Millions of people in England and Wales received emergency alerts about a serious risk of wildfires. The government warned people not to use barbecues, campfires, or fireworks and called in the military to help emergency services handle the fires.
Key Facts
The alert was sent to phones around 7 pm with a siren and a wildfire risk message.
The deputy prime minister said this was the largest use of the UK’s emergency alert system for an ongoing event.
The government banned the sale of disposable barbecues temporarily while the wildfire risk remains high.
About 100 military personnel were deployed in south Wales to support emergency teams, with 100 more arriving soon.
There have been more than 1,017 wildfires in England and Wales this year, a record number.
Fire services declared 11 major wildfire incidents in the last 24 hours.
People are urged to call 999 immediately if they see a fire.
The prime minister described Britain as a "tinderbox," warning of a difficult weekend ahead due to fires.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The drive-thru restaurant began in the late 1940s in the United States and quickly became a popular way to serve fast food to customers in their cars. Over time, drive-thrus have evolved with new technology and designs, becoming an important part of American culture.
Key Facts
The first drive-thru restaurants appeared around 1947-1948, with Red’s Giant Hamburg in Missouri and In-N-Out Burger in California both claiming to be the pioneer.
Drive-thrus spread quickly and grew into a big market by the 1960s.
Chains like Jack in the Box created restaurants with no seating, designed only for drive-thru service.
Car designs changed to include bigger drink holders to fit fast food packaging.
Menus shifted to foods easy to eat in cars, like sandwiches, fries, and chicken strips.
Today, many drive-thrus use multi-lane systems and employ workers with tablets to speed up orders and avoid mistakes.
The drive-thru concept is seen as a symbol of American culture, connected to values like speed and efficiency.
This innovation is recognized by institutions such as the Smithsonian Museum of American History.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The U.S. government is looking to new European countries like Austria and Greece to help with stalled talks aimed at ending the conflict involving Iran. These countries recently communicated with Iran after meetings with U.S. officials, marking a wider diplomatic effort outside the usual mediators.
Key Facts
Talks between the U.S. and Iran to end a conflict have stalled.
The U.S. government expanded its diplomatic outreach to Austria and Greece.
Austria’s and Greece’s foreign ministers spoke with Iran’s foreign minister soon after meeting U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Communication with Iran also continues through countries in the Middle East like Oman, Pakistan, Turkey, and Qatar.
The Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipping, is a critical point of conflict between the U.S. and Iran.
President Trump faces political pressure related to the conflict and upcoming U.S. elections.
Analysts say efforts by Austria and Greece may encourage negotiations but are not formal mediation.
Successful mediation requires building trust with both sides, which is complex and difficult.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
In Gaza, young people like 16-year-old Maryam use art to cope with trauma caused by ongoing conflict. An art space in Deir el-Balah provides children a safe place to express their feelings and find hope amid the war's destruction.
Key Facts
Maryam’s family home was bombed, and she now lives with her grandmother.
More than 73,000 Palestinians have died since October 2023 due to Israel’s attacks.
Maryam started attending an art space in April set up in a cafe on the beach.
Drawing helps Maryam express difficult emotions and find psychological relief.
The art space was created by Abdullah al-Ghafri to support children amid destroyed cultural centers.
The goal of the art space is to help youth release negative feelings and build hope.
Psychologist Asil Abu Shawish says art gives children a way to manage trauma and stress.
Safe artistic activities help children feel a sense of control during the conflict.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Madonna will not perform at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2027, according to the festival organiser Emily Eavis. Although there was speculation about Madonna appearing, the headliners are already booked, and other artists will take the top spots instead.
Key Facts
Madonna has never performed at Glastonbury Festival before.
The festival organiser, Emily Eavis, confirmed Madonna is not one of the headliners in 2027.
Glastonbury’s headliners for 2027 have already been chosen, but their names were not announced.
There was speculation that Madonna might debut at the festival after she hinted at plans for a big UK event next summer.
Madonna’s song "Love Sensation," featuring Kylie Minogue, reached number 8 on the UK singles chart, her highest-charting UK hit in 17 years.
Madonna has had 65 UK Top 10 singles over four decades, second only to Elvis Presley (76) and Cliff Richard (68).
Last year, Glastonbury’s headliners included The 1975, Neil Young, and Olivia Rodrigo.
Madonna recently performed at the halftime show of the FIFA men’s World Cup final in New York.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck Colombia, causing damage to homes and communities. Rescue workers are saving people and pets trapped in the rubble as the country deals with the disaster.
Key Facts
The earthquake measured 7.4 in magnitude.
It hit Colombia, causing destruction and harm.
Many homes were destroyed by the quake.
Rescue teams are working to save survivors from the debris.
Pets have also been rescued during the efforts.
The event is ongoing as Colombia recovers from the damage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Italian police found three valuable paintings worth over $10 million that were stolen from a museum near Parma in March. They are investigating nine Moldovan suspects and believe a gang planned the quick burglary. Meanwhile, Brazil also recovered stolen paintings by the same artist, Henri Matisse, and returned them to their original library.
Key Facts
Three paintings by Paul Cezanne, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, and Henri Matisse were stolen from the Fondazione Magnani Rocca museum near Parma, Italy.
The theft happened quickly, lasting less than three minutes on March 22.
Nine Moldovan individuals are being investigated; five are thought to have carried out the burglary.
Police released video footage showing two masked thieves taking the paintings through a museum window.
The Italian Carabinieri and cultural heritage protection unit recovered the paintings from an apartment in Parma.
The stolen artworks are over 100 years old.
Brazilian authorities recovered stolen Matisse paintings worth about $200,000 and returned them to the original library.
A man was arrested in Brazil after the artworks were found in Sao Bernardo do Campo.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
France’s top court blocked a law that banned children under 15 from using social media. The court said the law violated freedom of expression and communication rights and lacked legal protections to balance these rights.
Key Facts
The Constitutional Council of France ruled that the social media ban for under-15s infringes fundamental freedoms.
The court found the law disproportionate and without sufficient legal safeguards for rights.
France’s Parliament had approved the law, which also banned mobile phone use in high schools.
This was one of the last major laws passed under President Emmanuel Macron’s term.
Macron wants the ban to take effect by spring and instructed the Prime Minister to prepare a new proposal that respects the court’s decision and European laws.
The original law aimed to protect children from harmful digital content.
The law faced a constitutional review before it could start in September.
The court’s decision requires changes before the government and lawmakers can enforce such rules.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Kevin Rideout, an American missionary kidnapped in Niger in October, has been released after nine months. Both President Donald Trump and the missionary’s organization confirmed the release on Friday.
Key Facts
Kevin Rideout was kidnapped in Niger, a country in West Africa, in October.
He is an American missionary working in Niger.
Rideout was held captive for about nine months.
President Donald Trump announced or confirmed the release.
The organization that Rideout works with also confirmed he is free.
The kidnapping and release were reported by CBS News.
The event took place in the context of security challenges in the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Five years after the Taliban regained control of Afghanistan, women and girls there say their lives have changed dramatically. They face strict limits on education, work, and travel, making their daily lives very difficult.
Key Facts
The Taliban returned to power in Afghanistan in 2021, after being out of control for 20 years.
Women over 12 cannot go to school, and many schools are closed to girls beyond Grade 6, making Afghanistan the only country with this official ban.
Women need a male guardian to travel outside their homes.
Child marriage now has legal approval under Taliban rule.
Only about 7% of Afghan women have jobs today, as many work opportunities are banned.
Taliban leaders say women are not fully banned from all activities and claim millions of girls still attend school or religious classes.
Many women hide their identities when speaking about their lives due to fear of punishment.
Public corporal punishment, like flogging, has returned under the Taliban government.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has activated an economic law to respond to U.S. tariffs on Brazilian goods. This action aims to show Brazil’s strength and demands respect amid trade tensions with the United States under President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The U.S. imposed tariffs on hundreds of Brazilian exports, with some duties up to 37.5%.
The Trump administration claims Brazil uses unfair trade practices; Lula denies these claims and calls them politically motivated.
Lula is seeking reelection and faces Sen. Flávio Bolsonaro, an ally of President Trump.
Brazil has started a formal consultation process with the U.S. to resolve the tariff issue through dialogue.
The U.S. recently revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador in Washington after Brazil denied visas to two American diplomats.
U.S. officials say the visa action is limited to avoid escalating the dispute but warn of stronger responses if Brazil retaliates further.
Lula stated he does not want conflict with the U.S. and criticized foreign interference in Brazil’s elections.
Diplomatic disagreements also include delays over the U.S. nominee for ambassador to Brasilia and protocol issues.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Tropical Storm Lala is approaching Hawaii’s Big Island and is expected to become a hurricane soon. It will bring strong winds, heavy rain, and high waves, causing dangerous floods and mudslides. Officials have issued warnings and declared a state of emergency to prepare residents.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Lala is about 420 miles southeast of Hilo, Hawaii, with winds of 60 mph.
The storm is forecast to strengthen into a hurricane as it nears the Big Island.
Hurricane warnings cover Hawaii County (Big Island), and tropical storm warnings extend to Maui, Molokai, and Kahoolawe.
Rainfall of 8-12 inches is expected on Maui and the Big Island, with up to 25 inches in some places.
A storm surge of 1-3 feet is predicted as Lala makes landfall.
Hawaii’s governor declared a state of emergency, urging residents to prepare and follow official updates.
Residents have been told to clear drains, protect their homes, and avoid beaches due to rough seas and rip currents.
Lala’s arrival coincides with a strong El Niño event, which may increase the storm’s impact.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At the D23 event, Disney princess characters gathered to perform together for the first time in a special concert. This show was part of the kickoff for the D23 2026 celebration, which highlights Disney fans and content.
Key Facts
Disney princesses appeared together in a concert at the D23 event.
The concert marked the beginning of the D23 2026 festivities.
D23 is an event that celebrates Disney's stories, characters, and fans.
The performance featured multiple well-known Disney princess characters.
The event is popular with Disney fans and media coverage included the concert performance.
D23 events often include announcements, shows, and special experiences related to Disney.
The concert was noted as a historic or unique occurrence due to uniting many princesses on stage.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel’s defence minister wants to give the police control over law enforcement for Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank instead of the military. This move has drawn criticism from Palestinian leaders and rights advocates, who see it as a step toward officially taking over Palestinian land. Clashes continue in the West Bank, with settlers attacking Palestinian homes while the army struggles to intervene.
Key Facts
Israel’s defence minister, Israel Katz, ordered plans to transfer policing of Israeli settlers in the West Bank from the military to the police.
Palestinians and their vice-president, Hussein al-Sheikh, called this a violation of international law and a move toward illegal annexation.
Settlers have laid siege to Palestinian families in Qusra village for six days, with the Israeli army failing to remove them.
Human rights lawyer Michael Sfard said transferring law enforcement responsibility could be a major step toward annexation.
Extremist settlers supported by Israel’s far-right government have increased attacks and settlement building in the West Bank ahead of national elections.
Katz celebrated the re-establishment of the Ganim settlement, which Israel had evacuated in 2005.
The Israeli army has blocked Palestinian access roads leading to some settlements by leveling Palestinian property.
US Ambassador Mike Huckabee called the settlers besieging a Palestinian home owned by a US citizen terrorists and urged Israeli authorities to act.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A British naval ship called HMS Tiger, which sank in 1908 after colliding with a larger ship, has been found near the Isle of Wight by a diving team. The team discovered many items on the wreck that show the ship did not change direction before the crash, and recent laws will help protect such shipwrecks in the future.
Key Facts
HMS Tiger, a 400-ton torpedo boat destroyer, sank in 1908 after hitting the 10,000-ton cruiser HMS Berwick.
More than half of the 57 crew members on HMS Tiger died in the accident.
The wreck was found after five years of research by a dive team called ProjectXplore.
Items found on the ship include a compass, torpedo tubes, guns, ammunition, an anchor, the ship's bell, and navigation instruments.
The instruments showed that HMS Tiger did not change course or slow down before the collision.
King Edward VII sent a message of sympathy after the disaster and postcards were made to honor the lost sailors.
New laws now protect shipwrecks like HMS Tiger once they are found by naming them "protected places."
The diving team hopes their discovery will help preserve the memory of HMS Tiger and its crew for future generations.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A new study from Stanford Medicine found that women who used estrogen-only hormone therapy after menopause had lower chances of developing dementia and showed fewer signs of Alzheimer’s disease in their brains. The research looked at clinical data and brain autopsies from over 21,000 women aged 50 and older.
Key Facts
The study involved more than 21,000 women aged 50 and older.
Women who used estrogen-only hormone therapy had 35% lower odds of Alzheimer’s disease-related brain changes found at autopsy.
Those using estrogen therapy also had 39% lower odds of being diagnosed with dementia.
The research analyzed data from two large Alzheimer’s research databases.
The study looked at clinical diagnoses, brain imaging, biomarkers, and autopsy results.
Estrogen therapy users showed less memory and functional decline.
The study was observational and does not prove hormone therapy prevents dementia.
Experts note that women who chose hormone therapy often had other advantages like better healthcare access.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nigel Farage won a special election in the United Kingdom, regaining his seat in the Parliament. He defeated a comedian who ran under the unusual name Count Binface.
Key Facts
Nigel Farage is a British politician.
He took part in a special election in the U.K.
Farage won back his seat in Parliament.
His main opponent was a comedian named Count Binface.
Count Binface’s character is themed around a trash can.
The election attracted media attention for its unusual candidates.
BBC News reported on the election results.
CBS News covered the story and made a video report.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Two people died in a crash involving a small plane in north Wales. The aircraft was found in a remote area near Trawsfynydd, and both people on board were declared dead at the scene.
Key Facts
The crash happened in north Wales, near the town of Porthmadog in Gwynedd.
The plane involved was a light aircraft, which means a small, usually private plane.
The crash site was in a remote location close to Trawsfynydd.
Two people were on board the aircraft.
Both people died at the scene, according to North Wales Police.
Police have confirmed the deaths but are still investigating the details.
The story is developing, and more information will be released later.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Andrés Manuel López Beltrán, son of former Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador, said the U.S. government canceled his visa without giving a clear reason. He asked U.S. President Donald Trump to review the decision, while Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum called the move political and asked the U.S. to show evidence.
Key Facts
López Beltrán announced on Instagram that his U.S. visa was revoked by orders from U.S. officials Marco Rubio and Christopher Landau.
The U.S. government has not explained why his visa was canceled and keeps visa records private under law.
Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum criticized the visa revocation as politically motivated and requested proof of any accusations.
López Beltrán was a close aide to his father during the 2018 presidential campaign and recently took a leadership role in López Obrador’s Morena party.
The visa issue follows U.S. legal actions against Mexican officials linked to drug trafficking, affecting Mexico’s ruling party Morena.
Sheinbaum said this visa matter would not cause a conflict between Mexico and the United States.
López Beltrán mainly stayed away from politics during most of his father’s presidency and ran a chocolate business.
The article does not specify the type of visa that was revoked or detailed allegations against López Beltrán.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Wildfires are burning in several places in the US and Europe, forcing many people to leave their homes. In Ukraine, attacks and military challenges continue. Earthquakes in Venezuela and Colombia have caused many deaths and destruction.
Key Facts
Wildfires are active in California, Washington, and British Columbia, with thousands evacuated.
British Columbia declared a state of emergency due to fast-moving wildfires.
Nearly 500 people have been arrested in France for suspected wildfire-starting during a severe heatwave.
Russian forces reportedly used North Korean ballistic missiles in an attack on Zaporizhzhia, Ukraine.
Russia is struggling to recruit soldiers as it faces heavy losses in Ukraine.
Afghan girls over the age of 12 are banned from education under Taliban rule.
Over 6,000 people died in Venezuelan earthquakes, with many still missing.
An earthquake in Colombia caused buildings to collapse and trapped survivors under rubble.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
