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Iran is facing many problems both inside the country and with other nations, especially in its ongoing war with the US. Internal issues include economic struggles, public protests, and government actions like executions, while the conflict is expanding to nearby countries like Yemen, Iraq, and Egypt.
Key Facts
Iran has been in a war with the US for five months, and this conflict is growing to involve other countries.
Inside Iran, many people are upset about rising living costs, public executions, and government control of media.
Millions of people attended the funeral of Iran’s leader Ali Khamenei, showing some public support, but there are also signs of unrest.
Iran’s officials warn that economic problems are seen as part of the war strategy against the country.
There are regular protests against government actions, including secret trials and public executions.
Human rights activists describe daily life in Iran as full of repeated crises, from power cuts to anxiety about the war.
Some Iranian political groups warn that ignoring protests could lead to serious problems.
Parts of the Iranian reformist movement warn against viewing talks with the US as giving up or losing.
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Child soldiers in Sudan have been forced to fight in the ongoing war between Sudan’s Rapid Support Forces (RSF) and the army. Some children were trained and guarded by Colombian mercenaries who helped the RSF, and were shackled to weapons during attacks on the capital, Khartoum.
Key Facts
The war in Sudan is now in its fourth year between the RSF and the Sudanese army.
Children as young as 15 have been kidnapped and forced to fight for the RSF.
Some of these child soldiers were trained and guarded by Colombian mercenaries working with the RSF.
The mercenaries are believed to have been recruited by a company linked to the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Human rights groups and a U.N. panel say the UAE has sent weapons to support the RSF, but the UAE denies this, claiming the shipments were for humanitarian aid.
Children were shackled to anti-aircraft guns on pickup trucks and forced to shoot at warplanes during attacks.
The children were kept bound continuously, not allowed to bathe normally, and punished severely for any disobedience.
These accounts come from six former child soldiers who spoke to the Associated Press anonymously for safety reasons.
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A report by The Associated Press reveals that child soldiers in Sudan’s conflict are being trained by Colombian mercenaries working with Sudan’s paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF). The report includes first-hand accounts from former child soldiers describing harsh conditions and forced combat roles.
Key Facts
Tens of thousands of children, some as young as 8, have been forced to fight in Sudan’s ongoing conflict.
Former child soldiers described being tied to weapons and threatened with death if they did not follow orders.
Colombian mercenaries, veterans of Colombia’s internal conflicts, have been hired to train these child soldiers.
The RSF has been accused of human rights abuses and using child soldiers on the front lines.
A United Nations panel reported that weapons sent to the RSF came from the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
The UAE denies supplying arms or recruiting fighters for the RSF, claiming shipments were humanitarian aid.
The child soldiers spoke about brutal treatment, including beatings and torture for disobedience.
The accounts were gathered from children at a military-run rehabilitation center in Sudan’s capital, Khartoum.
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Residents of Piddington, a small village in England, are planning a symbolic vote to declare independence from the United Kingdom and join the United States. This protest arises from government plans to house over 1,200 asylum seekers in a nearby former military barracks, which villagers oppose.
Key Facts
Piddington is a small English village near Oxfordshire with around 400 residents.
The UK government plans to house about 1,250 male asylum seekers at the Bicester Garrison site, a former military barracks near Piddington.
Villagers strongly oppose the plan and are organizing a non-binding referendum to declare independence from the UK and join the U.S.
The referendum is symbolic and not legally recognized by the British government.
The vote to hold the referendum had 96% support from participants on July 4, 2026.
Local leaders compare their protest to the American Revolution for independence.
Critics worry the housing plan could cause social tensions and prefer faster processing of asylum claims instead.
The British Home Office supports using military sites to house asylum seekers as an alternative to hotels.
Elon Musk expressed support for the villagers’ concerns on social media.
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Pakistan’s security forces have been accused of killing dozens of unarmed protesters during recent demonstrations in the part of Kashmir controlled by Pakistan. Some experts have questioned whether Pakistan is using similar tactics to those seen in Indian-administered Kashmir.
Key Facts
Dozens of unarmed protesters were reportedly killed by Pakistani security forces in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
These events happened during a week of demonstrations in the region.
The accusations come amid ongoing tensions in Kashmir, a region divided between India and Pakistan.
Al Jazeera interviewed experts to discuss if Pakistan is using methods similar to India’s approach in Kashmir.
The situation reflects long-standing conflict and control issues in the Kashmir region.
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The UK Supreme Court has allowed Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, to challenge the ban on the group. The group was labeled a terrorist organization last year, but courts have disagreed on whether this ban is legal. The final decision will happen later this year.
Key Facts
Palestine Action was banned as a terrorist group in the UK in July last year.
Huda Ammori, co-founder of Palestine Action, is fighting to overturn the ban.
The UK high court ruled the ban was unlawful because it was disproportionate.
The court of appeal reversed that decision last month, upholding the ban.
The UK Supreme Court allowed Ammori to appeal the court of appeal’s ruling.
The Supreme Court will hear the case in the last part of this year.
Over 3,500 people arrested for supporting Palestine Action are waiting for the final ruling.
Their cases are paused until the ban’s legality is confirmed.
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Hundreds of migrants have crossed into the Spanish enclave of Ceuta from Morocco by swimming, causing a large influx that local authorities say is overwhelming reception centers. Spanish officials are working with Moroccan and international partners to manage the situation and restore order.
Key Facts
More than 1,500 migrants, including adults and children, reached Ceuta by sea in recent days.
Ceuta and Melilla are the only European Union land borders with Africa.
The arrival of migrants has created a humanitarian and social emergency in Ceuta, with reception centers full.
About 300 migrants arrive each day, raising concerns of a crisis similar to one in May 2021 when 10,000 crossed in days.
Spanish officials are discussing a national emergency and possible deployment of the army to the border.
Most migrants are Moroccans, with some Algerians who had been living in Morocco.
Spanish Interior Minister described the situation as "extraordinary" and the government is mobilizing resources.
Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said the government is working with Moroccan and international authorities to respond quickly.
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Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said his government refused visas to two U.S. officials who planned to visit Brazil. He accused them of trying to interfere in Brazil's upcoming presidential election, while the U.S. denied these claims.
Key Facts
Two U.S. State Department officials, Riley M. Barnes and Samuel Samson, had their visas denied by Brazil.
The officials were scheduled to visit Brazil in late July to discuss freedom of expression, religion, and election integrity.
President Lula said the officials were sent to meddle in Brazil's October election.
The U.S. State Department called Brazil's accusation a "baseless lie."
Brazil's election is between incumbent President Lula and Flávio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro.
Jair Bolsonaro was sentenced to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup after losing the last election.
Brazil uses electronic voting machines with fingerprint verification and paper trails, which experts say are very secure.
Flávio Bolsonaro has questioned the voting system’s integrity but later said he wants more international election observers.
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Australia’s governor general, Sam Mostyn, has warned that poor understanding of the country’s constitutional system is threatening democracy. She said many adults do not understand how government works, which leads to attacks on institutions and officials. Mostyn called for better education about civics and the constitution to strengthen social unity.
Key Facts
Sam Mostyn is the governor general of Australia and King Charles’s representative in Canberra.
Many Australians lack basic knowledge about how their democracy and government function.
Attacks and threats against elected officials and institutions are increasing, partly fueled by social media.
Schoolchildren and new citizens have a better understanding of government than many adults.
The Australian constitution is 125 years old and was designed to unite states and territories.
Mostyn has focused on kindness, respect, and civics education in her role.
She hosted a meeting with educators and leaders to discuss improving social cohesion and civics teaching.
Abuse and threats against politicians are making public service less appealing, especially at local levels.
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Smoke was seen rising over the city of Ahvaz in southwestern Iran after the US carried out new attacks. Iranian media reported damage to two student dormitories and power outages in parts of the city.
Key Facts
The US conducted strikes in Ahvaz, Iran.
Smoke was visible over the city early Thursday.
Two student dormitory buildings were damaged.
Power outages occurred in parts of Ahvaz.
The attacks were described as "renewed," implying previous strikes.
Iranian state media provided the damage reports.
The location affected is a major city in southwestern Iran.
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The United States has resumed bombing in Iran following a threat from President Donald Trump. A family of three died on Qeshm Island, and there are concerns the conflict may be spreading after a US-owned gas tanker in Egypt was hit by a drone.
Key Facts
The US restarted bombing activities in Iran.
President Donald Trump warned that the US would "hit them hard."
A family of three was killed on Qeshm Island, Iran, during the bombings.
A US-owned gas storage tanker was attacked by a drone at Damietta port in Egypt.
The attack on the tanker raises concerns that the conflict is expanding beyond Iran.
The news is reported by Al Jazeera correspondent Mohammadfff_.
These events mark the 19th day of the ongoing conflict phase titled "War on Iran: Phase II."
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More than twelve people have gotten sick with cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection, in a new outbreak. This outbreak is not connected to lettuce, based on data from the FDA.
Key Facts
Over a dozen cases of cyclosporiasis have been reported in the current outbreak.
The illness is caused by a parasite called Cyclospora.
This outbreak is different from previous ones linked to lettuce.
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is tracking these cases.
Cyclosporiasis usually spreads through contaminated food or water.
Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and fatigue.
The FDA is investigating the source of this outbreak to prevent more cases.
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More than half of England and all of Wales are currently in drought, marking the third drought event in five years. Despite some normal rainfall in winter and reservoir levels being near average, drought conditions have developed mainly due to low recent rainfall, high temperatures, and water demand affecting rivers and underground water stores.
Key Facts
Over half of England and the whole of Wales have been declared in drought this week.
This is the third drought event in the last five years in the region.
Farmers report lower crop yields, earlier harvesting, and increased field fires.
Winter saw above-average rainfall, and reservoirs remain near typical levels for the season.
Rivers and groundwater levels have dropped significantly because of little recent rain and hot weather.
Drought impacts differ depending on factors like water use and who experiences the effects.
Temporary water use bans, such as hosepipe bans, are affecting around 20 million people.
Areas dependent on groundwater, such as South East England and chalk regions, are experiencing below-normal water levels.
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BTS announced they will not submit their new album or songs for the 2027 Grammy Awards. The Recording Academy CEO responded by explaining the new Best Asian Pop Music Performance category was created to support more Asian artists, not to separate them from other awards.
Key Facts
BTS decided not to enter their album “ARIRANG” for the 2027 Grammys.
The Recording Academy added a new category called Best Asian Pop Music Performance in June 2026.
This category covers music genres like K-pop, J-pop, and C-pop.
Some fans felt the new category might limit Asian artists from the main Grammy awards.
The Grammy CEO, Harvey Mason Jr., said the new category aims to celebrate Asian music diversity and increase recognition.
Artists can still be nominated in both genre-specific and general Grammy categories.
BTS has been nominated five times at the Grammys but has not won yet.
The first K-pop Grammy win was recently awarded for a song in a Netflix animated film.
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Pope Leo, the first pope from the United States, spoke about his love for America and its principles of freedom and welcoming immigrants. He shared his family’s mixed history of immigrants, slaves, and slave owners, and emphasized his role as a global religious leader rather than just an American.
Key Facts
Pope Leo is the first US-born pope.
He described America as a land of freedom, opportunity, and a welcoming home for immigrants.
His grandparents were immigrants, and on his mother’s side, there were both slaves and slave owners.
He sees himself primarily as the pope with a global mission, not only as an American.
Pope Leo has criticized President Trump’s immigration policies, calling them harsh.
The pope praised America’s welcoming history on the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence.
He visited the Italian island of Lampedusa, a key entry point for migrants coming to Europe.
Pope Leo has not yet accepted an invitation from President Trump to visit the White House but hopes to visit the US soon.
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A seven-year-old boy named Musa Ahmed died a week after being rescued from the sea in West Mersea, Essex. The rescue involved six family members who faced danger in strong tides, resulting in the deaths of Musa, his cousin Sameeha Rahman, and her mother Shelina.
Key Facts
Musa Ahmed and five relatives got into trouble in the sea on 22 July.
Musa was airlifted to London but died a week later.
Musa’s 15-year-old cousin Sameeha Rahman and her mother Shelina, 41, drowned at the scene.
The group was caught by a very strong tide at West Mersea beach.
Police say the group made strong efforts to help each other.
Around 100 people attended a vigil to remember the victims.
People on the beach tried to rescue those in trouble, including Craig Bowe, who helped Musa onto a lifeboat.
Colchester City Council and West Mersea Town Council plan to install warning signs at the beach to improve safety.
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Irish singer-songwriter Glen Hansard, known for writing the music for the film "Once," died on July 29, 2026, at age 56. He gained fame as a street performer in Dublin and later became a member of the band The Frames and part of the duo The Swell Season.
Key Facts
Glen Hansard was an Irish musician and songwriter.
He won an Oscar for the music in the movie "Once."
"Once" was later turned into a Tony Award-winning musical.
Hansard grew up performing music on the streets of Dublin.
He was a member of the rock band The Frames.
He was part of the musical duo The Swell Season with Markéta Irglová.
Hansard died on July 29, 2026, at the age of 56.
CBS News aired a profile of him from 2013 and shared footage of him busking in New York City.
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British police arrested dozens of people at a rally outside a London court supporting Palestine Action, a group banned as a terrorist organization in the UK. The protest was organized as court hearings began for dozens charged with supporting Palestine Action.
Key Facts
Palestine Action is banned in the UK under the Terrorism Act.
The rally took place outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court in London.
The protest was organized by Defend Our Juries, a group seeking to protect the legal process.
Supporters waved Palestinian flags and voiced opposition to Israeli actions in Gaza and the West Bank.
Palestinian supporters say violence by Israeli settlers in the West Bank has increased and is linked to government policy.
The protest is the first since Andy Burnham became UK Prime Minister and Labour Party leader.
UK Green Party leader Zack Polanski called for the ban on Palestine Action to be lifted.
Defend Our Juries criticized UK terrorism laws for punishing peaceful support for Palestine Action.
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The conflict between the U.S. and Iran is leading to violence spreading to other countries in the Middle East. This expansion is causing concern about a larger regional conflict.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Iran have been involved in military strikes against each other.
The fighting is no longer limited to just these two countries.
Neighboring Middle Eastern countries are becoming involved or affected.
The situation is raising fears of a wider war in the region.
CBS News reporters Charlie D'Agata and Olivia Rinaldi are covering these developments.
The news report is available on the CBS News app.
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France is still facing a very high risk of wildfires even though the weather has slightly improved. The country's interior minister said dry conditions and several active fires across France continue to be a serious problem.
Key Facts
France has an ongoing wildfire risk described as "extremely high."
Weather conditions improved slightly with higher humidity and weaker winds.
Despite this, 26 fires were active nationwide on July 29, 2026.
A persistent drought has left vegetation very dry and prone to catching fire.
Interior Minister Laurent Nunez highlighted the continued difficulty in controlling wildfires.
The situation remains complicated due to fast-spreading blazes.
Authorities are monitoring the fires carefully as they affect many regions.
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