The Actual News - Just the facts

Shares in chipmakers underpinning AI boom rocket in first half of 2026

June 29, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

Chipmaker companies’ stock prices have risen sharply in the first half of 2026 due to increased demand for the semiconductors needed for artificial intelligence (AI) technology. This rise has boosted markets in Asia and the US, while some large software companies have seen their shares drop.

Key Facts

Semiconductor and memory chip makers have seen profits and share prices soar in 2026.
South Korea’s Kospi index rose 123%, helped by Samsung (up 169%) and SK Hynix (up 303%).
US chip companies like Sandisk, Western Digital, Micron, and Seagate experienced huge gains, with Sandisk up 780% this year.
High demand for chips to power AI data centers has driven prices and stock values upwards.
Apple reported higher iPad and MacBook prices partly due to rising memory chip costs.
Shares of major AI software companies like Microsoft have fallen as investors shift money into chipmakers.
Some signs show the chip stock boom might be slowing as investors take profits and move out of tech stocks.
Global stock markets generally gained in the first half of 2026, with Japan’s Nikkei up 38% and the US S&P 500 up 7.4%.

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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Tech

Catherine completes Three Peaks Challenge to 'explore life beyond' cancer diagnosis

June 29, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Catherine, the Princess of Wales, completed the Three Peaks Challenge by climbing the highest mountains in England, Scotland, and Wales in one day to raise money for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity. She took on the challenge to support holistic healthcare for cancer patients and to raise awareness about the emotional and physical impact of cancer.

Key Facts

The Three Peaks Challenge involves climbing the tallest peaks in England (Scafell Pike), Scotland (Ben Nevis), and Wales (Snowdon) in 24 hours.
Catherine was treated for cancer in 2024 and was in remission by early 2025.
She completed the challenge to raise funds for the Royal Marsden Cancer Charity.
Holistic healthcare means supporting the whole person, including physical, emotional, spiritual, and social wellbeing alongside medical treatment.
Catherine shared that cancer affects more than just the body; it also impacts emotions and how people think.
She wants to highlight the importance of combining medical treatment with other types of care to improve cancer patients’ quality of life.
At the finish in Wales, she was greeted by family members, including Prince William and their children.
The Royal Marsden NHS Foundation Trust praised her support and said it will help many cancer patients and their families.

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BBC Top Stories

Ocasio-Cortez calls to ‘break up’ big tech companies amid price hikes

June 29, 2026 • Technology • The Hill

Summary

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez said large technology companies have too much power and should be broken up into smaller parts. She expressed concern that these companies act like governments instead of just businesses.

Key Facts

Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is a Democratic representative from New York.
She criticized big tech companies for having "unchecked power."
She suggested breaking up large technology companies into smaller ones.
Ocasio-Cortez said these companies behave as if they are governments.
Her comments came during an interview with Fox News.
The discussion included concerns about price increases and control by tech firms.
The focus was partly on artificial intelligence and tech company influence.

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The Hill

Australian man charged with murder after dead girl found in suitcase in Thailand

June 29, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

An Australian man was charged with murder after the body of a 17-year-old Thai girl was found in a suitcase in Pattaya, Thailand. The man was arrested while trying to leave the country and denies killing the girl, claiming self-defense.

Key Facts

The girl, Tunchanok Donhomla, was 17 years old and reported missing on Friday in Pattaya.
Police found her naked body inside a suitcase near a railway track early Saturday morning.
Simon Peter Carman, the Australian suspect, was arrested at Bangkok airport as he tried to flee.
CCTV footage showed Carman entering a condominium with the girl and leaving alone with a large suitcase.
Carman denies murder and other charges but admits an argument over payment for sexual services.
Police say Carman had scratch marks consistent with a struggle, but he claimed they were from a spider.
The girl was an only child from Kalasin province and had traveled to Pattaya on holiday.
If found guilty, Carman could face the death penalty in Thailand.

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BBC World

3 firefighters killed, 2 injured fighting wildfires near Colorado-Utah border

June 29, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Three firefighters died and two were burned while fighting fast-moving wildfires near the Colorado-Utah border. The fires combined to form the large Snyder Fire, burning about 44 square miles, with hot and windy weather making firefighting difficult.

Key Facts

Three firefighters died, and two were injured by burns during a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border.
The affected firefighters were from the U.S. Wildland Fire Service and U.S. Forest Service.
The Knowles and Gore fires merged to create the Snyder Fire, which has burned about 44 square miles.
Weather conditions included temperatures up to 93°F (34°C) and wind gusts up to 44 mph (71 kph).
The firefighting agencies closed nearby public lands to keep people safe and asked residents to evacuate and wet the land.
Wildfires are spreading rapidly in the western U.S. due to hot, dry, and windy weather and low humidity.
A large fire in southwest Utah, the Cottonwood Fire, has burned over 144 square miles and damaged a ski resort.
The dry conditions are worsened by Utah’s record-low snowpack and warmest winter, increasing fire risk across the West.

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CBS News

Venezuela earthquake: father and son found alive in rubble after four days as death toll nears 1,500

June 29, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

A father and his teenage son were found alive under rubble in Venezuela four days after two strong earthquakes hit near Caracas. The twin earthquakes caused severe damage, killing around 1,450 people and injuring over 3,000, with many buildings destroyed and thousands still missing.

Key Facts

Two earthquakes of magnitude 7.2 and 7.5 struck near Caracas, Venezuela.
Nearly 200 buildings were completely destroyed and about 774 seriously damaged.
The death toll is about 1,450 and expected to rise; more than 3,150 people were injured.
A father and son were found alive in Caraballeda nearly four days after the quakes.
Rescue teams from the US, Mexico, France, and other countries are aiding in search and rescue.
Looting occurred in La Guaira, a heavily damaged port city near Venezuela's main airport.
About 6.76 million people may need shelter, water, sanitation, healthcare, and other help.
The UN estimates $6.7 billion is needed to repair damage from the earthquakes.

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Guardian World

One in 10 children in England referred for mental healthcare - with anxiety the main reason

June 29, 2026 • Us • BBC Top Stories

Summary

More than one in ten children in England were referred to mental health services in 2024-25, a 10% increase from the previous year and nearly double the number from 2018-19. Anxiety is the most common reason for referrals, and many children face long waits for treatment, especially those with autism or other neurodevelopmental conditions.

Key Facts

Over 1 million children in England were referred for mental health care in 2024-25.
Anxiety accounted for 16% of all mental health referrals.
Referrals for suspected autism increased by nearly 50% in one year, reaching over 96,000.
Other conditions like ADHD and Tourette’s syndrome also rose by almost 25%.
More than one-third of children referred were still waiting for treatment; over 60,000 waited more than two years.
Only about 20% of children with suspected autism or similar conditions received support, with an average wait time of one year.
Black and Asian children are referred less often but are more likely to be in crisis when referred; one in four black children were in crisis compared to 7.4% of white children.
Children from the poorest areas in England made up 15% of referrals, twice the share from the wealthiest areas.

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BBC Top Stories

Coons released from hospital after car crash caused minor injuries

June 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Senator Chris Coons from Delaware was in a car crash caused by another driver having a medical problem. He was taken to the hospital but only had minor injuries and has now been released.

Key Facts

Senator Chris Coons is from Delaware.
The crash happened when another driver had a medical emergency.
That driver’s car hit several vehicles, including the one Coons was in.
Coons was taken to Beebe Hospital.
He was treated for minor injuries.
Coons has been released from the hospital.
The incident was reported on a Sunday.

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The Hill

Trump says work will begin on DC golf course despite judge's warning

June 29, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that work on renovating the public East Potomac Golf Course in Washington, D.C., will begin on September 1 despite a federal judge's warning. The renovation project is planned as a public-private partnership and aims to create a top-level golf course open to the public.

Key Facts

President Trump plans to start work on East Potomac Golf Course renovations on September 1, 2026.
A federal judge warned the administration not to proceed without proper court approvals and notifications.
The Administration ended its lease agreement with the National Links Trust in December over maintenance disputes.
An agreement allows the National Links Trust to continue operating the course as renovations proceed.
Trump toured the golf course accompanied by Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and architect Tom Fazio.
The renovated course is intended to meet high standards and host major golf tournaments like the U.S. Open and Ryder Cup.
The project is managed through the Department of the Interior and involves redesigning the golf course for public use.
The President also visited other sites in Washington, D.C., where projects have faced legal challenges.

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ABC News

US, Iran agree to ‘stand down for now,’ resume peace talks: Official

June 29, 2026 • World • The Hill

Summary

The United States and Iran have agreed to pause hostilities and allow ships to safely pass through the Strait of Hormuz. Both countries will continue technical discussions to work on a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) aimed at improving relations.

Key Facts

The U.S. and Iran agreed to “stand down for now” to reduce tensions in the Strait of Hormuz.
Recent fighting had caused concern for shipping safety in this important waterway.
Both sides will continue technical talks to address details in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU).
The agreement will allow ships to pass through the Strait without conflict for the time being.
This move is seen as a step toward peace talks and de-escalating tensions between the two countries.
The news was confirmed by a U.S. official speaking to The Hill.

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The Hill

Loved and loathed: The making of India's viral liver doctor

June 28, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips is a well-known liver specialist in India who uses social media to promote science-based medicine and criticize traditional Indian practices like Ayurveda and homeopathy. While many admire him for standing up for evidence-based health care, others strongly dislike his direct and often harsh online style.

Key Facts

Dr. Cyriac Abby Philips works at Rajagiri Hospital in Kochi, Kerala, treating patients with liver disease.
He is very active on social media, especially X (formerly Twitter), where over 300,000 people follow him as the "Liver Doc."
Philips publicly calls homeopathy and other alternative medicines "false" and often criticizes traditional Indian medical systems.
His outspoken style has led to legal cases and discussions by India's Ayush Ministry, which oversees traditional medicine.
Despite his online persona being blunt and confrontational, people who know him describe him as polite and soft-spoken in person.
Philips adopted a loud online style to make sure his messages about public health are heard amid criticism and trolling.
He grew up in Kerala, initially wanted to be a writer, but followed his father’s footsteps in medicine.
His medical training included difficult experiences, like struggling with the entrance exam and witnessing shortages at a large public hospital in Kolkata.

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BBC World

US celebrates Pride with parades across country – in pictures

June 28, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

People across the United States took part in Pride parades to celebrate LGBTQIA+ communities. New York City held its 57th annual Pride march, honoring activism and diversity with thousands of participants.

Key Facts

The 57th annual New York City Pride march took place on June 28.
The theme was "For All of Us," honoring the legacy of activist Marsha P. Johnson.
The march started at Midtown and ended in Greenwich Village near the Stonewall Inn.
Grand marshals included entertainer Bowen Yang and the group Gays Against Guns, which opposes gun violence.
Other cities, including San Francisco, Nashville, St. Petersburg, and Denver, also held Pride parades around the same time.
New York City also hosted the 34th annual Dyke March as part of Pride weekend.
Pride events celebrate LGBTQIA+ resilience, unity, and activism.
The NYC Pride march originally started as a protest remembering the 1969 Stonewall riots.

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Guardian US

Trump: Reflecting Pool will be drained after July 4; algae ‘criminally made’

June 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool will be drained soon after the July 4th celebrations for the country's 250th anniversary. He said the pool's lining was damaged and algae formed because of people he called criminals.

Key Facts

President Trump spoke about the Reflecting Pool on Sunday.
The Reflecting Pool will be drained after July 4, 2026, the 250th U.S. anniversary.
He said the pool was damaged by people he called criminals and vandals.
The damage included harm to the pool’s lining.
Algae grew in the pool, which he said was caused by those same people.
The Reflecting Pool is located at the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The pool had been in use despite the reported damage.

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The Hill

Heat wave and high humidity will blast much of the eastern U.S. this week, meteorologists say

June 28, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A strong heat wave will affect much of the central and eastern United States this week, bringing very high temperatures and humidity. The heat could cause health risks for many people and worsen wildfire conditions in the West.

Key Facts

Temperatures above 100°F (38°C) are already common in parts of the Southwest, like Phoenix and central Texas.
More than 130 million people in southern and Great Plains states face moderate to severe heat risk.
Several areas, including the lower Great Lakes, mid-Atlantic, and Mississippi and Ohio River valleys, will see highs over 100°F.
Major cities such as New York, Philadelphia, Washington, Chicago, and Dallas will experience some of their hottest days this year.
High humidity will make it feel like 100 to 115°F in many places, increasing health risks.
Nighttime temperatures will remain warm, often in the 70s or even 80s Fahrenheit, making cooling off difficult.
The heat is caused by a strong high-pressure system, called a "heat dome," that blocks rain and traps hot air.
Dry and windy weather could increase wildfire dangers in the Western U.S.

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PBS NewsHour

Tillis has ‘positive predisposition’ toward Blanche’s confirmation

June 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina said he generally supports President Donald Trump’s nominee, Todd Blanche, for the position of Attorney General. Tillis, who is on the Senate Judiciary Committee, said he will carefully review the nomination before making a final decision.

Key Facts

Senator Thom Tillis is a Republican from North Carolina.
President Donald Trump nominated Todd Blanche to be the full-time Attorney General.
Todd Blanche currently serves as the acting Attorney General.
Tillis expressed a “positive predisposition” toward Blanche’s nomination.
Tillis is a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, which reviews such nominations.
Tillis plans to go through the official nomination process before finalizing his opinion.

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The Hill

Pakistan says it carried out ground operation, strikes along Afghan border, killing 29 militants

June 28, 2026 • World • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Pakistani security forces carried out a ground operation and airstrikes along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border, killing 29 militants linked to the Pakistani Taliban. This follows recent militant attacks in Pakistan and increases tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan, whose governments blame each other for harboring militants.

Key Facts

Pakistan's military launched a ground operation and targeted militant hideouts along the Afghan border.
The strikes killed 29 militants, mainly from the Pakistani Taliban (TTP) and allied groups.
The operation was in response to several recent attacks against police and security forces in Pakistan.
A recent attack in Karachi killed three Pakistani paramilitary soldiers; the attackers were linked to a TTP faction.
The Pakistani Taliban and the Afghan Taliban are separate groups but have an alliance.
Afghanistan’s government has not commented on the latest strikes.
Cross-border fighting between Pakistan and Afghanistan has killed hundreds since February.
Peace talks mediated by other countries, including China, have so far failed to stop the violence.

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PBS NewsHour

Tension with unions shadows Moore's run-up to 2028

June 28, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

Maryland Gov. Wes Moore is facing growing tensions with some labor unions despite presenting himself as a supporter of workers. Several unions have not endorsed him for reelection, citing issues such as unreturned questionnaires, wage disputes, and difficult communication with his team. These challenges come as Moore considers a possible run for president in 2028.

Key Facts

Maryland State and D.C. AFL-CIO did not endorse Moore’s 2024 reelection campaign after endorsing him in 2022.
The union said Moore’s team did not return an endorsement questionnaire, a required step for consideration.
Baltimore/Washington International Airport food service workers started a “Poor Because of Moore” campaign demanding better wages.
Some union leaders describe Moore’s approach as antagonistic or unresponsive.
Communication with Moore’s labor relations director, Dyana Forester, has been reported as difficult by union officials.
Disagreements exist with building trades over labor agreements on a bridge rebuilding project.
AFSCME Maryland Council 3 rejected the state’s salary offer for public service workers, saying it was too low.
Some Maryland unions, like firefighters and teachers, have endorsed Moore’s reelection and praise his record.

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Axios

Trump warns likely next DC mayor against ‘communist’ policies

June 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized Janeese Lewis George, the likely next mayor of Washington, D.C., calling her a "communist" and saying her policies would harm the city. Janeese Lewis George is the Democratic candidate and has expressed support for reducing incarceration and making the city a sanctuary.

Key Facts

Janeese Lewis George is the Democratic nominee for mayor of Washington, D.C.
President Trump called her a "communist" and warned against her policies.
George has said she wants to reduce the number of people in prisons in D.C.
She supports making Washington, D.C. a sanctuary city, which generally means protecting undocumented immigrants from federal immigration enforcement.
President Trump believes these policies will have a negative effect on the district.
The mayoral election in Washington, D.C. is approaching or recently took place.
Janeese Lewis George is widely expected to become the new mayor.

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The Hill

MAHA feels betrayed after Supreme Court ruling on Monsanto, glyphosate

June 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The Supreme Court ruled that Monsanto does not have to add a cancer risk warning label on its Roundup weedkiller. Activists from the “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement expressed strong disappointment with the decision.

Key Facts

The Supreme Court made a decision favoring Monsanto, a company that makes pesticides.
Monsanto’s product Roundup was at the center of the case about cancer risk warnings.
The Court said Monsanto does not need to put a warning label about potential cancer risks on Roundup.
The “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) movement had asked for such warnings to protect public health.
Activists in MAHA feel betrayed by the Supreme Court’s ruling.
This decision could lead to more activism and debate over pesticide safety and regulation.
The ruling may affect how companies label products that might pose health risks.

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The Hill

Trump sets Sept. 1 start for overhaul of "run down" D.C. golf course

June 28, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

President Trump announced that the federal government will start renovating the East Potomac Golf Links in Washington, D.C., on September 1. The renovation is part of Trump’s efforts to improve public spaces in the capital and aims to create a golf course capable of hosting major tournaments.

Key Facts

The East Potomac Golf Links is described by President Trump as old, run down, and unsafe.
The renovation project includes Interior Secretary Doug Burgum and golf architect Tom Fazio.
The upgraded golf course will remain open to the public.
Trump claims the new course could host major golf events like the U.S. Open and the Ryder Cup.
The project follows a legal dispute over control of D.C.’s public golf courses, including a lease termination involving the National Links Trust.
A recent court ruling said the administration must give advance notice before making changes to the golf course.
This renovation is part of a broader effort by President Trump to remodel various public spaces in Washington, D.C.
Officials have not yet provided detailed comments on the project timeline or potential legal challenges.

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Axios

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