The Cuban ambassador to the United Nations said that Cuba is facing a serious energy crisis due to a U.S. oil blockade. He described the situation as a form of collective punishment affecting the entire island.
Key Facts
Cuba is experiencing an energy crisis not seen before in recent times.
This crisis has developed over the past six months.
The Cuban ambassador to the U.N. is Ernesto Soberón Guzman.
He blamed the crisis on an oil blockade imposed by the U.S. under President Donald Trump.
The ambassador said the blockade is causing harm to the whole Cuban population.
The issue was discussed in an interview on CBS News with correspondent Matt Gutman.
The blockade limits Cuba’s access to oil and energy supplies.
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Russian drones and missiles have frequently attacked hospitals, ambulances, and medical workers in Ukraine since the war began in February 2022. International health groups say these strikes are often deliberate and have increased in number, causing serious damage and deaths among medical personnel and civilians.
Key Facts
Since February 2022, over 3,100 attacks on healthcare in Ukraine have been recorded by the World Health Organization (WHO), averaging two attacks per day.
Attacks on healthcare facilities and ambulances have risen by 30% in 2024 after a 20% increase last year.
Russian forces sometimes use a "double-tap" tactic, striking the same location twice to target first responders.
In one incident, a paramedic named Inna Lytvynenko was chased by drones while trying to help an injured woman in Kherson.
Hospitals and medical warehouses, including those run by the UN and WHO, have been hit despite sharing their locations with both sides to avoid attacks.
Doctors Without Borders reports that Russian strikes on medical facilities are systematic and deliberate, not accidental or isolated.
A recent missile attack on a hospital in Kherson killed a doctor and severely damaged the building.
Ukrainian President Zelensky called for increased international pressure on Russia to stop these attacks on civilians and healthcare workers.
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Puerto Rico is experiencing its worst drought in many years, causing serious water shortages. About 180,000 homes and businesses have to limit their water use to cope with the low supply.
Key Facts
Puerto Rico is facing a severe drought, the worst in decades.
Around 180,000 households and businesses must ration water.
Water rationing means using less water than usual to save it.
The drought is causing challenges for daily life and business operations.
There is a need for careful water management in response to the shortage.
The situation has gained attention from news outlets like CBS News.
Residents and companies may face ongoing water limits until conditions improve.
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David Brat, a former Virginia congressman, has been confirmed by the US Senate as the next US ambassador to Australia after the position was vacant for 18 months. Brat was nominated by President Trump and his arrival comes during important moments in US-Australia relations, including the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS security treaty and ongoing trade tensions.
Key Facts
David Brat was confirmed by the US Senate as ambassador to Australia.
The ambassador role had been empty since November 2024 when Caroline Kennedy left.
President Trump nominated Brat in April 2025.
Brat previously served two terms in Congress and was involved in business relations at Liberty University.
His appointment came amid tensions caused by US tariffs on Australian exports.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said he would work with whoever Trump nominated.
Brat’s arrival coincides with the 75th anniversary of the ANZUS defense pact between the US and Australia.
The Albanese government recently announced changes to the Aukus submarine deal with the US.
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Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have started new attacks against Saudi-supported forces in Yemen. These attacks occur at the same time Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia signed a mutual defense agreement.
Key Facts
Houthi rebels in Yemen are supported by Iran.
They have launched new attacks targeting troops backed by Saudi Arabia.
Turkey, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia recently signed an agreement to defend each other if attacked.
The conflict in Yemen involves local groups and international support.
The situation is part of a larger regional tension involving these countries.
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Communities in North Carolina are working quickly to protect their shorelines because rising sea levels and erosion are damaging and destroying homes. Many homes have already been lost due to these natural changes near the coast.
Key Facts
North Carolina's shorelines are eroding, meaning the land is slowly washing away.
Rising sea levels are making the erosion worse.
Homes near the coast have been lost in the past few years.
Local communities are taking steps to try to save the remaining shorelines.
Efforts include building barriers or using other methods to protect the land.
The issue is urgent because more homes are at risk.
This situation is tied to larger environmental changes affecting coastal areas.
News coverage was provided by CBS News correspondent Skyler Henry.
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A serial sex offender named Simon Levy committed two murders and a rape while out on bail in London. Other news includes changes to the UK’s environmental targets, an investigation into UEFA's Gianni Infantino, and England’s water pollution and sewage problems.
Key Facts
Simon Levy was on bail and under police watch when he murdered two women and raped another in London.
The UK government is considering loosening some plans to reach net zero carbon emissions to address the cost of living.
UEFA paid a severance to a woman linked to Gianni Infantino, its general secretary, amid denial of allegations.
Every river and lake in England contains toxic chemicals; leaking pipes waste 2.6 billion liters of water daily.
Mental health services in England face cuts, with over 66% of NHS providers planning to reduce or stop services.
Britain limited power exports to other European countries during a recent heatwave to keep enough energy at home.
The reality TV dancers James and Ola have ended their 22-year marriage.
Football star Lionel Messi was reportedly targeted by a bomb plot during the last World Cup.
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A helicopter fighting a large wildfire in central Utah crashed on Friday. Authorities have not yet provided information about the condition of the two people on board, and investigations by federal agencies are underway.
Key Facts
The helicopter was one of seven working to fight a wildfire caused by lightning on July 27 near Kanosh, Utah.
The crash happened in Richfield, about 160 miles south of Salt Lake City.
Emergency responders were sent to the scene, but conditions remain uncertain due to the wildfire.
The fire had grown to 165 square miles and was 19% contained as of Friday morning.
More than 600 firefighters are working to control the blaze, which has destroyed at least six buildings.
Eight large wildfires are actively burning across Utah, covering over 331,000 acres.
Hot weather, dry fuel, and erratic winds have worsened wildfire conditions in Utah and the western U.S.
The National Transportation Safety Board and Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.
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The International Criminal Court (ICC) is urging Chad and Venezuela not to leave the court, warning that their withdrawal could weaken global efforts to hold people accountable for serious crimes. Both countries claim the ICC is biased against Africa and Latin America, but their exit process takes a year and does not stop ongoing investigations.
Key Facts
Chad and Venezuela announced their withdrawal from the ICC, citing unfair treatment and bias.
The ICC’s Assembly of States Parties expressed concern and asked them to stay and resolve issues through dialogue.
Withdrawals from the ICC take one year to become official and do not stop ongoing investigations.
Chad, Venezuela, Burkina Faso, Mali, and Niger have all announced plans to leave the court since last year.
The U.S. government under President Trump has pushed countries to leave the ICC, aiming to reduce its power.
The ICC has issued an arrest warrant for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, which is one reason cited for U.S. opposition.
The ICC’s chief prosecutor, Karim Khan, was recently dismissed over sexual misconduct claims.
The future strength of the ICC may depend on whether remaining members continue to support it.
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An American in the U.S. Antarctic Program was evacuated from McMurdo Station to a hospital in New Zealand for emergency medical treatment. The rescue took place on July 31, 2026, under very dangerous winter conditions, with help from Australian and New Zealand officials.
Key Facts
The person evacuated is an American citizen working in Antarctica.
The evacuation occurred on July 31, 2026.
The U.S. National Science Foundation manages the U.S. Antarctic Program.
The rescue flight came from Hobart, Australia, to McMurdo Station in complete darkness.
Temperatures during the evacuation were as low as –43°C (minus 43 degrees Celsius).
The evacuation involved the Australian Antarctic Division and the New Zealand Defense Force.
The patient was taken to Christchurch Hospital in New Zealand in serious condition.
The U.S. National Science Foundation thanked all involved for their help in dangerous conditions.
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Iran and Oman are working on a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, a vital waterway for global oil shipping. The Trump administration says the agreement is close but has not announced the details yet.
Key Facts
Iran and Oman are negotiating a deal involving the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is important for international oil transportation.
The Trump administration says the deal is near completion.
No official announcement has been made about the agreement.
CBS News correspondent Natalie Brand reported from the White House.
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Hussam Luka, known as "The Spider," was a key intelligence figure in Syria under President Bashar al-Assad. After Assad was toppled in 2024, Luka disappeared, leaving questions about his role in crimes during the Syrian civil war, including a massacre of children in Homs.
Key Facts
Hussam Luka led one of Syria’s most powerful intelligence agencies and was feared for orchestrating torture and violence.
He was sanctioned by the UK, US, and EU for involvement in abuses during the Syrian civil war.
Luka’s phone number was once spray-painted on walls in Homs, where he reportedly controlled access during the siege.
Some people who called Luka’s number were granted safe passage, while others vanished.
Residents said Luka had many informants, even inside rebel groups, earning him the nickname "The Spider."
Luka was linked to the 2015 Eid al-Adha massacre in Homs, where many children were killed.
After Assad’s overthrow in December 2024, Luka disappeared and his location remains unknown.
Rebels found Luka’s luxurious apartment with documents and photos showing his close connection to Assad.
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Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan have signed a defense agreement called the Mecca Joint Defence Pact, which aims to promote cooperation and mutual security among the three countries. The deal reflects changing power dynamics in the Middle East and South Asia as these countries respond to ongoing regional conflicts and threats.
Key Facts
The three countries signed a mutual defense pact building on a previous agreement between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
The pact is known as the Mecca Joint Defence Pact.
It is intended to deter threats and show unity among Turkiye, Saudi Arabia, and Pakistan.
Analysts say it is unclear how strongly the pact commits members to defend one another in conflicts.
These countries face ongoing regional challenges: Pakistan has conflicts on its borders; Saudi Arabia faces attacks linked to the Iran-Israel war; Turkiye has fought Kurdish armed groups.
The pact comes amid tensions and shifting alliances following events like the 2023 Hamas attack on Israel and ongoing Iran-Israel conflicts.
Turkiye and Saudi Arabia have recently improved relations after years of tension, including fallout from the 2018 murder of journalist Jamal Khashoggi.
Each country brings unique military strengths: Pakistan has nuclear weapons, Turkiye has advanced drone technology, and Saudi Arabia has significant resources and regional influence.
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Israeli forces and settlers injured six Palestinians, including two paramedics, during attacks in the West Bank areas of Nablus and Bethlehem. The Palestine Red Crescent Society reported treating the injured and highlighted ongoing violence in the region.
Key Facts
Six Palestinians were hurt in attacks by Israeli forces and settlers in the West Bank.
Two of the injured were paramedics responding to emergencies in the area.
A Palestinian man was beaten and arrested in Beit Furik, east of Nablus.
Settlers vandalized a Palestinian-owned vehicle in Beit Furik.
In Bethlehem, three Palestinians were wounded after attacks on vehicles in Abu Njeim.
An ambulance was stoned in Khalayel al-Louz, injuring two paramedics and damaging the vehicle.
Over 11,000 attacks in the West Bank have been recorded since January 2024.
Since October 2023, more than 1,182 Palestinians have been killed, around 13,000 injured, and nearly 25,000 arrested in West Bank operations.
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U.S. intelligence agencies warn that Russian President Vladimir Putin might approve actions like cyberattacks or hybrid operations near NATO countries to test their response. These moves are seen as efforts to challenge NATO’s unity without starting a full military war. Recent events, such as attacks involving drones and missile incidents in Europe, have raised U.S. concerns.
Key Facts
U.S. intelligence believes Putin may authorize provocative acts near NATO territory.
Possible actions include cyberattacks, hybrid warfare (a mix of military and non-military tactics), and deniable operations.
The goal is likely to test NATO’s strength and the willingness of President Trump’s administration to defend allies.
A drone with explosives found in Leipzig, Germany, is suspected to be Russian.
Other incidents include Russian drones entering Romania and a missile crossing into Poland.
Russia suffers heavy troop losses in Ukraine, with recruits surviving only minutes on the battlefield.
U.S. efforts to restart peace talks between Russia and Ukraine have not made progress.
President Trump has at times questioned NATO’s defense commitments but has also expressed support for protecting allies.
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Police investigating the murder of Ann Widdecombe have reopened an old case of attempted burglary from April 2025. The investigation also includes checking whether a counter-terrorism police staff member failed to follow an important lead related to that burglary.
Key Facts
Ann Widdecombe was found dead on 9 July at her home in Devon with serious injuries.
A 28-year-old man, Joshua Kerry, has been charged with her murder.
Police are also looking into an attempted burglary reported in Greater London in April 2025.
Counter-terrorism police said they found a potential lead in the burglary case that was not previously followed.
The police watchdog, the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC), is investigating if a police staff member failed to pursue this lead.
The IOPC decided to investigate the conduct of the counter-terrorism police staff after a formal referral.
Another man initially arrested was later released and is no longer part of the murder investigation.
Widdecombe was a former Conservative MP and later involved with the Brexit Party and Reform UK.
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Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan made a new agreement saying if one of them is attacked, the others will treat it as an attack on all of them. There were reports about a possible deal between the United States and Iran, but no agreement was announced.
Key Facts
Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan signed a security agreement similar to NATO’s Article 5.
The agreement means an attack on one country is considered an attack on all three.
This marks a new partnership between countries in the Middle East and South Asia.
There were reports about a potential deal between the United States and Iran.
No formal agreement has been announced between the U.S. and Iran.
The article mentions Nick Schifrin explaining the situation.
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Colombia’s new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, started his term on Friday after winning a close election in June. His victory marks a move away from left-wing politics toward more right-wing policies in Colombia and reflects a trend seen in parts of Latin America.
Key Facts
Abelardo de la Espriella became Colombia’s president on Friday.
He won the presidential race by a small margin in June.
His election ends a period of leftist political leadership in Colombia.
De la Espriella’s policies lean toward the right side of the political spectrum.
This shift mirrors a right-wing trend in other Latin American countries.
The new president has a close relationship with President Donald Trump’s administration.
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Puerto Rico is experiencing a water shortage because of a severe drought. Many cities are limiting water use, and the island’s old water system is struggling to handle the problem.
Key Facts
Puerto Rico is facing a drought that is causing a lack of water.
Major cities on the island are rationing water for residents.
The drought reveals problems with Puerto Rico’s aging water infrastructure.
The government has not taken quick action to fix the water issues.
Many people on the island are frustrated by the water situation.
An investigative reporter, Laura Perez Sanchez, has been covering how families are affected and what officials say.
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