The U.S. military has set up a quiet operation to move about 10 million barrels of oil daily through a safer southern route in the Strait of Hormuz. This effort helps keep oil supplies flowing despite ongoing tensions and attacks in the area.
Key Facts
The operation moves 15 to 20 oil tankers each night through a southern channel by Oman in the Strait of Hormuz.
About 10 million barrels of oil per day are transported, half the amount before the war started.
The U.S. helps empty tankers enter from the Arabian Sea, pick up oil in Gulf countries like the UAE, Bahrain, and Kuwait, then exit safely.
The U.S. military controls this southern lane, limiting Iran’s ability to monitor or block it.
U.S. forces use fighter jets to detect and shoot down Iranian drones and cruise missiles targeting the tankers.
A recent U.S. military campaign reduced Iran’s radar and surveillance, making it harder for Iran to track ships there.
The operation is managed by the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, working with Gulf partners.
President Trump confirmed the large volume of oil moving through the strait and said the U.S. is not currently negotiating with Iran.
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People in Kyiv protested to support Mykailo Fedorov, the former defense minister, who wants elections during the war. On the same day, Ukraine’s parliament approved Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister.
Key Facts
Ukrainians held a protest in Kyiv backing Mykailo Fedorov’s demand for wartime elections.
Mykailo Fedorov is the ousted (removed) defense minister of Ukraine.
Ukraine’s parliament named Yevhenii Khmara as the new defense minister.
The protests and the parliamentary decision happened on the same day.
The situation reflects political changes during a time of conflict in Ukraine.
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A very strong El Niño event, characterized by unusually warm Pacific Ocean waters, is developing and may become one of the strongest on record. This climate pattern could change winter weather across the U.S. and the world, bringing heavy rains, storms, and temperature changes in different regions.
Key Facts
El Niño is a climate event where Pacific Ocean surface waters become warmer than usual.
The current El Niño is classified by NOAA as "very strong," with a chance to become the strongest since 1950.
Scientists use ocean buoys, satellites, and climate models to track El Niño and predict its strength.
Warm subsurface ocean water and record global ocean temperatures have helped intensify this event.
El Niño affects weather worldwide by changing wind patterns, rainfall, storms, and droughts.
In the U.S., Southern California and parts of the Southwest like Phoenix may experience challenging winter weather.
AccuWeather forecasters advise travelers to avoid certain areas prone to heavy rains and storms during El Niño winters.
NOAA warns that a stronger El Niño does not always mean severe weather everywhere.
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A new vaccine combined with an immunotherapy drug has stopped skin cancer from coming back in high-risk melanoma patients during a trial. The vaccine works by using a patient’s own tumor DNA to train the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Key Facts
The vaccine, called Intismeran, was created by Merck and Moderna.
It was tested alongside the drug Keytruda in over 1,000 melanoma patients after surgery.
Patients who got both the vaccine and Keytruda stayed cancer-free longer and had less spread of cancer compared to Keytruda alone.
Intismeran is personalized, made by sequencing DNA from a patient’s tumor to target specific mutations.
This vaccine uses mRNA technology, similar to COVID-19 vaccines.
Full trial results are not yet available or peer-reviewed.
The treatment still needs approval from medical regulators before it can be widely used on health services like the NHS.
The companies are also testing similar vaccines for lung, bladder, and kidney cancers.
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A helicopter carrying tourists crashed in northern Kenya, killing all seven people on board, including five Americans. The crash occurred near Mount Ololokwe, and authorities are investigating the cause while conducting search and rescue efforts.
Key Facts
The helicopter crashed on August 19, 2026, in Samburu County, northern Kenya.
All seven people on board, including six passengers and the pilot, died.
Five of the passengers were American citizens, confirmed by the U.S. State Department.
Among the victims was José Alberto Suárez, a journalist and NBCUniversal executive.
Ecuador’s intelligence chief Michele Sensi-Contugi and his wife were also killed.
The helicopter was a Eurocopter EC130 B4 operated by Lady Lori Helicopters on a charter flight with &Beyond, a travel company.
Rescue efforts are ongoing but difficult due to rough terrain and a fire at the crash site.
Kenya has experienced multiple helicopter crashes in recent years, many involving tourists.
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A five-year-old autistic boy named Aalim Ahmed died after falling from a 15th-floor kitchen window in a social housing flat in east London. An inquest revealed that the window could have had better safety features, and the family had previously asked the local council to move them to safer accommodation.
Key Facts
Aalim Ahmed fell from a kitchen window on the 15th floor of a Newham council flat in Plaistow, east London, on 16 May 2024.
He was five years old and autistic.
The family had complained about safety issues and requested to be moved to a different home before the accident.
A property manager from Newham council said more restricted window features could have been installed to prevent the fall.
The manager tested the window and found it could be opened by a child, contributing to the risk.
Aalim’s mother said she felt the flat was unsafe for her children but accepted it to avoid homelessness.
A postmortem confirmed Aalim died from injuries related to the fall.
Newham council declined to comment until after the inquest finished.
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Mohammad Ghamira, a rescuer with the Syrian White Helmets, died after reportedly being beaten while in police custody. His death has led to protests and worries about a return to past government abuses under President Bashar al-Assad. Syria’s Interior Ministry has opened an investigation into the case.
Key Facts
Mohammad Ghamira was a rescuer with the Syrian White Helmets, a volunteer group helping people in war zones.
He died after allegedly being beaten while held by police.
The incident caused protests in Syria.
People fear the return of abuse similar to that under President Assad’s earlier rule.
The Syrian Interior Ministry is currently investigating Ghamira’s death.
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Three members of the same family died after getting into trouble in the sea near Shoreham. Police said the incident was a tragic accident, and a younger girl from the family is in critical condition in the hospital.
Key Facts
The victims are Hassan El-Khawas (55), Zeina Alayn (37), and their 14-year-old daughter Sara El-Khawas.
The family traveled from London to Shoreham to visit when the incident happened near Shoreham Fort.
A younger girl from the family was rescued and remains critically ill in the hospital.
Police reviewed CCTV footage and found no evidence of third-party involvement.
The family are British citizens of Palestinian origin with roots in Lebanon.
Emergency services including coastguards, lifeboats, air ambulances, police, and ambulances responded quickly.
The incident has deeply affected the Shoreham community, with people leaving floral tributes on the beach.
Authorities and the Palestinian embassy in London are monitoring the situation and offering condolences.
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Brian Mundubile, the main opposition leader in Zambia, said he will take the recent presidential election result to court because he believes there was cheating. President Hakainde Hichilema was declared the winner with about 60% of the vote, but the opposition reported problems during voting and counting.
Key Facts
Brian Mundubile claims there were serious problems in how votes were counted and reported.
President Hakainde Hichilema won a second term with around 60% of the vote; Mundubile got about 38%.
The election took place on August 13, with 22 million people in Zambia eligible to vote.
After the vote, tensions rose, and 11 people, including opposition leaders, were arrested during a police raid that involved gunfire.
Violence and ballot paper theft caused the election commission to pause vote counting for several hours.
The United Nations human rights chief expressed concern about the arrests and urged respect for human rights and local laws.
Hichilema had led Zambia through economic improvements during his first term but faced criticism for limiting political freedoms.
The official election results were expected by August 24, with the new term to start within seven days after, though the court challenge might delay this.
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President Donald Trump said that North Korea has 57 very powerful nuclear weapons. He also noted that his good relationship with North Korean leaders is a positive thing.
Key Facts
President Trump stated that North Korea possesses 57 nuclear weapons.
He described these weapons as very powerful.
Trump mentioned that he gets along well with North Korean leadership.
He believes this good relationship is beneficial.
These remarks were made during a public event.
The comments came shortly after Trump praised North Korea.
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An 82-year-old man in Germany admitted to the murder of Amy Lopez, a 24-year-old US tourist, nearly 32 years after the crime. The man was arrested after DNA evidence linked him to the cold case, and he is now on trial facing a possible life sentence.
Key Facts
Amy Lopez from Texas disappeared in September 1994 while visiting a fortress in Koblenz, Germany.
Her body was found at the fortress two hours after she was last seen.
The suspect, aged 49 at the time of the crime and now 82, was arrested after DNA on Lopez’s clothing matched his saliva.
Prosecutors say he attacked Lopez, sexually assaulted her, and stabbed her nine times.
The suspect has admitted to committing the crime in court.
He had a previous conviction for a sexual offense in 1999, but was not linked to this murder until recent DNA testing.
A special police team was formed last year to re-examine the case using new forensic techniques and public appeals.
A verdict in the trial is expected early next month.
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A strong 7.4 magnitude earthquake struck the Choco region in western Colombia on August 10, 2026, killing at least 312 people and destroying 29,000 homes. The region, already poor and underserved, faces a difficult recovery because of weak infrastructure, ongoing armed conflict, and limited access to basic services.
Key Facts
The earthquake hit western Colombia with a magnitude of 7.4 on August 10, 2026.
At least 312 people died and 29,000 homes were destroyed by the quake.
About 69,000 people in the Choco region were displaced or affected, representing roughly 10% of its population.
Choco has around 600,000 residents, mostly Afro-Colombian or Indigenous people, and is one of Colombia’s poorest regions.
The region’s infrastructure is weak, with only two poor roads connecting it to the rest of the country; many towns are accessible only by plane or boat.
Armed groups control parts of Choco, causing violence and blocking people from working.
The main hospital in Quibdo, the regional capital, is poorly equipped and overwhelmed by earthquake injuries.
The United Nations and other aid groups are providing hygiene kits and support, especially focusing on women and shelters.
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Israel has started criminal investigations into the deaths of Hind Rajab, a 5-year-old Palestinian girl, and several Gaza rescue workers. These deaths occurred during military operations and have drawn strong reactions from people around the world.
Key Facts
Hind Rajab was a 5-year-old Palestinian girl who died in 2024.
The Israeli military is investigating how Hind Rajab was killed by its forces.
The military is also investigating the deaths of rescue workers in Gaza.
These investigations are criminal probes, meaning they seek to find out if any laws were broken.
The killings have caused international outrage and concern.
CBS News reported on the investigations and related events.
The investigation was ordered by the Israeli military, showing official interest in the cases.
The incident is part of the ongoing conflict and violence in the region.
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Iran’s hardline parliament has approved the main ideas of a plan aimed at stopping foreign influence in areas like education, media, and culture. The plan proposes strict controls on contact with foreign countries, especially the US and Israel, and requires registration of foreign-related activities to protect national security.
Key Facts
The plan targets foreign "infiltration" in academia, media, and culture as a security threat.
It was approved in principle during a remote session by a hardline-dominated parliament.
The bill includes 33 articles and still requires final approval by parliament and the Guardian Council.
Authorities would classify foreign countries into three groups with different levels of supervision.
Activities like publishing, scholarships, scientific work, and artistic production with foreigners would be controlled.
A government portal would register foreign-linked activities, with penalties for non-compliance.
Foreign-supported workshops or classes could lead to imprisonment of organizers and punish participants.
Schools would add lessons about “enemy infiltration” and media literacy involving intelligence agencies.
Unauthorized interaction with foreign media seen as hostile could result in prison time.
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Canada announced over $50 million in humanitarian aid to Lebanon and strongly criticized Israel’s military actions in Lebanon as unlawful. Canadian officials visited Lebanon, met with leaders, and emphasized support for Lebanese sovereignty amid ongoing conflict and displacement caused by the war.
Key Facts
Canada’s secretary of state for international development, Randeep Sarai, visited Lebanon to deliver new aid and condemn Israel’s invasion.
Canada’s total humanitarian aid to Lebanon this year has surpassed $50 million.
The aid aims to help Lebanese families affected by the conflict and Syrian refugees displaced by war.
Canada warned that Lebanon’s sovereignty and territorial integrity must not be violated.
A US-mediated agreement included “pilot zones” in southern Lebanon to return control from Israel to the Lebanese army.
Lebanese Armed Forces accused Israel of blocking efforts to control security in southern Lebanon.
The recent war has killed over 4,000 people and displaced about 360,000 people, according to the United Nations.
Canada has provided about $575 million in aid to Lebanon over the last ten years.
Lebanese leaders pledged to restore state control and fight corruption, while Israeli officials said they would not withdraw until Hezbollah is disarmed.
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The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has shared new videos, images, and information about a deadly medical jet crash in Philadelphia that happened on January 31, 2025. The crash killed eight people, and investigators are still trying to find out why the plane went down shortly after takeoff.
Key Facts
The NTSB released new materials including videos and photos from the crash investigation.
The medical jet took off from Northeast Philadelphia Airport.
The crash happened on January 31, 2025.
Eight people died in the crash.
The plane was in the air for less than one minute before it crashed.
Investigators have not yet determined the cause of the crash.
The new information is part of the ongoing investigation by federal officials.
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Andy Burnham, the UK Prime Minister, plans to move control of economic growth policy from the Treasury to a new department based in Manchester. He aims to use this new unit to better coordinate growth efforts across government and improve regional development by empowering metro mayors.
Key Facts
Andy Burnham wants to reduce the Treasury’s control over economic growth policy.
The new department will be based in Manchester and overseen by cabinet member Louise Haigh.
Burnham’s idea draws inspiration from past efforts, like Harold Wilson’s Department for Economic Affairs.
The Treasury is seen by some as focused on short-term financial control rather than long-term growth.
Burnham intends to coordinate policies like housing, education, and planning through this new unit.
He supports greater devolution by giving more powers to regional leaders, known as metro mayors.
John Healey, Burnham’s choice for chancellor, has experience with regional development agencies.
Some experts see this as a positive move to bring new energy to UK economic growth strategies.
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President Donald Trump said he expects to meet again with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un this year. The meeting would continue discussions between the two leaders.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans to meet North Korean leader Kim Jong Un again.
The meeting is expected to happen sometime this year.
This would be a follow-up to previous talks between the two leaders.
The discussions focus on relations between the United States and North Korea.
CBS News reported on these early details about the potential meeting.
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Israel attacked a Syrian military base shortly after Turkey sent a delegation there to rebuild it. This event caused tension between Israel, Turkey, and the United States, as all three have different views on Middle East policy, highlighting differences between President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
Key Facts
Israel struck the Abu al-Duhur Air Base in Syria's Idlib province.
The base had just been visited by a Turkish military delegation aiming to restore it.
Turkey condemned the Israeli attack, calling it unlawful and damaging to Syria’s sovereignty.
Israel justified the strike by accusing Syria of allowing Turkish troops near Aleppo.
The U.S. criticized the attack and called for de-escalation through Special Envoy Tom Barrack.
President Trump’s approach supports Turkey and aims to reduce conflict, differing from Netanyahu’s aggressive military stance.
Trump has built new ties with the Syrian government led by Ahmad al-Sharaa, despite Netanyahu's opposition.
Both Trump and Netanyahu face political challenges at home affecting their Middle East policies.
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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest in the country's history, with over 2,325 deaths. The crisis is worsened by armed conflict, poor health infrastructure, misinformation, and cuts in international aid, especially from the United States and some European countries.
Key Facts
The current Ebola outbreak in the DRC is the deadliest, killing at least 2,325 people.
This outbreak involves a rare Ebola strain called Bundibugyo, which lacks an effective vaccine.
Armed groups and insecurity in affected areas make it hard to monitor and control the disease.
Ebola treatment centers have been attacked due to misinformation and distrust in communities.
International aid, including from the US Agency for International Development (USAID), has been cut, weakening local health responses.
The United States withdrew from the World Health Organization, reducing support for coordinated global health efforts.
Several European countries, including the UK, Germany, and France, have also reduced their international aid budgets.
The global community is urged to act quickly to address the threat and improve future global health preparedness.
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