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Former Gavin Newsom aide shares fresh details of affair

Former Gavin Newsom aide shares fresh details of affair

July 28, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

A former aide to Governor Gavin Newsom has shared a detailed account of their affair from more than 20 years ago when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco. The aide, Ruby Rippey, also discusses her struggles with addiction and how the relationship affected her life, while Newsom has publicly acknowledged the affair but described it as brief.

Key Facts

  • Ruby Rippey worked as mayor Gavin Newsom’s appointments secretary and was married to his deputy chief of staff.
  • The affair happened over 20 years ago when Newsom was mayor of San Francisco and single.
  • Newsom admitted to the affair publicly in 2007 and described it as a brief relationship in his memoir.
  • Rippey’s new essay gives a more detailed and complex view of the affair and its impact on her life.
  • Rippey struggled with alcoholism and substance abuse, eventually going to rehab and leaving her job with the mayor’s office.
  • The affair became a major media story, and Rippey was urged by Kamala Harris, then district attorney, to wait before speaking publicly.
  • Rippey and her husband eventually divorced, but she is now 20 years sober, remarried, and has reconciled with her ex-husband.
  • The essay may renew public interest in Newsom’s past as he is expected to run for president in 2028.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Australia news live: Jacinta Allan was subjected to ‘vile sexism’ as premier, Julia Gillard says

Australia news live: Jacinta Allan was subjected to ‘vile sexism’ as premier, Julia Gillard says

July 28, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Former Australian prime minister Julia Gillard said that Jacinta Allan, the leaving premier of Victoria, faced harsh sexism during her time in office. Gillard praised Allan as a strong leader who helped women and girls and congratulated Ben Carroll on becoming the new premier.

Key Facts

  • Jacinta Allan served as the premier of Victoria and is now stepping down.
  • Julia Gillard, Australia’s former prime minister, said Allan experienced “vile sexism” while leading.
  • Gillard called Allan a role model for women and girls.
  • Gillard herself is known for speaking out against sexism, including a famous 2012 speech.
  • Ben Carroll has replaced Allan as premier of Victoria.
  • Bill Shorten, a former Labor leader, supports Carroll’s plan for a royal commission into the construction sector.
  • The royal commission aims to investigate problems in construction involving public money.
  • The article also mentions concerns at Australia’s national science agency (CSIRO) about job cuts and aging buildings.
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Guardian World
Bystander video shows teen lifeguard's dramatic ocean rescue

Bystander video shows teen lifeguard's dramatic ocean rescue

July 28, 2026 • Us • BBC World

Summary

A 16-year-old lifeguard named Ryder Williams rescued a 10-year-old boy from the ocean at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California. President Donald Trump invited Williams to the White House to receive a civilian honor for his brave actions.

Key Facts

  • Ryder Williams is a 16-year-old lifeguard and this was his first rescue.
  • The boy was swept about 15 yards away from shore.
  • The rescue took just over two minutes.
  • Several people on the beach helped during the rescue.
  • The event was recorded on video by a bystander.
  • The incident happened at Seabright State Beach in Santa Cruz, California.
  • President Donald Trump invited Williams to the White House.
  • Williams will receive a high civilian honor for his heroism.
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BBC World BBC US BBC Top Stories
Donald Trump and world leaders attend Lindsey Graham’s funeral

Donald Trump and world leaders attend Lindsey Graham’s funeral

July 28, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina died unexpectedly on July 11. His funeral was attended by President Donald Trump, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, and other world leaders.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham was a Republican Senator from South Carolina, first elected in 2002 and re-elected several times.
  • He previously served in the US House of Representatives starting in 1994.
  • Graham was chairman of the Senate Budget Committee and served on several other Senate committees.
  • He supported the 2003 US invasion of Iraq and pushed for military action against Iran.
  • Graham strongly supported Israel and backed President Trump’s policies on Iran.
  • He supported Ukraine after Russia invaded it in 2022.
  • His funeral was held at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, DC.
  • President Trump spoke at the funeral, praising Graham’s role in US politics and global affairs.
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Al Jazeera
Teen gets life without parole for killing 4 in shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School

Teen gets life without parole for killing 4 in shooting at Georgia's Apalachee High School

July 28, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A 16-year-old named Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison without parole for killing two students and two teachers in a September 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School in Georgia. The judge rejected parole, citing Gray’s lack of remorse and the planned nature of his crimes.

Key Facts

  • Colt Gray pleaded guilty to 55 counts, including murder, related to the September 4, 2024, school shooting.
  • Four people were killed: two students, Mason Schermerhorn and Christian Angulo, and two teachers, Richard Aspinwall and Cristina Irimie.
  • Eight others were wounded in the shooting, seven by gunfire.
  • Georgia law requires a life sentence for murder; the judge decided Gray would never be eligible for parole.
  • Prosecutors said Gray idolized mass shooters and sought fame in the “true crime community” online.
  • Gray showed excitement about the attention and fan art depicting him after the shooting.
  • The defense stated Gray struggled with stability at home and found acceptance online.
  • Victims’ families asked the court to deny parole, describing lasting grief and trauma.
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PBS NewsHour
eBay pays $46M to journalists it targeted in bizarre harassment campaign

eBay pays $46M to journalists it targeted in bizarre harassment campaign

July 28, 2026 • Business • Ars Technica

Summary

eBay and three former executives agreed to pay nearly $56 million to settle a lawsuit over a harassment campaign against two journalists in 2019. The case involved threats such as sending cockroaches, a funeral wreath, and a pig mask, as well as attempts to track the victims’ car, which led to criminal charges and prison sentences for some former employees.

Key Facts

  • eBay and three former executives will pay a total of about $56 million to Ina and David Steiner, who run the news website EcommerceBytes.
  • The harassment in 2019 included sending live cockroaches, a funeral wreath, a book about losing a spouse, and a bloody pig mask to the victims’ home.
  • Harassing emails, Twitter messages, and an attempt to attach a GPS tracker to the Steiners’ car were part of the campaign.
  • Seven former eBay employees and contractors pleaded guilty and received prison or home confinement sentences.
  • Former eBay CEO Devin Wenig, Senior VP Wendy Jones, and Communications Officer Steve Wymer paid money as part of the civil settlement but were not charged criminally.
  • eBay stated the conduct was wrong and that it has improved its policies and ethics since 2019.
  • The settlement requires eBay to publicly acknowledge the wrongdoing by the former executives.
  • The victims had filed their lawsuit in 2021 to address the harassment and stop the abusive campaign.
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Ars Technica
Iran and Oman exchange proposals to manage Strait of Hormuz

Iran and Oman exchange proposals to manage Strait of Hormuz

July 28, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Iran and Oman have exchanged ideas on managing the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway for global trade that both countries share. Oman proposed a joint system with voluntary fees for ships passing through, but Iran wants more control and has concerns about security.

Key Facts

  • Oman proposed a regional system to manage the Strait of Hormuz with voluntary fees for ships, similar to a system used in the Strait of Malacca.
  • Iran rejects an equal division of transit routes and wants control over shipping on its side of the strait.
  • Iran suggested managing its side, while Oman would control part of the opposite lane.
  • The two countries still disagree on how ships will travel, fees, control rules, and mine clearing responsibilities (which would belong to Iran).
  • The United States paused air strikes on Iran to encourage diplomacy and reopening the strait for shipping.
  • The Gulf Cooperation Council foreign ministers discussed ways to improve cooperation to keep the strait open for navigation.
  • Before the recent conflict, the strait carried about 20% of the world’s energy supplies.
  • Iran warns it may take any action necessary, including war, to keep control over the strait.
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Al Jazeera
Videos capture moment 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan and its aftermath

Videos capture moment 7.1 magnitude earthquake hit Japan and its aftermath

July 28, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

A strong earthquake measuring 7.1 hit southern Japan on Tuesday. The quake caused buildings to collapse and fires to start in the affected area.

Key Facts

  • The earthquake had a magnitude of 7.1, which is considered very powerful.
  • It struck southern Japan.
  • The quake caused buildings to fall down.
  • Fires broke out because of the earthquake.
  • Videos show the earthquake happening and the damage afterward.
  • The event happened on a Tuesday.
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CBS News
New York offers college admission for residents unenrolled from Howard University

New York offers college admission for residents unenrolled from Howard University

July 28, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced that New York residents who were unenrolled from Howard University due to unpaid tuition can apply to City University of New York (CUNY) and State University of New York (SUNY) schools for the fall 2026 semester. Howard University withdrew over 500 first-year students after they missed tuition payments by the July 10 deadline.

Key Facts

  • Howard University disenrolled 502 first-year students for not paying tuition by July 10, 2026.
  • Some students said they never received payment reminders from Howard University.
  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul offered these students a chance to enroll quickly at CUNY and SUNY campuses.
  • SUNY campuses involved include Buffalo, Albany, Buffalo State, Binghamton, Oneonta, Stony Brook, and New Paltz.
  • Howard University previously faced similar issues in 2025 with student account updates due to switching their online system.
  • Howard said most overdue balances were known and should have been paid by students.
  • Students have been organizing for better financial aid support through a movement called "Whose Howard Is It."
  • The offer from New York aims to help students whose education plans were disrupted.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Live results: Rhoden fights to hang on to South Dakota governor’s mansion in GOP primary runoff

Live results: Rhoden fights to hang on to South Dakota governor’s mansion in GOP primary runoff

July 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

South Dakota Republican voters are participating in a runoff election to choose their party’s candidate for governor. Governor Larry Rhoden faces businessman Toby Doeden after neither got more than half the votes in the first primary.

Key Facts

  • The runoff election is happening because no candidate earned over 50% of votes in the June 2 primary.
  • Governor Larry Rhoden is the current Republican governor of South Dakota.
  • Toby Doeden, a Republican businessman, is Rhoden’s opponent in the runoff.
  • The winner will become the GOP candidate for the state governor race.
  • This runoff vote is a second chance for Republican voters to decide their nominee.
  • South Dakota is known as the Mount Rushmore State.
  • The runoff is scheduled for Tuesday.
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The Hill
Live results: Georgia holds special election for late David Scott’s House seat

Live results: Georgia holds special election for late David Scott’s House seat

July 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Voters in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District are voting in a special election to fill the seat left open by the death of Representative David Scott, a Democrat. This district has been held by Democrats since 2002, and Scott’s daughter, Marcye Scott, is one of the candidates running.

Key Facts

  • The special election is happening in Georgia’s 13th Congressional District.
  • It is held to replace Representative David Scott, who died in April at age 80.
  • David Scott was a Democrat and held the seat since 2002.
  • The district is considered a strong area for the Democratic Party.
  • Marcye Scott, the late representative’s daughter, is one of the candidates in the election.
  • The election decides who will serve the remainder of Scott’s term in the U.S. House of Representatives.
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The Hill
Grenada officials reexamining missing American woman's last known movements

Grenada officials reexamining missing American woman's last known movements

July 28, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Grenada officials are reviewing new information about the last known actions of American woman Liz Waddell, who went missing. A friend told police about security footage showing Waddell swimming near the coast of Grenada’s capital before she disappeared.

Key Facts

  • Liz Waddell is a 44-year-old woman from North Carolina.
  • She was last seen in Grenada, a Caribbean island nation.
  • A friend provided police with new security camera footage.
  • The footage shows Waddell swimming off the coast near Grenada’s capital city.
  • Grenada officials are reexamining her last known movements in connection with her disappearance.
  • CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides reported the update.
  • The case remains under investigation.
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CBS News
List of ‘best’ states released by US News. These 5 rank as the very worst

List of ‘best’ states released by US News. These 5 rank as the very worst

July 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

US News released a ranking of all 50 states based on 71 different measures like crime rates, roads and bridges, and job chances. The list shows which states are doing best overall and which five states scored the lowest.

Key Facts

  • The ranking considers 71 different factors to judge each state.
  • These factors include crime levels, quality of infrastructure, and opportunities for jobs.
  • The ranking lists all 50 US states from best to worst.
  • Five states were identified as having the lowest overall scores.
  • The ranking aims to provide a broad look at how well states perform in multiple important areas.
  • This report helps people see where states are doing well and where they face challenges.
  • Infrastructure means things like roads, bridges, and public buildings that support daily life.
  • Economic opportunities refer to how easy it is for people to find good jobs and earn money.
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The Hill
Zelensky and Netanyahu meet Trump as wars in Ukraine and Iran drag on

Zelensky and Netanyahu meet Trump as wars in Ukraine and Iran drag on

July 28, 2026 • World • BBC US

Summary

President Donald Trump met separately with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington. They discussed Ukraine’s request for air defense help and concerns about Iran, but no new military commitments were announced.

Key Facts

  • President Trump held meetings with President Zelensky and Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  • Zelensky asked the U.S. to help Ukraine build and use Patriot missile systems for defense.
  • No official U.S. military aid was announced during Zelensky’s visit.
  • Zelensky thanked Trump and said they discussed ways to strengthen air defense and revive diplomatic efforts.
  • Ukrainian and U.S. defense officials are working on co-producing missile systems.
  • Netanyahu and Trump talked about stopping Iran from getting nuclear weapons.
  • Netanyahu called the meeting one of the best conversations he has had with President Trump.
  • Both leaders attended the funeral of Senator Lindsey Graham, who supported aid to Israel and Ukraine.
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BBC US BBC Top Stories
Trump says teen lifeguard in viral rescue will get ‘highest civilian honor’

Trump says teen lifeguard in viral rescue will get ‘highest civilian honor’

July 28, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that a teenage lifeguard who rescued a child from dangerous waves in Santa Cruz, California, will receive the highest civilian award. He plans to invite the lifeguard and his family to the White House for the honor ceremony.

Key Facts

  • A teen lifeguard saved a child from strong waves in Santa Cruz, California.
  • President Trump called the rescue heroic.
  • Trump said the lifeguard would get the highest civilian honor.
  • The lifeguard and his family will be invited to the White House.
  • The child who was saved may also attend the award event.
  • The announcement was made by President Trump on a Tuesday.
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The Hill
"60 Minutes" announces new correspondents and contributors

"60 Minutes" announces new correspondents and contributors

July 28, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

The TV show "60 Minutes" is adding four new people—Ross Douthat, Sebastian Junger, Gianna Toboni, and Trevor Phillips—as correspondents or contributors. Norah O'Donnell will also take on a bigger role as a correspondent for the show.

Key Facts

  • Ross Douthat, a New York Times opinion writer, joins as a correspondent.
  • Sebastian Junger, author and documentary filmmaker, will contribute to the show.
  • Gianna Toboni, a journalist with experience at VICE News and CNN, will be a contributor.
  • Trevor Phillips, formerly with Sky News, will serve as a senior global affairs correspondent and contributor.
  • Norah O'Donnell, who was already a contributor, will become a full correspondent.
  • The current veteran correspondents include Lesley Stahl, Bill Whitaker, and Jon Wertheim.
  • Executive producer Nick Bilton described the new additions as bringing deep reporting and strong journalism skills.
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CBS News
Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole

Apalachee High School shooter Colt Gray sentenced to life without parole

July 28, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

Colt Gray was sentenced to life in prison without the chance of parole. He pleaded guilty to killing four people in the 2024 shooting at Apalachee High School.

Key Facts

  • Colt Gray committed a shooting at Apalachee High School in 2024.
  • Four people were killed in the shooting.
  • Gray pleaded guilty to the murders.
  • A judge sentenced him to life in prison without parole on Tuesday.
  • Life without parole means Gray will spend the rest of his life in prison.
  • The case was covered by CBS News and reporter Skyler Henry.
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CBS News
Washington crime stats system experienced a ‘systemic breakdown’ of internal controls, report says

Washington crime stats system experienced a ‘systemic breakdown’ of internal controls, report says

July 28, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

A report by Washington, D.C.'s inspector general found that the city’s police department had serious problems with how it collected crime data from 2015 to 2025. The report did not find evidence of fraud but pointed out a breakdown in controls and made recommendations to improve the accuracy of crime reporting.

Key Facts

  • The inspector general reviewed crime data after accusations from the federal government that numbers were manipulated.
  • The breakdown in the system happened over a long period and affected the accuracy of reported crime statistics.
  • The report found no proof that errors were made on purpose or fraudulently.
  • The 2013 disbanding of an independent unit that checked crime reports led to mistakes going uncorrected.
  • Accurate crime data is important for police decisions, city planning, and public trust.
  • President Trump had federalized the D.C. police last summer to address crime, but local officials said crime was already falling.
  • The police department is creating new training and a Data Quality and Compliance Branch to improve report accuracy.
  • A Republican-led House committee and a U.S. attorney’s investigation also found misclassification of crime reports.
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AP News
New York school pauses plan to deploy humanlike AI robot teacher after backlash

New York school pauses plan to deploy humanlike AI robot teacher after backlash

July 28, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

A school district in upstate New York has paused its plan to use a humanoid robot named “Sally” in classrooms after concerns about the company’s links to a maker of hyper-realistic sex dolls and worries about student data privacy. The district says the robot is intended to help students learn about robotics and technology, not replace teachers.

Key Facts

  • Salamanca City Central School District approved spending nearly $60,000 to buy a humanoid robot from the company Realbotix.
  • The robot, called “Sally,” was meant to assist high school students with robotics and technology lessons.
  • Parents, teachers, and state officials raised concerns about privacy and the robot maker’s connection to a sex doll company.
  • Teachers’ union leaders opposed the robot, saying it should not be in schools.
  • The district now is working on stronger student data privacy agreements before moving forward.
  • The robot can move its arms and hands but does not have functioning legs.
  • Officials say the robot will not replace human teachers but will support teaching and tutoring.
  • State Education Commissioner Betty Rosa questioned the robot’s role since it was described as a tutoring tool.
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AP News
5 states offer to accept nuclear waste in exchange for help developing nuclear energy

5 states offer to accept nuclear waste in exchange for help developing nuclear energy

July 28, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

Five U.S. states have agreed to accept nuclear waste if the federal government helps them develop nuclear energy projects that create jobs. These states want to build Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses that include waste storage and other nuclear energy activities to boost their economies.

Key Facts

  • The five states are Tennessee, Louisiana, Oklahoma, Utah, and Idaho, all led by Republican governors.
  • These states agreed to take nuclear waste from across the country in exchange for federal support.
  • The plan includes creating Nuclear Lifecycle Innovation Campuses with waste storage, uranium enrichment, fuel processing, and advanced reactor work.
  • The campuses could attract up to $50 billion in private investment and generate $10 billion in tax revenue.
  • Nuclear waste storage is a major issue due to stalled plans for a permanent site at Yucca Mountain, Nevada.
  • Tennessee and Idaho have important nuclear research labs, and Utah has historical ties to uranium and nuclear training.
  • President Donald Trump aims to increase nuclear energy production to meet growing electricity needs driven by data centers and artificial intelligence.
  • The Nuclear Regulatory Commission is being reshaped to speed up nuclear reactor development under President Trump's direction.
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AP News