Italy will send warships to protect its commercial ships passing through the Bab al-Mandeb strait without waiting for a decision from the European Union. The strait is a key waterway linking the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden and is important for global shipping, especially for oil and gas.
Key Facts
Italy’s Defence Minister Guido Crosetto announced warship deployment to secure shipping through Bab al-Mandeb.
Italy will act independently without waiting for the European Union’s joint decision.
Bab al-Mandeb is one of the world’s busiest shipping routes, connecting Europe and Asia.
Around 12-15% of global trade uses this narrow passage between Yemen and parts of Africa.
The importance of Bab al-Mandeb rose after Iran took control of the nearby Strait of Hormuz.
The Bab al-Mandeb strait is vital for Gulf oil exports, especially for Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthi rebels recently captured Yemen’s entire western Red Sea coast, gaining control over the strait.
The Houthis have a history of attacking ships linked to the US or its allies, making the area risky for international shipping.
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Drone attacks by armed groups in Colombia increased by 146% in the first five months of 2026 compared to the same period in 2025. These attacks have caused deaths and injuries, including to civilians and children, and have created fear and disruption in affected communities.
Key Facts
There were 21 deaths and 145 injuries from drone attacks between January and May 2026.
Nearly one-third of the victims were civilians, including children.
Drones are used by armed groups to attack rivals, government forces, and to monitor illegal coca fields.
The attacks also damage homes, schools, gas stations, and other infrastructure.
Fear of drone attacks causes people to move away, limits their ability to travel, work, and access health care.
The Colombian government started a $1.68 billion project in January 2026 to build a system to block drones.
Both armed groups and Colombian troops use drones, sometimes equipped with weapons like grenades.
Children are reportedly being trained to operate drones, with armed groups recruiting them through social media.
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A British woman kidnapped in Malawi last week was rescued during a police operation that resulted in the deaths of four suspected kidnappers and injuries to a senior police officer. The woman, Nusrat Osman, was found near the city of Blantyre and taken to the hospital for care.
Key Facts
Nusrat Osman, 47, was kidnapped on September 11 in Blantyre, Malawi.
She was forced into another car by four men armed with guns.
Police launched a rescue operation and exchanged gunfire with the kidnappers.
Four suspected kidnappers were killed and a top police officer was wounded.
Osman was safely freed and treated at a hospital for physical and mental health.
Police have not yet identified the kidnappers or explained how they found Osman.
There was no known ransom demand or contact from the kidnappers after the abduction.
Osman is originally from the UK, has lived in Malawi for years, and works at an auditing firm.
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Russians are voting in elections for the State Duma, the country’s parliament, in a vote with very little real competition. President Vladimir Putin’s party, United Russia, is expected to keep control amid a war with Ukraine and a tight hold on political opponents.
Key Facts
The election lasts three days, from Friday to Sunday, with results expected after polls close.
United Russia, President Putin’s party, has ruled parliament for 23 years and will likely continue to do so.
The vote is held during the ongoing war with Ukraine, which is affecting everyday life in Russia.
Ukrainian drone attacks on Russian targets have increased over the summer.
The Kremlin banned Yabloko, a liberal anti-war party, from the ballot, removing official anti-war voices.
Other opposition parties allowed are controlled and support the Kremlin on important matters.
Many candidates have not actively campaigned, avoiding sensitive issues around the war.
Officials aim to keep the election low-key to reduce voter turnout among voters who might oppose the government.
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At a United Nations meeting, Syria accused Israel of military attacks and violations on its land, calling Israel the biggest threat to the region’s stability. Israel responded by pointing to Turkey’s larger military presence in Syria and criticized Syria for blaming others instead of focusing on its own situation.
Key Facts
Syria told the UN that Israel has attacked Syrian villages, displaced people, and carried out air strikes on Syrian territory.
Syria called Israel’s actions the greatest threat to stability in the Middle East, not just Syria.
A group of 44 countries condemned an Israeli visit to a part of Syria as illegal.
Israel argued its military presence in Syria is small and defensive, while Turkey has 20,000 troops and many bases in Syria.
Turkey said its forces are in Syria with Syria’s permission and denied being a threat.
Turkey accused Israel of breaking international law with its attacks in Syria.
Syria’s representative said the UN meetings should stop focusing on proxy conflicts and instead look at Syria’s progress.
The debate shows ongoing disagreements about which countries have the right to military presence in Syria.
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UN human rights experts say that US airstrikes on February 28 killed over 178 people, including 120 children. They suggest these attacks could be war crimes connected to the US-Israeli conflict involving Iran.
Key Facts
The US conducted two strikes on February 28.
More than 178 people died in these strikes.
Among the dead were 120 children.
The strikes happened at the start of a war involving the US, Israel, and Iran.
UN-backed human rights experts reviewed the strikes.
Experts said the strikes might be war crimes.
War crimes are serious violations of the rules during armed conflict.
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Nikon holds an annual video contest showing tiny organisms under a microscope. The winning video showed tiny hair-like parts in a child’s airway, magnified 100 times, created by a researcher using special light techniques.
Key Facts
Nikon’s Small World In Motion contest invites global participants to submit microscopic videos.
The winning video showed cilia (tiny hairs) in the airway of a child with a rare genetic illness.
Dr. Ning Xu from Tsinghua University in China made the winning video using special colored light waves.
Other entries included a roundworm meeting a single-celled organism and baby jellyfish in water droplets.
Videos of glowing algae and a tiny sea slug also received special mentions.
The contest celebrates microscopic life and time-lapse filming techniques.
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President Donald Trump said that the United States and Poland are making strong progress toward creating a permanent U.S. military base in Poland. This base would give the U.S. a lasting presence on NATO’s eastern border, near Russia and Ukraine, while the Trump administration reviews the overall U.S. troop presence in Europe.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Poland are negotiating to set up a permanent American military base in Poland.
Poland’s defense leader Karol Nawrocki said Poland will work hard to provide a good location for the base.
About 10,000 U.S. soldiers are currently in Poland, mostly rotating in and out, not permanently stationed.
Poland spends around 5% of its economy on defense, meeting NATO goals for military spending.
The base would strengthen the U.S.-Poland alliance and increase NATO’s presence on its eastern edge.
This news comes as the Trump administration reviews all U.S. military forces in Europe.
Poland borders Russia and Ukraine and is seen as a key NATO country on the eastern border.
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth warned that the U.S. might cut NATO funding if some countries don’t increase defense spending as promised.
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Heavy rain caused severe flooding in Tunisia’s capital, Tunis, on Thursday, blocking roads, flooding homes, and cutting electricity and internet services. This flooding followed similar incidents earlier this year and has become a recurring problem in the city due to poor drainage and infrastructure issues.
Key Facts
The Greater Tunis region has nearly 3 million people and often faces flooding in heavy rain.
Thursday’s floods trapped people in cars and homes, and disrupted power and internet.
Authorities warned of heavy thunderstorms in advance but delayed suspending classes until just before the floods.
Flooded streets and stranded cars were widely shared in videos online.
Residents blame both government for lack of preventive work and citizens for dumping waste that blocks drains.
The government is working on 29 flood-protection projects across Tunisia.
Flooding coincided with students returning to school, increasing pressure on transport.
A national march is planned for Saturday in Tunis despite ongoing rain forecasts.
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Scientists have discovered a new small wild cat species called Leopardus tilcayo in Bolivia’s Yungas cloud forest. This is the first new living feline species found in over 100 years. The cat is smaller than a house cat and was first noticed when a local family kept one as a pet before it was sent to a wildlife sanctuary.
Key Facts
The new species is named Leopardus tilcayo and is also known as the tilcayo cat.
It weighs about 3 pounds and is roughly 18 inches long.
The only known tilcayo cat in captivity is a 10-year-old male at the Senda Verde Wildlife Sanctuary.
The species was identified using advanced genetic testing, comparing its DNA to similar wild cats.
Researchers found that what was thought to be one species of “tiger cats” actually includes several different species, including the tilcayo cat.
The tilcayo cat likely evolved from a common ancestor around 1.4 million years ago.
Camera traps in the forest suggest there may be more tilcayo cats living in the wild.
Recognizing new species affects how conservation groups classify and protect these cats because splitting one group into smaller species can change their vulnerability status.
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Ed Sheeran’s tour has faced trouble after rapper Macklemore was removed as an opening act due to his pro-Palestinian protest on stage. This has divided fans, caused some other opening acts to quit, and led to calls for boycotts and ticket refunds.
Key Facts
Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s Loop Tour after a “free Palestine” protest during a concert.
All other opening acts quit the tour in support of Macklemore.
Some fans feel confused and conflicted about attending the shows after the controversy.
Ticket prices for the remaining US, Mexico, and South America shows have dropped.
Ed Sheeran said he does not want the concerts to be political and denied responsibility for removing Macklemore.
Some fans want refunds because they say the show is no longer what they paid for without all original acts.
Others support Sheeran’s choice and say concerts should not be political spaces.
One fan shared a personal story of why he still plans to attend the show despite the controversy.
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The UK is expected to see warmer and drier weather next week with temperatures reaching up to 25°C in parts of England and Wales. A high-pressure system will block rain and strong winds that usually come from the Atlantic, leading to generally dry and sunny conditions except in northwest Scotland.
Key Facts
Temperatures may rise to 25°C in parts of England and Wales next week, which is warmer than usual.
An area of high pressure will form near the UK, blocking wet weather from the Atlantic.
Northwest Scotland is expected to have some rain, but most of the UK will stay dry.
The past few weeks have been windy and rainy, with much of Wales and England still in drought.
Over the weekend, northern UK will have sunshine with showers mainly in Scotland; southern UK will be cloudier and muggy.
By the start of next week, dry weather and lighter winds are expected for most of the UK.
Temperatures in Scotland and Northern Ireland may reach around 20°C, with southern England seeing 22°C on Sunday.
The current weather changes are not linked to the El Niño in the Pacific Ocean, though El Niño may bring stormy weather later in autumn.
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Thirty-seven people suspected of illegal mining died while held by Nigeria’s civil defence forces in Niger state. Authorities are investigating whether the deaths were caused by disease or poor conditions like overcrowding and bad air circulation.
Key Facts
The deaths happened in a detention center run by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps in Niger state.
Officials and reports conflict, with some blaming a disease outbreak and others pointing to overcrowding and poor ventilation.
Niger state is large, mineral-rich, and attracts many small-scale miners hoping to find gold.
The governor declared three days of mourning and postponed election campaigning after the incident.
The Nigerians Security and Civil Defence Corps had detained many suspected illegal miners shortly before the deaths.
Protests followed the deaths, causing some damage in the state capital, Minna.
Illegal mining in Niger state is linked to criminal gangs who demand money from miners and help smuggle gold abroad.
Niger state also has valuable minerals like tantalite, copper, and lithium used in electric cars and clean energy.
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At least 48 people have died and around 100 others are being treated in southern Nigeria after drinking a local alcoholic drink suspected to contain methanol, a toxic chemical. Officials have arrested 15 people connected to the case and are investigating the source of the methanol-contaminated drink.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Ondo state, in the Odigbo and Irele areas of southern Nigeria.
About 182 people have been affected by the drink; some have lost vision and suffered kidney and brain damage.
Methanol is a poisonous substance that can cause blindness and death when consumed.
Police arrested 15 people, including one involved in producing the suspicious drink.
Locals say the dangerous drink may have been a version of a popular herbal alcoholic drink called "Monkey Tail."
The first death was reported nearly two weeks before the announcement.
Nigeria’s food and drug agency has banned alcohol sold in small plastic containers because they are easily available to children.
Drinking locally made alcohol is common in Nigeria, especially in rural areas where it is cheaper and less regulated.
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Iran has expelled a Swedish diplomat after Sweden ordered an Iranian embassy official to leave Stockholm. Both countries said the actions were in response to each other and related to diplomatic rules and security concerns.
Key Facts
Sweden expelled an Iranian embassy official for activities against diplomatic rules.
Iran called Sweden’s action “unjustified” and linked it to external political influence.
Iran summoned the Swedish ambassador in Tehran to complain about Sweden’s policies.
Iran accused Sweden of allowing groups hostile to Iran to operate in the country.
Iran gave a Swedish diplomat 48 hours to leave as a reciprocal measure.
Sweden said the expulsion was to protect its citizens and interests.
Swedish officials mentioned concerns about Iranian activities targeting Jewish and Israeli interests in Sweden.
Both countries referenced the Vienna Convention, which sets rules for diplomats.
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Doctors in St. Louis completed a 24-hour surgery to separate twin sisters who were joined at the head. After the operation, the two-year-old girls were able to see each other face-to-face for the first time.
Key Facts
The twins were joined at the head, a condition known as craniopagus.
They were two years old when the surgery took place.
The surgery lasted 24 hours.
The operation happened at a children's hospital in St. Louis.
The twins saw each other face-to-face right after they were separated.
This type of surgery is very complex and rare.
A reporter named Ian Lee covered the story for CBS News.
The event was shared through CBS News platforms, including their app.
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The U.S. State Department has approved a possible sale of F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia worth $24 billion. This decision comes even though some defense officials and members of Congress had concerns about the deal.
Key Facts
The State Department gave initial approval for selling F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia.
The sale could be valued at about $24 billion.
F-35 jets are advanced fighter aircraft used by the U.S. military.
Some U.S. defense officials were worried about sharing this technology.
Lawmakers also expressed concerns about the sale.
The approval is a step in allowing Saudi Arabia to buy these jets.
Further government reviews and approvals may still be required.
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Latvia has banned hockey player Alex Ovechkin and boxing official Umar Kremlev from entering the country. This decision came after Ovechkin appeared in a political ad for a party supported by Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Key Facts
Latvia barred Alex Ovechkin, a Washington Capitals hockey player, from entering the country.
Ovechkin appeared in a political ad for a Russian party backed by President Vladimir Putin.
Umar Kremlev, president of the International Boxing Association, was also banned from Latvia.
The decision was made by Latvia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Baiba Braže.
The bans are part of Latvia’s list of people they want to keep out due to political reasons.
The move reflects Latvia’s stance against Russian political influence.
Ovechkin is a well-known Russian athlete, and Kremlev holds a key boxing leadership role.
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A video shows a young child trying to run away from home but quickly facing the challenges of the outside world. The clip highlights a common childhood experience where kids test their independence and learn about reality.
Key Facts
The video captures a child planning to run away from home.
The child soon encounters difficulties outside the home environment.
The situation illustrates a common childhood rite of passage.
The footage was featured in a CBS News story by Tony Dokoupil.
This story was made available on the CBS News app and website.
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A synagogue in Michigan has reopened six months after a terrorist attack. The attacker used a truck loaded with explosives to damage the building, but now it has been repaired and is open again.
Key Facts
The attack happened six months ago at a synagogue in Michigan.
A truck filled with explosives was driven into the synagogue.
The attack caused major damage to the building.
The synagogue has now been repaired and restored.
Photos have been released showing the synagogue reopened.
The reopening marks a recovery from the attack.
The incident was treated as a terrorist attack by authorities.
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