The Actual News — Stay Informed Without It Wearing You Out

An infuriating TikTok Apple Pay prank

October 30, 2026 • Technology • CBS News

Summary

Some creators on TikTok and other social media platforms are pretending to take money from people through Apple Pay as part of a prank. CBS News correspondent Tom Hanson reports on the trend.

Key Facts

The prank appears in videos posted on TikTok and other social media platforms.
Creators pretend to swipe money from members of the public.
The videos present Apple Pay as the payment method involved.
CBS News describes the prank as cruel.
Tom Hanson reports on the prank for CBS News.

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CBS News

An infuriating Apple Pay prank on social media

October 30, 2026 • Technology • CBS News

Summary

Content creators are posting a prank on social media in which they pretend to take money from members of the public using Apple Pay. CBS News reporter Tom Hanson reports on the prank.

Key Facts

The article describes the videos as a new prank.
Content creators are posting the videos on social media platforms.
The creators pretend to take money from members of the public.
The prank involves Apple Pay, Apple's digital payment service.
The article characterizes the prank as cruel.
Tom Hanson reports on the prank for CBS News.

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CBS News

Alaska Democrat says she ‘knew nothing’ about effort to put two Dan Sullivans on ballot

October 30, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Democratic Senate candidate Mary Peltola said she knew nothing about an effort to recruit another candidate named Dan Sullivan for Alaska’s ballot. The Justice Department has issued new grand jury subpoenas as part of a criminal investigation, while Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced a separate state investigation. President Donald Trump questioned whether Peltola should be allowed to run and later said she should be removed from the ballot and prosecuted.

Key Facts

Peltola is challenging Republican Sen. Dan Sullivan, who is seeking re-election.
The additional candidate is Dan J. Sullivan Jr., a retiree with little political experience, according to the article.
A person familiar with the matter told the Associated Press that federal subpoenas and records-preservation demands were issued after a New York Times report about Peltola’s campaign and the recruitment effort.
The recipients and number of federal subpoenas were not immediately clear, and more subpoenas were expected, the source said.
Republicans have accused Democrats of recruiting the second Dan Sullivan to confuse voters and split support for the incumbent.
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy announced plans for a criminal investigation and said the reporting supported earlier findings by the state elections board.
Trump said he doubted Peltola could be allowed to run and later called for her removal from the ballot and prosecution.

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Guardian World

Billionaire tax: how a union leader’s ‘crazy’ idea became the defining issue of California’s midterms

October 30, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

California voters are set to decide on Proposition 40, a proposed one-time 5% tax on billionaires who lived in the state on January 1, 2026. The measure grew from a union-led effort to address expected health coverage losses linked to federal cuts and has become a costly, divisive campaign, drawing opposition from tech billionaires and support from progressive politicians and public figures.

Key Facts

SEIU-United Healthcare Workers West president Dave Regan helped develop the proposal after President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act on July 4.
The article says the federal law will cut about $1 trillion in Medicaid, Affordable Care Act and other health funding over a decade.
The article estimates that more than 3.4 million Californians could lose health coverage when the law takes effect in January.
Proposition 40 would impose a one-time 5% tax on billionaires living in California on January 1, 2026.
The proposal would direct revenue to health programs as well as some education and food assistance.
Opponents, including tech billionaires, have contributed more than $356 million to political action committees opposing the measure.
The opposition campaign spent more than $42.8 million in the first two weeks of October, according to the latest campaign filings cited in the article.
Supporters have promoted the measure through social media and rallies featuring figures including Bernie Sanders, Shepard Fairey and Mark Ruffalo.

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Guardian US

Buy a wind-up radio – and don’t forget the chocolate: survival experts on how to prepare for an emergency

October 30, 2026 • World • Guardian Tech

Summary

The article outlines expert recommendations for preparing a household emergency kit, following the UK government’s Be Ready campaign. Experts advise keeping first-aid supplies and medicines, a battery or wind-up radio, and other basic provisions at home.

Key Facts

The UK government launched its Be Ready emergency-preparedness campaign in October.
Experts recommend a first-aid kit with sterile dressings, tape, bandages, scissors, tweezers and gloves.
Suggested household medical supplies include a thermometer, paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, Imodium and rehydration sachets.
The article recommends taking a basic first-aid course; St John Ambulance and the British Red Cross offer courses.
The government advises households to keep a battery-powered or wind-up radio for use if communication channels fail.
Some wind-up radios include a torch and a USB port for charging a phone.

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Guardian Tech

Ghost in the machine: how AI is haunting the search for the supernatural

October 30, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

GhostTube Seer is a subscription app that uses phone sensor signals to generate words and images that paranormal investigators interpret as possible evidence of ghosts. Its creators have featured it in investigations, while some paranormal researchers question what data its AI uses and whether AI-generated content changes the nature of ghost hunting.

Key Facts

Amy Waine and Jarrad Cutting developed GhostTube Seer.
The app uses signals from a phone’s built-in magnetometer to select words and phrases, then generates images.
The app requires a paid monthly subscription and has more than one million downloads, according to its Google Play listing.
Waine and Cutting used Seer during an investigation at the Winchester Mystery House and interpreted its generated images in relation to the home.
The app launched in 2023, according to the article.
Some paranormal forums, including the r/Nosleep subreddit, prohibit AI-generated stories.
Paranormal researcher Alex Matsuo questioned what data AI ghost-hunting tools use to identify or depict ghosts.

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Guardian Tech

Top Science Democrat probes cuts to research spending at National Science Foundation

October 30, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Zoe Lofgren, the top Democrat on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee, is investigating reports that the National Science Foundation did not spend a large amount of money Congress had appropriated. In a letter, she accused the foundation of undermining Congress’s authority over federal spending.

Key Facts

Lofgren represents California and serves as the committee’s ranking member.
The letter was first shared with The Hill.
Lofgren said the reported underspending may violate Congress’s power over federal spending.
The article describes the amount as large but does not specify a figure in the provided text.

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The Hill

Drone warfare will be won at the operator level

October 30, 2026 • Technology • The Hill

Summary

The article argues that drone warfare systems should be designed around the operator, rather than around individual platforms. It says this would avoid requiring operators to navigate between separate systems.

Key Facts

The article focuses on how drone warfare systems should be designed.
It argues that system design should start with the operator.
It contrasts an operator-centered approach with one built around individual platforms.
It says operators currently have to navigate between systems in the approach it criticizes.
The article’s title says the operator level will determine success in drone warfare.

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The Hill

A look back at Patrick Stewart's extraordinary life

October 30, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

The article reports that actor Patrick Stewart has died at 86. CBS Mornings looks back at his life and career, including his roles in Star Trek and X-Men.

Key Facts

Patrick Stewart has died at 86.
The article describes Stewart as an actor known for Star Trek and X-Men.
CBS Mornings features a retrospective on Stewart's life.
The article does not provide further details about the circumstances of his death.

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CBS News

Protein snacks are everywhere. How much is enough?

October 30, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

A CBS News segment examines the popularity of snacks with added protein. Dr. Tania Elliott discusses balancing protein in a diet and shares her favorite protein snacks.

Key Facts

The segment focuses on snacks marketed with added protein.
Dr. Tania Elliott discusses how to balance protein in a diet.
Elliott shares her favorite protein snacks.
CBS News lists the segment as a 3-minute, 15-second video.
The article text does not provide specific protein intake recommendations or snack examples.

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CBS News

Police watchdog to investigate Met’s handling of Meghan warning letter

October 30, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

The Independent Office for Police Conduct has opened an investigation into the Metropolitan Police’s failure to share allegations in a 2019 letter about Thomas Markle with relevant overseas law enforcement agencies. The letter’s claims included alleged wrongdoing in the United States, the Philippines and Thailand; Markle denies child sexual abuse allegations now under investigation in the Philippines.

Key Facts

The Met referred its handling of the letter to the IOPC, which decided to launch a formal investigation.
The investigation will examine who decided not to share the claims overseas and whether police procedures were followed.
The Met sent the letter to the office of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in 2019 but did not share its allegations with foreign law enforcement agencies at the time.
The IOPC will not investigate whether passing the letter to the couple’s office breached data rules.
The Met is now sending details to the FBI and law enforcement agencies in the Philippines and Thailand.
Philippine authorities are examining digital images allegedly found at Markle’s former home; the claims are under investigation.
Markle denies child sexual abuse allegations and denies possessing illegal material, though he has acknowledged paying for sex.

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Guardian World

US tech stocks see sharp falls over AI cost concerns

October 30, 2026 • Business • BBC Tech

Summary

U.S. technology stocks fell as investors weighed the rising cost of building AI systems and company results. The Nasdaq opened down 2.5% on Friday, while Intel, Amazon, Reddit and Roblox shares also declined.

Key Facts

Intel shares fell as much as 30% in early trading on Friday.
Intel warned of a weaker computer market while planning to increase AI spending.
Amazon shares fell as much as 6% before recovering after its reported earnings missed investor expectations.
The Nasdaq opened at its lowest level in more than two months, down 2.5%.
Reddit and Roblox shares also fell.
Alphabet lost more than $500 billion in value on Thursday after saying its AI summaries were affecting core search advertising revenue.

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BBC Tech

Pope Leo XIV becomes first pontiff to vote in a US election

October 30, 2026 • Us • BBC World

Summary

Pope Leo XIV cast a mail-in ballot in Illinois for the 2026 U.S. midterm elections, becoming the first pope to vote in a U.S. election. The vote comes amid public disagreements between Leo and President Donald Trump over immigration and the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.

Key Facts

The Holy See Press Office said Leo believes citizens have a right and duty to take part in democratic processes.
Leo was born in Chicago and is the first U.S. citizen to serve as pope.
NBC News reported that Leo requested his mail-in ballot from the Will County Clerk’s Office on October 3.
Election Day for the midterms is November 3, and early voting has begun in most states.
The midterms will decide which party controls Congress during the remaining years of Trump’s presidency.
The Vatican said Leo underwent surgery to remove a lower lobe of his right lung after he was diagnosed with lung cancer.
The Vatican said Leo plans to travel to Uruguay, Argentina, and Peru in early November.

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BBC World

How a first-of-its-kind nasal spray is designed to treat a common heart condition

October 30, 2026 • Technology • CBS News

Summary

A CBS News segment describes a prescription nasal spray for episodes of paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia (PSVT), a condition that can cause a sudden racing heartbeat. The segment says the spray is the first and only FDA-approved treatment for PSVT that patients can administer themselves.

Key Facts

PSVT can cause a racing heartbeat that begins without warning.
The segment says PSVT affects up to 2 million Americans.
The treatment is a nasal spray.
It is available by prescription.
Patients can administer the spray themselves.
The segment describes it as the first and only FDA-approved self-administered prescription nasal spray for PSVT.

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CBS News

Chris Sununu: ‘Texas is in trouble for Republicans’

October 30, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Former New Hampshire Gov. Chris Sununu predicted that Republican Ken Paxton will lose to Democrat James Talarico in next week’s Texas Senate race. Sununu offered a more optimistic outlook for Republicans nationally, according to the article.

Key Facts

Sununu is a former Republican governor of New Hampshire.
He made his prediction during an interview with NewsNation’s Chris Cuomo on Thursday night.
Sununu predicted that Democrat James Talarico would defeat Republican Ken Paxton in Texas next week.
The article says Sununu remains more optimistic about Republicans’ prospects nationally.

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The Hill

Millions more Americans vote ahead of Election Day as early voting jumps across Senate battlegrounds

October 30, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

More than 43 million Americans had voted early in person or returned mail ballots, nearly 10 million more than at the same point in the 2022 midterm election. Early voting rose sharply in several states with competitive Senate races, according to an Associated Press analysis of data collected five days before Election Day.

Key Facts

More than 43 million people had voted early across 47 states and Washington, D.C.
The total was nearly 10 million higher than at the same point in 2022, when data covered 48 states and Washington, D.C.
More than 6.3 million Texans had voted early, up 50% from 4.2 million at the same point four years earlier.
Early voting was up more than 30% in Maine, Michigan, North Carolina and Kansas.
South Carolina early voting was up 83%; voters there were choosing a successor to the late Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham.
In states that report party affiliation, about 6.8 million Democrats and 5.2 million Republicans had voted early; the figures do not show how they voted.
The election will determine control of Congress, where Republicans held both the House and Senate at the time of the article.

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PBS NewsHour

Cost of living protests to spread to Germany and reignite in France on Halloween

October 30, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Cost-of-living protests were expected to take place in more than 30 German cities and resume in France on Saturday, Halloween. Authorities planned large police deployments amid concerns about possible violence, while organizers in Germany urged participants to protest peacefully.

Key Facts

The German group Gen Z regelt called for protests demanding more spending on schools, climate protection and housing, and opposing a return to mandatory military service.
More than 160,000 people had registered online as intending to attend the German protests by Friday.
About 10,000 people, mainly pupils, students and parents, were expected to gather at Berlin’s Brandenburg Gate; rallies were also planned in Cologne, Munich, Frankfurt and Hamburg.
Berlin police chief Barbara Slowik Meisel said she would deploy 1,500 additional officers and that police had no concrete evidence of planned coordinated looting.
Germany’s federal pupils’ conference distanced itself from the protests, citing the initiative’s unclear organizational structure.
French Interior Minister Laurent Nuñez said 70,000 police and gendarmes would be deployed across France on Saturday.
Nuñez warned that calls for violent gatherings had appeared on social media and said the main risk might come after the organized cost-of-living demonstrations ended.
The article says student demonstrations in recent weeks had affected Italy, Spain, Portugal, Albania and France.

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Guardian World

Netanyahu's party claims Israel's election was stolen. Now what?

October 30, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Netanyahu’s Likud party alleged that Israel’s election was stolen through foreign influence and vote-buying, but Israel’s election authority said there was no basis for claims of systematic interference. Final results left Netanyahu’s bloc without a Knesset majority, while Arab-majority parties won a record number of seats and could affect efforts to form a new government.

Key Facts

Arab-majority parties won 19 of the Knesset’s 120 seats, their highest total ever.
Netanyahu’s bloc fell from 68 seats to 53, according to final results.
The four parties in the main opposition bloc won 48 seats and would need additional support to form a government.
Leaders of the two largest Arab parties said they were willing to help the opposition bloc remove Netanyahu from power.
The Shin Bet opened an investigation into possible foreign influence in the election, but did not specify its scope.
The acting director-general of the Central Elections Committee said there was no basis for claims of systematic election interference.
Qatar denied claims that it funded activities to influence the election.
The results must still be certified and sent to President Isaac Herzog before the new parliament can be sworn in.

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CBS News

The Greatest Risk in Uncertain Times May Be Refusing to Act | Opinion

October 30, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

Jim Stavis argues that businesses should not wait for certainty before responding to change. He recommends using reliable evidence, small reversible tests, customer and employee feedback, and clear standards to guide decisions and limit risk.

Key Facts

PwC’s 2026 Global CEO Survey found that 30 percent of chief executives were confident about revenue growth over the next 12 months, down from 38 percent in 2025.
The World Economic Forum’s Future of Jobs Report 2025 said employers expect 39 percent of workers’ core skills to change by 2030.
Stavis says he helped build an automotive-aftermarket operation into a manufacturing business over 16 years.
A fire destroyed one of that business’s facilities near Los Angeles International Airport, forcing the company to rebuild operations while protecting employees.
Stavis co-founded a steel service business in 1988 with four employees.
The steel business let customers order exact quantities, schedule deliveries, and request cut-to-size materials.
When competitors adopted similar services, the company expanded into fabrication.
Stavis recommends limited pilots, spending limits, and tests with defined customer groups as ways to act while limiting risk.

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Newsweek

Google parent Alphabet sees massive stock plunge; shockwaves after Binance hack

October 30, 2026 • Business • CBS News

Summary

Alphabet, Google’s parent company, lost about $500 billion in market value in its steepest one-day decline on record. The article also reports that cryptocurrency exchange Binance was targeted in a hack involving $6.3 billion.

Key Facts

Alphabet’s market value fell by about $500 billion.
The decline was described as Alphabet’s steepest one-day drop on record.
Binance, a cryptocurrency exchange, was targeted in a hack.
The article puts the amount involved in the Binance hack at $6.3 billion.
The article provides no further details about what caused Alphabet’s stock drop.
The article provides no details about how the Binance hack happened or who was responsible.

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