The Actual News - Just the Facts

WATCH: Family makes art with garden hose

July 08, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

A family in Iowa is using their garden hose to make art by creating water shapes called "water silhouettes." They use this fun activity to cool down during hot weather.

Key Facts

The family is located in Iowa.
They use a garden hose to spray water in creative ways.
The water shapes they make are called "water silhouettes."
This activity helps them stay cool in hot weather.
ABC News reporter Danny News conducted the interview.
The story was shared by ABC News on July 8, 2026.

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ABC News

‘Where do I get that from?’: UK asylum seekers face hefty repayment bill

July 08, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The UK government plans to charge asylum seekers a fixed fee of about £10,000 to repay the cost of support they receive during their application process. People like Frank, a Nigerian asylum seeker living rough in London, fear the repayment will be too expensive and push many into hiding.

Key Facts

Frank arrived in the UK in 2019 and is now seeking asylum because of safety concerns in Nigeria.
He is currently homeless and works part-time under restricted conditions while waiting for a decision.
The UK’s new Immigration and Asylum Bill requires some asylum seekers to repay £10,000 toward accommodation and support.
Repayment applies to adults who earn above a certain financial threshold.
Full repayment must be made before they can apply for settlement in the UK.
The government says asylum support is both a right and a responsibility.
Some asylum seekers fear the repayment will force them into hiding or poverty.
Community members suggest alternatives like community service instead of large repayments.

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Al Jazeera

How One U.S. Ally Is Countering China

July 08, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

The Philippines is strengthening its military and alliances to push back against China's actions in the South China Sea. Despite China rejecting a 2016 international court ruling against its claims, the Philippines plans to increase its presence in disputed areas and work with allies such as the United States and Japan to resist Chinese advances.

Key Facts

In 2016, an international court ruled against China's broad claims in the South China Sea, a decision China rejected.
China and the Philippines have ongoing disputes over small islands and waters the Philippines calls the West Philippine Sea.
The Philippines plans to build a stronger military presence to stop China's "creeping advance" in its exclusive economic zone.
The Philippines is strengthening alliances with countries including the United States, Japan, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand.
China took control of Scarborough Shoal in 2012 but recently removed a temporary structure after Philippine pushback.
Philippine Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro confirmed confidence in U.S. defense support despite global tensions.
The Chinese embassy has accused the Philippines of provocations and encourages resolving disputes through dialogue.
Teodoro is under Chinese sanctions but remains focused on addressing China's actions in the region.

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Newsweek

If 'Save America' Dies, How Could Trump Still Kill Elections? | Opinion

July 08, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump is pushing for a law called the "Save America Act" that would change voting rules, including requiring proof of citizenship and limiting mail-in voting. While the law faces challenges in Congress, Trump may use his presidential powers to challenge election results and influence the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

President Trump withdrew his nominee for director of national intelligence and opposed a bipartisan housing bill to pressure Congress on the "Save America Act."
The "Save America Act" demands proof of citizenship and restricts mail-in voting unless voters can justify in-person voting.
The Senate likely does not have enough votes to pass this act.
Trump may use his executive authority to question election results without needing new laws from Congress.
He has ordered federal agencies to create citizenship lists by state to determine voter eligibility.
New Postal Service rules restrict absentee ballot delivery in states not sharing voter data with the federal government.
The FBI has reopened investigations into the 2020 election in Fulton County, Georgia, despite no irregularities being found previously.
Analysts warn Trump might claim election fraud or foreign interference to delay or block certification of election results and push Congress to ignore certain outcomes.

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Newsweek

Some health workers in Congo’s Ebola outbreak go on strike over pay issues as deaths near 600

July 08, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Some health workers in eastern Congo’s Ebola outbreak have stopped working to protest not being paid their wages and bonuses since the outbreak began on May 15, 2026. The strike is happening while Ebola cases and deaths continue to rise, and treatment centers are almost full.

Key Facts

The Ebola outbreak affects three provinces in eastern Congo, with Ituri province hardest hit.
As of now, 1,708 cases and 580 deaths have been reported.
Health workers say they have not received pay or bonuses since the outbreak started.
Some workers also complain about limited protective gear and unfair treatment.
The strike threatens efforts to control the virus, which is spreading fast.
Treatment centers are near full capacity amid the outbreak.
Officials say delays in payment are partly due to the closure of Bunia airport, affecting fund delivery.
Workers protested outside a treatment center, leading to a brief disturbance before police restored order.

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AP News

Anika Wells ridicules Angus Taylor and Barnaby Joyce for linking Telstra outages with China

July 08, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Communications Minister Anika Wells criticized Barnaby Joyce and Angus Taylor for suggesting without proof that China caused a major Telstra outage in Australia. The outage disrupted mobile and emergency services, and officials confirmed it was due to a technical issue, not a cyberattack.

Key Facts

A major Telstra outage affected millions of Australians, disrupting mobile calls and data.
The outage also impacted emergency triple-zero calls, which triggered welfare checks.
Telstra said the problem was caused by a time-keeping server error and is now fully resolved.
Communications Minister Anika Wells rejected claims linking the outage to China.
Barnaby Joyce and Angus Taylor questioned if the outage was linked to a recent Chinese missile test without evidence.
Emergency services minister Kristy McBain criticized a senator for making unnecessary calls to the emergency number during the outage.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will review the incident.
Opposition senator Sarah Henderson called for a quick government report and stronger rules for telcos.

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Guardian World

Has Harry's war with the press finally run out of road?

July 08, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A British court has ruled against Prince Harry and others who accused Associated Newspapers, publisher of the Daily Mail, of illegal information gathering. The judge found that the group did not provide enough proof to support their claims against the newspaper.

Key Facts

The court case involved Prince Harry and other well-known figures claiming the Daily Mail and related papers gathered information illegally.
Judge Mr Justice Nicklin said the claimants failed to prove their allegations of wrongdoing.
Associated Newspapers denied any illegal actions and was cleared by the court.
The case is part of a long-running scandal about phone hacking and privacy breaches involving UK newspapers.
Prince Harry was a victim of phone hacking discovered in 2007, which led to further investigations and newspaper closures.
Other celebrities and public figures have also sued newspapers over similar issues in the past.
Prince Harry and co-claimants called the ruling a “whitewash” but have not announced an appeal yet.
The case outcome may influence future claims against Associated Newspapers and similar publishers.

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BBC Top Stories

Nato leaders meet in Turkey for summit after Trump renews calls for US to take over Greenland – Europe live

July 08, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

NATO leaders met in Ankara, Turkey, for a summit focused on improving defense cooperation and supporting Ukraine. President Donald Trump criticized NATO allies for not supporting the U.S. on Iran, threatened to withdraw troops from Europe, and renewed his call for the U.S. to take control of Greenland, which Denmark firmly opposed.

Key Facts

NATO leaders gathered in Turkey to discuss defense spending and alliance cooperation.
Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte praised President Trump for urging European NATO members to increase defense efforts.
The alliance planned to restate its support for Ukraine amid ongoing tensions with Russia.
President Trump expressed disappointment in NATO allies for lacking support on Iran issues.
Trump threatened to pull U.S. troops out of Europe during the summit.
Trump renewed his claim that Greenland should be owned by the U.S., not Denmark.
Denmark’s prime minister said Greenland is not for sale and the country is ready to defend the territory.
The summit was designed to be brief and avoid disruption but included tense moments with President Trump’s statements.

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Guardian World

Health risk fears for storks in Europe over ‘junk food’ from landfill

July 08, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Research shows that white storks in Europe are increasingly eating food from landfills, which gives them quick energy but may cause health problems. While landfill food helps some stork populations grow and reduce their migration, it also exposes them to harmful materials like plastics and heavy metals.

Key Facts

White storks have started eating more from rubbish dumps in Europe, especially in Poland.
Landfill food provides easy energy and helps storks save time and energy searching for natural prey.
Storks feeding on landfills tend to have more body weight and energy than those eating natural food.
Some stork populations are changing their migration habits because of easier food access at landfills.
Landfill food exposes storks to dangerous materials like plastics, glass, wires, and heavy metals.
DNA damage was found in young stork chicks linked to eating landfill food.
The study suggests a trade-off between short-term benefits of landfill food and long-term health risks for storks.
The research was presented at a biology conference and involved scientists from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna.

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Guardian World

Watch: Gaza football fans watch World Cup from rubble

July 08, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Hundreds of football fans in Gaza watched the World Cup match between Argentina and Egypt while sitting among damaged buildings in the Nuseirat area. Egypt’s flag was a common sight, as the country shares a border with Gaza and has been working to help negotiate peace between Hamas and Israel.

Key Facts

The World Cup match was between Argentina and Egypt.
The game took place during ongoing conflict in Gaza, where many buildings are destroyed.
Fans watched the match from rubble in Nuseirat, a part of Gaza.
Many fans waved the Egyptian flag.
Egypt borders Gaza and has worked as a mediator in ceasefire talks between Hamas and Israel.
Argentina won the game 3-2 and moved on to the quarter-finals.
The event shows how people in conflict zones still find ways to enjoy sports together.

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BBC World BBC Top Stories

Southport Inquiry to examine role of social media

July 08, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The second phase of the Southport Inquiry will study how the internet and social media may have influenced a man who carried out knife attacks in Southport in July 2024. The inquiry will also review knife sale laws and agency failures linked to the attack that killed three girls and injured others.

Key Facts

The inquiry was set up after knife attacks at a Taylor Swift-themed dance class in Southport on 29 July 2024.
Three girls—Bebe King, Elsie Dot Stancombe, and Alice da Silva Aguiar—were murdered, and 10 others were hurt.
Axel Rudakubana, 18, was sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 52 years for the murders and attacks.
The first phase of the inquiry found serious failures by agencies to prevent the attack.
Inquiry Chairman Sir Adrian Fulford said Rudakubana was clearly dangerous and the attacks could have been stopped if proper actions were taken.
Sir Adrian’s report contains 67 suggestions for change and points to a lack of responsibility by agencies to manage the risk.
The government, through Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, accepted the recommendations and pledged to protect the public.
Families affected want more proof of real action and accountability before the inquiry’s second phase opens in London.

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BBC Top Stories

Virgin Media hit with record £28m fine for stopping customers cancelling contracts

July 08, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

Virgin Media was fined £28 million by the UK telecom regulator Ofcom for making it difficult for customers to cancel their contracts between 2022 and 2024. The company admitted to mishandling millions of calls by delaying cancellations and rewarding staff for doing so.

Key Facts

Virgin Media was fined £28 million by Ofcom, the largest fine under its consumer protection rules.
The company delayed or blocked contract cancellations from January 2022 to September 2024.
Tactics included dropping calls on purpose, unnecessary transfers, and putting customers on hold without reason.
A staff commission system encouraged agents to prevent cancellations.
Around 2,000 complaints were made to Ofcom about this issue.
Virgin Media admitted fault and settled the case, leading to a 30% reduction of the fine.
The company has since improved staff training, commission schemes, and service monitoring.
Ofcom requires Virgin Media to compensate affected customers within six months.

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Guardian World

Labour calls on Farage to ‘come clean’ over £5m gift and work with crime agency over money laundering concerns - UK politics live

July 08, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, announced he will resign and run again in a by-election to try to clear doubts about a £5 million donation he did not declare. The donation was reported to the National Crime Agency, which raised concerns about possible money laundering. Other political parties have decided not to compete in the by-election.

Key Facts

Nigel Farage is the leader of Reform UK and the MP for Clacton.
He received a secret £5 million donation from a cryptocurrency billionaire.
Bankers reported this donation to the National Crime Agency due to money laundering concerns.
Farage did not declare this large donation, which might break parliamentary rules.
Farage announced he will resign and try to win his seat again in a by-election.
Major political parties chose not to stand candidates against him in the by-election.
Labour and Liberal Democrat politicians called on Farage to be honest and cooperate with investigators.
A parliamentary inquiry is ongoing into Farage’s financial conduct.

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Guardian World

High-profile Melbourne man called rapist and punched in face shortly after he raped former employee, court hears

July 08, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

A man in Melbourne is on trial for allegedly raping his former personal assistant at his home in March 2023. The woman reportedly punched the man and called him a rapist after the assault, while the defense questions her credibility and denies the accusations.

Key Facts

The accused man is a well-known figure in Melbourne but his name is not disclosed in court.
The alleged crimes include two counts of rape and one of sexual assault.
The incident allegedly occurred after a night of drinking and drug use at a friend’s home.
The woman said she rejected his advances and was raped twice in his home.
She punched the man and called him a rapist after the assault.
She contacted her mother, who called the police despite her initial reluctance.
The police recorded a 35-minute conversation with the woman shortly after the incident.
The defense argues the woman’s past false claims against police affect her credibility and disputes key parts of her story.

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Guardian World

Who Is Gabriel Edwards? Navy Commander Missing in Arabian Sea Crash

July 08, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Commander Gabriel Edwards, a U.S. Navy pilot, went missing after his helicopter crashed in the Arabian Sea on July 1. Three other crew members were rescued, but the search for Edwards was stopped after more than 102 hours and 14,000 square miles were covered. The Navy is still investigating the crash.

Key Facts

Commander Gabriel Edwards was the pilot of a MH-60S Seahawk helicopter.
The helicopter was part of Helicopter Sea Combat Squadron 5 on the USS George H.W. Bush aircraft carrier.
The crash happened in the Arabian Sea on July 1.
Three of the four crew members survived and were rescued.
The Navy searched for Edwards for over 102 hours across 14,000 square miles before stopping.
Rear Admiral Todd Cimicata expressed support for Edwards’ family and his team.
The Navy continues to investigate why the helicopter made an emergency water landing.

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Newsweek

Boeing 737 Missing Over Arabian Sea Near Pakistan: What We Know

July 08, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

A Boeing 737 cargo plane with five crew members disappeared while flying from Sharjah in the United Arab Emirates to Karachi, Pakistan. The plane was last seen over the Arabian Sea near Karachi after reporting a navigation problem, and a search operation is underway but no wreckage or survivors have been found yet.

Key Facts

The missing plane is a Boeing 737-400 operated by K2 Cargo Airways.
It had five crew members on board.
The flight was from Sharjah, UAE, to Karachi, Pakistan.
The plane was last tracked about 300 kilometers west of Karachi.
Flight tracking data showed a sharp drop in altitude and a sudden direction change before contact was lost.
The crew reported a navigation system issue shortly before the loss of contact.
Pakistani authorities have started a large search operation involving multiple agencies.
No wreckage or survivors have been found so far, and no official crash confirmation has been made.

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Newsweek

Hackers can use 9 of the most popular AI tools to assemble massive botnets

July 08, 2026 • Technology • Ars Technica

Summary

Researchers have found a new way hackers can use popular AI coding tools to create large networks of infected devices, called botnets. This attack, called HalluSquatting, tricks AI tools into downloading harmful code by exploiting their tendency to imagine or "hallucinate" resource names when fetching code from the internet.

Key Facts

AI coding assistants like GitHub Copilot and others are vulnerable to a new attack named HalluSquatting.
HalluSquatting exploits AI’s habit of hallucinating or guessing resource names, leading it to download malicious code.
Hackers register fake resources that look like popular ones, embedding malicious instructions that infect many devices.
This method can create large botnets, enabling attacks like ransomware, distributed denial-of-service (DDoS), or cryptocurrency mining on a massive scale.
Previous prompt injection attacks targeted users individually, but HalluSquatting can infect many users at once without direct targeting.
The attack uses AI tools’ access to command lines, where malicious code can be run to take control of devices.
The name HalluSquatting combines "hallucination" (AI imagining resources) and "squatting" (registering fake but similar resource names).
This new threat shows how AI security challenges are growing as AI tools become more integrated into coding and software development.

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Ars Technica

The Telstra outage is a stark reminder of the widespread effects of single system failures

July 08, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

A nearly five-hour outage on Telstra’s mobile network in Australia caused major disruptions to trains, traffic lights, payment systems, and electric vehicle charging. The outage was linked to a problem with time-keeping servers that synchronize the network, but the exact cause is still unknown and is under investigation.

Key Facts

The outage lasted about five hours and affected many services across Australia.
The problem involved time-keeping servers that keep network systems synchronized.
Telstra’s CFO said the time synchronization failed, causing widespread issues.
The root cause of the outage is not yet identified, and Telstra is investigating.
Telstra is the largest mobile network provider in Australia, with many smaller companies relying on it.
Similar outages have happened before with Optus and other companies, showing risks of single points of failure.
The government responded quickly, with the communications minister addressing the situation.
The Australian Communications and Media Authority will investigate the outage to help prevent future problems.

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Guardian World

Pakistan expands search for missing cargo plane as rough seas hamper rescue efforts

July 08, 2026 • World • AP News

Summary

Pakistan’s Navy and other authorities are searching for a cargo plane that went missing while flying to Karachi. The plane reported trouble with its navigation system before disappearing over the Arabian Sea, and rough weather is making rescue efforts difficult.

Key Facts

The missing plane belonged to the private airline K2 Airways and had five people on board.
The aircraft was flying from Sharjah in the UAE to Karachi, Pakistan.
The plane reported a problem with its navigation system before losing contact.
Radar showed the plane made a sharp turn and rapidly descended about 178 miles west of Karachi.
Pakistan’s military and civilian agencies launched search-and-rescue operations at sea soon after the plane disappeared.
The Pakistan Navy, Air Force, and a national shipping vessel are involved in the search.
Rough seas caused by the monsoon are making the rescue work difficult.
There is no official confirmation yet on what happened to the plane.

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AP News

Trains and emergency calls affected after major outage at Australia's largest telecoms company

July 08, 2026 • World • BBC Business

Summary

A major outage at Telstra, Australia's largest telecommunications company, caused mobile service interruptions, cancelled train services, and issues with emergency calls on Wednesday. The problem started early morning, lasted about six hours, and was linked to time-keeping servers, with no signs of a cyber attack.

Key Facts

The outage began at 4:30 a.m. local time and affected mobile calls and data across Australia.
About 90% of the network was restored within six hours.
The issue was caused by time-keeping servers in Sydney and Melbourne, but the exact cause is unknown.
Emergency call system 000 remained operational, but some emergency calls did not connect, prompting welfare checks.
Train services in Victoria and some in New South Wales were cancelled or disrupted.
National freight services were also affected.
Around 80,000 businesses using the Tyro payment app experienced payment outages.
The Australian Communication and Media Authority will investigate the outage.

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