Large wildfires near Spokane, Washington, have caused heavy smoke to spread across several states and Canadian provinces, damaging hundreds of buildings and forcing about 60,000 people to evacuate. The smoke has made air quality very dangerous, leading officials to warn residents to stay indoors and limit outdoor activities.
Key Facts
Wildfires near Spokane include the Old Trails Fire, Fairview Fire, and Autumn Lane Fire.
By August 2, these fires burned about 5,400 acres, growing to over 7,500 acres later.
Around 700 buildings have been destroyed, causing evacuations of roughly 60,000 people.
NASA satellite images show thick smoke moving from Washington into Idaho, Montana, and parts of Canada.
The air quality in Spokane and nearby counties reached “Very Unhealthy” levels due to fine particles called PM2.5.
PM2.5 particles are tiny and can harm lungs and the heart, especially affecting vulnerable groups.
The National Weather Service issued Washington’s first-ever “particularly dangerous situation” fire weather alert because of strong winds, heat, and dry fuel.
Authorities advised people to avoid outdoor burns, stop activities that create sparks, and follow fire safety rules during Red Flag Warnings.
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A soldier in Russian-held Crimea shot and killed four people, including one soldier and three civilians, and wounded four others. The shooter was detained, and investigations are ongoing. Meanwhile, drone strikes targeted Russian areas near Moscow and a Black Sea beach, resulting in several deaths and injuries amid the ongoing conflict between Russia and Ukraine.
Key Facts
The shooting happened in Khmelnytske, part of Sevastopol in Crimea.
One soldier and three civilians were killed; four people were injured.
The civilians killed were two men aged 71 and 59, and a 64-year-old woman.
The shooter was a serviceman who was detained by authorities.
Crimea was annexed by Russia from Ukraine in 2014, and it is strategically important in the war.
Recent Ukrainian drone attacks have targeted Russian supply lines and locations near Moscow.
A drone strike hit a crowded beach in southern Russia's Krasnodar region, killing seven people.
Both Russia and Ukraine use electronic jamming to defend against incoming drones during the conflict.
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Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Venezuela’s return to elections is ongoing and will take several months, not years, after Nicolás Maduro leaves power. He explained that before voting can happen, conditions like free press, multiple political parties, and a fair vote count must be in place.
Key Facts
Venezuela’s transition to elections will take months and weeks, not years.
President Nicolás Maduro is expected to be removed from power about six months before elections.
Rubio listed necessary conditions for elections: free press, multiple parties, national reconciliation, and a trustworthy election commission.
The U.S. government is working on both political and economic efforts to help Venezuelans.
The transition is compared to past changes in Eastern Europe and Paraguay, which took years to complete.
The goal is for the next Venezuelan government to inherit a functioning state, not a disaster needing rebuilding.
Rubio said progress is happening even if it is slower than hoped.
Rubio declined to give a specific date for when elections will take place.
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Wildfires in Spokane, Washington, are described by the governor as probably the worst natural disaster in the area's history. Firefighters are working nonstop to control multiple fires, and a man has been arrested on suspicion of starting one of them on purpose.
Key Facts
The wildfires are happening in Spokane, Washington.
The governor calls these fires likely the worst natural disaster ever in Spokane.
Firefighters are working all day and night to stop the fires from spreading.
Authorities arrested a man suspected of arson, meaning they believe he purposely started a fire.
Multiple wildfires are burning in the Spokane area at the same time.
News coverage is being provided by CBS News, including reporter Kris Van Cleave.
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Lebanon and Israel are holding new direct talks in Rome with the support of the United States. Hezbollah's leader criticized the talks, saying they bring shame to Lebanon. These talks are the seventh round since conflicts between Lebanon and Israel escalated in March.
Key Facts
Lebanon and Israel are meeting for talks in Rome.
The talks are supported and sponsored by the United States.
This is the seventh meeting between the two sides since March 2026.
The conflict began when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel.
Israel responded with strong airstrikes and a ground invasion.
Hezbollah’s leader publicly rejected the talks.
He said the talks cause shame and humiliation for Lebanon.
The talks aim to address ongoing fighting and tensions in the region.
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A peace deal aimed at having the Palestinian group Hamas give up its weapons and Israel pull back from Gaza was announced by President Donald Trump's Board of Peace. However, Israel continued military strikes in Gaza, killing at least 18 people in one day, which has stalled hopes for peace and increased tensions in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a peace deal involving Hamas disarming and Israel withdrawing forces from Gaza.
Israel did not respond positively and continued airstrikes across Gaza shortly after the deal was made public.
At least 18 people were killed in Gaza from Israeli attacks on a single Sunday, with ongoing violence since an earlier ceasefire in October 2025.
The ceasefire, brokered by the U.S., Egypt, Qatar, and Turkey, has not stopped Israeli strikes for nearly 10 months.
Since the war began in October 2023, over 73,000 people have been killed in Gaza, with more than 4,000 injured since the ceasefire.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu faces upcoming elections and has continued military action against Hamas to secure what he calls “total victory.”
The Israeli military claims strikes targeted Hamas and Islamic Jihad militant sites, including near a hospital in Gaza.
Qatar, Egypt, and Turkey have urged Israel to stop bombing Gaza and comply with international law and ceasefire terms.
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Firefighters in Greece have made progress in controlling a large wildfire burning near Athens for five days. Easing winds helped water-bombing planes join the efforts, but scattered hotspots remain, and the fire risk in the Athens region is still very high.
Key Facts
A wildfire has been burning near the village of Psatha, about 60 km northwest of Athens, since Friday.
Over 575 firefighters and more than 30 aircraft are working to control the fire.
Five firefighters have died during the firefighting efforts, including two from a helicopter crash.
The fire has destroyed or damaged many homes, especially near Porto Germeno on the Gulf of Corinth.
Large areas of forest and farmland have been burned, totaling more than 13,000 hectares.
The greater Athens area and nearby islands are under near-maximum fire risk warnings.
Winds that fueled the fire early on have eased, allowing better firefighting progress.
Experts warn that high temperatures and strong winds may cause new flare-ups until late August.
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Firefighters in Greece made progress against a large wildfire near Athens on its fifth day, helped by calmer winds that allowed water-dropping planes to fly. The fire has killed five firefighters and damaged many homes, while the risk of new fires remains high due to dry, hot conditions.
Key Facts
The wildfire has been burning since Friday near Psatha, about 60 km northwest of Athens.
Over 30 aircraft and 575 firefighters are fighting the fire.
Five firefighters have died: two from a helicopter crash and three in other regions.
The fire destroyed or damaged many homes, especially in Porto Germeno and other villages by the Gulf of Corinth.
Hills covered in pine forest have burned to ash, and some charred fire equipment was found in the wreckage.
The Greek civil protection ministry has placed Athens, Evia, and some Aegean islands under near-maximum fire risk.
Police have arrested more than 30 people, including a local mayor, for fires started by negligence or deliberately.
Authorities link the increasing number and strength of wildfires in Greece to climate change, with hotter and drier weather expected until late August.
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The European Union's migration chief said the EU handled a large group of migrants arriving in Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa, well. EU interior ministers held an emergency meeting and praised Spain’s response to the situation, which highlighted divisions in EU immigration policies.
Key Facts
A large number of migrants crossed into Ceuta from Morocco by foot and sea.
Ceuta is a Spanish territory located in North Africa.
The EU migration chief said the EU passed a test of border security and handling false information.
EU interior ministers met in an emergency meeting to discuss the situation in Ceuta.
Several ministers praised Spain for its management of the migrant rush.
The incident revealed ongoing disagreements in the EU about immigration.
Migration remains a sensitive and divisive issue across European Union countries.
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Two people have died in Michigan from an infection caused by the cyclospora parasite. Meanwhile, Senator Richard Blumenthal is asking for an investigation into the ties between Taylor Farms, a food company, and President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Two deaths linked to the cyclospora parasite occurred in Michigan.
Cyclospora causes an illness called cyclosporiasis, which can lead to diarrhea and other stomach problems.
The number of reported cyclospora cases is increasing.
Senator Richard Blumenthal, a Democrat from Connecticut, has requested an investigation.
The investigation is about possible connections between Taylor Farms and President Donald Trump’s administration.
Taylor Farms is a company that supplies fresh produce.
The news involves public health and political concerns due to the outbreak and questions about government ties.
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Every year since 2020, families of the victims of the massive Beirut port explosion gather to demand justice, but no progress has been made. Meanwhile, southern Lebanon faces new devastation from ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, causing widespread destruction and displacement.
Key Facts
The Beirut port explosion in 2020 killed over 200 people and was caused by unsafe storage of ammonium nitrate.
Families of victims continue to seek justice from Lebanese authorities, but no accountability has occurred despite leadership changes.
Since October 2023, fighting between Israel and Hezbollah has damaged many towns in southern Lebanon, especially Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh.
The recent conflict escalated twice, linked to the US-Israel war on Iran, causing more displacement and destruction.
Lebanon’s economy collapsed in 2019, limiting government ability to fund reconstruction or reforms.
Reconstruction costs for recent fighting could reach $20 billion, but international aid is not forthcoming.
Israel has targeted rebuilding efforts with attacks on construction equipment and factories, hindering recovery.
More than a million people have been displaced by the current conflict, adding to the previously displaced population.
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A Zimbabwean mother and her two daughters were found dead in their home near London, with head injuries causing their deaths. Their father, a British citizen originally from Zimbabwe, was arrested in South Africa and faces murder charges.
Key Facts
The victims are Nothabo Zandile Tshuma (42), and her daughters Natalie (15) and Nala (5).
The bodies were found on July 7 after relatives could not contact the family.
An inquest determined all three died from head injuries.
The family held a funeral in Bulawayo, Zimbabwe, where their bodies lay in white coffins.
Ndodana Mkhanyisi Tshuma, the father and husband, was arrested in Johannesburg, South Africa.
He faces charges for murder and unlawful possession of an unlicensed firearm.
Authorities are considering extraditing him from South Africa to the UK.
The case received attention in the UK, Zimbabwe, and South Africa.
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Meriwether Lewis and William Clark led an expedition called the Corps of Discovery in the early 1800s. They traveled almost three years, exploring land in the western United States after the Louisiana Purchase.
Key Facts
The expedition lasted nearly three years.
It started near St. Louis, Missouri.
Lewis and Clark led the group called the Corps of Discovery.
They explored territory the U.S. bought in the Louisiana Purchase.
Their journey continued all the way to the Pacific Ocean and back.
The trip was an important early exploration of western U.S. lands.
The article includes a photo of cutouts of Lewis and Clark against a moonlit city skyline in Kansas City, Missouri.
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A large study of over 10 million people in U.S. families found that birth order is linked to the chances of developing certain diseases. First-born children are more often diagnosed with neurodevelopmental and allergy-related conditions, while second-born children show higher risks for substance abuse and some infections.
Key Facts
Researchers studied health records from more than 10 million people across 5.1 million U.S. families.
They found 150 diseases had significant connections to birth order.
First-born children had higher risks of autism, ADHD, Tourette syndrome, OCD, food allergies, asthma, and acne.
Second-born children were more likely to have substance abuse problems, migraines, stomach issues, kidney infections, and shingles.
The "hygiene hypothesis" may explain why younger siblings have fewer allergies, due to early exposure to more microbes.
Factors like parental age, pregnancy biology, and family attention may contribute to neurodevelopmental differences.
Substance abuse risk for younger siblings might relate to influence from older siblings' behavior.
The study used insurance claim data and mainly looked at two-child families with employer insurance, which may affect how widely the results apply.
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A bison was recorded charging at a child in Yellowstone National Park. This incident occurred a few weeks after another person was violently thrown by a bison in the same park.
Key Facts
The event took place at Yellowstone National Park.
A bison charged at a child, posing a safety risk.
This incident followed another recent bison encounter where a man was thrown into the air.
Bison are large wild animals that can be dangerous if approached too closely.
Yellowstone officials and visitors have raised concerns about safety around wildlife.
The park regularly reminds visitors to keep a safe distance from animals like bison.
No injuries were confirmed in this latest charging incident.
The footage of the charge was captured on camera and shared publicly.
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Ariana Grande told her fans at a concert in Chicago that she will take a break from her music career after her current tour ends. She said this choice was made carefully and that she feels strong and ready for this change.
Key Facts
Ariana Grande announced she will step back from the spotlight after her tour finishes.
She shared this news directly with fans during her show in Chicago.
The decision to take a break was made by Grande herself.
She described the choice as thoughtful and empowering.
The announcement came one day after she first revealed her plan publicly.
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A large wasp nest, about one meter wide, was found inside the office of a nature reserve manager at the Norfolk Wildlife Trust. The manager has been working from home, planning to leave the nest alone until the wasps naturally leave in autumn.
Key Facts
The wasp nest is around 1 meter (3.2 feet) wide and built around bookshelves.
Eilish Rothney, manager at Trinity Broads reserve, discovered the nest in mid-June.
The nest started small but grew over weeks while she was conducting surveys.
Rothney has been working from home to avoid disturbing the wasps.
The wasps will leave the nest naturally in autumn as worker wasps die off and new queens hibernate.
The Norfolk Wildlife Trust shared photos of the nest, calling the wasps "new colleagues."
Rothney advises people to stay calm around wasps to avoid provoking them.
The wasps had used small gaps behind boxes and shelves to build the nest inside the office.
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A mass funeral was held in Gaza City for 112 Palestinians, mostly women and children, killed in an Israeli airstrike on a residential building in November 2023. The bodies were recently recovered after two weeks of work under the rubble, in a process supported by local rescue teams and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
Key Facts
The funeral was for 112 people from two related families, with many victims being children, women, and people with disabilities.
The Israeli strike happened on 22 November 2023, during heavy fighting in the Gaza war.
The families affected are from the Abu Sharia and Hassayna clans in the Sabra neighborhood of Gaza City.
Recovery of the bodies took two weeks due to the rubble and danger at the site.
The Civil Defence team in Gaza, supported by the Red Cross, led the recovery efforts.
About 73,377 people have been killed in Gaza during the war, according to the local health ministry run by Hamas.
Relatives helped guide the rescue crews to locate and recover bodies safely.
The International Committee of the Red Cross provided equipment, training, and excavation machines to assist in the recovery.
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Jordan Roth, a Tony Award-winning Broadway producer, is making his first major appearance as an actor on screen in the show "The Shards." He shares his experience of moving from working behind the scenes on Broadway to acting in front of the camera.
Key Facts
Jordan Roth is a producer who has won a Tony Award.
He has worked behind the scenes in Broadway theater.
Roth is now acting on screen for the first time in a major role.
His new acting role is in a show called "The Shards."
He spoke about this transition in an interview with CBS News.
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