President Donald Trump is using a two-part strategy to pressure Iran. This includes stronger economic sanctions and military strikes, aiming to stop Iran from gaining more power, especially nuclear weapons, amid ongoing tensions in the region.
Key Facts
President Trump launched "Operation Economic Outcast" to isolate Iran from global trade partners.
The U.S. has resumed military strikes against Iran, leading to Iranian retaliation.
The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has lasted more than six months without clear resolution.
Despite the military and economic pressure, Iran’s government has not changed its position.
Rising energy prices and economic instability are linked to the conflict, affecting global markets.
President Trump said the war would not last much longer and emphasized preventing Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
The situation is affecting domestic politics in both the U.S. (with midterm elections) and Iran.
Some diplomats believe talks cannot succeed unless the conflict involving Israel is addressed.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel released one Lebanese civilian prisoner and agreed to free five more, the first prisoner handover since fighting between Israel and Hezbollah started six months ago. This exchange came after Lebanon helped search for bodies of Lebanese Jewish leaders who were killed in the 1980s, and both countries continue talks amid ongoing tensions and conflict in the region.
Key Facts
Israel released one Lebanese civilian prisoner named Malek Ghazi through the International Committee of the Red Cross at the Lebanon border.
Israel will free five more detainees who were found not to be involved in terrorism after interrogation.
The prisoner release followed Lebanon’s help in searching for bodies of Lebanese Jewish leaders killed in the 1980s.
Lebanon and Israel started US-brokered negotiations in April to discuss prisoners and security arrangements.
Lebanon claims at least 30 of its citizens are held by Israel since the war began in 2024.
A deal in June involves disarming Hezbollah, Israeli troop withdrawal from southern Lebanon, and Lebanese army deployment in specific zones.
Despite the agreement, Israeli forces have continued attacks and military movements in southern Lebanon.
The conflict escalated after Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in retaliation for actions linked to Iran, resulting in thousands of deaths in Lebanon.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Israel’s far-right national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, proposed a plan to force all Palestinians to leave the Gaza Strip and move abroad. The plan aims to expel 250,000 Palestinians in the first year and the rest over six years, despite international laws against forced displacement.
Key Facts
Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israel’s national security minister and leader of the far-right Jewish Power party.
The plan calls for removing up to 2 million Palestinians from Gaza over six years.
Ben-Gvir claims some countries are ready to accept Palestinians but did not name them.
Forced removal of civilians in occupied areas is considered a war crime under international law (Geneva Conventions).
The plan is described as a “National Work Plan for Voluntary Emigration,” but conditions in Gaza suggest the move would not be truly voluntary.
Israel’s defense minister, Israel Katz, said Israel is seeking support from President Donald Trump’s administration for this plan.
President Donald Trump previously suggested Palestinians leave Gaza and the US rebuild the area but later withdrew the idea.
Israel controls about 65% of Gaza territory as part of ongoing military operations, exceeding previous ceasefire agreements.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Toronto and nearby areas in southern Ontario, Canada, experienced severe weather including heavy rain, large hail, and strong winds. These storms caused flooding, knocked down trees, and led to power outages affecting thousands of people.
Key Facts
The storms hit the Greater Toronto Area and parts of southern Ontario.
Heavy rain and large hail fell quickly, causing streets to flood.
Strong winds damaged trees and power lines.
Thousands of residents lost electricity due to the storms.
Videos showed fast-moving hailstones and water covering roads.
The weather event was described as severe and caused disruption.
Emergency services responded to the damage and flooding.
The storms are part of a severe weather pattern affecting the region.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Farmers in Gaza are rebuilding a seed bank that was destroyed during the conflict with Israel. The seed bank now contains about 32 types of local crops and helps protect the farming traditions in the area, although it is still too small to meet all agricultural needs.
Key Facts
The original seed bank in Gaza was destroyed during the war.
Farmers are working to restore the seed bank to save local crop varieties.
The seed bank currently holds about 32 different types of seeds.
The goal is to preserve traditional crops and support farming on the remaining farmland.
Despite progress, the seed bank is still smaller than needed for full agricultural support.
This project aims to help farmers continue growing food in Gaza under difficult conditions.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
At least 14 members of Serbian civil society, including students, were targeted earlier this year with advanced spyware, including Pegasus. The infections were discovered after Apple alerted users in many countries, and experts say this is the largest spyware attack documented in Serbia so far.
Key Facts
The spyware attacks affected 14 people from Serbian civil society, including student activists.
Apple notified people in 110 countries about possible spyware infections in August 2024.
The Citizen Lab confirmed that at least one person was targeted with Pegasus spyware, which can fully control a device.
Many targeted students are part of a large movement opposing the Serbian government, especially since protests after a train station collapse in early 2024.
The Serbian government denies involvement in the spying allegations.
Spyware use appeared to increase around local elections in March 2024 and may relate to upcoming snap elections in October.
NSO Group makes the Pegasus spyware and has faced global criticism for enabling spying on activists and journalists.
NSO Group is now owned by a US company but remains barred by a US court from targeting some platforms like WhatsApp.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The Kurdish all-women YPJ group wants to keep fighting in Syria by joining the country's special police forces. This comes after the Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) were disbanded as the government tries to control armed groups within the country.
Key Facts
The Kurdish women’s unit is called the YPJ.
The Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have been dissolved.
The YPJ wants to join the Interior Ministry’s special forces.
More than 1,500 YPJ fighters hope to be included.
Syria’s government is working to bring armed groups under official control.
The YPJ has been a combat group fighting in Syria.
This move aims to keep the YPJ active in Syria’s security system.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Syria has started destroying chemical weapons materials from a secret program run by former President Bashar al-Assad. The United Nations verified the destruction of chemical bombs in Syria for the first time since 2014, and Syria is preparing court trials for people involved in the program.
Key Facts
Syria found leftover chemical weapons materials and munitions similar to those used in past gas attacks.
The Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) verified the destruction of 42 aerial chemical bombs in Syria.
Syria discovered a new chemical weapons production facility and new chemicals linked to nerve agents.
Syria declared two storage sites for these chemical weapons materials.
This is the first destruction of chemical weapons materials on Syrian soil in over ten years.
Syrian authorities arrested 18 people suspected of working on the chemical weapons program, including military and technical officials.
Syria plans to hold court hearings for these suspects.
Syria’s UN envoy said Israeli attacks have disrupted some chemical weapons destruction efforts.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Spain’s Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez said there is no proof that Morocco planned the sudden crossing of about 70,000 people into the Spanish city of Ceuta last month. Although Moroccan police allowed people to cross during a busy 10-hour time, Spain is still investigating if this was due to their inability or decision not to stop it.
Key Facts
Around 72,000 people crossed into Ceuta, a Spanish city in North Africa, at the end of July.
Spanish Prime Minister Sanchez said no reliable evidence shows Morocco planned this mass crossing.
A police report suggested Moroccan forces had fewer officers and did not try hard to stop the crowds.
Morocco denied allowing the crossings and blamed confusion over a Spanish court ruling and social media.
Spain highlighted Morocco’s help in returning most migrants within two days after the event.
About 5,000 migrants, including 1,200 children, still remain in Ceuta weeks later.
Thousands of people in Spain protested against the government’s handling of the crisis, with chants about protecting Ceuta.
Sanchez spoke in parliament and said no international groups told Spain about any Moroccan plan related to the crossing.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A massive flood in Nepal has trapped around 900 workers inside tunnels at six hydroelectric plants. The disaster has killed at least 1,280 people and left over 5,600 missing across Nepal and China, prompting ongoing search and rescue efforts.
Key Facts
The flood hit the Upper Trishuli 1 Hydroelectric Project tunnel near Nepal’s border with China.
Dhan Bahadur Tamang, a worker aged 32, survived by clinging to pipes and climbing on a truck inside the tunnel.
About 900 workers remain trapped in tunnels at six hydroelectric plants in Nepal.
At least 1,259 people have died in Nepal from the flood, with 5,083 reported missing.
In China’s Tibet region, 21 people died and 541 are missing due to the disaster.
More than 800 foreigners from 34 countries, including tourists and pilgrims, are among the missing.
Over 9,300 Nepalese army troops are conducting search and rescue operations in affected areas.
The flood caused significant destruction upstream on the Trishuli river, destroying settlements and infrastructure.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article discusses how some comments by actor Mark Ruffalo about Larry Ellison and a media merger have raised accusations of antisemitism because they echo old stereotypes about Jewish control of media and politics. Over 170 Jewish artists and leaders signed a letter defending Ruffalo, saying his comments are not antisemitic, but the defense itself includes language that resembles these stereotypes.
Key Facts
Antisemitism is discrimination or prejudice against Jewish people.
Criticizing Israel is not automatically antisemitic.
Mark Ruffalo made comments about Larry Ellison and a media deal involving Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery.
Critics say these comments repeat antisemitic stereotypes about wealthy Jews controlling media and politics.
More than 170 Jewish artists and leaders signed a letter defending Ruffalo and rejecting antisemitism claims.
The defense letter describes the media deal as part of a broader plan for tech and media control by a few wealthy individuals.
The letter links Ellison and others like Musk and Thiel to claims about controlling media, technology, and democracy.
The article points out that both accusations and the defense use language connected to old antisemitic ideas about Jewish influence.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
President Donald Trump has renewed threats against Iran, saying the U.S. is ready to attack Tehran at any time. CBS News reporters Nancy Cordes and Aaron MacLean provided updates on the situation.
Key Facts
President Trump made new threats toward Iran.
He said the U.S. can strike Tehran, Iran’s capital, whenever it wants.
The situation involves potential military action.
CBS News covered the story with reporters Nancy Cordes and Aaron MacLean.
The news highlights growing tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
The report was made available through the CBS News app and website.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said Canada is ready to sign a trade deal with the United States that benefits both countries and provides stability. This statement comes after recent U.S.-Canada trade talks collapsed and new tariffs were imposed by both sides.
Key Facts
Canada wants a trade deal that helps workers, families, and businesses in both Canada and the United States.
Trade talks between the two countries broke down last month after disagreements.
The U.S. has placed 50% tariffs on $20 billion worth of Canadian goods, and Canada plans similar tariffs in response.
The U.S. may impose 50% tariffs on all Canadian cars and car parts starting January 1.
Carney criticized U.S. officials who said Canada quit negotiations due to domestic politics.
Canada sees some softening in the U.S. stance that might allow talks to restart.
Canada is reducing its reliance on U.S. trade, with its exports to the U.S. decreasing slightly in recent months.
Canada plans to invest 4.7 billion Canadian dollars to build and maintain passenger trains domestically instead of importing them from the U.S.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The article shares the experiences of children who lost their parents in the 9/11 terror attacks. It highlights their feelings of loss and the lasting impact of that day on their lives.
Key Facts
Many children lost one or both parents when the 9/11 attacks happened.
These children have struggled with grief and adjustment since the tragedy.
The article includes personal stories and memories from the affected families.
9/11 was a terrorist attack on the United States in 2001.
The attacks caused widespread loss and changed many families forever.
The news story comes from the CBS News archives.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
A Maltese businessman, Yorgen Fenech, was found not guilty of ordering the murder of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who died in a car bombing in 2017. The trial revealed problems in the investigation, including leaks and sabotage, and the identity of the person who hired the hitmen remains unknown.
Key Facts
Daphne Caruana Galizia was an investigative journalist killed by a car bomb in October 2017.
Yorgen Fenech, a wealthy Maltese businessman, was accused of ordering her murder but was acquitted by a jury.
Three hitmen were arrested; two received life sentences, while the third was sentenced to 15 years after cooperating with authorities.
The trial exposed attempts to block the investigation and leaks of sensitive information, some allegedly from close to the prime minister.
The murder led to the resignation of Malta’s prime minister Joseph Muscat and several government members.
The attorney general is considering an appeal for a retrial, but it faces challenges after an 8-1 jury dismissal of charges against Fenech.
A key witness, Melvin Theuma, acted as a middleman and testified after receiving a pardon; he attempted suicide during the trial process.
The opposition is calling for stronger press protections and anti-corruption laws in Malta.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife Cilia Flores have asked a U.S. court to dismiss criminal charges against them, saying they cannot be prosecuted while serving as heads of state. Their lawyer argued that international law protects sitting leaders from being tried in foreign courts for actions taken while in office.
Key Facts
Maduro and Flores were arrested in the U.S. on narcoterrorism charges linked to drug trafficking.
U.S. prosecutors accuse them of working with drug cartels to send cocaine into the United States.
Maduro and Flores claim they have immunity because they are recognized leaders of Venezuela.
Their lawyer said international and common law protect heads of state from criminal prosecution in other countries.
A federal judge ruled that Maduro and Flores will stand trial starting June 1, 2027.
Maduro’s defense faced challenges because the Treasury Department blocked Venezuelan government funds from paying his lawyers.
Maduro and Flores were taken from their Caracas bunker in January and formally charged in the U.S.
Maduro is serving his third term as Venezuelan president as of January 2025.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Hundreds of people gathered outside the Scottish Parliament in Edinburgh to call for a pause on building large datacentres in Scotland. Protesters want the government to study the environmental effects and set clear rules for “green” datacentres before allowing more construction.
Key Facts
The protest was led by Kat Jones, director of the group Action to Protect Rural Scotland.
At least 20 datacentre projects are proposed across Scotland, including one in Fife said to be the second largest in the world.
Some datacentres are planned near small villages, care homes, and homes, raising local concerns.
Scottish First Minister John Swinney promised a strategic approach focused on environmental sustainability but did not agree to stop building immediately.
Datacentres use a lot of energy and space; one planned project covers eight hectares of open land in the Lammermuir hills.
The UK government has encouraged datacentre growth in Scotland as part of its AI development strategy.
Local people worry datacentres threaten their communities and environment.
Scottish Greens and Reform UK support the call for a pause and more careful planning.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Catherine Zeta-Jones is starring in a new thriller series called "Kill Jackie" where she uses her natural Welsh accent for the first time in a major role. The show, based on a novel, shows her character trying to hide after a risky past, and it was filmed in several European cities including her hometown Swansea.
Key Facts
Catherine Zeta-Jones uses her real Welsh accent in the series "Kill Jackie."
The show is a thriller about a woman hiding after a dangerous past as an international cocaine dealer.
Filming took place in Swansea (Wales), Bilbao (Spain), Lisbon (Portugal), and London (England).
"Kill Jackie" is based on the book "The Price You Pay" by Nick Harkaway (pen name Aidan Truhen).
This is the first big role where Zeta-Jones speaks in her Welsh accent.
Zeta-Jones has acted in other shows like "Wednesday" and the movie "Chicago."
The series will be available on Amazon Prime starting October 2.
The show was written and led by Tom Butterworth, known for "Gangs of London."
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
The 2026 Ig Nobel Prizes, which honor unusual and humorous scientific research, will be held in Zurich, Switzerland, instead of Boston due to safety concerns for international travelers to the US. The awards celebrate studies like designing a splash-free urinal and understanding kissing behavior in animals, with winners giving public talks available online.
Key Facts
The Ig Nobel Prizes started in 1991 to honor odd but thought-provoking scientific achievements.
The 2026 ceremony will take place in Zurich, Switzerland, moving from Boston after 35 years.
The move is due to international travelers feeling unsafe visiting the US, leading some past winners to skip the event.
Future ceremonies will be held in European cities like Antwerp and Zurich in alternating years.
Prize winners have included scientists studying topics such as splash-free urinals and the precise definition of kissing among animals.
The awards emphasize humor and creativity, requiring short speeches and unusual presentations.
Winners will give free public talks that will be posted online at the Improbable Research website.
The event is likened to a European-based contest, similar to the Eurovision Song Contest.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
Nader Boulos Tannous, a Syrian Christian man living in Homs, Syria, was killed on August 15, 2026. Initial reports claimed his murder was due to his Christian faith, but investigators found it was related to a personal dispute dating back to 2012.
Key Facts
Nader Boulos Tannous was shot and killed in Homs, Syria on August 15, 2026.
Israel, Greece, and Cyprus initially called the murder an anti-Christian act.
Syrian police arrested a suspect who admitted to killing Tannous over a personal conflict from 2012.
Witnesses said Tannous was involved with the Assad regime and participated in a 2012 massacre in Homs.
Some reports suggest Tannous was accused of violence and sexual abuse, but police withheld details pending investigation.
The suspect said he was seeking revenge.
There is currently no evidence that the killing was due to Tannous’s Christian faith.
The murder happened on the Feast of the Dormition, an important day for Eastern Orthodox Christians.
Read the Original
Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original
article.
