The Actual News - Just the facts

Massive destruction after Israeli strikes in Beirut neighbourhood

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

Israeli strikes have caused significant damage in a neighborhood in southern Beirut. Many buildings have been destroyed, leaving the streets filled with debris.

Key Facts

Israeli strikes hit a neighborhood in southern Beirut.
The attacks resulted in a lot of building damage.
Streets are filled with rubble from destroyed buildings.
The incident occurred in Beirut, which is the capital of Lebanon.
The destruction has been described as massive.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera

Woman Excited to Attend Sister's Wedding—Until She Hears One Detail

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

A woman is unsure about attending her sister's wedding due to the high travel and accommodation costs associated with the event. The wedding is in a remote part of England, requiring a long and expensive journey from her home in Scotland. She is considering whether to discuss her financial concerns with her sister.

Key Facts

The woman lives in Edinburgh, Scotland.
Her sister's wedding is in rural Cornwall, southwest England.
Without a car, the trip involves multiple trains and a bus, taking about eight hours.
The travel cost for a round trip is estimated at £180 ($241).
Hotel accommodation linked to the wedding starts at about £140 ($187) per night.
The wedding celebrations will last two days, potentially requiring at least three nights' stay.
She worries about the expense of travel, accommodation, and taking time off work.
Online discussions suggest she discuss her financial challenges with her sister.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Uncommon Knowledge: The Voter ID Debate Everyone Gets Wrong

March 12, 2026 • Us

Summary

President Donald Trump is pushing for the passage of a bill called the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) Act, which mandates proof of U.S. citizenship and photo identification for voting. The debate centers on whether these requirements protect election integrity or suppress voter access. Public opinion shows strong support for voter ID laws, but implementing them is not always straightforward.

Key Facts

President Trump supports the SAVE Act, which requires proof of citizenship and photo ID for voting.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has resisted changing Senate rules to advance the bill.
Democrats argue that the measure could suppress votes by complicating the process for some people.
A February 2026 poll shows 85% of voters believe only U.S. citizens should vote.
Public support for voter ID requirements is high, with significant backing from both Republicans and Democrats.
Obtaining the necessary documents for voter ID can be complicated and involve fees.
The process of getting birth certificates or IDs varies by state and may require extra effort.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Strictly star Amber Davies takes break from Legally Blonde musical

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

Amber Davies, an actress and contestant from Strictly Come Dancing, is taking a break from the UK tour of Legally Blonde The Musical due to a persistent illness. She is temporarily replaced by her understudy in the role of Elle Woods. The tour still has 10 months left, but there is no information on how long her break will last.

Key Facts

Amber Davies is part of the Legally Blonde The Musical UK tour, playing the lead role.
Davies announced a break from the musical because of a persistent illness.
Her understudy, Hannah Lowther, stepped in to replace her in a recent performance.
The tour began last month in Leicester and will continue for 10 more months.
Davies has been on antibiotics but found performing and recovering simultaneously challenging.
She gained fame by winning Love Island in 2017 and has appeared in several musicals.
Davies recently participated in Strictly Come Dancing, reaching the finals.
There is no specific information on how long her break from the tour will be.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

How much of the Gulf’s water comes from desalination plants?

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

The article discusses the importance of desalination plants for water supply in the Gulf region, highlighting how these plants are essential due to the scarcity of natural water resources. It reports incidents of damage to desalination plants in Iran and Bahrain amid a U.S.-Israeli conflict involving Iran. The Gulf countries produce 40% of the world's desalinated water to meet the needs of over 62 million people.

Key Facts

Desalination plants are crucial for water supply in the Gulf, a region with scarce natural water resources.
A reported U.S. strike damaged a desalination plant on Qeshm Island, impacting 30 Iranian villages.
Bahrain reported material damage to one of its desalination plants caused by an Iranian drone.
The Gulf states collectively account for about 40% of the world's desalinated water production.
In 2023, the six Gulf states produced 7.2 billion cubic meters of freshwater from desalination.
Qatar and Bahrain are the most dependent on desalination, with over half their water coming from this source.
Saudi Arabia is the largest producer in the region, with 3 billion cubic meters of desalinated water in 2023.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera

Japan's Best Long-Term Care Hospitals 2026 Survey

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

Newsweek and Statista are conducting a survey called "Japan’s Best Long-Term Care Hospitals 2026" to evaluate the quality of care in Japan's long-term care hospitals. These hospitals are crucial in providing extended medical care for the elderly and those with chronic health issues. The survey, which invites input from healthcare professionals and caregivers, will remain open until April 14, 2026.

Key Facts

Newsweek and Statista are launching a survey about Japan's long-term care hospitals.
The survey aims to find hospitals excelling in quality care and services.
Long-term care hospitals in Japan support older adults and those with chronic conditions.
These hospitals provide ongoing medical care beyond regular hospitals and nursing homes.
The survey seeks feedback from healthcare professionals and caregivers.
The survey deadline is April 14, 2026.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Food Items That Saw Sharpest Price Rises In February

March 12, 2026 • Us

Summary

The cost of food in the U.S. rose by 0.3% in February, with fruits and vegetables experiencing the largest price hikes. Some food items, like eggs and dairy products, saw price decreases. President Trump aims to address high food costs as part of his administration's efforts.

Key Facts

Food prices in the U.S. increased by 0.3% in February.
Grocery prices rose by 0.2%, and eating out costs rose by 0.3%.
Fruits and vegetables went up by 2.4% in February compared to January.
Nonalcoholic beverage prices increased 1.2% from January.
Coffee prices have risen due to climate impacts and tariffs on Brazil and Vietnam.
Meat, poultry, and eggs saw a price decrease of 1.6%.
Dairy products' prices went down by 1.2% from January to February.
The USDA expects food prices to generally rise in 2026, with some items seeing bigger increases.

Source Verification

Newsweek

'What if we're left with ruins?': Doubts creep in for Iranians who supported war

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

Some Iranians who initially supported military action against their government are beginning to doubt whether it will bring positive change. As the conflict continues, concerns about widespread suffering and chaos are growing. Communication with people in Iran is difficult due to internet shutdowns imposed by the authorities.

Key Facts

Many Iranians hoped that military pressure would quickly change their government.
President Trump and other officials have suggested that military action might lead to regime change in Iran.
There is increased difficulty in contacting people in Iran because the government has restricted internet access.
Some Iranians initially celebrated reports of major strikes against their government.
Iranians like Sama and Mina worry about destruction and fear the ongoing conflict.
The United Nations estimates that between 600,000 to 1 million Iranian households are temporarily displaced.
These estimates mean that up to 3.2 million people may be affected by the conflict.
The humanitarian situation in Iran is worsening as the conflict continues.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

Mom Braced for ‘Fragile’ Premature Baby, Then Midwife Reveals His Weight

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

A woman in Canada gave birth prematurely to a large baby, surprising everyone with his weight of 10 pounds 3 ounces. The baby was born four weeks early due to the mother's high blood pressure related to her diabetes. This story drew significant attention on TikTok as people reacted to the unexpected size of the newborn.

Key Facts

Mika, a 27-year-old mother from Canada, gave birth to her son four weeks early.
The baby was born at a weight of 10 pounds 3 ounces.
Mika has Type 2 diabetes, which can affect baby's birth weight.
She was initially concerned about having a small, fragile baby.
High blood pressure led to the early delivery at 36 weeks.
The baby's size became a topic of discussion at the hospital.
A study suggests that gestational diabetes can affect baby's body fat by two months old.
Mika shared her story on TikTok, where it received a lot of attention and numerous comments.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Diners Not Ready For What They See On Restaurant Receipt: 'No Way'

March 12, 2026 • Business

Summary

A diner in Atlanta noticed an extra 4% fee on their restaurant bill, intended to support employee health insurance, which was not clearly communicated beforehand. This led to discussions online about the responsibility of covering employee benefits and the transparency of fee disclosures in restaurants.

Key Facts

A diner in Atlanta saw a 4% fee added to their restaurant bill.
The fee is meant to help cover health insurance for employees.
The diner claimed the fee was not clearly mentioned on the menu they saw.
Reddit users debated the fairness and transparency of such fees.
Some users noted the fee is advertised on the restaurant's online dinner menu.
Unexpected fees like this have appeared in previous restaurant incidents reported online.

Source Verification

Newsweek

USPS To Launch New Stamps in May 2026

March 12, 2026 • Us

Summary

The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) plans to release a new set of Route 66 commemorative stamps in May 2026. The stamps celebrate the 100th anniversary of Route 66 and will be officially unveiled at an event in Arizona.

Key Facts

USPS will issue new Route 66 stamps in May 2026 to mark the highway's 100th anniversary.
The stamp set includes eight designs, each representing one of the states Route 66 passes through.
Route 66, also called "The Mother Road," was a major route from Chicago to Santa Monica, beginning in 1926.
A special event will take place on May 5, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona, to unveil the stamps.
The event is free and open to the public, with no ticket required.
The stamps feature photographs of landmarks and scenes from Route 66.
Customers can buy the stamps online, by phone, by mail, or at Post Office locations.

Source Verification

Newsweek

The Christian-Muslim couple who are fasting for Lent and Ramadan at the same time

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

A Christian-Muslim couple in Nigeria, Olanrewaju and Kaosara Williams, are both fasting because the Muslim holy month of Ramadan and the Christian season of Lent are happening at the same time. This rare overlap between the two religious observances last occurred in 1993. The couple shared their experience of observing these sacred periods together.

Key Facts

Olanrewaju Williams is a Christian and his wife, Kaosara, is a Muslim.
The couple lives in Nigeria, where Christians and Muslims make up nearly equal parts of the population.
Ramadan and Lent are both involving fasting, prayer, and reflection.
The overlap of Ramadan and Lent at the same time last happened in 1993.
The couple has shared their experience of fasting together during these periods.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

How Iran’s women footballers took asylum in Australia and what happens next

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

Several players from Iran's women's football team sought asylum in Australia after participating in the Asian Cup 2026. The players faced backlash in Iran for not initially singing the national anthem, leading to safety concerns. Australian and global football organizations showed support for the players' safety.

Key Facts

Some players from Iran's women's football team sought refuge in Australia during the Asian Cup 2026.
The tournament took place in Australia starting March 1, amidst military tensions involving the U.S., Israel, and Iran.
Iran's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, was killed in an attack, along with about 170 others.
Players initially chose not to sing the Iranian national anthem, leading to criticism and threats from Iranian media.
Iranian state TV called the players "traitors" for not singing the anthem, raising safety concerns.
Global football organizations like FIFPRO urged protection for the players.
The Australian government expressed sympathy but made no formal promises of asylum.
Matches were held at Gold Coast Stadium, where chanting the anthem later became a focus.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera

Denver Airport Resorting To Asking People To Donate Gift Cards To Pay Staff

March 12, 2026 • Us

Summary

Denver International Airport is asking the public to donate $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards to help TSA employees, who are working without pay due to a partial U.S. government shutdown. The donation drive is meant to assist these employees with basic living expenses as they continue their duties without paychecks while awaiting a federal funding resolution.

Key Facts

Denver International Airport launched a donation drive for TSA employees working without pay during a government shutdown.
The airport is only accepting $10 and $20 grocery store and gas gift cards due to federal rules.
TSA employees are essential workers who must work even when government funding lapses.
The shutdown has disrupted staffing at airport security, leading to long wait times.
Seattle-Tacoma International Airport has also set up support for unpaid federal workers.
TSA officers fall under the Department of Homeland Security, affected by the funding issue.
There have been calls to prevent TSA employees from going unpaid in future shutdowns through new legislation.
The donation effort will continue until a funding agreement is reached.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Social Security Investigating Access to Millions of Americans' Data

March 12, 2026 • Us

Summary

The Social Security Administration (SSA) is investigating a whistleblower's claim that a former employee improperly accessed and handled sensitive data from SSA databases. The allegations suggest potential unauthorized access to personal information, including Social Security numbers and other sensitive data, which has raised concerns about data privacy and security. The investigation is ongoing, and both the SSA and the implicated parties have denied the allegations.

Key Facts

An anonymous whistleblower claimed a former Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) employee accessed SSA databases without permission.
The SSA inspector general is investigating the complaint, as stated in a letter to Congress.
The SSA maintains records on millions of Americans, including Social Security numbers and banking information.
The allegations describe potential unauthorized access to confidential data and its mishandling.
SSA, the former employee, and the implicated company have denied the allegations.
Investigations are not yet concluded, and there are no confirmed details about unauthorized access or data misuse.
Previously, DOGE employees allegedly uploaded data to insecure cloud environments, according to court admissions by the Trump administration.
SSA described The Washington Post's coverage of the allegations as inaccurate.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Man Buys New Home—Reveals Bizarre Secret Room Hidden Behind Tiny Door

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

A homeowner in Kentucky discovered a hidden room in his house filled with sand and seashells. The room was used by the previous owners for their children's play, and the current owners plan to remodel it into a space for their cats. The video of the room went viral on social media, garnering over 8.2 million views.

Key Facts

The hidden room is located on the second floor of a home in Kentucky.
The room's floor is covered with 2 to 3 inches of sand and includes seashells.
The room was a feature of the home when purchased by the new owners.
It was used by previous owners as a play area for children and grandchildren.
The new owners plan to convert the room into a play area for their cats.
A video showing the room has been viewed over 8.2 million times on TikTok.
Home renovation spending in the U.S. has increased significantly from 2020 to 2023.
Kitchens are the most renovated rooms in U.S. homes, followed by bathrooms and living rooms.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Laptops Facing ‘Painful’ Price Hikes—Why Apple May Be the One Exception

March 12, 2026 • Technology

Summary

The cost of laptops is expected to rise significantly due to increased prices for memory and processors. However, Apple might avoid these price hikes because it designs its own processors and works with specific suppliers.

Key Facts

Laptop prices might go up by nearly 40% by 2026, according to TrendForce.
Memory components like DRAM and SSD storage have increased in price and now make up a larger part of a laptop's cost.
Processor prices are climbing, with Intel raising some of its CPU prices by over 15%.
Key components now account for around 58% of a laptop's total cost.
Apple designs its own processors, which helps it control costs better than other companies.
Apple's chips are made by the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company.
Tariffs and supply chain issues could further push up prices for laptops and other electronics.
Newsweek reported on these findings using an AI assistant to help produce their story.

Source Verification

Newsweek

Three Scotland changes for key visit to Ireland

March 12, 2026 • Sports

Summary

Scotland is making key changes to their rugby team for an important match against Ireland in the Six Nations tournament. This game is crucial for Scotland as they aim to win their first championship since 1999. They need a victory and for defending champions France to underperform to secure the title.

Key Facts

Scotland plays against Ireland in a critical Six Nations rugby match.
Max Williamson and Grant Gilchrist are forming a new partnership in the team's second row.
Zander Fagerson returns to the starting lineup after his substitute role against France.
Scotland's last win against Ireland in Dublin was in 2010.
Scotland has never won four games in a Six Nations campaign.
Gregor Townsend, the coach, emphasizes the match as an opportunity rather than focusing on the title implications.
Scottish players Gregor Brown and Scott Cummings are out due to injuries.
Winger Kyle Steyn is fit to play after recovering from a leg injury.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories

Questions mount for Hegseth over possible US involvement in strike on Iranian school

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

The U.S. Senate Democrats have asked Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about a strike on a school in Iran that killed 168 people. They want to know if the U.S. was involved, as reports suggest American forces might have unintentionally hit the school. The strike is part of a larger U.S.-Israeli operation, and an investigation is ongoing.

Key Facts

A strike on an Iranian school killed 168 people, including around 110 children.
The strike might have been part of a joint U.S.-Israeli military operation.
U.S. Senate Democrats sent a letter asking Defense Secretary Hegseth about the U.S.'s possible involvement.
An initial assessment suggests U.S. forces likely hit the school by mistake.
The mistaken strike may have been due to outdated intelligence identifying the site as a military target.
President Trump stated he doesn’t yet have enough information about the incident.
The attack involved a Tomahawk missile, which only the U.S. is known to possess in the region.
Israel claims no involvement in the strike and no discussion of the operation with them occurred.

Source Verification

BBC US

At least 64 killed, dozens reported missing in Ethiopia landslides, floods

March 12, 2026 • World

Summary

At least 64 people have died and many others are missing after landslides and flooding in the Gamo Zone of southern Ethiopia. Heavy rains are causing severe weather events across East Africa, including in neighboring Kenya.

Key Facts

Flooding and landslides in Ethiopia's Gamo Zone caused at least 64 deaths.
Over 100 people are reported missing in the area.
Most victims were found buried in mud according to local officials.
A rescue operation saved one person alive from the mud.
Local authorities have advised residents to move to safer ground due to ongoing rains.
Similar severe weather, including heavy rains and floods, is affecting other East African regions like Kenya.
Experts suggest that climate change is increasing the frequency of extreme weather events.
In July 2024, a mudslide in southern Ethiopia killed over 250 people due to heavy rain.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera

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