The Actual News - Just the Facts

Billionaire Leon Black walks out of Epstein investigation hearing

June 27, 2026 • Us • BBC US

Summary

Billionaire investor Leon Black testified before a U.S. congressional committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein but left the hearing after refusing to answer questions about nondisclosure agreements (NDAs). Black denies any wrongdoing related to Epstein and says he paid Epstein for legitimate financial services.

Key Facts

Leon Black voluntarily appeared before the House Oversight Committee investigating Jeffrey Epstein.
He left the hearing after being asked about NDAs he may have signed related to Epstein.
The committee issued subpoenas demanding Black share these NDAs and appear for a sworn deposition on camera.
Black paid Epstein $158 million over several years for wealth management and tax advice.
An independent law firm's investigation concluded the payments were for legitimate services.
Black said he did not know about Epstein’s illegal activities until 2019.
Black denies any sexual misconduct or involvement in trafficking.
Black’s attorney called the subpoenas politically motivated and denied Epstein's involvement in NDAs.
Court records mention a 2015 NDA between Black and a former partner amid abuse allegations, which Black denies.

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Rescue efforts turn to recovery as aftershocks shake Venezuela

June 27, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit Caracas, Venezuela, causing damage and casualties. Rescue teams face difficulties because aftershocks keep shaking the area, and they are starting to focus more on finding bodies than survivors.

Key Facts

Two earthquakes struck Caracas, Venezuela.
The quakes happened two days before the report.
Rescue workers in one neighborhood had not received help yet.
Aftershocks continue to shake the area, making rescue work harder.
Efforts are shifting from searching for survivors to recovering bodies.
The information comes from Al Jazeera’s journalist Noris Soto.

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Al Jazeera

Hikers lost in Kosciuszko national park rescued within five hours by AI drone

June 27, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Two hikers lost in Kosciuszko National Park were found within five hours using a drone that has artificial intelligence (AI) to help search and rescue. The drone used thermal cameras, a spotlight, and a speaker to locate the hikers and guide rescuers to them.

Key Facts

The hikers, two men in their 20s, went missing after not returning on time from a walk on the Dead Horse Gap track.
Fire and Rescue NSW used an AI-powered drone with thermal imaging to find the hikers about 0.5 km off the track.
The hikers signaled the drone with a red light from a phone, and the drone communicated back using its speaker.
The rescue was completed in less than five hours, and the hikers had mild exposure effects but no serious injuries.
This was the first time FRNSW’s AI drone system was used to rescue people.
Rescuers said the drone helped reduce search time from days to hours, improving safety for both hikers and rescuers.
Future plans include using drones to deliver emergency supplies to stranded people before rescuers arrive.
Fire and Rescue NSW advises hikers to register their trips and use Personal Locator Beacons for safety.

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Guardian World Guardian Tech

Snow and ice on Swiss glaciers melting at alarming rate amid heatwave, expert says

June 27, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Swiss glaciers are melting much faster than usual because of a heatwave in Europe and poor snowfall last winter. Experts say the glaciers have lost a huge amount of ice early this year, which is a sign of climate change affecting the Alps.

Key Facts

The snow and ice from last winter on Swiss glaciers are expected to disappear by early July, the second earliest on record.
Glacier loss day usually happens in mid-August but arrived months early this year due to the heatwave.
Glaciers in the Swiss Alps have shrunk by 38% between 2000 and 2024.
The heatwave and less snowfall this year caused glaciers to melt faster than before.
The Rhone Glacier lost about one meter of ice vertically in just 10 days recently.
Dust from the Sahara Desert arriving in March added to the glaciers’ decline.
Switzerland lost 1,200 glaciers in the last 50 years and now only about 1,300 remain.
If warming continues, only small ice remnants may be left in the Alps by the year 2100.

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Guardian World

Trump rips former national security adviser after guilty plea: “Hopefully, he will be dealt with harshly!”

June 27, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized his former national security adviser, John Bolton, after Bolton pleaded guilty to keeping sensitive government materials improperly. Trump expressed his hope that Bolton would face severe punishment.

Key Facts

John Bolton, former national security adviser under President Trump, pleaded guilty on Friday.
Bolton admitted to improperly retaining sensitive materials related to his work in the White House.
President Trump publicly criticized Bolton on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump described Bolton as "dumb, unbalanced, and unskilled."
The issue centers around the handling of sensitive government documents.
Trump called for Bolton to be dealt with harshly for his actions.
The situation highlights concerns over the management of classified or sensitive information by former officials.

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The Hill

Newly released video exposes Henry Nowak killer’s lies

June 27, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

New video footage shows lies that caused UK police to arrest Henry Nowak, a stabbing victim who was dying. Nowak’s murder and the police actions following it led to protests and claims of unfair policing in the UK.

Key Facts

Henry Nowak was a stabbing victim who was arrested by UK police while dying.
New video footage reveals false information that influenced the police’s decision to arrest him.
Nowak’s murder led to riots in the UK.
People accused police of applying different rules to different groups, known as two-tier policing.
The case has sparked debates about police conduct and fairness in the UK.
The footage was released recently and challenges earlier police statements.

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Al Jazeera

Just how much trouble is Canada's economy in?

June 27, 2026 • Business • BBC World

Summary

Canada’s economy is facing challenges, including a recent technical recession and rising inflation. The government is working on plans to improve growth, create jobs, and boost exports, while many Canadians are concerned about the cost of living and housing affordability.

Key Facts

Canada’s economic growth is expected to be around 1.6% in 2026 and improve slightly to 1.7% in 2027.
The country experienced a technical recession with two quarters of declining GDP in late 2025 and early 2026.
Inflation rose to 3.2% in May 2026, driven by higher energy prices, but remains lower than the high levels seen in 2022.
Housing costs have increased, benefiting current homeowners but making it harder for younger Canadians to buy homes.
Canadian households have the highest debt levels among G7 countries, mostly due to mortgages and consumer loans.
About 70% of Canadians describe their finances as good or very good, while 27% feel their financial situation is poor.
Prime Minister Mark Carney is promoting Canada as a strong place for investment to strengthen the economy.
Inflation and cost of living are the top concerns for many Canadians, more than housing or US tariffs.

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Federal government permits release of Anthropic’s Mythos model to select companies

June 27, 2026 • Technology • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. government has allowed the company Anthropic to share its newest AI model, Claude Mythos 5, with more than 100 companies. This clears the way for wider use after the government had earlier restricted the model’s export.

Key Facts

Anthropic develops advanced artificial intelligence models.
Claude Mythos 5 is Anthropic’s latest AI model.
The U.S. government previously banned exporting this model.
The export ban has now been lifted, allowing sharing with over 100 companies.
Anthropic confirmed this change in a statement to the Hill.
The ban also affected a less advanced model called Fable.
This decision marks a significant change in U.S. export controls on AI technology.

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The Hill

Utah declares emergency, limits fireworks as crews battle largest U.S. wildfire

June 27, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Utah declared a state of emergency and restricted fireworks ahead of July Fourth because of the largest wildfire in the U.S. burning across the state. The Cottonwood Fire has spread over 112 square miles with no containment, and strong winds have made firefighting difficult.

Key Facts

Utah declared a state of emergency and limited fireworks until July 5 due to wildfire risks.
The Cottonwood Fire began on Monday and grew to over 112 square miles by Friday.
Strong winds of up to 45 miles per hour have made firefighting harder and caused extreme fire behavior.
The fire damaged the Eagle Point ski resort and forced evacuations in several towns.
Utah currently has 10 active wildfires burning more than 144,700 acres in total.
Smoke from the fire has traveled hundreds of miles, affecting air quality in some areas.
Most wildfires in Utah this year were started by humans.
The National Weather Service issued a rare "Particularly Dangerous Situation" warning for five Utah counties.

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CBS News

See it, say it, not sorted. I was let down when I reported my train sexual assault

June 27, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Esme Rice was sexually assaulted on a London train and reported it to the British Transport Police (BTP) via their text service. After 13 hours without a response, she shared her experience on social media, which led to the police opening an investigation and acknowledging the delay.

Key Facts

The assault happened on the Elizabeth Line in London late on a Saturday night.
Two men sexually harassed Esme Rice by stroking her back and groping her as she tried to leave the train.
Esme reported the incident using BTP’s non-emergency text line (61016) but did not get a timely reply.
After waiting 13 hours with no contact, Esme posted videos about the assault on Instagram and TikTok.
Her social media posts gained thousands of views and many comments from women with similar experiences.
Shortly after Esme’s public posts, BTP contacted her and confirmed an investigation had started.
BTP’s Assistant Chief Constable admitted the delay was too long and said an internal review is underway.
BTP has a long-standing public safety campaign titled "See it. Say it. Sorted" aimed at encouraging people to report incidents on trains and stations.

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BBC Top Stories

Harry and Meghan accept offer to stay at royal estate during UK visit

June 27, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Prince Harry and Meghan will stay with their two children at a royal estate during their visit to the UK next month. The visit will last several days and includes Harry’s work with military charity events and other causes.

Key Facts

Prince Harry, Meghan, and their children Archie (7) and Lilibet (5) will stay at a royal estate in the UK.
This is their first family trip to Britain in four years.
The exact royal residence has not been disclosed.
They will also use private accommodation during the trip.
Harry’s visit marks the start of a year-long lead-up to the Invictus Games in Birmingham in July.
Harry has declined stays at Buckingham Palace before due to privacy and safety concerns.
No extra palace security has been publicly offered for this trip; security is managed by the UK Home Office.
The King last saw his grandchildren publicly in 2022, and Harry met the King for tea in early 2024.

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BBC Top Stories

Pete Buttigieg and his kids were targeted by child services swatting call: Police

June 27, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg and his children were subject to a false child protective services (CPS) call based on untrue allegations. Authorities have confirmed the report was false, and Buttigieg’s children were returned to his care after being temporarily separated.

Key Facts

Pete Buttigieg’s home in Traverse City, Michigan, was visited by CPS and police due to an anonymous allegation concerning his 4-year-old twins.
The children were interviewed without family present, and Buttigieg was initially not allowed to be alone with them.
Buttigieg and his husband arranged for their children to stay with grandparents during this period.
The report claimed Buttigieg had spoken about committing violent crimes, which was false.
Police and CPS found no evidence to support the allegations.
Michigan State Police confirmed the report was false and emphasized that false reports waste resources.
Buttigieg described the experience as deeply upsetting and suggested possible motives could include political targeting or homophobia.
After the investigation, Buttigieg was allowed to be with his children again without restrictions.

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ABC News

Trump news at a glance: president tests out a new ‘red scare’ ahead of midterms

June 27, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

President Donald Trump outlined a Republican strategy for the upcoming midterm elections by warning that Democrats are extremist and hostile to religion. Speaking to religious conservatives, he called Democrats "godless communists" and said they threaten the country, basing his claims partly on recent progressive election wins in New York.

Key Facts

President Trump spoke at the Faith & Freedom Coalition’s event in Washington, addressing religious conservatives.
He criticized recent election wins by progressive Democrats in New York, calling them dangerous extremists.
Trump labeled Democrats as "godless communists" who oppose religion, especially Christianity.
He claimed without evidence that some Democrats want to harm the country and its people.
Republicans have been trailing in polls but see a chance to use these fears to gain support ahead of the midterms.
Trump referenced U.S. military actions in Nigeria to highlight Christian persecution, although Nigeria is not communist.
The article also briefly mentioned related U.S. news, such as strikes on Iran, John Bolton's guilty plea, and concerns over immigration detention.

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Guardian US

A smartphone ban in English schools is coming into force. What's changing?

June 27, 2026 • Us • BBC Top Stories

Summary

England has started a new law that requires schools to keep students' smartphones away during the school day. Schools can decide how to do this, such as using lockers or sealed pouches, but they must prevent phones from being seen or heard to support students’ focus and wellbeing.

Key Facts

The smartphone ban in English schools began on June 29 as part of the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Act.
Schools must create a phone-free environment during the whole school day by law.
Students can usually still bring phones, but they must not use or display them openly.
Different schools use different methods, such as lockers, sealed pouches, or "dumb" phones with limited functions.
Students who need phones for medical reasons get special arrangements like Velcro-sealed pouches.
Teachers are also advised not to use their phones for personal matters in front of students.
The government aims to reduce distractions and improve students’ social skills and focus.
Unions have asked for more funding so schools can pay for lockers or secure storage options.

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BBC Top Stories

Polygamous sect leader guilty of abuse after girls found in trailer on highway

June 27, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Samuel Bateman, a leader of a polygamous sect, was convicted on state child abuse charges after authorities found girls aged 11 to 14 locked inside an unventilated trailer in Arizona. Bateman is already serving a 50-year federal sentence for child sex crimes and has been linked to a group practicing polygamy, a system of having multiple wives.

Key Facts

Police found three girls inside a trailer driven by Samuel Bateman in Flagstaff, Arizona, in 2022.
The girls were between 11 and 14 years old and were in a trailer with no proper ventilation.
Bateman was convicted for abusing children and coercing girls as young as nine into sexual acts.
He is also known for attempting to kidnap girls from protective custody.
Bateman claims to have over 20 “spiritual wives,” including girls under 18.
He was a follower of Warren Jeffs, a sect leader serving a life prison term for child sexual assault.
The sect Bateman belongs to practices polygamy, which mainstream Mormonism banned in 1890.
Bateman’s case inspired a Netflix series called Trust Me: The False Prophet.

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Guardian World Guardian US

Weekend to bring cooldown after record-breaking heatwave

June 27, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A record-breaking heatwave in the UK will end this weekend as cooler air moves in from the Atlantic. Temperatures will drop across most areas by Sunday, but eastern and south-eastern England will stay hot through Saturday with an amber heat warning in place.

Key Facts

A strong heatwave has affected the UK, breaking temperature records.
Cooler air will arrive starting Sunday, ending the heatwave for most regions.
Eastern and south-eastern England will remain hot on Saturday, with temperatures in the high twenties to low thirties Celsius.
An amber warning for extreme heat is active until 9 pm Saturday in south-east England and East Anglia.
Weather fronts from the Atlantic will bring cloud and scattered showers on Sunday.
Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western parts will have cooler conditions and some rain on Saturday.
Two heatwaves have already occurred this summer in the UK, setting new monthly temperature records.
Long-term forecasts predict above-average temperatures and possible more heatwaves before autumn begins on September 1.

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BBC Top Stories

Trump justifies strikes on Iran amid ceasefire

June 27, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The United States carried out strikes on Iranian missile and drone storage sites. These strikes were in response to what the U.S. says was an Iranian attack on a commercial ship in the Strait of Hormuz. This exchange has created uncertainty about the stability of the agreement between the U.S. and Iran.

Key Facts

The U.S. attacked Iranian missile and drone storage locations.
The strikes were a response to an alleged Iranian attack on a commercial ship.
The incident took place in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
The U.S. calls the attack by Iran a reason for retaliation.
These actions happen amid a ceasefire or agreement between the U.S. and Iran.
The exchanges have caused concerns about whether the U.S.-Iran agreement will hold.
Kimberly Halkett reported on the situation.

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Al Jazeera

How messages between two dads helped expose the largest NHS maternity scandal

June 27, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A review found 260 babies died or were seriously injured due to long-standing failures in maternity care at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Families affected by the tragedies, including Gary Andrews and Dr. Jack Hawkins, played a key role in exposing the problems and pushing for changes.

Key Facts

The Nottingham maternity review was led by Donna Ockenden and published after serious failings were found at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust.
260 babies either died or suffered serious injury due to systemic issues in maternity services.
Jack and Sarah Hawkins lost their daughter Harriet in 2016; an external review later found 13 care failures and said her death could likely have been prevented.
The initial hospital investigation incorrectly blamed an infection and found no fault, but families challenged these findings.
Gary and Sarah Andrews lost their daughter Wynter in 2019 due to missed warning signs and poor staff handovers during a busy hospital shift.
The Care Quality Commission prosecuted the hospital trust over Wynter’s death, resulting in an £800,000 fine after the trust admitted failures.
Staff shortages and unsafe practices had been previously highlighted by midwives before the deaths occurred.
The campaign by affected families was crucial in prompting the wider investigation and report into the maternity services.

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BBC Top Stories

WATCH: FAA investigating Boeing 777 that was dangerously low to the ground in Texas

June 26, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is investigating a Boeing 777 airplane that flew dangerously close to the ground in Texas. Flight radar data showed the plane was less than 25 feet above the ground during this incident.

Key Facts

The FAA is conducting an investigation into the incident involving the Boeing 777.
The plane flew at an unusually low altitude in Texas.
Flight radar data recorded the plane at under 25 feet off the ground.
Such a low altitude for a large commercial airplane is considered dangerous.
No further details on the cause or consequences of the incident were provided.
The investigation aims to understand why the plane was so low and to prevent similar events.
Boeing 777 is a widely used long-distance commercial aircraft.
Safety concerns are taken seriously by the FAA to protect passengers and people on the ground.

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ABC News

WATCH: Missing giraffe in Texas finally found after two-week search

June 26, 2026 • World • ABC News

Summary

A young giraffe that escaped from a ranch in Texas was found after a two-week search. The rescue mission successfully brought the giraffe back home.

Key Facts

A young giraffe went missing from a ranch in Texas.
The giraffe escaped and was lost for two weeks.
A search and rescue mission was conducted to find the giraffe.
The giraffe was safely found and returned to the ranch.
The story was reported by David Muir on ABC News on June 26, 2026.

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ABC News

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