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Two firefighters died while fighting a wildfire on the Greek island of Crete. Meanwhile, firefighters in southern France are battling a huge wildfire that has spread over an area four times the size of Paris, forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate homes in France and Spain.
Key Facts
Two firefighters died on Crete while fighting a wildfire.
A massive wildfire in France’s Gironde region covers an area about four times the size of Paris.
More than 300,000 people have been evacuated from homes and vacation spots in France and Spain due to wildfires.
Firefighters in France and Spain are facing difficult conditions from high heat, drought, and strong winds.
Investigators think routine brush-clearing work near a high-voltage power line might have started the fire in France.
Over 2,200 firefighters and more than 20 aircraft are working to control the French wildfire, with help from other European countries.
Local volunteers are also helping to contain the fires by clearing land and supplying water to firefighters.
July 29, 2026, was predicted to be the hottest and driest day in France that week, increasing wildfire risks across the country.
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A CBS News show "48 Hours" will investigate the death of a woman found dead in a popular New York City hotel called Soho House. The report will explore whether her death was caused by her boyfriend or if it was an accident.
Key Facts
The incident involves the death of a swimsuit designer woman.
She was found dead in the Soho House hotel in New York City.
The boyfriend is the son of an Oscar-winning songwriter.
There is a question whether she was strangled or died by accident.
The story will be covered by correspondent Troy Roberts.
The episode will air on Saturday, August 1 at 10 p.m. Eastern Time.
It will be available on CBS TV and streaming on Paramount+.
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Large wildfires near Bordeaux, France, have caused widespread damage, forcing 220,000 people to evacuate and threatening the local economy. The fires harm the wine industry and tourism, which are important for the region’s income.
Key Facts
Wildfires in Bordeaux have burned an area four times the size of Paris.
About 220,000 people have been forced to leave their homes due to the fires.
Bordeaux’s wine industry faces setbacks as smoke affects vineyards and tourism declines.
The Bordeaux wine market has already been struggling due to changing consumer habits and international tariffs.
Tourism was growing in the Bordeaux wine sector but is now negatively impacted by the fires.
The fires have damaged not only forests but also cultural sites and attractions in the region.
Bordeaux is known for its vineyards, historic sites, beaches, and oyster farming.
The regional chamber of commerce warns that the fires will severely hurt the local economy.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia worked together to attack groups in Iraq that are supported by Iran. This ended a few days of quiet in the conflict involving Iran. The U.S. also prevented an unexpected attack on its base in Jordan.
Key Facts
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia carried out strikes on Iran-backed groups in Iraq.
These attacks ended four days of calm in the ongoing conflict.
The targeted groups receive support from Iran.
The U.S. stopped a surprise attack aimed at its base in Jordan.
The incident marks a new phase in the tensions involving Iran and its regional proxies.
Saudi Arabia joined the U.S. in military action for the first time in this conflict.
The information was reported by CBS News journalist Charlie D’Agata.
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Heavy rain caused serious flooding in parts of the Northeast, including New Jersey and eastern Pennsylvania. Emergency teams helped rescue people trapped on flooded streets and highways.
Key Facts
New Jersey received up to 5 inches of rain on Tuesday.
The rain led to major flooding in some areas.
Emergency responders rescued people from flooded streets.
Eastern Pennsylvania also experienced flooded roads and highways.
The flooding disrupted travel and caused safety concerns.
The heavy rain was part of a larger weather event affecting the Northeast.
Local authorities urged people to stay safe and avoid flooded areas.
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Two sisters in their thirties from New Hampshire both suffered unexpected cardiac arrests despite having no prior medical problems. Each received emergency CPR, medical treatment, and now have implanted devices to prevent future heart issues while seeking answers about the cause.
Key Facts
Kayla Messana (35) had a cardiac arrest in 2022 at age 31 during a normal evening at home.
Her husband performed CPR until paramedics arrived; she went into cardiac arrest 10 times in 24 hours.
Kayla was diagnosed with heart failure and received a subcutaneous implantable cardioverter-defibrillator (S-ICD).
Her sister Kendra Cunningham (38) suffered a cardiac arrest in 2026 while feeding her newborn twins.
Kendra also received CPR, emergency care, was placed in a medically induced coma, and fitted with an S-ICD.
Both sisters had no medical history or genetic test results explaining their cardiac arrests.
Sudden cardiac arrest affects about 1,000 people daily in the U.S. and has a high fatality rate.
The sisters want to participate in research to find out why they experienced these events and are concerned about their children’s health.
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Prime Minister Andy Burnham of England has proposed big changes to the social care system. He announced a plan with three main goals to improve care and asked other political parties to work together on this. A review of social care led by Baroness Casey will help guide the changes.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham is the Prime Minister of England.
He wants to reform the current social care system, which helps adults who need support.
Burnham introduced a three-point plan to improve social care services.
A review of social care is underway, led by Baroness Casey.
Burnham invited the Conservative and Liberal Democrat parties to join in the reform efforts.
Social care in England has been reviewed 22 times before but has not seen lasting changes.
The plan includes discussing how to fund the reforms needed to fix social care.
The news was discussed on a BBC podcast called Newscast, featuring experts and reporters.
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A woman from Michigan was in a car crash in Montana but was unharmed. However, a CT scan at the hospital revealed a rare tumor on her pancreas, which was then surgically removed before it could become cancerous.
Key Facts
Tracy Broomfield, 50, was in a car crash when she was 34 during a road trip in Montana.
The car hydroplaned and crashed into a mountain, but both she and her partner seemed fine.
She went to the hospital because of chest pain and had a CT scan.
The scan showed no crash injuries but discovered a rare solid pseudopapillary tumor on her pancreas.
These tumors are rare and usually have no symptoms; about 15% can turn cancerous.
Doctors removed half of her pancreas, which led to her developing diabetes.
She recovered from surgery in under three months despite the difficult time, including her father’s death.
Broomfield shared her story online, saying she feels lucky the crash led to finding the tumor early.
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A firefighter in Gironde, France, used smart glasses to record the efforts of his team as they fought a wildfire near the village of Le Las on July 27, 2026. The video shows the challenging conditions firefighters face while battling the blaze.
Key Facts
The wildfire occurred in Gironde, a department in southwest France.
The firefighter used smart glasses, a wearable device with a built-in camera, to film on the ground.
The footage shows other firefighters actively working to control the fire.
The wildfire struck the village of Le Las and nearby areas.
France is experiencing strong heatwaves that make firefighting harder.
Authorities and the army are involved in managing and fighting the fires.
The event highlights growing concerns about climate change and increased wildfires in the region.
Efforts are also underway to protect forest wildlife affected by the fires.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met with President Donald Trump in Washington, where Trump agreed to allow Ukraine to produce Patriot air defense missiles. This decision came as the war with Russia enters a new phase, with Ukraine also receiving new U.S. sanctions targeting countries that buy Russian oil.
Key Facts
President Zelensky visited Washington and met President Trump in the Oval Office.
Trump agreed to move forward with production licenses for Patriot air defense missiles for Ukraine.
Ukraine’s existing Patriot missile supplies had nearly run out, limiting their defense against Russian attacks.
New U.S. sanctions are being advanced against countries buying Russian oil to pressure Moscow.
Ukraine requested 300 Patriot interceptors urgently, aiming to have them by winter.
Ukrainian and U.S. defense officials are exploring ways to convert Ukrainian ballistic missiles for air defense.
A potential visit to Kyiv by U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner might happen soon to try to help end the war.
This visit marked an improvement in relations between Zelensky and Trump compared to their previous meeting.
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Iran fired many missiles at U.S. forces in the Middle East. In response, the U.S. and Saudi Arabia attacked militias in Iraq supported by Iran, killing at least 20 fighters and six Iranian advisers.
Key Facts
Iran launched missile attacks targeting American forces early Wednesday.
The U.S. and Saudi Arabia struck Tehran-backed militias in Iraq.
At least 20 militia fighters and six Iranian advisers were killed.
The identities of some casualties were not fully confirmed.
The militia officials providing information spoke anonymously.
These clashes increased the chance of wider conflict in the region.
The recent fighting follows a period of relative calm lasting several days.
The conflict has already affected the global economy and concerns U.S. military supplies.
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The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) reported that it stopped a surprise missile attack planned by Iran. The event involved strikes in the Middle East related to this threat.
Key Facts
CENTCOM is the U.S. military command responsible for the Middle East region.
Iran planned a missile attack against U.S. interests.
The U.S. took actions to prevent the attack from happening.
The situation involved overnight military strikes in the Middle East.
CBS News national security analyst Aaron MacLean discussed the event.
The incident highlights ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The specifics of the missile threat and the strikes have not been fully detailed.
U.S. efforts focused on protecting its personnel and allies in the region.
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President Donald Trump has promised to respond strongly after Iran launched missile attacks on U.S. military sites in the Middle East. The latest attacks followed a recent pause in fighting and came shortly after Trump's meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Key Facts
President Trump said the U.S. will "hit Iran hard" after recent missile attacks on American forces.
Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked a U.S. airbase and command center in Jordan.
All missiles fired by Iran were intercepted, and U.S. forces are on high alert.
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has lasted five months, with at least 18 American soldiers killed.
A ceasefire reached last month between Washington and Tehran ended in early July.
The U.S. and Israel have different views on how to continue the conflict; Israel wants to remove Iran’s government, while the U.S. seeks strategic pauses.
President Trump has previously threatened to attack Iranian nuclear and civilian sites, which experts say could be war crimes.
Public support in the U.S. for the war is low, including among President Trump's political supporters.
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Russia's Federal Security Service (FSB) has charged Pavel Durov, the creator of Russia’s biggest social network VKontakte and the popular messaging app Telegram, with aiding terrorist activity. The FSB claims Durov refused to remove content linked to Ukraine’s intelligence and extremist groups, but experts say the real issue is Telegram’s resistance to Kremlin censorship and control.
Key Facts
Pavel Durov founded VKontakte and Telegram, which has about a billion users worldwide.
Durov is now based in Dubai and has been placed on an international wanted list by Russia.
The FSB accuses him of helping terrorist activity by not removing certain Telegram channels and bots.
Telegram is widely used in Russia by politicians, journalists, and millions of people for communication.
Russian state groups also use Telegram for military and intelligence activities, including disinformation.
The Kremlin sees Telegram as a threat because it promotes privacy and free speech, limiting government control.
Durov was also arrested in France in 2024 over content moderation issues but was allowed to leave during investigations.
Experts say Telegram acts like a substitute for civil society and public criticism in Russia, where open protest is restricted.
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The US and Saudi Arabia conducted air strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq, killing at least 20 fighters and heightening tensions in the region. Iran responded by launching missiles at US bases in Jordan, marking a large escalation in conflict after a recent pause, as Iraq condemned the attacks as violations of its sovereignty.
Key Facts
The US and Saudi strikes targeted Iran-backed Popular Mobilisation Forces (PMF) sites in Iraq.
At least 20 fighters were killed in these strikes.
Iran launched missile attacks on US military sites in Jordan in retaliation.
President Donald Trump said the US would respond strongly to Iran and claimed coordination with the Iraqi government, despite Baghdad’s opposition.
The Iraqi presidency called the air raids a clear violation of Iraq’s sovereignty and targeting of official institutions.
Iraq’s Prime Minister cancelled a meeting with Saudi Arabia’s Crown Prince following the strikes.
The PMF is a group of mostly Shia militias formed in 2014 to fight ISIS and backed by Iran.
Saudi Arabia’s open involvement in strikes against Iranian allies marks a new phase in the regional conflict, which has been growing more chaotic.
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A man named Alex Jenkinson is accused of threatening Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor near his home on the Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. Jenkinson will go on trial in December, and Mountbatten-Windsor is expected to give evidence by video.
Key Facts
Alex Jenkinson, 39, is charged with making Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor fear violence during a dog walk on 6 May.
Jenkinson denies the charge of using threatening or abusive behavior against Mountbatten-Windsor.
He also faces a similar charge for threatening another man, Stephen Terry, the day before.
Jenkinson cannot come near royal residences like Sandringham, Buckingham Palace, or Windsor while on bail.
He is banned from contacting or approaching Mountbatten-Windsor or entering Norfolk.
The trial starts on 21 December and will include Mountbatten-Windsor’s testimony by videolink.
Mountbatten-Windsor recently left Royal Lodge and is living in Marsh Farm after losing his royal titles due to links with Jeffrey Epstein.
The King removed Mountbatten-Windsor’s title of prince and dukedom last year, but Mountbatten-Windsor denies any wrongdoing.
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The United States and Saudi Arabia carried out joint strikes on Iran-backed militias in Iraq on July 29, 2026, increasing tensions in the Middle East. This action followed a meeting between President Donald Trump and the Israeli prime minister amid an ongoing military campaign against Iran.
Key Facts
The US and Saudi Arabia struck militias backed by Iran on July 29, 2026.
These strikes took place in Iraq.
This military action is part of a wider conflict in the Middle East.
President Donald Trump met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for the first time since the campaign started.
The meeting and strikes happen as the US midterm elections approach.
Iran is involved in supporting militias that the US and Saudi Arabia targeted.
The conflict risks escalating due to these recent attacks.
The US accuses Iran of trying to disrupt ceasefire talks.
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A new study shows young adults in the U.S. are smoking fewer cigarettes and using more e-cigarettes and vapes. This change could lower future rates of cancer caused by smoking, but the full effects will take decades to appear.
Key Facts
Cigarette smoking causes over 480,000 deaths each year in the U.S.
In 2022, about 11.6% of U.S. adults smoked cigarettes, down from 42.4% in 1965.
Youth smoking rates dropped from 36.4% in 1997 to 3.8% in 2021.
Younger adults aged 18-34 are switching from combustible tobacco (like cigarettes) to noncombustible products (like e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches).
Combustible tobacco causes about one-third of cancer deaths and 90% of lung cancer deaths.
Older adults (55+) still mostly use traditional cigarettes and are not switching as much to less harmful products.
The decline in smoking is expected to reduce smoking-related cancers in the future.
Researchers will study daily and occasional use of cigarettes and e-cigarettes next for more insight.
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The only zoo in the Dominican Republic is caring for a growing number of animals seized from illegal owners. The government has increased efforts to stop people from keeping exotic animals, leading to many birds, reptiles, and other species being taken away and rehabilitated at the zoo.
Key Facts
Dominican authorities seized 188 exotic animals in 2025, up from 30 in 2023.
So far in 2026, over 8,900 species have been confiscated, mostly small animals like crickets and fish used to feed other animals.
The National Zoological Park in Santo Domingo houses many confiscated animals such as flamingos, crocodiles, and tigers.
Flamingos are the most commonly rescued protected animals and are often illegally taken for decoration in hotels and private homes.
Some people harm flamingos to keep them from flying by cutting their wings.
Rescued flamingos at the zoo receive proper food and care to help them recover before some are released back into the wild.
The zoo faces challenges like limited space and funding, especially because some animals need to be kept separate to avoid fights.
The government runs educational campaigns to discourage illegal ownership of wild animals and suggests using less harmful bird species for decoration.
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Tick bites and diseases carried by ticks are increasing in many parts of the U.S., partly due to changing climates and expanding tick habitats. Experts advise using protective clothing, insect repellents, daily tick checks, and proper tick removal methods to reduce the risk of illness.
Key Facts
Tick season is changing with more tick bites and new tick-borne diseases appearing.
Some tick-related illnesses can look alike, leading to misdiagnosis, like confusing Lyme disease with Bourbon virus.
Alpha-gal syndrome, a red meat allergy caused by tick bites, is becoming more common in areas with many lone star ticks.
Daily tick checks and quick removal of ticks reduce the chance of disease transmission.
Using EPA-approved repellents like DEET or picaridin, wearing permethrin-treated clothes, and showering soon after outdoor exposure help prevent ticks.
To remove ticks safely, use fine-tipped tweezers and pull straight up without twisting or crushing the tick.
Keeping yards clean by cutting grass, removing leaf litter, and reducing brush lowers tick populations near homes.
Saving removed ticks in alcohol can help with testing if illness develops later.
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