The Actual News

Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.

Latest News

Recent developments and breaking news

Throngs of mourners pour into Tehran for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei funeral

Throngs of mourners pour into Tehran for Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei funeral

Summary

Thousands of people gathered in Tehran for the funeral procession of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and his family members who died in a recent airstrike. The crowd called for revenge against U.S. President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu amid ongoing tensions and paused negotiations between Iran and the U.S.

Key Facts

  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei died at age 86 and was buried in Mashhad, his birthplace.
  • The funeral procession in Tehran drew a massive crowd, larger than previous events for notable leaders.
  • Khamenei’s coffin and those of his family members killed in an airstrike were paraded through the city.
  • Mourners carried signs and chanted for the death of President Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  • The airstrike that killed Khamenei’s family members started a war involving Israel and the United States.
  • Iranian officials organized the event and managed crowds for safety during the long procession.
  • Iran and the U.S. are currently negotiating to end the conflict and address issues like Iran’s nuclear program and Strait of Hormuz access.
  • The funeral and public mourning are being used to show Iran’s strength and resolve during sensitive talks with the U.S.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

DOGE Officially Ends: A Timeline of Cuts, Controversies

DOGE Officially Ends: A Timeline of Cuts, Controversies

Summary

The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE), a U.S. government program started by President Donald Trump in early 2025 to cut costs and reduce federal workforce, officially ended on July 4, 2026. Despite its goal to save money and reduce bureaucracy, DOGE faced criticism, legal challenges, and only achieved part of its savings target before being folded into other government agencies.

Key Facts

  • DOGE was created by President Donald Trump on January 20, 2025, with an 18-month mission to make the government smaller and more efficient.
  • By late 2025, DOGE was quietly ended early, even though its official end date was July 4, 2026.
  • Elon Musk led DOGE initially but left in May 2025 to focus on his businesses after facing criticism and investor concerns.
  • Over 260,000 federal employees left their jobs during 2025 through buyouts and early resignation programs pushed by DOGE.
  • DOGE reduced federal funding for many programs and canceled billions in government contracts.
  • The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) lost 83% of its programs under DOGE and is set to shut down in September 2026.
  • Federal worker unions filed lawsuits against workforce reductions and other DOGE actions.
  • DOGE’s mission to reduce waste and fraud in government continues under other government efforts.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Secret Claude tracker shocks users after Anthropic’s anti-surveillance stance

Secret Claude tracker shocks users after Anthropic’s anti-surveillance stance

Summary

Anthropic secretly added a hidden tracker in its Claude Code AI tool to monitor some users in China. The company removed the tracker after it was discovered, saying it was meant to stop unauthorized reselling and copying of their AI models. This incident adds to growing tensions between US and Chinese AI firms over technology copying.

Key Facts

  • Anthropic inserted a hidden tracking code in Claude Code users in China.
  • The tracker collected info like time zone, proxy, and links to Chinese AI labs.
  • Anthropic’s engineer said the tracker started in March as an experiment.
  • The tracker aimed to stop unauthorized resellers and AI model copying, called “distillation.”
  • Distillation is when someone copies an AI model by querying it many times.
  • Anthropic has been fighting the US government to prevent surveillance of US users.
  • Chinese AI models have recently matched or outperformed US models quickly.
  • Anthropic and OpenAI want distillation attacks to be illegal and regulated by the US.
  • Alibaba’s Qwen AI showed signs of copying Claude after heavy distillation attacks.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

WATCH:  Beyoncé drops new music on Fourth of July

WATCH: Beyoncé drops new music on Fourth of July

Summary

Beyoncé released new music on the Fourth of July. The news was part of a daily entertainment update shared on a morning show.

Key Facts

  • Beyoncé dropped new music on July 4th, 2026.
  • The news was shared by Lara Spencer in a segment called “GMA” Pop News.
  • The announcement was part of a program that covers popular stories of the day.
  • The article mentions other news updates, but Beyoncé’s music release was the main entertainment focus.
  • The Fourth of July is a U.S. holiday celebrating independence.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Canada to buy 12 hi-tech German submarines after bidding war

Canada to buy 12 hi-tech German submarines after bidding war

Summary

Canada has chosen a German company, ThyssenKrupp Marine Systems (TKMS), to build 12 new advanced submarines. This is one of Canada’s largest defense deals and aims to strengthen its navy and ties with NATO ahead of an important summit.

Key Facts

  • Canada will buy 12 new diesel-electric submarines from German company TKMS.
  • These submarines will replace older, secondhand vessels currently used by the Royal Canadian Navy.
  • The submarines use stealth technology and will support missions in the Arctic, including the Northwest Passage.
  • The contract is worth over $12 billion USD, with total costs including maintenance possibly exceeding $70 billion USD.
  • The deal involves a long negotiation process before it is finalized.
  • TKMS is NATO’s largest supplier of non-nuclear submarines, while South Korean company Hanwha Ocean was the other bidder.
  • Canada is increasing defense spending and aims to spend 5% of its GDP on defense by 2035.
  • Canada is also looking to diversify its military suppliers beyond the US, buying aircraft from the US but submarines from Germany.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Why is Farage facing renewed scrutiny over his finances?

Why is Farage facing renewed scrutiny over his finances?

Summary

Nigel Farage, leader of Reform UK, is under investigation by Parliament's standards commissioner for not declaring a £5 million gift he received before his election. Additional concerns have arisen after reports of undisclosed support from another political ally, leading opposition parties to ask for a deeper parliamentary inquiry.

Key Facts

  • Nigel Farage received £5 million from Christopher Harborne, a billionaire donor, before becoming an MP in April 2024.
  • Harborne has donated a total of £15 million to Reform UK since early 2023.
  • Reports claim Farage also received support from George Cottrell, an ally who paid for staff and security and provided a property near Buckingham Palace.
  • MPs must declare any gifts or benefits related to their political work received within 12 months before election, unless they are purely personal.
  • Farage says he followed the rules and argued the £5 million was unconditional and intended for future security costs.
  • Farage registered smaller donations from Cottrell for a trip to Belgium and a US flight but not other reported support.
  • Parliament’s standards commissioner is investigating Farage’s failure to declare the £5 million gift.
  • Opposition parties want the investigation expanded to cover all reported support from Cottrell.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

No ads. Just the news.

It's free for everyone. If it's useful, support us at a price that feels right.

Support us
EasyJet shares jump almost 10% after it agrees £5.5bn takeover bid

EasyJet shares jump almost 10% after it agrees £5.5bn takeover bid

Summary

EasyJet agreed to be taken over by Castlelake, a US private equity firm, for £5.5 billion after rejecting four earlier bids. The airline’s board will recommend shareholders accept the £6.90 per share offer, and Castlelake has said it plans to support easyJet’s growth and keep the company intact.

Key Facts

  • Castlelake’s offer of £6.90 per share values easyJet at £5.5 billion.
  • The takeover is the fifth bid; easyJet rejected four previous lower offers.
  • Castlelake must submit a formal bid by 3 August according to UK takeover rules.
  • The new owners plan to support easyJet’s current strategy, including fleet modernization.
  • EasyJet’s largest shareholder, Stelios Haji-Ioannou, who owns about 15%, has not yet commented.
  • Analysts said UK companies like easyJet are being bought at low prices by foreign firms.
  • EasyJet employs 19,000 people and flies about 93 million passengers a year.
  • Shares had dropped about 30% in the past year before the bid was announced.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Man Surrounded by Patriot Front in Viral Photo Has Message for America

Man Surrounded by Patriot Front in Viral Photo Has Message for America

Summary

On July 4, Roswell Encina, president of the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, was on a Washington Metro train when a group of masked men from the white supremacist group Patriot Front boarded. The encounter lasted about 30 minutes and was captured in widely shared photographs during America’s 250th Independence Day celebrations.

Key Facts

  • Roswell Encina was riding a Metro train to a Fourth of July party in Maryland.
  • A large group of masked men from Patriot Front boarded the same train car after many families and tourists got off.
  • Patriot Front is a white supremacist group known for staged public appearances.
  • Encina did not know the group before but researched them discreetly during the ride.
  • The men did not confront Encina directly but the situation made him uncomfortable.
  • A Getty photographer on the train documented the scene, giving Encina some reassurance.
  • Patriot Front also held a march in Washington, D.C., on July 4 with around 400 members, carrying flags including Patriot Front and Confederate flags.
  • Encina reflected on the moment’s significance during America’s 250th anniversary and said it highlights ongoing challenges in U.S. democracy and society.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Frenchman convicted in missing body case confesses to killing his wife, lawyer says

Frenchman convicted in missing body case confesses to killing his wife, lawyer says

Summary

Cédric Jubillar, a French man sentenced to 30 years for killing his wife Delphine, has admitted from prison that he killed her and is willing to show where her body is buried. Delphine disappeared in December 2020 in southern France, and her body was never found until now.

Key Facts

  • Cédric Jubillar was convicted in October 2025 for the murder of his wife, Delphine Jubillar.
  • Delphine went missing in December 2020 during the Covid pandemic in rural southern France.
  • Jubillar denied killing her during the trial but recently confessed from prison.
  • He wrote a letter admitting involvement and said he would cooperate to find the body.
  • The exact cause and details of Delphine’s death remain unknown.
  • Jubillar’s confession may delay his scheduled appeal trial.
  • Witnesses at the original trial said Jubillar had threatened his wife and spoken about hiding her body.
  • Lawyers hope the confession helps the children grieve and allows Delphine to be properly buried.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Trump talks NATO summit, FIFA phone call during "Trump Accounts" Oval Office event

Trump talks NATO summit, FIFA phone call during "Trump Accounts" Oval Office event

Summary

President Donald Trump spoke to reporters in the Oval Office about the upcoming NATO summit and a phone call he had with FIFA President Gianni Infantino. The call involved U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun. This took place during an event to launch "Trump Accounts."

Key Facts

  • President Trump held an event in the Oval Office.
  • The event was to launch "Trump Accounts."
  • He answered questions from reporters during the event.
  • He talked about the upcoming NATO summit.
  • He discussed a phone call with FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
  • The phone call concerned U.S. soccer player Folarin Balogun.
  • Reporters from CBS News and The Athletic covered the event and related topics.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

MAGA and DSA have a common bond: Destructive government

MAGA and DSA have a common bond: Destructive government

Summary

The article suggests that the MAGA movement and the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) share similar roots related to their views on government. It implies both groups see government as problematic or destructive.

Key Facts

  • MAGA stands for "Make America Great Again," a political movement supporting President Donald Trump.
  • DSA stands for Democratic Socialists of America, a political organization with progressive goals.
  • The article claims both groups have a common origin or background.
  • It highlights that both movements criticize or oppose the current role of government.
  • The article does not provide detailed evidence or examples.
  • It frames the government as destructive according to these movements.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

JD Vance is the Trump truth-teller

JD Vance is the Trump truth-teller

Summary

JD Vance wrote an essay in 2016 comparing President Trump's political appeal to opioid addiction. Ten years later, the essay was republished, showing how Vance changed from a critic of Trump to his vice president.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance wrote about President Trump's political appeal in 2016.
  • He compared that appeal to opioid addiction, which is a serious drug problem.
  • The essay was republished ten years later.
  • It discussed the role of a person enabling Trump's politics.
  • JD Vance shifted from criticizing Trump to supporting him as vice president.
  • The article highlights Vance's personal and political transformation.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

Pay what you want

We're reader-funded instead of ad-funded. You decide what no-spin news is worth.

Support us
Video Interview: 'Latin Lover' Filmmakers Kevin Rios and Jonathan Del Arco

Video Interview: 'Latin Lover' Filmmakers Kevin Rios and Jonathan Del Arco

Summary

The short film "Latin Lover" tells the story of Ramon Novarro, a Mexican-born actor who was Hollywood's first Latino movie star. The film shows his life, career, and tragic death in 1968, aiming to honor his legacy and represent Queer and Latino themes.

Key Facts

  • Ramon Novarro was born in Mexico in 1899 and became a famous actor during the silent and early sound film eras.
  • He starred in films like "Ben-Hur" (1925), "Across to Singapore" (1928), and "Mata Hari" (1931).
  • Novarro was a closeted gay man, a Catholic, and struggled with alcoholism.
  • He was murdered in 1968 by two men who wrongly thought he had hidden money.
  • The short film "Latin Lover" was written and directed by Kevin Rios and stars Jonathan Del Arco as Novarro.
  • The film aims to give Novarro dignity and recognition that past press coverage denied him.
  • Homosexuality was illegal in California until 1976, which affected Novarro's public image after his death.
  • "Latin Lover" is being shown at film festivals and highlights current issues affecting Queer and Latino communities.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

I Was Told I Had Hemorrhoids—Next Thing I Was Planning My Funeral

I Was Told I Had Hemorrhoids—Next Thing I Was Planning My Funeral

Summary

A woman experienced severe symptoms like blood in her stool and frequent bathroom visits for years before being properly diagnosed. At age 21, after a colonoscopy, she learned she had severe ulcerative colitis, a chronic disease that inflames the colon and causes serious illness.

Key Facts

  • The woman first noticed blood in her stool at 16 but did not seek help soon.
  • Her symptoms worsened over many years, including nausea, fatigue, and going to the bathroom up to 30 times a day.
  • Doctors initially misdiagnosed her, blaming hemorrhoids, food poisoning, or pregnancy.
  • At 21, a colonoscopy diagnosed her with severe pan-ulcerative colitis, a condition that inflames the colon.
  • She was prescribed steroids and more than 20 pills daily to control the disease.
  • The diagnosis was emotionally difficult because there is no known cure, meaning she must manage symptoms for life.
  • The illness greatly affected her quality of life, causing isolation and impacting her role as a mother.
  • A new doctor later showed concern about the damage to her colon; she refused an ostomy surgery, preferring to manage without it.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

'House of the Dragon' Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: Beware Queen Rhaenyra

'House of the Dragon' Season 3 Episode 3 Recap: Beware Queen Rhaenyra

Summary

The third episode of Season 3 of the HBO series "House of the Dragon" focuses more on tense conversations and political moves than on battles. In this episode, Daemon Targaryen secures the loyalty of Ormund Hightower and captures a boy supposed to be Daeron Targaryen, but it is revealed to be a trick. Meanwhile, Queen Rhaenyra faces challenges ruling a divided kingdom and negotiates with Alicent Hightower about the missing royal gold and political secrets.

Key Facts

  • Season 3 of "House of the Dragon" shifts from large battles to intense, quieter scenes in episode 3.
  • Daemon Targaryen confronts Ormund Hightower with three dragons and gains his loyalty.
  • Ormund hands over a boy claimed to be Daeron Targaryen, but it is later revealed to be a merchant's son disguised by hair bleaching.
  • Queen Rhaenyra wants to find the kingdom’s royal gold, but the treasury is empty and secrets about it remain.
  • Alicent Hightower offers deals to Rhaenyra, including letting her and her daughter leave the city and suggesting announcing Aegon's death to protect her son.
  • Rhaenyra is depicted as a ruler dealing with betrayal, deception, and a fractured kingdom.
  • The episode highlights political intrigue and personal conflicts over physical action and dragon battles.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

6-year-old drowns on New York beach after being caught in strong current

6-year-old drowns on New York beach after being caught in strong current

Summary

A 6-year-old girl drowned on July 4th after she was swept away by a strong current at Southampton beach in Long Island, New York. Despite efforts to rescue her, she was found unresponsive and later died at a hospital.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened on the morning of July 4, 2026, at Sebonac Creek, Southampton, Long Island.
  • The girl went into the water to look for her lost shoe, slipped, and was caught by a strong current.
  • A 16-year-old family member tried to rescue her but was unsuccessful.
  • A kayaker pulled the girl’s unresponsive body from the water.
  • She was transported to Southampton Hospital where she was pronounced dead.
  • The girl was visiting the beach with her family for the holiday and lived in Brooklyn, New York.
  • The Suffolk County Medical Examiner and Southampton Police are investigating the drowning.
  • Over the same holiday weekend, two people died due to rip currents off Daytona Beach, Florida, and over 200 were rescued.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Farage cries ‘witch-hunt’ but this may be Reform’s Partygate moment

Farage cries ‘witch-hunt’ but this may be Reform’s Partygate moment

Summary

Nigel Farage, leader of the UK Reform Party, is facing media scrutiny over his funding sources, including money from a convicted criminal and a billionaire. Farage claims these investigations are part of an “establishment plot” to stop his political rise, using language similar to President Trump’s responses to political controversies.

Key Facts

  • Nigel Farage is the leader of Reform UK, a rightwing political party.
  • The media is investigating Farage’s personal funding, including money from George Cottrell, a convicted criminal, and Christopher Harborne, a cryptocurrency billionaire.
  • Farage says these investigations are an “establishment plot” and compares the situation to President Trump’s experiences with political attacks.
  • Farage and his associates, including Arron Banks and Richard Tice, have faced multiple claims about their funding transparency.
  • Farage has a history of not fully declaring donations and has been investigated multiple times for breaches of conduct.
  • The journalists investigating Farage’s funding come from the right-leaning Sunday Times, not left-wing media.
  • Reform party members worry that these scandals might harm Farage’s political image, similar to how scandals affected former Prime Minister Boris Johnson.
  • Farage denies breaches of rules but faces ongoing standards investigations regarding his funding.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Jailed Chinese Pastor Arrives in US after Trump Intervention

Jailed Chinese Pastor Arrives in US after Trump Intervention

Summary

Pastor Jin Mingri, a leader of an underground Christian church in China, arrived in the United States after being released following talks between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Jin had been arrested in October during a major crackdown on unregistered churches in China.

Key Facts

  • Jin Mingri, 56, founded Zion Church, an unregistered "house church" in China.
  • He was arrested in coordinated raids in October alongside 17 other church leaders.
  • China requires religious groups to register with the government and follow party rules.
  • Jin and others were charged with running illegal business operations.
  • President Trump raised Jin’s release with Xi Jinping during a meeting in May.
  • Jin was freed and arrived in Los Angeles to reunite with his family in June.
  • Eight other Zion Church leaders remain in custody in China.
  • Supporters call for ongoing U.S. efforts to prioritize religious freedom in talks with China.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

Support no-spin news

The site stays free. If The Actual News is worth something to you, chip in.

Support us
NHS senior doctors in England vote in favour of strikes

NHS senior doctors in England vote in favour of strikes

Summary

Senior doctors in England have voted to approve possible strike action over pay and pensions. The British Medical Association (BMA) says doctors want better pay after years of pay losses, while the government says strike action is not justified given recent pay increases.

Key Facts

  • 76% of senior doctors (consultants) in England who voted support strike action in the next 12 months.
  • About 51.5% of eligible consultant doctors participated in the vote.
  • Resident (junior) doctors recently accepted a pay deal, ending three years of strikes.
  • The BMA says doctors’ real pay is 26% lower than 17 years ago.
  • The government says consultants earn more than £152,000 on average and have had large pay increases recently.
  • Consultants last held strikes between July and October 2023.
  • Doctors in Northern Ireland are currently striking over pay.
  • Another group of doctors (SAS doctors) also voted mostly in favor of strikes, but their vote did not meet the legal turnout required.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

How much interest will a $15,000 long-term CD account earn if opened this July?

How much interest will a $15,000 long-term CD account earn if opened this July?

Summary

This article explains how much interest a $15,000 long-term Certificate of Deposit (CD) account could earn if opened in July. It compares the earnings from CDs with different terms, showing that longer terms generally pay more interest, but the money will be locked in for a longer time.

Key Facts

  • Traditional savings accounts currently earn an average of 0.38% interest per year.
  • Inflation is around 4.2% per year, which means typical savings accounts lose purchasing power.
  • Long-term CDs offer higher fixed interest rates, ranging from about 4.15% to 4.30%.
  • A $15,000 deposit in an 18-month CD at 4.20% would earn about $955 in interest.
  • The same deposit in a 10-year CD at 4.30% would earn nearly $7,853 in interest.
  • Longer CD terms pay more but require locking the money away for a longer period.
  • Most CDs charge penalties if you withdraw money before the term ends.
  • Some savers use a "CD ladder" strategy, splitting money into multiple CDs with different maturity dates to balance access and earnings.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account