WorldFrance’s popular Puy du Fou theme park is described by The Guardian as a “Disneyland for Dictators.” Documents uncovered by the British newspaper reportedly indicate that the park continued working with a Russian oligarch long after sanctions against him had taken effect. The report also points to links with Vladimir Putin, the park’s plans for international expansion and critics’ accusations that it is rewriting history.
World5:13Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Israel has not agreed to the latest US-backed ceasefire proposal for Gaza. His remarks cast new doubt on hopes of ending the conflict, which has lasted three years. US President Donald Trump announced the deal last week and called it a “major milestone.” The proposal would involve phased disarmament of militant groups and a complete Israeli withdrawal. Hamas has previously said it would surrender its weapons only after Israel withdraws first.
WorldTaiwan has begun its annual Han Kuang exercise, described as its largest war games of the year. The 42nd edition is unscripted and emphasizes realism. Commanders will not know what is coming next, requiring them to respond as events unfold. Troops are also landing on two small islands off Taiwan’s southeastern coast. The exercise reflects concerns that Beijing could seize the islands and use them as launch sites for helicopters and drones.
WorldFormer senior Pentagon official Steve Bucci says foreign cyberattacks targeting municipal water systems are rising at an alarming rate. The attacks have affected water infrastructure across at least several U.S. states. Bucci is urging authorities to make immediate cybersecurity upgrades. The hackers are described as likely linked to Iran, rather than definitively identified as Iranian. The warning focuses on the vulnerability of local water systems to hostile cyber activity.
Fox News
PoliticsFamilies of victims have renewed their criticism of plans to release some prisoners before they complete their sentences. The policy is due to start in October and could make thousands of prisoners eligible for early release. Ministers said those convicted of rape, serious child sexual offences and grooming will be excluded. The overcrowding crisis is being presented as Andy Burnham’s first major challenge.
BBC News
ScienceA SpaceX rocket struck the moon by accident early Wednesday. The impact may have produced a crater roughly 100 feet across and 16 feet deep. Mark Strassmann reports on the collision and its possible consequences. The item was featured through CBS Mornings, which airs weekday news, conversations and in-depth reports. The program is broadcast on CBS and streamed through the CBS News app.
WorldWrecks of German ships from the World War II era have resurfaced along the Danube in Serbia. Record-low river levels exposed vessels that were sunk at the end of the war by the retreating Nazi army. The newly visible wrecks mark a wartime episode preserved beneath the river. Their appearance follows the sharp decline in the Danube’s water level.
The Associated Press
PoliticsThe Democratic Senate primary in Michigan remains too close to call. Abdul El-Sayed’s advantage over Rep. Haley Stevens has narrowed as additional ballots were reported from Wayne and Oakland counties. By 8:40 a.m. ET, El-Sayed was ahead by fewer than 15,000 votes statewide. Wayne County includes Detroit and is Michigan’s largest county, as well as one of the state’s traditionally slowest areas for counting ballots.
CNN
World2:24Negotiations between Lebanon and Israel have entered their second day in Rome. The discussions centre on implementing a US-brokered framework agreement. Under the arrangement, the Lebanese military is expected to regain control of villages in southern Lebanon that are currently occupied by Israeli forces. Al Jazeera correspondent Zeina Khodr reports from Nabatieh in southern Lebanon.
WorldDevastating wildfires continue to rage on the outskirts of Spokane in Washington state. The fires have destroyed at least 700 buildings and forced tens of thousands of people to leave their homes in and around the state’s second-most populous city. The destruction has spread across communities near Spokane, prompting a large-scale evacuation.
Reuters
SocietyThe murder trial of Lindsay Clancy is continuing in Massachusetts. She is accused of murdering her three children. Prosecutors are examining evidence in the case. Medical professionals are testifying about the psychiatric treatment she received, bringing her mental-health care into the proceedings.
Fox News
SocietyLindsay Clancy addressed a judge in court for the first time on Tuesday. She agreed to a stipulation of facts intended to move her murder trial forward more quickly. Her attorneys argue that she was mentally ill and therefore not responsible for killing her three young children. The case is proceeding under that arrangement.
CultureNigerian artist Emmanuel Olatunde creates portraits with paint made from natural clay. He developed the technique through his science background in Lagos. The approach turns soil into an artistic material while pursuing a more sustainable form of painting. His work connects scientific knowledge with portrait-making and highlights an unconventional use of natural resources in art.
Reuters
PoliticsOhio Republican Rep. Max Miller says he will remain in the race for reelection despite mounting pressure for him to step aside over domestic abuse allegations. Sources say President Trump has privately expressed hope that Miller will drop out. The report centers on the dispute over Miller’s candidacy and Trump’s reported preference. Miller’s decision keeps the contest active while the allegations continue to generate political pressure.
EconomyJefferies says it has uncovered new evidence that invoices supporting its financing for iron ore trader Sapphire Minmetals Corp. are fake. The discovery follows an earlier review of the firm’s exposure to another iron ore trader, Radiant World. That review began after reports said documents supplied to financiers were not valid. The findings add to concerns surrounding the troubled fund’s financing records.
Bloomberg Television
TechRetired Lieutenant General Karen Gibson says recently disclosed incidents involving OpenAI models indicate that a proposed federal review system for advanced artificial intelligence may need to be compulsory. Gibson previously served as a deputy director of national intelligence for national security partnerships. She also addresses reports that US munitions stockpiles have been depleted, arguing that Iran believes time favors it and that the conflict can become politically, militarily and economically intolerable for Washington.
Bloomberg Television
PoliticsJessica Taylor of The Cook Political Report says Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary will show whether the party’s progressive momentum can carry into a general election in a closely divided state. She says an Abdul El-Sayed victory could force Democrats to spend more to hold swing voters against Trump-backed Republican Mike Rogers. Taylor also points to Senator Susan Collins’ opposition to Todd Blanche’s attorney general nomination as reflecting the political …
Bloomberg Television
SocietyGwangmyeong Cave, once a gold mine, is providing a cool refuge as South Korea endures record heat. Its temperatures remain refreshing throughout the year, giving visitors a way to escape the ongoing heatwave. The underground site has become a notable shelter from the extreme summer conditions.
Reuters
WorldThe US military has consumed nearly 80% of the interceptors for a key missile-defense system, according to several people familiar with the situation. Senior US military commanders are warning that the Pentagon’s munitions reserves have fallen to a “dangerously low” level. Key air-defense stockpiles have been especially depleted during the war with Iran. Compared with levels before the war, the military has used nearly four-fifths of its THAAD interceptor inventory and about half of its Patriot inventory.
CNN
WorldSecurity policy and defence analyst Wolfgang Pusztai, a former Austrian defence attaché, says talks concerning the Strait of Hormuz are moving forward. Speaking from Vienna, he cautions that their outcome remains uncertain. Sanctions continue to place substantial pressure on Iran, while a broader settlement is still beyond reach. The assessment portrays economic restrictions as Washington’s most powerful leverage in the continuing dispute.
PoliticsExiled former Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina delivers a virtual address from New Delhi. She is speaking to mark the second anniversary of the uprising that removed her from power. The address is being given online from the Indian capital. Hasina remains outside Bangladesh in exile.
Reuters
WorldThe United States is reportedly moving toward a major deal with Iran concerning Hormuz. Fox News correspondent Trey Yingst reports on the latest developments. The coverage also highlights what it describes as a chilling warning from Donald Trump to Tehran. Negotiations are presented as still unfolding, with no final agreement announced in the report.
Fox News
SocietyInvestigators say a man was arrested after bringing a loaded gun and ammunition to the Trump National Golf Club in California. Authorities also say he provided a false identity and was seen recording preparations for President Trump’s upcoming visit. The arrest centers on the weapons and his activity at the club. CBS News reports on the investigation and the circumstances surrounding the incident.
PoliticsVice President JD Vance is set to give opening remarks ahead of a roundtable discussion in the White House’s Indian Treaty Room. Fox News is carrying the event live. The network also encourages viewers to join its Fox News Patriot membership program and take part in its community.
Fox News