Turkiye has approved a new law that allows thousands of members of the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) to return to society if the PKK completely gives up its weapons. This move supports a peace effort started last year between the Turkish government and the PKK.
Key Facts
Turkiye passed a law about reintegrating PKK members into society.
The law offers conditional amnesty to thousands of PKK members.
Amnesty depends on the PKK fully disarming.
The PKK is a Kurdish armed group.
This law is part of a peace plan from the previous year.
Ankara is the capital of Turkiye and the government’s seat.
The aim is to end conflict by encouraging PKK members to stop fighting.
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Australia included new optional questions about sexual orientation and gender identity in its 2024 census for the first time. These questions are for people aged 16 and older and aim to better understand the population's diversity while respecting privacy.
Key Facts
The Australian census took place on August 11, 2024, and included 66 questions.
New optional questions ask about sexual orientation and whether a person identifies with a different gender than the one assigned at birth.
Answer choices for sexual orientation include straight, gay or lesbian, bisexual, don’t know, prefer not to answer, or a self-described term.
Gender identity options include man, woman, nonbinary, prefer not to answer, or another self-described term.
These new questions are optional, similar to the question about religion that has been optional since 1911.
The Labor Party government promised to include these questions during the 2022 election campaign.
The government initially removed the questions in 2023 to avoid community division but reversed the decision after public and political pressure.
Other countries like Britain, New Zealand, and Canada have already added similar questions to their censuses in recent years.
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Iran and Oman have made progress on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route. However, Iran says the waterway will only reopen if the United States meets certain strict conditions, causing the talks to stall.
Key Facts
Iran and Oman are working on an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for global shipping.
Iran claims the deal is nearly finished.
Iran demands the United States fulfill specific conditions before reopening the Strait.
The exact demands have not been detailed in this report.
The disagreement between Iran and the U.S. is causing delays in reopening.
Oman is acting as a mediator in the negotiations.
The reopening of the Strait is important for regional and global trade.
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The murder trial of Luigi Mangione, accused of shooting UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, has sparked intense debates beyond the courtroom. Different groups are using the case to discuss issues like political violence, social movements, and public trust in institutions, while the facts of the case remain unclear.
Key Facts
Brian Thompson, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, was shot, leading to the arrest of Luigi Mangione.
Mangione denies all charges against him.
The case is being linked by some to political ideas like "far left" and Antifa, though evidence about Mangione’s political views is unclear.
The trial has become a symbol for wider cultural and political conflicts in society.
Media, social networks, and political groups are discussing the case through their own viewpoints.
Similar situations are seen in other countries, such as Japan after the killing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, where violent acts lead to political debates.
The episode analyzing this case is by BBC journalist Mike Wendling, who explains the political terms and context involved.
The trial’s outcome is still pending, and the jury has not yet heard the full evidence.
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Seventy years after Black South African women marched against apartheid pass laws in 1956, the country has made political progress with women holding high offices and constitutional protections for equality. However, many women still face economic struggles and high levels of violence, showing that the battle for true equality continues.
Key Facts
In 1956, about 20,000 women marched in Pretoria to protest apartheid laws controlling Black South Africans' movements.
The march became a key moment in South Africa’s fight for freedom and is now remembered on National Women’s Day.
Apartheid ended, and South Africa became a democracy in 1994 with a constitution guaranteeing equality.
Women now hold important government positions such as chief justice and parliament speaker.
Despite political gains, women do not have equal shares of the country’s wealth, land, or businesses.
South Africa faces a serious problem with gender-based violence, with nearly 10,000 reported rapes in the first three months of 2026.
Almost half of reported rapes occur in the homes of victims or perpetrators.
The government declared gender-based violence a national disaster to address this ongoing crisis.
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This article explains how heatwaves this summer are causing serious problems for people with disabilities. It highlights the challenges they face, like overheating wheelchairs and difficulties with guide dogs, which make daily life and travel harder, sometimes affecting their work and independence.
Key Facts
This summer, there have been multiple heatwaves, with a fifth one expected soon.
People with existing health problems and disabilities are at higher risk during extreme heat.
Disabled people face special challenges, such as service dogs struggling in the heat and wheelchairs overheating.
Heat and broken elevator lifts can leave wheelchair users trapped in their homes.
Public transport often overheats, and some disabled people are refused access to taxis with their service dogs.
These problems limit disabled people’s ability to travel, work, and remain independent.
Some disabled people now rely more on working from home due to heat-related barriers.
The article emphasizes the need for better consideration of disabled people in emergency and public planning for heatwaves.
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Israel’s Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has rejected a 15-point peace plan for Gaza that was created by the United States. This decision impacts the situation for Palestinians and poses political challenges for Netanyahu in his relations with President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The peace plan includes 15 specific points aimed at resolving the conflict in Gaza.
The plan was brokered by the United States government.
Prime Minister Netanyahu does not agree with or accept the plan.
Rejecting the plan affects the future of the Palestinians living in Gaza.
Netanyahu faces political risks by opposing President Donald Trump’s proposal.
Experts discussing the topic include a former Netanyahu aide, a Palestinian affairs director, and a former U.S. diplomat.
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Much of the UK is currently experiencing a drought, with large areas of England and all of Wales officially affected. Additionally, a record-breaking migrant crossing occurred in the English Channel with 230 people on one boat, raising concerns about border security.
Key Facts
Around 45 million people in the UK are affected by drought conditions.
Three-quarters of England and all of Wales are officially in drought.
The UK is facing its fifth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to reach 36°C.
Firefighters warn about a rise in wildfires and call for more well-equipped fire crews.
A boat carrying 230 migrants made a record crossing of the English Channel to the UK.
The crossing is estimated to cost UK taxpayers about £25 million.
UK officials say the number of small boat crossings is down this year.
Chinese authorities reported that 1 million people had to flee due to Typhoon Dolphin.
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Jackie, a bald eagle from Big Bear known to birdwatchers around the world, has died. The Ojai Raptor Center reported that Jackie was injured in a fight with other birds before passing away.
Key Facts
Jackie was a bald eagle living in Big Bear.
The eagle was well known among birdwatchers globally.
Jackie suffered an injury after fighting with other birds.
The Ojai Raptor Center announced Jackie’s death.
The injury was the cause of Jackie’s death.
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The contiguous United States experienced its hottest July on record, with an average temperature of 76.89°F, surpassing the previous high set during the 1936 Dust Bowl. Scientists link the intense heat, especially warmer nights, to human-caused climate change driven by burning fossil fuels.
Key Facts
July 2026 was the hottest month ever recorded in the contiguous U.S. since records began in 1895.
The average temperature was 76.89°F (24.94°C), beating the 1936 Dust Bowl record by 0.125°F.
Every state in the Lower 48 was at least 1°F warmer than the 20th century average.
The most extreme heat occurred in the Mountain West, Southwest, Northern Plains, and Southeast regions.
Nighttime temperatures were especially high, breaking records for hottest minimum temperatures by 0.7°F.
Scientists say hotter nights are a key sign of climate change caused by burning coal, oil, and gas.
The years 2021 and 1936 remain tied as the hottest summers on record in the U.S. overall, but 2026 is close behind.
Experts emphasize the need to reduce fossil fuel use and invest in adapting to new climate conditions.
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England is close to eliminating hepatitis C, a virus that harms the liver. The country has treated over 80% of known cases and reduced deaths by 36% in the last ten years. Free testing and antiviral medicines help people find and cure the disease.
Key Facts
Hepatitis C attacks the liver and spreads through infected blood, such as by sharing needles.
More than 100,000 people in England have been diagnosed and treated since 2015.
Antiviral pills taken for 8 to 12 weeks cure more than 95% of hepatitis C cases.
England aims to reduce deaths from hepatitis C by 65% by 2030, and has already cut deaths by 36%.
About 50,200 adults in England are living with hepatitis C in 2024, with around 85% diagnosed.
The NHS offers free home testing kits, especially encouraging people born in some Eastern European countries to test.
Screening blood donations helps prevent the virus from spreading via transfusions.
NHS England and health experts say England is leading global efforts to eliminate hepatitis C.
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The Iranian government says it will keep the Strait of Hormuz closed unless the U.S. meets its demands, including payment for damage caused since the war began over five months ago. The U.S. has said its main goal is to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons, but keeping the strait open for ships is also very important.
Key Facts
The Iran war has lasted more than five months.
Iran demands compensation from the U.S. for war-related damage.
Iran threatens to keep the Strait of Hormuz closed if demands are not met.
The Strait of Hormuz is a key shipping route.
The U.S. priority is to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
Ensuring the strait is open for traffic is crucial for the U.S.
CBS News contributor Elliot Ackerman provided analysis on the situation.
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Jackie, a well-known bald eagle from Big Bear, has died after being attacked by two other eagles. Jackie was part of a popular eagle pair named Jackie and Shadow, watched by many people through a live video feed.
Key Facts
Jackie was a bald eagle living in Big Bear.
Jackie formed half of a famous eagle pair with another eagle named Shadow.
Many people followed Jackie and Shadow through a live online video feed.
Jackie died following an attack by two other eagles.
The eagle pair was popular and had many viewers watching their activities.
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Jury selection has started in the trial of Duane "Keffe D" Davis, who is charged in connection with the murder of rapper Tupac Shakur nearly 30 years ago. The trial marks a significant step in a long-unsolved case.
Key Facts
Tupac Shakur, a famous rapper, was killed almost 30 years ago.
Duane "Keffe D" Davis is on trial for a role in Tupac’s murder.
Jury selection is the first part of the trial process.
The case has remained unsolved for many years until now.
Celebrity attorney Chris Melcher commented on the trial on CBS News.
The trial is being covered by major news outlets like CBS News.
The legal process includes picking impartial jurors to hear the case.
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Michael Sheen investigates a toxic chemical legacy in Wales in a new BBC documentary. Decades of chemical dumping by companies like Monsanto may have caused rare cancers in people who lived near contaminated sites.
Key Facts
Michael Phillips and friends played as children near a lagoon in Wales contaminated with toxic chemicals.
Many of these people later developed rare cancers they believe are linked to the chemicals.
Researcher Douglas Gowan warned about 14 contaminated sites, mostly in Wales, before he died.
Gowan said Monsanto dumped large amounts of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), harmful industrial chemicals.
PCBs are long-lasting, build up in animals and humans, and were used in plastics, paint, and electrical equipment.
These chemicals were banned starting in the 1970s due to their health risks but still remain in the environment.
A major fire at a contaminated lagoon in Wrexham in the 1980s spread chemicals over a wide area.
Those exposed, including Phillips and his friends, have suffered unusual cancers, some fatal.
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Hot and dry weather has caused at least 200 large wildfires across the western parts of the United States and Canada. Reporters are covering the current situation and sharing weather forecasts from the affected area of Spokane, Washington.
Key Facts
About 200 major wildfires are burning in the western U.S. and Canada.
Hot and dry conditions are the main cause of the wildfires.
The report includes information from Spokane, Washington.
Weather forecasts are being provided to help understand fire risks.
The wildfires are impacting a large region across two countries.
Firefighters and officials are monitoring the situation closely.
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A secret site in eastern Ukraine is used to launch long-range drones that can fly about 2,000 kilometers into Russia. These drone launch sites become targets for Russian attacks as soon as the drones take off.
Key Facts
The drone launch site is located in eastern Ukraine.
Soldiers prepare and launch long-range drones there.
The drones can fly up to 2,000 kilometers into Russian territory.
Once the drones take off, the launch sites quickly become targets for Russia.
The site is kept secret to protect it from attacks.
The drones are used by Ukraine to strike deep into enemy areas.
The report was made by Al Jazeera journalist Audrey MacAlpine.
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A new study found that severe COVID-19 can cause some dormant viruses, like herpes viruses, to become active again within 40 days of hospital admission. This reactivation may be linked to long COVID symptoms and long-term disability, but more research is needed to understand the connection.
Key Facts
Researchers studied 1,154 hospitalized COVID-19 patients and analyzed over 200,000 biological samples.
They detected reactivation of 11 different dormant viruses after severe COVID-19 infection.
Reactivated viruses included herpes viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus and cytomegalovirus.
Anelloviridae viruses, which usually do not cause illness, were also reactivated and linked to long COVID and physical disability.
Some viruses reactivated due to inflammation, not just immune system weakness.
The study only involved patients with severe COVID-19, so results may not apply to milder cases.
The research did not prove that virus reactivation causes long COVID symptoms, only that the two are connected.
Experts say more studies are needed to understand if these viruses actually cause health problems or just change during severe illness.
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A strong earthquake measuring 7.4 in magnitude struck western Colombia on Monday. The president reported that more than 100 people died, and many others are still missing under the collapsed buildings.
Key Facts
The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.4.
It hit western Colombia on a Monday.
Dozens of buildings fell due to the quake.
President Abelardo de la Espriella said over 100 people died.
Many people are missing under the rubble.
Rescue teams are working to find survivors.
The event caused significant damage in the region.
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Jackie, a well-known bald eagle at California’s Big Bear Lake who was watched by millions on a livestream, died at age 14 from an unknown illness. She had severe anemia and had been receiving treatment since mid-July but experts could not find the exact cause of her sickness.
Key Facts
Jackie was a bald eagle famous for a livestream that showed her raising chicks.
She was found weak and unable to fly after a fight with two younger eagles.
Experts diagnosed her with severe anemia but could not find the exact illness despite tests.
Jackie was treated at the Ojai Raptor Center from mid-July until her death on Monday.
The center is working with US and California wildlife services to understand her condition better.
Millions of people worldwide followed Jackie’s life and cheered her family’s growth.
The public campaign inspired by Jackie helped protect 63 acres of land near her nest from development.
Support for the land effort came from local schools, community groups, and notable donors like OpenAI’s co-founder.
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