A team of international scientists has started drilling into a large boat-shaped rock formation in Turkey called the Durupınar Formation, believed by some to be the remains of Noah’s Ark. They are collecting samples and using a special underground robot to learn if the formation is natural or man-made.
Key Facts
The Durupınar Formation is a 515-foot boat-shaped rock located south of Mount Ararat in eastern Turkey.
The biblical story says Noah’s Ark came to rest on the mountains of Ararat after the flood.
The research team includes archaeologists, geologists, and soil scientists from multiple countries.
They have begun drilling and taking core samples, recovering materials up to 60 feet deep.
Preliminary radar data shows the formation is not just solid rock but may have internal structures.
The team uses a robot called Gopher with a high-resolution camera to explore underground areas humans cannot reach.
Past studies have said the Durupınar Formation is a natural rock, but this project aims to test that claim with scientific methods.
More detailed laboratory analysis of the samples is planned, and additional work is expected next year.
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Some important parts for the F-35 fighter jet were missing and may have been found in China. This news came out while President Trump was meeting with China's leader, Xi Jinping.
Key Facts
Key parts for the F-35 fighter jet went missing.
Reports say these parts might have ended up in China.
The news emerged during a meeting between President Trump and Xi Jinping.
The F-35 is a military aircraft used by the United States and its allies.
The situation raises concerns about security and military technology.
Details about how the parts went missing or reached China are still coming out.
The report was shared by CBS News and their correspondent Charlie D'Agata.
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Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s speech at the United Nations in New York City led to large protests outside the UN building. Hundreds of people, including Jewish, Palestinian, Iranian, and Lebanese New Yorkers, blocked streets and chanted slogans supporting Gaza and criticizing Israeli military actions. Several protesters were arrested during the demonstration.
Key Facts
Hundreds protested outside the UN during Netanyahu’s speech, blocking traffic for over an hour.
Protesters included people from different communities and some elected officials running in upcoming elections.
Signs and chants called for an end to violence in Gaza and stopping U.S. funding to Israel’s military.
Banners said “end the genocide” and a kite flew with “Free Palestine” written on it.
Another protest was planned later the same day in midtown Manhattan.
On the previous day, a protest occurred at JFK airport against weapons being sent to Israel.
Activists said Israel has killed over 75,000 Palestinians in recent years, calling it genocide.
Some U.S. politicians and public figures at the protest want to stop U.S. military aid to Israel.
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Rapper Macklemore is starting a "Free Palestine" tour with proceeds going to groups helping Palestinians. This follows his removal from Ed Sheeran's Loop Tour after Macklemore made pro-Palestinian comments during a concert.
Key Facts
Macklemore’s real name is Benjamin Haggerty.
He was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s tour after speaking out in support of Palestine onstage.
Ed Sheeran said the tour promoter, not he himself, made the decision to remove Macklemore.
After being dropped, several other support acts quit Sheeran’s tour in solidarity with Macklemore.
Macklemore announced his own "Free Palestine" tour starting in Dublin on October 26.
Profits from Macklemore’s tour will go to organizations supporting Palestinians.
The controversy included accusations against Macklemore of hate speech, denied by him.
Ed Sheeran later apologized for how he handled the situation and called the Israel-Gaza conflict a humanitarian issue.
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Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney said his government has thought about the unlikely chance of the US using military force against Canada. This planning is part of managing unlikely but serious risks, not because they expect it to happen. Carney and President Donald Trump still communicate directly despite tensions, especially over trade.
Key Facts
Mark Carney, Canada's Prime Minister, has considered the small risk of US military action against Canada.
Carney described this as "extreme tail risk," meaning a very unlikely but serious event.
The US military is much larger than Canada’s, with over 2 million troops compared to Canada’s 200,000.
The US has 65 submarines, while Canada has only four.
Canada has increased defense spending partly because of its long coastline and proximity to the Arctic.
President Donald Trump often refers to Canada as the "51st state."
The US and Canada are involved in a trade war, with tariffs being exchanged on various products.
Despite tensions, Carney said he and Trump communicate directly and believe trade talks can resume.
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A 31-year-old Ukrainian man attacked people with a knife at a Catholic monastery in southern Poland, killing one person and injuring four others. The attacker was caught after stabbing three clergy members and two laypeople, including a priest who died.
Key Facts
The attack happened at a 17th-century Benedictine abbey in Jaroslaw, near the Ukraine border.
The attacker entered Poland from Germany earlier the same day.
He used a kitchen knife from the abbey during the attack.
Among the victims, three were clergy members and two were laypeople.
One victim, identified by some media as a priest, died; two others were in critical condition.
The attacker reportedly intended to return to Ukraine but stopped at the abbey instead.
Polish authorities are investigating the attacker's motives and whether he was under the influence of alcohol.
Polish and Ukrainian leaders have condemned the attack and promised legal consequences.
Local officials declared a mourning period in Jaroslaw.
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The UK government decided not to require people to pay a fee to own a dog after an expert panel suggested new rules for dog owners. The panel recommended better dog control to reduce attacks but did not agree on specific laws; the government wants to avoid putting extra costs on owners.
Key Facts
The government will not introduce a dog ownership licensing fee.
An expert taskforce proposed new legal rules to improve dog control and reduce attacks.
The taskforce wants to avoid placing a heavy burden, like extra fees, on dog owners.
Dog attacks in the UK have increased, with hospital visits for dog bites rising by 77% since 2011.
The dog population in the UK has grown by 35% since 2011.
Pet ownership rose during the Covid pandemic, making it harder for inexperienced owners to get help.
Until 1987, dog owners in England, Wales, and Scotland had to pay an annual dog license fee.
Some organizations, like the RSPCA and Battersea Dogs & Cats Home, support urgent government action on dog control.
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Israel’s army increased raids after an Israeli soldier was hurt in a car attack near Ramallah. Israel’s national security minister, Itamar Ben-Gvir, aims to become the defence minister in the upcoming October elections.
Key Facts
An Israeli soldier was injured in a car-ramming attack near Ramallah.
Following the attack, the Israeli army increased its raids.
Itamar Ben-Gvir is currently Israel’s national security minister.
Ben-Gvir plans to become the defence minister in the October elections.
The October elections will influence Israeli government leadership roles.
The report was provided by Al Jazeera’s Mohammad Saleh.
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Sudan’s ongoing war has caused the value of its currency, the Sudanese pound, to fall sharply. This has led to rising prices for food, transport, and other basic needs, making it very hard for families like Aisha’s to afford everyday expenses.
Key Facts
The war in Sudan started in April 2023 and involves the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces.
Inflation in Sudan was over 41% in July 2023, meaning prices continue to rise even if the rate of increase slowed.
The Sudanese pound dropped from about 600 pounds per US dollar before the war to about 7,500 pounds on the black market by September 2023.
Basic goods like bread, sugar, beef, and lentils have become much more expensive, reducing what families can buy.
Daily costs for transport and other services have increased sharply due to the conflict.
The war has caused a 40% shrink in Sudan’s economy and the closure of one-third of its businesses in 2023.
The conflict has disrupted production and exports, causing a shortage of foreign currency.
Experts suggest both immediate measures and longer-term reforms are needed to stabilize Sudan’s economy.
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The United Nations report says Gaza needs $71.5 billion to recover and rebuild after years of conflict and economic trouble. The report highlights that the economy in Gaza is facing its worst crisis ever, with huge damage to homes, jobs, and essential services.
Key Facts
Gaza’s recovery and rebuilding needs are estimated at $71.5 billion and may grow larger.
Gaza's economy is in the "most severe crisis on record," largely due to long-term occupation and recent military conflict.
Since the October 2023 war began, 92% of Gaza's businesses have been damaged or destroyed.
Over 90% of Gaza's working-age population is unemployed.
Gaza’s income per person dropped 83% in one year, to about 58 cents a day.
Damage to Gaza’s infrastructure is estimated at $35.2 billion, with an additional $22.7 billion in economic and social losses.
More than half of hospitals and clinics in Gaza are not working, and most farmland is unusable.
Israel has withheld Palestinian government funds, worsening financial problems and threatening public services in both Gaza and the West Bank.
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Africa has 54 member countries in the United Nations but does not have any permanent members on the UN Security Council, which is the main body responsible for international peace and security. African countries are pushing for changes to give them permanent seats on the council, which was established in 1945.
Key Facts
Africa has 54 countries represented in the United Nations.
No African country holds a permanent seat on the UN Security Council.
The Security Council has powerful decision-making authority over global peace and security.
The current structure of the Security Council was created in 1945 after World War II.
African nations are seeking reforms to include permanent representation from the continent.
The push for reform highlights the lack of African influence in global security decisions.
Changing the Security Council’s makeup requires agreement among UN member states.
The issue is part of a broader debate about making the UN more representative of today’s world.
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A strong nor’easter storm will hit the U.S. East Coast this weekend, bringing heavy rain, strong winds, and flooding. At the same time, a record-strong El Niño and possible polar vortex cold air outbreaks could affect weather across much of the U.S. in the coming months.
Key Facts
A nor’easter is a storm with winds from the northeast, common on the U.S. East Coast from September to April.
This weekend’s nor’easter may bring wind gusts up to 60 mph on land and 74 mph offshore, similar to a Category 1 hurricane.
The storm could cause major coastal flooding, beach erosion, and power outages from New Jersey to Massachusetts.
Some beaches recently repaired will likely need further restoration after this storm.
The polar vortex is a large area of cold air around the poles that can send Arctic cold south during winter.
The Great Lakes and Northeast U.S. might experience cold air from the polar vortex this winter.
El Niño is a climate pattern with warmer Pacific Ocean waters that influences global weather.
This year’s El Niño is very strong, expected to bring wetter weather to the Southern U.S. and more rain and snow in parts of the West Coast and Northwest.
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Gustavo Dudamel, a well-known conductor from Venezuela, recently started as the new musical director of the New York Philharmonic. In 2010, a CBS News reporter visited him when he was 29 years old and leading the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Key Facts
Gustavo Dudamel is a Venezuelan conductor.
He became the musical director of the New York Philharmonic in 2024.
Dudamel was 29 years old in 2010.
In 2010, he led the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
He is a product of El Sistema, a music education program from Venezuela.
CBS News revisited Dudamel in 2010 as part of their "60 Minutes" archive.
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This article is a weekly quiz highlighting recent world events, including a deal between the US and Denmark concerning Greenland, the publication of Earl Spencer's book about Princess Diana, and Ed Sheeran apologizing after Macklemore was removed from his tour for his pro-Palestinian statements. The quiz tests readers’ knowledge about these and other news stories from the past week.
Key Facts
The US and Denmark agreed on a deal related to Greenland.
Earl Spencer published a book about Princess Diana that caused some controversy.
Ed Sheeran apologized to his fans after Macklemore was dropped from his tour.
Macklemore was removed due to making pro-Palestinian remarks on stage.
The article is in quiz format, asking readers about recent news events.
It covers multiple international stories from the last seven days.
Readers are invited to try more quizzes on similar topics.
The quiz was created by Grace Dean and Ben Fell.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the US, and the two countries agreed to extend a trade truce that paused some tariffs and delayed rare-earth metal export bans. Despite the truce, the US and China continue to compete on many issues, including technology, Taiwan, and sanctions.
Key Facts
Xi Jinping’s visit to Washington DC was the first by a Chinese leader in 11 years.
President Trump and Xi extended a trade truce originally agreed upon in October 2025.
The truce paused tariffs that had reached up to 150% and delayed China’s export ban on rare-earth metals until January 10.
China agreed to buy more soybeans from the US as part of the trade agreement.
The US imposed tariffs after accusing China of supporting fentanyl trafficking into the US.
The US and China still compete over artificial intelligence, Taiwan, and sanctions related to the Iran war.
Analysts say the trade truce is temporary and mainly for political reasons ahead of the US midterm elections.
The extension does not indicate a permanent trade deal between the two countries.
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Four civilians died in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan. Pakistan said it targeted places used to launch drone attacks, but Taliban officials denied any drone attacks on that day.
Key Facts
Four civilians were killed in Pakistani airstrikes in Afghanistan.
Pakistan claimed it attacked 10 locations linked to drone attacks.
The drone attacks were said to have happened the day before the airstrikes.
Taliban officials denied launching any drones on that day.
The airstrikes took place across the border between Pakistan and Afghanistan.
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Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the White House and announced that China would give two giant pandas to the United States. He also offered 100,000 student visas to encourage American students to study in China.
Key Facts
President Xi Jinping made his announcement during a visit to the White House.
China is gifting two giant pandas to the U.S. as a symbol of friendship.
The pandas are seen as a connection between China and America.
President Donald Trump was present during the announcement.
China is offering 100,000 student visas for Americans to study there.
The visas aim to increase educational exchanges between the two countries.
The event included officials from both governments.
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An 87-year-old woman named Maricarmen was evicted from her home in central Madrid after rent increased dramatically. This eviction has drawn attention to Spain’s growing problem with high rents and a shortage of affordable housing.
Key Facts
Maricarmen lived in her Madrid flat for about 70 years before being evicted.
The property was bought by an investment firm called Urbagestión in 2018.
The rent was raised from €500 to €2,650, then later reduced to €1,650.
Maricarmen’s pension is €1,350, so she could not afford the rent increases.
Protests took place outside her home, and there were clashes with police.
The eviction highlights Spain’s problems with expensive rent and limited housing options.
This case has received a lot of public and media attention.
The eviction happened in the Retiro area, a central and popular part of Madrid.
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The Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis asked the UK Prime Minister Andy Burnham to find a way to return the Elgin Marbles, ancient sculptures from the Parthenon, to Greece permanently. The sculptures have been in the British Museum since the 19th century, but Greece disputes the legality of their removal and wants them back as a cultural reunion.
Key Facts
The Elgin Marbles are sculptures taken from the Parthenon in Athens in the early 1800s.
They have been displayed in the British Museum since the 19th century.
Greece argues the sculptures were removed illegally and wants them back permanently.
The British Museum and UK government say the law blocks the permanent return of the marbles.
Greek Prime Minister Mitsotakis urges UK leaders to act courageously and return the marbles without requiring Greece to "borrow" them.
The British Museum director suggested the loan of the Bayeux Tapestry might be a model for agreement, but the Greek PM disagrees.
The Parthenon gallery in Athens has empty spaces meant for the marbles.
UK official Andy Burnham previously said the marbles should be returned with “no strings attached” but now says it is legally up to the British Museum.
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Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas spoke at the UN General Assembly through a video message, asking why the world continues to stay silent while weapons are sent to Israel. He was not allowed to attend in person because the U.S. has visa restrictions on some Palestinian officials.
Key Facts
Mahmoud Abbas is the President of the Palestinian Authority.
He addressed the UN General Assembly by video, not in person.
The U.S. blocked his attendance by denying visas to certain Palestinian officials.
Abbas asked why the world stays silent about Israel receiving weapons.
The speech focused on concerns about Israel’s actions and protection of Palestine.
The issue involves international politics and conflicts in the Middle East.
The event took place during a UN General Assembly session.
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