Poland stopped a Russian plan to kill a Ukrainian American citizen in Warsaw, according to the Polish prime minister. The suspect, allegedly working for Russian secret services, was arrested on August 7, with the operation supported by U.S. intelligence.
Key Facts
Poland prevented an assassination attempt on a Ukrainian American citizen in Warsaw.
The suspect was arrested by Polish police and will be held for three months.
The targeted person was described as "uncomfortable" for Russia’s government.
The operation involved cooperation between Polish and U.S. intelligence services.
This is the first known attempt by Russia to kill a U.S. citizen on NATO territory.
Russia has increased efforts to target opponents since its 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
There have been multiple Russian-linked assassination attempts in Europe over the years, including high-profile cases in the UK and Germany.
Western officials see these actions as part of Russia’s broader effort to disrupt European countries supporting Ukraine.
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A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck western Colombia, causing widespread damage in Cali and other areas, killing at least 273 people and injuring about 3,800. Several hospitals and clinics were damaged, but local health officials, supported by the government and volunteers, have stabilized the healthcare system by creating extra treatment spaces and managing patient flow.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit western Colombia on Monday, with a magnitude of 7.4.
At least 273 people died, around 3,800 were injured, and 377 remain missing.
Cali, the country's third-largest city, suffered heavy damage with 45 buildings collapsed and 832 damaged.
Four major hospitals and six clinics in the area were damaged and partly or fully closed.
At the University Hospital of Valle Evaristo Garcia, half the building was damaged and unsafe.
Hospitals created "expansion zones" using unused spaces like operating rooms and recovery areas to treat more patients.
Temporary field clinics were set up in some hospitals to handle the high number of injured.
Despite the challenges, local officials say the healthcare system is currently stable but still under stress, especially for patients with long-term illnesses.
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Researchers in Maine are studying and working to save eelgrass, a type of underwater plant that helps marine life, cleans water, and protects coastlines from storms. These seagrass meadows have decreased significantly in Maine and worldwide due to factors like warmer water, pollution, and coastal development.
Key Facts
Eelgrass (Zostera marina) is a flowering underwater plant important for ocean habitats.
Seagrass meadows provide shelter for young sea creatures and improve water quality.
These meadows also help reduce coastal erosion and protect communities from storm damage.
Maine had over 30,000 acres of seagrass beds in the 1990s but has lost more than half in some areas.
Scientists believe many causes affect seagrass decline, including climate change, pollution, and invasive species.
A group called Team Zostera is working to study and restore eelgrass by collecting and transplanting seeds.
State efforts to map and protect seagrass have been ongoing but faced gaps due to funding limits.
A new statewide program started in 2023 to improve monitoring and conservation work.
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Vietnamese authorities found over one ton of illegal ivory hidden inside logs at Quy Nhơn port. The shipment came from the Republic of the Congo and also contained animal bones used in traditional medicine. Officials started a criminal investigation after discovering the contraband during customs checks.
Key Facts
Authorities seized 1,193 kilograms (2,630 pounds) of elephant ivory concealed in timber.
The ivory shipment included 221 pieces of elephant tusks.
The illegal cargo also had 79.3 kilograms (175 pounds) of animal bones from big cats like tigers.
The shipment arrived on July 9 at Quy Nhơn port in Gia Lai province, central Vietnam.
Vietnamese police announced the shipment came from the Republic of the Congo.
Vietnam is a known hub for illegal wildlife trade, with some goods sent to China and some consumed locally.
The international treaty CITES bans most trade in ivory and endangered animal parts.
Similar large ivory seizures have occurred before in other Vietnamese ports like Danang and Haiphong.
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The head of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, has warned that the Ebola outbreak in Congo may become the deadliest ever. Health officials are closely monitoring the situation.
Key Facts
The Ebola outbreak is occurring in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus leads the World Health Organization.
He warned the outbreak could be the deadliest in history.
Ebola is a serious viral disease with a high death rate.
The situation is being reported by CBS News and followed globally.
Efforts to control the outbreak are ongoing but face challenges.
This warning highlights the need for urgent action to stop the virus spread.
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The family of Michael Ryan, an Irish engineer who died in the 2019 Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737 Max crash, has won $29 million in damages from Boeing after a U.S. jury trial. The crash killed 157 people and was linked to safety system failures on the plane.
Key Facts
Michael Ryan worked for the United Nations World Food Programme.
He died in the Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302 crash in March 2019.
A U.S. jury in Chicago awarded his family $29 million in a lawsuit against Boeing.
Boeing 737 Max aircraft had problems with an automated system that forced the nose down.
The crash occurred shortly after takeoff from Addis Ababa, killing all onboard.
Boeing has expressed sorrow and respects families' rights to pursue legal claims.
Ryan helped build shelters for Rohingya refugees and medical centers during Ebola outbreaks.
The case aims to hold Boeing accountable and improve airplane safety to prevent future crashes.
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Israeli troops forced two Palestinian families to leave their homes in the West Bank village of Qusra, despite a commander’s promise to end settler violence in the area. Soldiers took over several homes for a military operation, while settlers continued to patrol the village, causing ongoing tension and fear among Palestinians.
Key Facts
Israeli troops evacuated two Palestinian families from their homes in Qusra, West Bank.
Eight homes were taken over by soldiers for a military operation; six were later returned.
The conflict began when settlers and soldiers blocked access to three homes, cutting water and electricity.
Palestinian villagers faced restricted ambulance access for a sick child during the blockade.
Israeli General Avi Bluth promised to remove settlers but the siege persisted with settlers still present.
Palestinians reported damage and theft by soldiers inside their homes.
The area remains dangerous after a settler killed a Palestinian resident in March, with no arrests made.
Israeli military stated soldiers were ordered not to displace Palestinians but did not explain why homes were occupied.
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A Ryanair flight experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki, Greece, on July 10, causing parts of the engine to break a window. A passenger sitting by the window was sucked partially outside the plane but was pulled back inside by fellow travelers. U.S. investigators from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are looking into the incident.
Key Facts
The engine failure was caused by a broken fan blade that sent parts flying and shattered a cabin window.
A 61-year-old male passenger sitting next to the window was partially pulled out of the plane but was rescued by other passengers.
The incident happened shortly after takeoff from Thessaloniki on July 10, 2026.
Bird remains were found inside the engine, suggesting the plane may have hit birds during takeoff.
Passengers used oxygen masks after the cabin lost pressure, and flight attendants reported loud vibrations and smoke or fog inside the cabin.
The injured passenger was treated in flight by another passenger who was a doctor, and passengers attempted to block the broken window with a metal box.
The engine’s fan blades had been inspected earlier in 2025 and 2026 with no damage found.
The NTSB is investigating with the participation of Greek authorities and has not ruled out any causes, despite Ryanair CEO’s statements focusing on foreign object damage.
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Researchers in Connecticut are conducting a scientific survey to estimate the number of black bears in the state for the first time in over ten years. They collect bear hair samples using barbed wire traps and analyze the DNA to identify individual bears and estimate their population.
Key Facts
The survey is a joint project between Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environmental Protection and Mississippi State University’s Carnivore and Population Ecology Lab.
Researchers use barbed wire traps set up around the state to collect hair samples from bears without feeding them.
The traps use smells like used doughnut grease and raspberry extract to attract bears by curiosity, not food reward.
Hair samples are gathered daily by a 10-person research team and sent to a lab for DNA testing.
DNA helps identify individual bears and how often they appear in different areas to estimate population size.
This method is similar to forensic identification used in humans to match DNA samples.
Black bears in the northeast may have different fur colors, but are mostly black with brown muzzles or white chest marks.
The study aims to update bear population data that has not been scientifically measured in over a decade.
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Europe is experiencing a strong heatwave with many countries seeing temperatures above 35°C (95°F). The heat is causing health problems, including heatstroke in hospitals, and experts link these extreme temperatures to climate change.
Key Facts
Millions of people in France, Italy, Spain, the UK, and other countries are facing very hot weather.
Temperatures reached over 38°C (100°F) in some places, like west London and Paris.
Europe is warming faster than other continents.
The heatwave has caused more wildfires and thousands of deaths this summer.
Nurses and patients in UK hospitals are struggling with heat exhaustion because of poor cooling.
France, Italy, and Spain have issued heatwave alerts for large parts of their populations.
Scientists say human-caused climate change is making heatwaves hotter and more common.
The UK recorded its hottest day of the year with 38.1°C (100.5°F) in west London.
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In a recent U.S. military exercise in Germany, Ukrainian drone teams successfully destroyed a simulated U.S. tank brigade multiple times, showing how drone warfare has evolved. The U.S. troops learned to respond by using strategies like spreading out and electronic countermeasures to defend against drone attacks.
Key Facts
The exercise, called Combined Resolve, took place from April 9 to May 10 in Germany.
Ukrainian drone operators simulated bombing and kamikaze-style drone attacks on U.S. armored vehicles.
U.S. Army troops were "respawned" during the simulation, meaning destroyed units were brought back to continue the exercise.
Troops involved came from the 3rd Armored Brigade Combat Team of the 1st Cavalry Division, usually using M1A2 tanks and Bradley fighting vehicles.
Training helped U.S. soldiers improve methods to avoid drone attacks, including dispersing forces and electronic warfare.
Ukrainian drone teams also participated in a NATO exercise, Aurora 26, successfully taking out many armored vehicles, forcing a reset of that exercise.
Modern drone warfare has made traditional large tank assaults less effective on the current battlefields in Ukraine.
Both Russia and Ukraine have lost thousands of tanks and armored vehicles, reflecting the dangers of mechanized warfare under heavy drone threats.
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Firefighters are working to control a large grassfire near Stourbridge golf course in the West Midlands, which has damaged six homes and affected two people. The fire spread into nearby woods and homes, causing evacuations and power outages.
Key Facts
The grassfire began near Stourbridge golf course just before 1:30 pm on Thursday.
About 60 firefighters are tackling the fire covering around 16 hectares (40 acres).
Six homes were directly damaged, and others experienced power problems.
Two people are being treated for effects of heat and smoke.
Some local rail services have been stopped for safety reasons.
Stourbridge town hall opened to shelter those displaced by the fire.
Residents in a care home were evacuated due to the fire.
The UK experienced its hottest day of the year, reaching 38.1°C (100.6°F) at Kew Gardens.
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A wall at the U.S. Embassy in Brasília, Brazil, was vandalized with protest graffiti during a time of tense relations between the two countries. Police detained a man connected to the vandalism but have since released him.
Key Facts
The U.S. Embassy in Brasília, Brazil, had one of its walls spray-painted with protest messages.
The graffiti said, in Portuguese and English, “The USA makes war and profits from death.”
Police arrested one man related to the vandalism but he was released afterward.
The incident happened while tensions are high due to President Donald Trump placing tariffs on some Brazilian goods.
President Trump also revoked the visa of Brazil’s ambassador to Washington.
Brazilians rarely vandalize foreign embassies or consulates.
The U.S. Embassy said it remains committed to Brazilians and the safety of its staff.
The Brazilian government has not commented on the vandalism.
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The USS George Washington aircraft carrier is moving toward the Middle East to replace the USS Abraham Lincoln, which has been deployed there for over 240 days amid the conflict with Iran. The USS Abraham Lincoln has faced supply and mental health challenges during its long mission supporting U.S. military actions in the region.
Key Facts
The USS George Washington left Da Nang, Vietnam, last week and is heading toward the Middle East.
The USS Abraham Lincoln has been continuously deployed for more than 240 days in the Middle East.
The Lincoln supports U.S. military operations against Iran and enforces a blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Navy confirmed supply shortages and mental health issues aboard the Lincoln due to the conflict disrupting supply routes.
Navy leadership prioritized food, hygiene items, and mail for the crew and assured access to clean water and healthy meals.
Some Democratic lawmakers have called for investigations into conditions on the USS Abraham Lincoln.
The USS Gerald R. Ford recently returned from an 11-month deployment, the longest since the Vietnam War.
Navy leaders held a meeting with families of Lincoln’s crew to address concerns and promised efforts to relieve the ship.
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Poland arrested a Russian citizen for allegedly planning to kill an American of Ukrainian origin in Warsaw. The Polish Prime Minister said the suspect was stopped before carrying out the attack, which is believed to be ordered by Russian authorities.
Key Facts
The arrest happened on August 7 in Warsaw, Poland.
The target was a U.S. citizen of Ukrainian background, described as "inconvenient to the Putin regime."
This is the first known Russian plot to attack a U.S. citizen on NATO territory.
Polish security services prevented the attack just in time.
The arrest was made with help from U.S. authorities.
The incident comes amid rising tensions between Russia and NATO countries due to the war in Ukraine.
Other European countries have recently reported threats or uncovered plots linked to Russian or pro-Russian actors.
Russia denies responsibility for such actions and accuses Ukraine of attacking Russian-linked individuals.
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A new study shows that when large amounts of carbon dioxide were released 56 million years ago, the Earth’s forests mostly died instead of growing more. This research suggests that today’s rapid carbon emissions from fossil fuels will harm forests rather than help them grow.
Key Facts
The study looked at fossilized leaf cells from the Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum (PETM), about 56 million years ago.
During the PETM, carbon was released over 130,000 years, causing global temperatures to rise by up to 8°C (14°F).
This warming caused forests to shrink dramatically, losing about 60% of their plant biomass.
The speed of today’s carbon emissions is even faster than during the PETM.
High carbon dioxide levels initially helped some plants but eventually led to forest decline from heat, pests, and wildfires.
Some officials in President Trump’s administration have claimed that more CO2 is good for plants, but experts say this is misleading.
The study was published in the journal Science and warns that forests need more than just CO2 to survive; they also need suitable temperatures and nutrients.
Increased heat also raises risks of pest outbreaks and wildfires, which damage forests further.
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Artists in Gaza created a mural to honor Arianna Hamilton, a former Burger King worker. She was reportedly fired after saying "Free Palestine" to an Israeli-American customer at a drive-through in Pennsylvania.
Key Facts
Arianna Hamilton worked at a Burger King in Breinigsville, Pennsylvania.
She said "Free Palestine" to a customer who was Israeli-American.
After this incident, she was reportedly fired from her job.
Artists in Gaza painted a mural to honor Arianna Hamilton.
The mural celebrates her support for Palestine.
The event connects a local U.S. situation to international attention in Gaza.
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The U.K. recorded its hottest day of the year at 38.1°C (100.6°F) in west London, continuing a heat wave affecting much of Western Europe. France also experienced high temperatures nearing 41°C (106°F), widespread drought, and increased wildfire danger, while authorities prepared emergency measures to handle water shortages and fire risks.
Key Facts
The hottest temperature in the U.K. this year reached 38.1°C (100.6°F), breaking the previous high of 38°C (100.4°F) set in June.
This year, the U.K. has seen five heat waves, with four days reaching at least 36°C (96.8°F).
France recorded temperatures close to 41°C (106°F) in several regions.
Both countries lack widespread air conditioning, leading to health problems like heat exhaustion among hospital staff.
Britain and France face drought conditions affecting crops, rivers, and water supplies.
Southern Water in England has requested a drought order to limit non-essential water use.
Authorities remain on alert for wildfires, with evacuations occurring in northern Greece due to fires.
Many people are seeking ways to cool down outdoors, such as visiting beaches and fountains.
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Vote counting started Thursday evening in Zambia after the presidential election ended. The election tests if President Hakainde Hichilema’s economic changes have helped reduce people’s frustration over the high cost of living.
Key Facts
Zambia held a presidential election on a single day.
Around 8 million people were registered to vote out of a population of 22 million.
There were over 13,500 polling stations across the country.
Besides the president, voters also chose members of Parliament and local council leaders.
The election is seen as a test of President Hichilema’s economic reforms.
The Electoral Commission of Zambia said they expect to announce results on Monday.
The election took place in the southern part of Africa.
The main issue was whether economic reforms helped with the country’s cost of living problems.
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The remains of an ancient Roman bridge called Nero’s Bridge have appeared in the Tiber River in Rome due to a severe drought causing very low water levels. The bridge, likely built around 39 AD and connected to the Roman emperor Nero’s time, was uncovered near St. Peter’s Basilica as the river’s flow dropped to about half its usual level for July.
Key Facts
Nero’s Bridge is an ancient bridge that appeared in the Tiber River because of low water levels caused by drought.
The bridge once connected the city center of Rome with the right side of the Tiber River.
Although named after Emperor Nero, archaeologists believe the bridge was built earlier by Emperor Caligula around 39 AD.
The area near the bridge is historically significant because Apostle Peter was martyred in Nero’s circus, now the site of the Vatican.
The Tiber River’s flow has dropped to about 80 cubic meters per second, half the normal amount for July.
Rome is experiencing a major water crisis with long dry periods despite having some good rainfall earlier in the year.
The drought has revealed parts of the riverbed and ancient ruins not usually visible.
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