.1 and 5.9 near the same area.
The earthquake caused building damage in several locations, including East Manggarai and Maumere.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
South Korean President Lee Jae Myung has proposed talks with North Korea to officially end the Korean War, which has technically not ended since the 1953 armistice. He suggested creating a security system to prevent border conflicts and discussed stopping North Korea’s nuclear weapons development.
Key Facts
The Korean War has not officially ended since the 1953 armistice, and tensions remain along the border called the demilitarized zone (DMZ).
South Korea’s President Lee Jae Myung wants direct talks with North Korea to formally end the war and promote peaceful coexistence.
Lee proposed a multi-layered security system to reduce the risk of military clashes between the two Koreas.
North Korea has tested ballistic missiles that can carry nuclear warheads, causing concern in South Korea and Japan.
North Korea declared itself a nuclear power in 2022 and refuses to give up its weapons.
Lee supports discussions to halt North Korea’s nuclear weapons production and has previously backed a deal with US President Donald Trump for a freeze in nuclear development.
North Korea has not responded to Lee’s offer and recently tested a missile ahead of a planned US-South Korea military exercise.
Relations had worsened under South Korea’s previous president but Lee is trying to improve ties with North Korea and China.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Marvel Studios announced new actors for its upcoming X-Men movie at a Disney event. Sadie Sink will play Jean Grey, and Adam Driver will play the villain Mr. Sinister. The movie is directed by Jake Schreier and will be released in May 2028.
Key Facts
Sadie Sink, known from Stranger Things, will play Jean Grey in the new X-Men movie.
Adam Driver will star as the villain Nathaniel Milbury, also called Mr. Sinister.
The movie is currently untitled and directed by Jake Schreier.
The film will come out in cinemas in May 2028.
Other cast members announced include Kit Connor as Cyclops and Christopher Abbott as Professor Charles Xavier.
Maya Boyd will play Storm, Samara Weaving will play Emma Frost, and Inde Navarrette will play Rogue.
Professor X was previously played by Sir Patrick Stewart, who will appear in an Avengers movie before Abbott takes over the role in X-Men.
Marvel Studios President Kevin Feige said more X-Men casting news will be revealed soon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A father and his two sons were rescued after floating in the sea for more than 16 hours off the coast of Koh Samui, a Thai island. They were found tired and had swallowed seawater but were checked in the hospital and released shortly after.
Key Facts
The family included a 50-year-old father and his two sons.
Their jet ski capsized near Koh Samui, Thailand.
They spent over 16 hours floating in the water.
A local official reported the family was exhausted and pale, especially the boys.
They swallowed a lot of seawater while adrift.
The family was rescued by authorities and taken to a hospital.
They were treated and released soon after the rescue.
The rescue happened recently and was reported by a government official.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
