The Actual News - Just the Facts

100-year-old grandmother skydives in California: "If you slow down, life is over"

August 17, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Ruby McNally, a 100-year-old grandmother, went skydiving in California. She said she is not afraid and believes in staying active in life.

Key Facts

Ruby McNally is 100 years old.
She went skydiving in California.
Ruby said there is nothing to be scared of when skydiving.
She believes if you slow down, life is over.
Her jump represents staying active even at an advanced age.

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CBS News

Can the AU make its current Sudan mission count?

August 17, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The African Union (AU) delegation visited Sudan for two days to promote a ceasefire, improve access for humanitarian aid, and support a political process to end the three-year war. The conflict involves the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), who control different parts of the country and continue fighting without a clear winner.

Key Facts

The AU Peace and Security Council started the mission to help bring lasting peace and stability to Sudan.
The SAF recently regained much of Khartoum, while the RSF still control much of Darfur.
Fighting remains intense in Kordofan, an important region linking various parts of Sudan.
The AU aims to push both sides toward a ceasefire and to allow humanitarian aid to reach people in need.
Previous agreements to stop fighting, including deals made in Jeddah in May 2023, have not succeeded.
The war began in April 2023 because of rivalry over Sudan’s political future after the 2019 overthrow of Omar al-Bashir.
The AU stresses an inclusive, Sudanese-led political solution beyond just the two armed groups.
Control of key areas like Kordofan affects supply routes and the movement of troops for both forces.

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Al Jazeera

Hollywood makes dazzling comeback with $5 billion blockbusters this year

August 17, 2026 • Business • CBS News

Summary

In 2026, Hollywood has seen a strong recovery with five blockbuster movies each earning more than $1 billion at the box office. Together, these films have generated over $5 billion in ticket sales.

Key Facts

Hollywood’s box office is booming in 2026.
Five movies have each made over $1 billion.
Total box office revenue from these films exceeds $5 billion.
The news report is from Los Angeles.
This shows a significant comeback for the film industry this year.

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CBS News

Europe endures its fifth heat wave this summer, 50% of continent in a drought

August 17, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Europe is experiencing its fifth heat wave since May. Half of the continent is facing drought conditions due to prolonged dry and hot weather.

Key Facts

Europe has had five heat waves so far this summer.
These heat waves have brought very high temperatures across many countries.
About 50% of Europe is currently in drought, meaning not enough rain has fallen.
The drought affects water supply for people, farming, and nature.
The hot and dry weather started in May and has continued for months.
London is one of the cities experiencing the heat wave.
CBS News reported on the situation, providing updates from Europe.

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CBS News

Majority of Americans not satisfied with U.S. economy, CBS News poll finds

August 17, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

A CBS News poll shows that 69% of Americans are unhappy with how the U.S. economy is doing. The ongoing war in Iran, now in its sixth month, is contributing to continued high gas prices.

Key Facts

69% of Americans said they are not satisfied with the U.S. economy.
The poll was conducted by CBS News.
The war in Iran has lasted six months.
High gas prices are still affecting Americans.
Economic concerns are linked to global events like the Iran conflict.

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CBS News

Trump orders cuts to South Korea joint drills despite warnings of North’s growing battlefield experience

August 17, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump has ordered a reduction in joint military drills between the US and South Korea, despite warnings from military officials that North Korea is gaining new battlefield skills from the Ukraine war. The drills are set to begin soon and usually involve thousands of troops, but Trump said they send the wrong message to North Korea, with whom he claims to have a good relationship.

Key Facts

The joint military drills, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, usually involve about 18,000 South Korean troops plus US and other allied forces.
These drills are meant to prepare against threats from North Korea and last until August 27.
President Trump said he is not happy with US participation and ordered Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth to greatly reduce the drills.
Military officials warned that North Korean troops have learned new tactics from fighting in Ukraine, including use of drones and cyber attacks.
North Korea has been supporting Russia in the Ukraine war by sending troops, weapons, and missiles.
The US and South Korea planned to include these new threats in their training exercises this year.
South Korea’s defense ministry said the drills would continue as planned despite Trump’s announcement.
North Korea and Russia are building a road bridge that could help move military supplies between the two countries.

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Guardian World

Trump says US to ‘substantially reduce’ military drills with South Korea

August 17, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to reduce joint military exercises with South Korea, citing his good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The annual drills, aimed at preparing for possible North Korean attacks, will go ahead but with fewer activities.

Key Facts

President Trump described the military exercises as costly and hostile toward North Korea.
The drills were scheduled to start on August 17 and last 11 days, involving 18,000 South Korean soldiers.
These exercises, called Ulchi Freedom Shield, are held every summer to prepare South Korea and the US for defense against North Korea.
North Korea views the drills as practice for invasion and has criticized them as provocative.
Despite Trump’s order to reduce the drills, South Korea’s Ministry of Defence said they will proceed as planned.
Trump mentioned that North Korea has been unthreatening during his time in office.
Trump also said South Korea declined to join the US in efforts to denuclearize Iran.
Trump and Kim met three times during Trump’s first term, and Trump has previously called for ending the drills after their 2018 summit.

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Al Jazeera

Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo now deadliest in country’s history

August 17, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest ever in the country, with over 2,325 deaths reported. The virus has spread rapidly to six provinces, including Uganda, and the World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a global health emergency.

Key Facts

At least 2,325 people have died in the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC, making it the deadliest in the country’s history.
There are 4,945 confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC, including 101 new cases in one day.
The outbreak is mainly affecting the northeastern provinces, especially Ituri, where over 3,400 cases were reported.
The current Ebola strain is called Bundibugyo, and there are no approved vaccines or treatments for it yet.
WHO says the virus spreads through direct contact with infected people’s body fluids or contaminated items like bedding and clothing.
Uganda has confirmed at least 20 cases, all in its capital city, Kampala.
WHO declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern in May.
Ebola symptoms start with fever and tiredness, followed by vomiting, diarrhea, and problems with kidney and liver functions.

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Guardian World

Israel releases 35 Palestinian prisoners back into Gaza

August 17, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israel has released 35 Palestinian prisoners back to Gaza, where they were welcomed with emotional reunions. There are still over 9,400 Palestinians held in Israeli prisons, and some rights groups report that these detainees face mistreatment.

Key Facts

Israel freed 35 Palestinian prisoners and sent them to Gaza.
These released prisoners were greeted with emotional reunions.
More than 9,400 Palestinians remain in Israeli prisons.
Rights groups say some prisoners face torture, sexual violence, and hunger on purpose.
The report focuses on the conditions of Palestinians in Israeli detention.

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Al Jazeera

The Papers: 'Water cheek' and 'Queen Amy's gold rush'

August 17, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The UK government plans to allow water companies to raise prices during droughts to encourage water saving and keep bills fair. Meanwhile, the press covers a range of stories including water use restrictions, Russia’s new drone bases, and success in sports and research.

Key Facts

The UK government supports letting water companies increase prices during droughts to promote water efficiency.
Officials have prepared possible bans on car washes and private pools if dry weather continues.
Russia has built secret bases with launch pads for long-range drones near NATO countries.
British athlete Amy Hunt won a record fourth gold medal at the European Championships.
Ministers face calls to close a legal loophole allowing sex offenders to change identities.
A review urges more support for internships helping young people with disabilities find jobs.
Alzheimer’s research is advancing with new treatments and tests becoming possible.
Plans are underway to speed up housing developments near train stations to help address housing shortages.

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BBC Top Stories

UN’s Albanese: Israel outsourcing coercion to settlers in West Bank

August 16, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israeli settlers have surrounded three homes in the West Bank village of Qusra, trapping Palestinian residents inside for one week. UN Special Rapporteur Francesca Albanese says Israel is responsible and is allowing settlers to carry out pressure tactics.

Key Facts

Israeli settlers have blocked three homes in Qusra, a village in the West Bank.
The settlers’ actions have trapped Palestinian families inside their homes.
This situation has lasted for about one week.
Francesca Albanese is a UN Special Rapporteur, an official who investigates human rights issues.
Albanese says Israel is responsible for the situation.
She claims Israel is outsourcing the use of force to settlers rather than handling it directly.
The West Bank is a territory where Israel and Palestinians have ongoing conflicts.

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Al Jazeera

Israeli minister calls for killing ’30 to 40′ Palestinians in Gaza nightly

August 16, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Israeli national security minister Itamar Ben-Gvir said Israeli forces should kill 30 to 40 people in Gaza every night, targeting more than just active threats. His comments came during a podcast and align with his history of advocating harsh measures against Palestinians amid ongoing conflict in Gaza.

Key Facts

Itamar Ben-Gvir is Israel’s far-right national security minister and part of Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government.
Ben-Gvir called for killing 30 to 40 Palestinians in Gaza each night, going beyond those who pose immediate danger.
He supports using the death penalty for Palestinians convicted of deadly attacks under Israeli military courts.
Ben-Gvir wants Palestinians to leave Gaza permanently and has expressed claims over all of Gaza.
Israeli strikes have killed over 1,250 people in Gaza since the current ceasefire began in October 2023.
Ben-Gvir belongs to a far-right movement and has been sanctioned by the UK and some EU countries.
Despite international criticism, his policies and rhetoric have not changed.
He is part of Israel’s security cabinet but does not have direct control of the military.

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Al Jazeera

Trump accuses Dems of 'trickery' in Dan Sullivan vs. Dan Sullivan Alaska primary

August 16, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized Democrats for running a Republican candidate with the same name as Alaska’s incumbent Senator Dan Sullivan in the GOP primary. The duplicate name has caused confusion among voters, with accusations of trickery, though the Alaska Democratic Party says it is not involved.

Key Facts

Two Republican candidates named Dan Sullivan are running in Alaska’s U.S. Senate primary.
Incumbent Senator Dan S. Sullivan is facing a challenge from Dan J. Sullivan, a retired teacher.
President Trump supports Senator Dan S. Sullivan and criticized Democrats for the confusing duplicate name.
Alaska Democrats and Dan J. Sullivan deny any attempt to confuse voters or coordinate the candidacy.
Alaska uses a ranked-choice voting system where the top four candidates advance to the general election.
Dan J. Sullivan was allowed to stay on the ballot after a court ruling.
The race is important because Democrats hope to win the seat with former Rep. Mary Peltola.
Trump has expressed opposition to Alaska’s ranked-choice voting system and wants it repealed.

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ABC News

If Meta loses this trial, Instagram and Facebook could change forever

August 16, 2026 • Technology • BBC Tech

Summary

The company Meta is facing a major lawsuit from 30 U.S. states, accusing it of breaking privacy laws that protect children. The states want Meta to make big changes to Instagram and Facebook, such as removing "like" counts and ending endless scrolling, to limit harm to young users.

Key Facts

The lawsuit was filed in 2023 by 30 U.S. states, including California and New York.
States claim Meta violated federal and state privacy laws designed to protect children.
They are demanding changes like ending "like" counts, stopping infinite scroll, and adding parental verification for teens.
Other requested changes include removing appearance-changing filters, stopping autoplay videos, and banning multiple accounts or disappearing posts for young users.
States accuse Meta of using features to keep young people hooked on the platforms and making it hard to spend less time on them.
Meta denies the claims and says it supports young users.
A New Mexico judge recently fined Meta $942 million and called the company a "public nuisance" because of harm to young people.
If the lawsuit succeeds, Meta may have to make these changes nationwide, affecting nearly two-thirds of the U.S. population.

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BBC Tech

'I want my brother back' - Tupac’s brother tells BBC murder trial won’t bring justice

August 16, 2026 • Us • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Mopreme Shakur, the stepbrother of rapper Tupac Shakur, spoke with the BBC before the start of a trial for the man accused of Tupac’s murder. He expressed that the trial will not bring real justice and reflected on Tupac’s life and influence 30 years after his death.

Key Facts

Mopreme Shakur is Tupac Shakur’s stepbrother.
A trial has begun for the man accused of killing Tupac.
The trial’s opening statements started recently.
Mopreme said the trial won’t bring true justice for Tupac.
Tupac Shakur died 30 years ago.
Tupac is considered a very influential figure in hip-hop music.
Mopreme shared memories of growing up with Tupac and the night Tupac was shot.
The interview was conducted by the BBC’s Shaimaa Khalil.

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BBC Top Stories

How switching your bank account could earn you up to £220

August 16, 2026 • Business • BBC Business

Summary

Many UK banks offer bonuses up to £220 to encourage people to switch accounts. Keeping money in the same bank for years can cost savers billions in missed interest, but switching is made easier by a free service that moves payments and closes old accounts.

Key Facts

More than five UK banks offer incentives to switch, with the top bonus being £220.
Nearly two-thirds of British savers have been with the same bank for over 10 years.
Staying with the same bank costs British savers an estimated £12 billion a year in missed interest.
A survey found 34% of British adults moved their money in the last 12 months, mainly for better interest rates.
Switching banks may affect your credit report, so it’s best to time it carefully if planning to borrow money soon.
The free Current Account Switch Service helps transfer payments, move balances, and close old accounts within seven working days.
Customers must manually update recurring card payments like subscriptions after switching.
It’s advised to download old bank statements before switching, as past records won’t be accessible afterward.

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BBC Business BBC Top Stories

Trump orders Pentagon to "substantially reduce" military exercises with South Korea

August 16, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

President Trump has ordered the U.S. military to greatly reduce joint exercises with South Korea. He said South Korea declined to join the U.S. in efforts to stop Iran from developing nuclear weapons, but the military exercise cutback is mainly due to his good relationship with North Korea.

Key Facts

President Trump announced a sharp reduction in U.S.-South Korea military drills.
He described the exercises as costly and sending a hostile message to North Korea.
Trump said North Korea has been respectful during his presidency.
South Korea declined to join U.S. efforts to denuclearize Iran, according to Trump.
The scheduled joint military exercises involve about 18,000 South Korean soldiers and include live-fire drills.
These exercises aim to prepare against potential North Korean threats.
North Korea often criticizes these drills and has issued threats before such exercises.
Trump previously met North Korean leader Kim Jong Un three times to discuss nuclear issues.

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CBS News

'Ghana was the crime scene' - the country leading the demand for slavery reparations

August 16, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Ghana is leading a global effort to demand apologies and financial compensation for the harms caused by the transatlantic slave trade. The country pushed for a United Nations resolution calling slavery the "greatest crime against humanity" and hosted a summit with representatives from about 80 countries to discuss reparations.

Key Facts

Ghana introduced a UN resolution recognizing slavery as a great crime, though the U.S. voted against it and European countries abstained.
The UK and Portugal were major participants in the transatlantic slave trade, but the UK has refused to pay reparations.
Ghana is responsible for about 10-15% of the estimated 12 million Africans forced into slavery and served as a main location where captives were held before shipment.
The African Union gave Ghana the role of leading efforts for reparatory justice.
Ghana’s Foreign Minister Samuel Okuzeto Ablakwa supports reparations that include education, business investments, and health research related to slavery’s long-term effects.
The Church of England is also called to take responsibility because it benefited financially from slavery through plantations and investments.
The Archbishop of Canterbury recently visited Ghana and prayed at Cape Coast Castle, a historic site where enslaved Africans were held before being sent overseas.
The reparations discussion includes ideas like debt relief and financial compensation from countries and institutions involved in slavery.

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BBC World

What inspired the outfits in Margaret Atwood's "The Handmaid's Tale"

August 16, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Margaret Atwood based the outfits in her book "The Handmaid's Tale" on real historical events and images, including a 1940s cleaning product box. Her story reflects how totalitarian systems control women, drawing from her studies of government and power worldwide.

Key Facts

"The Handmaid's Tale" was published in 1985 and later adapted into a TV series.
Atwood uses only real events as inspiration for her novels.
The book's story was inspired by political changes in the early 1980s, including the rise of the religious right in the U.S.
The red cloaks and white bonnets worn by the Handmaids were inspired by a 1940s Old Dutch Cleanser box image.
Colors in the story have symbolic meaning: blue for the "Wives," red for the "Handmaids."
Atwood studied totalitarianism and power while living in West Berlin during the 1980s.
Harvard University is a key setting in the novel because it represents the heart of American liberal beliefs.
Atwood dedicated part of the novel to Mary Webster, a woman nearly killed for witchcraft in 17th century New England.

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CBS News

The anatomy of a Mardi Gras showdown

August 16, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

On Mardi Gras day in New Orleans, Mardi Gras Indians, or Black Masking Indians, wear detailed suits made of beads, feathers, and rhinestones and march without a fixed route. Different tribe members play roles to find other tribes and organize a friendly competition between the leaders to see who has the best costume.

Key Facts

Mardi Gras Indians create their colorful suits over a whole year for the Mardi Gras parade.
The leaders, called big chiefs, wear the most elaborate suits.
Roles in each tribe include spy boys, flag boys, and wild men who help find other tribes, send signals, and clear space for showdowns.
Spy boys use secret hand signals to communicate sightings of other tribes.
Wild men protect the big chiefs’ space during the costume face-offs between tribes.
The showdown is a friendly competition to decide the "prettiest" suit, judged by crowd reactions.
The tradition likely started in the 1800s as a way for Black communities to honor Native Americans and express themselves during Mardi Gras.
This tribal parade grew because Black people were historically not allowed in the main Mardi Gras routes.

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CBS News

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