Safiya Musa, a Nigerian mother, lost her husband and two children in a violent raid by armed bandits in Katsina State. After fleeing with her remaining children, she found a new way to support her family through a United Nations program that taught her sewing and provided her with materials to start a small business making handbags.
Key Facts
In 2023, armed bandits attacked Kankara, Katsina State, killing about 20 people, including Safiya’s husband and two youngest children.
Safiya fled first to Batsari, then later to Jibia to escape further bandit attacks.
She now lives in a camp for displaced people in Jibia with her three surviving children.
Northwest Nigeria has faced over a decade of violent raids and kidnappings by armed bandits.
The violence has forced thousands of families to leave their homes and disrupted farming and trade.
The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) runs a Climate Security Project providing vocational training to women affected by conflict in the region.
Safiya was trained in handbag-making, received sewing machines and materials, and turned this skill into an income source.
The project trained 20 women in March 2024 to help them start small businesses to become self-reliant.
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A cold front will bring cooler weather and some rain to parts of the UK this week. However, many drought-hit areas in England and Wales will likely not receive rain soon, continuing water shortages and restrictions.
Key Facts
Temperatures reached 35.2°C on Wednesday in parts of the UK, the hottest day in over two weeks.
The UK set a new June temperature record of 38.0°C last month.
More than half of England and parts of Wales are officially in drought due to prolonged hot, dry weather.
Over 20 million people in England are under hosepipe bans to save water.
Northern Wales and Upper Severn river basin were declared in drought last week.
Scotland monitors water scarcity rather than declaring drought but some areas face severe shortages.
The cooling cold front is unlikely to bring rain to the driest areas in southern England.
Rain is expected mainly in north-west UK, which has had wetter conditions this month.
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Au Kam San, a former pro-democracy lawmaker in Macao, was arrested in July 2025 under Macao’s national security law. His family says he has faced restrictions on legal representation and communication, raising concerns about fairness as his case moves forward.
Key Facts
Au Kam San is the first publicly known person arrested under Macao’s national security law since 2009.
He is accused of giving false information to overseas anti-China groups and inciting hatred against Beijing and Macao’s government.
Authorities limited Au’s choice of lawyer and prevented the lawyer found by his family from visiting him.
Books related to the 1989 Tiananmen Square pro-democracy movement were confiscated from Au’s home.
Au has been held incommunicado, meaning no contact with his family for nearly a year.
A court confirmed charges against Au include subverting state power and endangering national security.
He could face up to 30 years in prison if convicted on multiple charges.
Macao operates as a Chinese special administrative region with a government loyal to Beijing and limits on pro-democracy activism.
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The US military launched strikes against Iran after Iran attempted attacks on American forces in the Middle East. These actions follow recent joint US-Saudi strikes on Iranian-backed groups in Iraq and come amid ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Key Facts
The US began strikes in response to Iran firing on US bases in Jordan and ships in the Strait of Hormuz.
The US Central Command (Centcom) called the strikes a "powerful response" to Iran's attacks.
Joint US-Saudi airstrikes recently hit Iranian proxy sites in Iraq, targeting military and weapons locations.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it attacked a US air base and command center in Jordan and struck oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.
President Donald Trump promised a strong retaliation against Iran for attacking US troops.
Iraq condemned the US-Saudi strikes on the Popular Mobilisation Forces, an Iran-backed group, calling it a violation of Iraqi sovereignty.
President Trump claimed the strikes were coordinated with the Iraqi government.
The conflict has lasted five months, despite attempts at diplomatic talks and temporary pauses in fighting.
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Thousands of people in Spain were allowed to return home after firefighters controlled some major wildfires. Meanwhile, France faced new wildfires and high temperatures as a heatwave continued across southern Europe.
Key Facts
Spain lifted evacuation orders for parts of Avila province and towns near Madrid on July 30, 2026.
Some people returned to homes untouched, while others found their houses destroyed by fire.
Firefighters in France’s Gironde region reported a second calm night as the large wildfire near Bordeaux remained stable.
More than 600 people fled a new wildfire in the Var region on France’s Mediterranean coast.
Another wildfire near Dijon in eastern France burned 125 hectares but caused no casualties or home damage.
Europe has experienced several heatwaves and a severe drought this year, increasing wildfire risks.
Spain burned 207,000 hectares of land, one of the largest amounts recorded in January to July.
France burned 92,000 hectares in the same period, the highest in 20 years.
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A large wildfire has broken out on the Suffolk coast at Dunwich Heath. Firefighters are working hard to control the fast-moving fire, which has led authorities to declare a major incident and ask people to avoid the area.
Key Facts
The wildfire started on Wednesday afternoon in heathland near Dunwich Heath, Suffolk.
About 90 firefighters are responding to the fire in difficult conditions.
The fire is spreading quickly towards St James's Church near Westleton Road.
A major incident was declared because of the fire's size and complexity.
The National Trust and RSPB Minsmere nature reserves are near the fire and helping with the response.
People are asked to avoid Westleton Heath, Mount Pleasant, Westleton Walks, and a main bridleway to keep the area clear.
Fire crews are using off-road vehicles, drones, and quad bikes to fight the fire.
There is an amber heat-health alert for nearby regions due to hot weather, which may affect fire risks.
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The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow waterway between the Persian Gulf and the Gulf of Oman. About 20% of the world’s traded oil and a similar share of natural gas pass through it, making it a vital route for global energy supplies. Recent conflicts and attacks in the area have disrupted shipping, causing oil prices to rise worldwide.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is about 21 miles wide at its narrowest point.
It connects major oil exporters in the Middle East like Saudi Arabia, Iraq, UAE, Kuwait, and Iran to markets in Asia, Europe, and North America.
Around one-fifth of the world’s traded crude oil passes through the strait daily.
Recent attacks by Iran on oil infrastructure have lowered tanker traffic and production in the area.
Iran uses missiles and low-cost drones to target ports and refineries, making defense difficult.
Limited pipelines exist to bypass the strait, but they cannot replace its full oil-carrying capacity.
Reduced oil exports from this region have caused global oil prices to increase, affecting consumers worldwide, including in the United States where gas prices are over $4 per gallon.
The Strait of Hormuz’s status heavily influences global energy security and market stability.
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Wildfire smoke contains tiny particles that can harm health and linger in the air for days. Experts advise staying indoors and using air filters, either built into air conditioners or portable ones, to keep indoor air clean during smoke events.
Key Facts
Wildfire smoke has small particles that cause short-term and long-term health problems.
Smoke can spread over large areas and stay for multiple days.
Central air conditioners can help clean indoor air if they have high-quality filters (MERV 13 or above) and recirculate inside air.
Portable air filters with HEPA filters are effective and should not produce ozone, which is harmful.
DIY air filters made by attaching furnace filters to box fans are affordable and work well.
Running the AC fan continuously during smoke events is recommended.
Window AC units often lack proper filters, so pairing them with portable or DIY air filters is best.
Heat combined with smoke worsens health risks, so keeping cool and filtering air is important.
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The United States and Iran are both claiming control over the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global oil and gas shipments. President Donald Trump announced the U.S. will enforce a blockade and charge ships fees for safe passage, while Iran insists it controls the strait and has threatened to attack vessels not following its routes. This rivalry increases tensions and risks disrupting international trade and energy markets.
Key Facts
The Strait of Hormuz is a narrow passage between Iran and Oman, used for transporting Middle East oil and natural gas.
Iran claims sovereignty over the strait and controls its waterways through its paramilitary Revolutionary Guard.
The United States says it controls the strait and announced it will block Iran and charge fees for safe ship passage.
Both countries are carrying out attacks against each other to assert control over the waterway.
International law recognizes the strait as an international waterway allowing free passage for ships.
Neither the U.S. nor Iran has formally agreed to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, but its rules are widely accepted.
Iran’s control efforts followed attacks by the U.S. and Israel on Iranian targets earlier in 2026.
Disputes over control have increased global energy prices by threatening the reliability of oil shipments through the strait.
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Artist Betye Saar, known for her work highlighting Black identity, culture, and spirituality, died at age 99 in Los Angeles. She was a key figure in the 1960s Black Art Movement and created art using found objects to express themes of Black liberation and history.
Key Facts
Betye Saar died at 99 years old and would have turned 100 this week.
She was part of the 1960s Black Art Movement and pioneered assemblage art using found objects.
Saar reclaimed harmful Black stereotypes and historic memorabilia to create powerful artworks promoting Black empowerment.
One of her famous works is "The Liberation of Aunt Jemima" (1972), which transformed a racist image into a symbol of resistance.
Her work evolved to include themes about culture, politics, environment, and history.
Saar began as a designer and started making art at age 35, continuing into her 90s.
Major museums like the Museum of Modern Art and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art have exhibited her work, especially in recent years.
She taught and influenced many Black artists and was honored by the American Academy of Arts and Letters in 2026.
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Uganda has declared itself free of Ebola after releasing its last patient in mid-June and completing a 42-day waiting period without new cases. Meanwhile, the Ebola outbreak in neighboring Congo continues, with a high number of confirmed cases and deaths reported.
Key Facts
Uganda’s last Ebola patient was discharged on June 16, 2026.
Uganda waited 42 days, the time needed to confirm no new Ebola cases, before declaring the country Ebola-free.
Uganda’s cases were linked to the larger outbreak in eastern Congo’s Ituri province.
Uganda reported a total of 20 Ebola cases during the outbreak.
Uganda took measures like canceling a large religious event and halting transport to prevent spread.
Congo has reported 3,262 Ebola cases and 1,437 deaths as of the latest update.
The current Congo outbreak is the fastest spreading on record and may soon pass the country’s previous highest toll.
There is no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo type of Ebola virus causing this outbreak.
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The United States has resumed airstrikes on Iran after several days without attacks, following Iranian missile strikes on US bases in Jordan. The conflict involves multiple countries, including Saudi Arabia and Iran-backed militias in Iraq, raising fears of a wider war in the Middle East.
Key Facts
The US launched airstrikes in Iran in response to Iran’s recent missile attacks on American forces in Jordan.
President Donald Trump said the US would strike Iran hard and warned Iran that more attacks were coming.
Saudi Arabia partnered with the US to target militias backed by Iran in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers.
Drone strikes caused fires on two natural gas ships at Egypt’s Damietta port; it is unclear who carried out these strikes.
If Iran or its allies were behind the strikes on Egypt, the conflict could significantly widen.
Oil prices rose sharply after the renewed fighting, with Brent crude reaching $88 per barrel.
Iraq’s president condemned the US-Saudi strikes on Iraqi territory as a violation of Iraq’s sovereignty.
Saudi Arabia is seeking to build an international coalition to protect shipping routes in the Red Sea from attacks by the Houthi group.
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K-pop group BTS said they will not send their music to the Grammy Awards in 2027. This is because the Grammy Awards created a new music category called "Best Asian Pop," and BTS does not agree with this change.
Key Facts
BTS is a popular music group from South Korea.
The Grammy Awards added a new category called "Best Asian Pop" for the 2027 ceremony.
BTS decided not to submit any music to the 2027 Grammys.
The band has been on a break and is now returning to making music.
The decision by BTS is connected to their views on the new Grammy category.
Maria Sherman, a music reporter, discussed BTS's choice on a news program.
The Grammy Awards are a major music awards show in the United States.
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The U.S. military carried out airstrikes in Iran after Iran launched missiles at a U.S. base in Jordan. President Donald Trump had paused strikes earlier to try diplomacy but resumed attacks after the missile attack.
Key Facts
The U.S. started airstrikes in Iran on Wednesday evening.
These strikes responded to an Iranian missile attack on a U.S. base in Jordan the day before.
The U.S. military said all Iranian missiles were intercepted and did not cause damage.
President Trump paused airstrikes last Friday to allow for negotiations with Iran.
Iran’s missile attack ended the pause and led the U.S. to resume strikes five days later.
President Trump said the U.S. would hit Iran "very hard" and confirmed the retaliation.
Iran reportedly said the missile launch was a mistake and asked the U.S. not to fight back.
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Iran fired many missiles at American forces in the Middle East. This happened after the United States and Saudi Arabia launched attacks on groups supported by Iran in Iraq.
Key Facts
Iran launched missile attacks targeting U.S. forces in the Middle East.
The attacks followed U.S. and Saudi airstrikes on militias backed by Iran in Iraq.
Saudi forces have joined the U.S. in striking these Iran-backed groups.
The conflict involves Tehran-supported militias operating in Iraq.
Retired U.S. Navy Vice Admiral Robert Murrett provided expert analysis of the situation.
The events mark an increase in military activity in the region with multiple countries involved.
CBS News covered the latest developments on their platform and app.
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Russian ballistic missiles hit the Ukrainian capital, Kyiv, causing fires and explosions early Thursday morning. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy warned of a large Russian attack and said the country needs more anti-missile weapons, including Patriot missiles, which President Donald Trump agreed to help provide.
Key Facts
Russian ballistic missiles struck Kyiv at around 1:18 am local time, causing fires in some non-residential areas.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko told people to seek shelter during the attacks.
President Zelenskyy had warned the day before that a major Russian attack was likely.
Zelenskyy said Ukraine’s safety depends on allies supplying more anti-missile defense systems.
President Trump agreed to give Ukraine licenses to make Patriot missiles, which can shoot down Russian missiles.
Ukraine currently lacks enough PAC-3 interceptor missiles, making its defense weaker.
Zelenskyy met with President Trump at the White House to discuss defense and the war situation.
The meeting was described as “very well” and showed improved relations between the two leaders during Trump’s current term.
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Cuba is easing government controls on its private sector to tackle a growing humanitarian crisis. The country will allow private businesses to import and sell some goods and medicines and loosen rules for foreign oil companies, aiming to address shortages in medicine, energy, and other supplies.
Key Facts
Cuba’s government approved reforms to reduce restrictions on private vendors and imports.
The changes let private pharmacies sell medicines, which were often in short supply at state pharmacies.
Foreign companies can now have more freedom to extract oil in Cuba.
The reforms remove 46 prohibitions and relax 35 other rules on private business.
Some sectors, like tobacco production, internet access, newspapers, and radio, remain controlled by the state.
The United States imposed an oil blockade on Cuba in January to pressure the government, worsening shortages and blackouts.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel said the country cannot continue with its current economic path.
Many private sales in Cuba’s informal market were previously not legal but widely used by people struggling to meet daily needs.
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This article explains how to create bright, festival-style neon make-up looks safely without harming your skin. It gives tips on applying make-up so it lasts, which ingredients and products to avoid, and how to protect your skin during outdoor events.
Key Facts
Neon make-up trends include bright eyeliner, bold lips, holographic highlights, sparkle, and face gems.
Use a white eye pencil under eyeshadow to make colors more bright and long-lasting.
Avoid products labeled "not for cosmetic use," as they may contain banned toxic chemicals that cause allergic reactions.
Watch out for banned colorants like Solvent Yellow 172 and Basic Red 1:1.
Use only safe, biodegradable glitter, and avoid craft glitter near eyes to prevent injury.
For lips, liquid lipsticks stay longer and help avoid smudging during eating or kissing.
Never share lip balm or lipstick to reduce the risk of infections like cold sores.
Apply sunscreen with at least SPF 30 before putting on make-up to protect your skin from sun damage.
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A man named Hadi Matar was found guilty of federal terrorism charges for stabbing author Salman Rushdie in 2022. The attack was linked by prosecutors to an old religious order calling for Rushdie’s death over his book "The Satanic Verses."
Key Facts
Hadi Matar was convicted of all charges, including transnational terrorism, after a few hours of jury deliberation.
Salman Rushdie was stabbed 15 times on stage in 2022 and lost sight in his right eye.
Prosecutors said Matar acted because of a 1989 fatwa issued by Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khomeini against Rushdie.
Iran has denied any involvement in the attack.
Matar is already serving a 25-year sentence for attempted murder and faces possible life in federal prison.
Rushdie testified at the trial, describing his injuries and the impact on his life.
"The Satanic Verses," published in 1988, caused protests and violence due to perceived blasphemy against Islam.
Evidence included Matar’s messages revealing hatred toward Rushdie and support for Hezbollah, a group labeled a terrorist organization by the U.S.
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French DJ and musician Kavinsky, known for the song "Nightcall," has died at age 50. He was found dead at his home in Paris, just days before his 51st birthday.
Key Facts
Kavinsky's real name was Vincent Belorgey.
He was a self-taught pianist and electronic music artist.
Kavinsky was best known for the song "Nightcall."
He died at his home in Paris.
His death was confirmed by prosecutors on July 30, 2026.
He would have turned 51 on the upcoming Friday.
Kavinsky performed at the 2024 Paris Olympic Games closing ceremony.
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