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Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events
Scientists studied how chimpanzees and bonobos use touching, hugging, and kissing to calm each other before stressful events like fights over food. This behavior helps them trust and cooperate peacefully and may have started millions of years ago before humans existed.
Key Facts
Researchers observed chimpanzees and bonobos in sanctuaries in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Zambia.
The apes touched and embraced each other before food was given, to reduce stress and build trust.
Physical contact included touching, hugging, kissing, and even putting fingers in mouths.
Groups that showed more close contact were more peaceful when sharing food.
Scientists called these actions "reassurance trains," where many apes hugged in a row.
The behavior is seen as a very old way to communicate and likely existed before humans and apes split from a common ancestor around seven million years ago.
This study was published in the journal Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences.
The findings suggest human gestures like hugs or pats before stressful events may come from these ancient social behaviors.
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Somalia’s government is worried about WhatsApp’s new feature that allows users to chat using usernames instead of phone numbers. They say this could make it harder to track criminals and increase fraud in a country fighting Islamist militants like al-Shabab.
Key Facts
WhatsApp plans to let people use usernames rather than phone numbers to chat.
Somalia’s Communications Minister says this could hurt security and make criminals harder to find.
Somalia relies heavily on mobile money transactions, which could be targeted by fraud.
Al-Shabab, an Islamist militant group, has used WhatsApp for extortion and propaganda.
Somalia has previously shut down WhatsApp groups linked to al-Shabab’s criminal activities.
WhatsApp said phone numbers will still be needed and the new feature includes protections against scams.
India has also raised concerns about usernames increasing fraud and impersonation risks.
Somalia is asking Meta (WhatsApp’s owner) to prove the feature won’t harm digital tracking before allowing it.
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The U.S. military conducted its eleventh night of strikes against Iran, with explosions reported in the Tabriz region in the northwest of the country. These strikes aim to reduce Iran’s ability to threaten commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global trade.
Key Facts
The U.S. began the strikes at 7 pm Eastern Time (2300 GMT) on Tuesday.
Explosions were reported in Tabriz, northwestern Iran, which differs from earlier strikes mainly focused in southern Iran.
The goal of the strikes is to limit Iran’s threat to shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.
The Strait of Hormuz is an important waterway for commercial shipping in the Gulf region.
The strikes resumed after a June 17 agreement between the U.S. and Iran ended.
The U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) oversees these military actions.
There is an ongoing competition between the U.S. and Iran for control of the Gulf’s waterways.
This marks a continuation of heightened tensions between the two countries.
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Severe storms caused flash flooding across the Northeastern United States, affecting areas from Ohio to New England. The National Weather Service warned that the situation was dangerous and could threaten lives.
Key Facts
Storms hit the most populated part of the country on Tuesday.
Widespread flash flooding occurred in states from Ohio to New England.
The National Weather Service described the flooding as dangerous and life-threatening.
The flooding affected roads and communities in multiple states.
Weather experts provided forecasts and updates through news outlets.
Residents were advised to take precautions due to the severe weather.
The storm system brought heavy rain leading to rapid water rise.
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President Donald Trump said the United States is not done attacking Iran as conflict in the Middle East grows. Iran and its allies have launched attacks on Gulf states, while the US responded with strikes and diplomatic talks continue.
Key Facts
President Trump warned Iran would take 20 to 25 years to recover from US attacks.
Iran and its Houthi allies expanded strikes against Gulf states like Jordan, Kuwait, and Bahrain.
Bahrain, Kuwait, and Jordan reported intercepting Iranian drone and missile attacks.
Iran targeted US forces and military sites in the region, including radar and defense systems.
The Iran-backed Houthi rebels threatened to block Saudi ports, potentially affecting oil exports.
Saudi Arabia condemned the Houthi threat and fights between Saudi forces and Houthis recently resumed.
Two oil tankers reversed course in the Red Sea, possibly due to the Houthi threat to port access.
President Trump said the US would act if the Houthis blockaded Saudi ports, recalling past actions against them.
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Tropical Storm Bertha is forming and weather experts are tracking its path. Meteorologists expect the storm to move along a certain route, which they share to help people prepare.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently developing.
Weathercasters are closely monitoring its path.
The storm's expected route has been projected and shared publicly.
The information helps communities prepare for possible weather impacts.
Updates are available through CBS News and their app.
Lonnie Quinn is a chief weathercaster providing this information.
Tropical storms are organized weather systems with strong winds and rain.
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Tropical Storm Bertha is getting stronger in the Gulf of Mexico. The Gulf Coast is preparing for heavy rain and possible dangerous flooding caused by the storm.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is currently active in the Gulf of Mexico.
The storm is increasing in strength.
Areas along the Gulf Coast are expecting heavy rainfall.
There is a risk of flooding from both rain and storm surge, which is water pushed onto land by winds.
Meteorologists are tracking the storm's path closely.
Local communities are taking steps to prepare for potential flooding and dangerous conditions.
Officials may issue warnings to keep people safe from the storm’s impact.
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The Lebanese army has started sending troops to three towns in southern Lebanon. This move is part of a plan supported by the United States to improve security and prevent Hezbollah, a military group, from operating in these areas.
Key Facts
The Lebanese army is deploying in three southern towns.
This deployment is part of a new framework agreement.
The agreement is supported by the United States.
The plan aims to improve security in southern Lebanon.
A main goal is to keep the group Hezbollah out of these towns.
The areas where the army is deploying are called "pilot zones."
The Lebanese army’s ability to maintain security in these zones will be tested.
The agreement involves cooperation linked to Israel.
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Moldova’s parliament elected Vasile Tofan as the new prime minister and approved his government. Tofan’s main goal is to improve the economy and continue Moldova’s process to join the European Union.
Key Facts
Vasile Tofan was elected prime minister with 53 votes in favor, 21 against, and 21 abstentions.
He replaces Alexandru Munteanu, who resigned after only eight months in office.
Tofan is not linked to any political party but was nominated by President Maia Sandu and supported by her party.
Moldova aims to advance EU membership talks, with a plan to join the EU by 2030.
Moldova received EU candidate status in 2022 and started formal membership talks with the EU last month.
The new government plans to revive the economy, reduce budget deficits, and sell state-owned companies.
Moldova is one of Europe’s poorest countries, with a 2.4% economic growth last year.
Moldova’s politics often shift between pro-European and pro-Russian groups; the EU accuses Russia of interfering in Moldova’s elections.
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Lebanon’s president recently visited President Donald Trump at the White House, marking the first visit by a Lebanese leader in almost 20 years. Lebanon and Israel have restarted diplomatic relations with a new agreement aimed at stopping long-standing conflicts, but many people in southern Lebanon remain doubtful and violence continues.
Key Facts
Lebanon's president met with President Donald Trump at the White House.
This was the first visit by a Lebanese head of state to the U.S. in nearly 20 years.
Lebanon and Israel resumed diplomatic relations under President Trump’s administration.
A new deal was signed to try to end decades of war between Lebanon and Israel.
Many people in southern Lebanon are skeptical about the new agreement.
Violence in the region continues despite the deal.
The special correspondent reporting on this is Simona Foltyn.
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Millions of people along the U.S. Gulf Coast are getting ready for Tropical Storm Bertha. In Ukraine, President Zelenskyy removed the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces. In New Jersey, officials reported that over 6,000 noncitizens registered to vote recently, but fewer than 400 actually voted.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Bertha is expected to affect millions along the Gulf Coast.
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy fired the commander-in-chief of Ukraine’s armed forces.
This firing is part of changes in Ukraine’s top military leadership.
New Jersey’s governor said more than 6,000 noncitizens registered to vote in 2023 and 2024.
Fewer than 400 of those registered noncitizens cast a ballot.
The voter registration and turnout numbers were reported by New Jersey’s governor.
The situations reported involve weather, military leadership, and voting registration.
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A humanitarian worker was flown from the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) to a London hospital for monitoring after possible exposure to Ebola. The worker shows no symptoms and is being kept in isolation as a safety precaution during the virus's incubation period.
Key Facts
The worker was treating Ebola patients in the DRC before evacuation.
The UK Health Security Agency arranged a special flight to bring the person to London.
The individual currently shows no signs of Ebola and remains healthy.
Ebola’s incubation period is between 2 and 21 days; the person will be isolated and monitored during this time.
No confirmed Ebola cases exist in the UK, and the risk to the public is low.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated items.
Symptoms include fever, pain, vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and organ problems.
In May, WHO declared an Ebola outbreak in DRC and Uganda a global health emergency.
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The Tokyo Metropolitan Government encourages office workers to wear shorts and casual clothes during hot summer months to stay cool and save energy. While some people welcome the change, some women say the policy is unfair because they must still wear tights and feel uncomfortable seeing men’s leg hair at work.
Key Facts
Tokyo’s government started promoting "Tokyo Cool Biz," allowing shorts and casual wear in offices to help people cope with summer heat.
The initiative builds on a previous campaign called "Cool Biz," started in 2005 to save energy by loosening office dress codes.
A survey showed 53.5% of people opposed wearing shorts at work, mainly due to concerns about body shape and body hair.
Women are more likely than men to feel uncomfortable seeing men’s bare legs and leg hair, calling it "leg hair harassment" or "sunehara."
Some men have started removing leg hair with laser treatments to avoid offending female coworkers.
Japan is experiencing record summer heat, with warnings about "brutally hot days" over 40°C (104°F).
Heatstroke cases have increased, with several deaths and thousands hospitalized recently.
People are also using cooling products like clothes with fans, wet towels, and portable fans to manage the heat.
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Anna Deavere Smith, an actress and playwright, has created a new play called "Basil Biggs" that explores her family history. She spoke about this project during an interview in Philadelphia for the arts and culture series CANVAS.
Key Facts
Anna Deavere Smith is known for her acting roles in TV shows like “The West Wing” and “Nurse Jackie.”
She is also recognized as a playwright, creating unique theatrical dramas about American life.
Her newest work, "Basil Biggs," focuses on her own family's past.
Jeffrey Brown interviewed her in Philadelphia about this project.
The interview is part of an arts and culture series called CANVAS.
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Thousands of dead fish were found in a canal in Sint Maarten, marking the largest fish kill in the area. Officials are working to clean up the fish but face challenges due to limited local equipment.
Key Facts
The fish kill happened in a floodgate canal near Philipsburg, the capital of Sint Maarten.
Thousands of invasive tilapia fish died, likely due to a severe drop in oxygen levels in the water.
Cleanup efforts include using backhoes, and officials are considering small boats and nets to remove the fish.
The strong smell from the dead fish has affected the nearby area.
Local authorities say equipment for this large cleanup is not available on the island.
Fish kills in this region often happen between May and October, the hottest and driest months.
The Nature Foundation of Sint Maarten collected water samples and advised people not to eat the dead fish.
The foundation confirmed that photos and videos of the fish kill are real and not computer-generated images.
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Five adults, including two married couples from Honduras, drowned in Ohio’s Scioto River after trying to help one person who was struggling to swim. The two women’s bodies were recovered Sunday, and the three men’s bodies were found on Monday. Honduran authorities are working with U.S. officials to repatriate the bodies and care for the victims’ children.
Key Facts
Five adults drowned in the Scioto River in Ohio after entering the water to help someone having trouble swimming.
Two of the couples were from Honduras; four of the five adults have been confirmed as Honduran citizens.
The two women’s bodies were recovered on Sunday, and the three men’s bodies on Monday.
The victims’ children, aged 8 and 10, are currently under the care of the state of Ohio.
Honduran officials are coordinating with U.S. authorities to bring the bodies back to Honduras; this process may take at least a month.
One child escaped the riverbank during the incident and cried out for his mother while running near a busy road.
A GoFundMe campaign has been started to help with funeral, transportation, and childcare expenses.
The river was running high and fast despite appearing calm on the surface at the time of the tragedy.
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Andy Burnham became the new prime minister of the U.K., replacing Keir Starmer and forming a new Cabinet. He promised to focus on lowering the cost of living and addressing major issues like homelessness, while also changing key government roles and preparing to manage foreign relations, including with President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham was appointed as the U.K.’s new prime minister, succeeding Keir Starmer.
Burnham’s first Cabinet meeting focused on a "one-team approach" despite removing many of Starmer’s supporters.
Burnham announced a tax cut on electricity bills saving the average household about £45 a year, starting October 1.
The government will fund this tax cut by cancelling a planned digital ID card program from Starmer’s time.
Key Cabinet changes include John Healey as finance minister and Wes Streeting now defense secretary.
Burnham aims to ease the cost of living, decentralize power, boost industry, and end homelessness.
Burnham has limited foreign policy experience but has already spoken warmly with U.S. President Donald Trump.
Burnham also communicated with leaders like Ukraine’s President Zelenskyy and French President Macron.
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Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy replaced the country’s military commander Oleksandr Syrskyi with Mykhailo Drapatyi after protests called for changes in military leadership. The changes come amid ongoing conflict with Russia and rising civilian casualties reported by the United Nations.
Key Facts
President Zelenskyy fired Oleksandr Syrskyi as Ukraine’s commander-in-chief.
Mykhailo Drapatyi was appointed as the new military leader.
The leadership change followed protests after the removal of Defence Minister Mykhailo Fedorov.
Protesters wanted better military plans and accountability due to rising Ukrainian war casualties.
The UN reported a 37% rise in civilian deaths and injuries in Ukraine during the first half of 2026 compared to the previous year.
Both Ukraine and Russia have increased air strikes targeting important infrastructure.
Ukraine is short of Patriot interceptor missiles used to defend against Russian ballistic missiles.
Ukraine has intensified attacks on Russian targets, including oil depots, causing casualties and damage.
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In Port Talbot, Wales, a busy section of the M4 motorway runs on elevated concrete pillars about 45 feet above some people's back gardens. Residents say the motorway provides shelter from rain and sun, and they have adapted to the noise and other effects of living close to the road.
Key Facts
The M4 motorway in Port Talbot opened on 22 July 1966 and is one of the first sections of the UK motorway network.
Around 75,000 vehicles pass over the elevated section daily.
The motorway sits about 45 feet (14 meters) above some gardens and homes in the town.
Residents use the space under the motorway as a dry area and sunshade.
Noise from vehicles is described as a background sound, often unnoticed when inside homes.
People living nearby experience some litter from vehicles above.
The area beneath the motorway provides shelter for children to play even when it rains.
Building the motorway led to the demolition of homes and displacement of communities in Port Talbot.
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President Donald Trump said the United States will soon strike an area near Pickaxe Mountain in Iran. This site is a fortified underground location close to one of Iran's main nuclear enrichment facilities.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the U.S. will target the area near Pickaxe Mountain in Iran.
Pickaxe Mountain is a fortified underground site linked to Iran’s nuclear program.
The strike is planned to stop Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon.
Trump said the U.S. will hit that area "very heavily" and "pretty soon."
He was asked if Iran moved nuclear equipment to the site and said it only matters if Iran has uranium there.
Trump mentioned that the U.S. tracks nuclear material to understand where the activity is.
The comments came during a news briefing on Tuesday.
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