The Actual News

Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.

World News

Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

Four more men freed from flooded Laos cave after 10 days

Four more men freed from flooded Laos cave after 10 days

Summary

Four men trapped in a flooded cave in Laos for 10 days have been rescued by a team of Thai and international divers. They were part of a group of seven who entered the cave searching for gold and were cut off by sudden flooding; two men remain missing.

Key Facts

  • Seven men entered a narrow cave in Xaysomboun province, Laos, to look for gold.
  • Flash floods on May 20 trapped them inside the cave’s narrow tunnels.
  • Five men were found alive by rescuers, four of whom were freed recently.
  • Two men are still missing inside the cave.
  • The cave tunnels are very tight, with some parts only about 50 cm (20 inches) wide.
  • Rescuers initially tried to pump water out but later considered teaching the men to swim and scuba dive to escape.
  • Specialist divers from Thailand, Indonesia, France, and Australia joined the rescue effort.
  • The rescue situation is compared to a 2018 incident where a young football team was trapped in a cave in Thailand.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

US Ready To Restart Attacks On Iran If Deal Falls Through–Hegseth

US Ready To Restart Attacks On Iran If Deal Falls Through–Hegseth

Summary

The U.S. Department of Defense is prepared to restart attacks on Iran if current negotiations fail. President Donald Trump is reviewing a proposal to extend a truce with Iran by 60 days, but no final decision has been made yet.

Key Facts

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said the U.S. can restart strikes on Iran if needed.
  • The U.S. has sufficient stockpiles of weapons ready worldwide for this action.
  • President Trump held a two-hour meeting to decide on extending an existing truce with Iran.
  • The proposed extension would last 60 more days beyond the April truce.
  • Trump insists Iran must never obtain nuclear weapons and must keep the Strait of Hormuz open without tolls.
  • An Iranian official said the Strait of Hormuz would only be opened if the U.S. lifts its blockade on Iranian ships.
  • A senior Iranian source said a deal was close but did not fully include nuclear issues.
  • The situation is still developing, and more updates are expected.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Britons travelling home via EU airports ‘should allow three hours’ before flights

Britons travelling home via EU airports ‘should allow three hours’ before flights

Summary

Passengers flying to the UK through European airports are advised to arrive three hours before their flights because new border security checks are causing long wait times. The EU has started using a new digital system called the Entry-Exit System (EES) to check passengers, replacing passport stamps with electronic records.

Key Facts

  • The EU Entry-Exit System (EES) started in October 2025 and fully began last month.
  • EES uses digital registration and biometric checks (like face or fingerprint scans) for non-EU travelers.
  • Longer waiting times and queues of up to 3.5 hours have been reported at busy airports in Spain, Portugal, and France.
  • Wizz Air suggests passengers allow three hours before flights instead of the usual two hours.
  • Some airports have enough staff and kiosks to manage EES smoothly, but others face delays.
  • French police paused EES checks at Dover port to reduce delays for travelers.
  • The European airports group says the situation is getting worse, even with some relaxed checks.
  • The European Commission says registering on EES usually takes about one minute and is not the only cause of delays.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Chinese dissident says he was berated by ‘pro-regime’ interpreter for UK police

Chinese dissident says he was berated by ‘pro-regime’ interpreter for UK police

Summary

A Chinese dissident living in the UK said a translator working for Devon and Cornwall police criticized him during a call for help when his bank accounts were frozen by China. The translator, who spoke with a Chinese accent, questioned his reasons for fleeing China and refused to fully translate his urgent situation to police.

Key Facts

  • Hong Qi, a Chinese dissident in the UK, called police for help after his bank accounts were frozen by Chinese authorities.
  • The call was to the non-emergency UK police number on 20 December.
  • The interpreter assigned to the call interrupted and challenged Qi, asking why he did not love China and taunted his financial troubles.
  • The interpreter refused to translate Qi’s emotional appeals during the 20-minute call.
  • Devon and Cornwall police said the interpreter was hired through a contractor paid £130,000 per year for translation services.
  • The police force did not provide a recording of the call despite Qi’s requests; the Information Commissioner’s Office reprimanded the force for this.
  • A report linked to the Home Office confirmed concerns about Chinese government influence in Mandarin interpreters in UK policing.
  • The report recommended increasing the number of Mandarin-speaking police to avoid reliance on possibly compromised interpreters.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Ministers urge City of London to act over swimmers in Hampstead Heath wildlife ponds

Ministers urge City of London to act over swimmers in Hampstead Heath wildlife ponds

Summary

Government ministers have asked the City of London to stop people from swimming in a protected pond on Hampstead Heath, after videos showed swimmers disturbing swans and their eggs. The area is a wildlife conservation site, and the disturbance broke laws protecting wild birds and their nests.

Key Facts

  • Swans and their young were disturbed by many swimmers at Hampstead Heath on a hot day reaching 35°C.
  • A swan was seen trying to touch an unhatched egg that fell into the water during the disturbance.
  • The City of London called the swimmers’ behavior “utterly appalling.”
  • Large signs around the pond warn people not to swim there because it is a wildlife protection area.
  • Environment ministers Mary Creagh and Emma Hardy wrote to the City of London asking how they will prevent this from happening again.
  • The Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 makes it illegal to damage or destroy wild bird nests or eggs, with potential fines and jail time.
  • Nature groups like the RSPB said this is an important time for breeding birds and urged swimming only in authorized areas.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence

Colombia prepares to go to polls in election shadowed by resurgence of political violence

Summary

Colombia is holding a presidential election amid a rise in political violence linked to armed groups. Despite a 2016 peace deal that lowered violence, fighting continues between government forces and rebel factions involved in drug trafficking and illegal mining.

Key Facts

  • Mateo Pérez Rueda, a young photojournalist, was kidnapped, tortured, and killed by a Farc dissident group in May.
  • Political violence in Colombia is increasing, impacting the current election.
  • President Gustavo Petro cannot run again but supports leftwing candidate Iván Cepeda, who promotes a "total peace" plan.
  • Far-right candidate Abelardo de la Espriella and rightwing senator Paloma Valencia want to return to full military conflict.
  • Armed clashes between dissident factions have caused many deaths, including children forcibly recruited.
  • The 2016 peace deal helped reduce violence but some rebel groups never joined it and have grown stronger.
  • Much of the ongoing conflict is driven by control over cocaine production, illegal gold mining, and local corruption.
  • Recent killings include over 50 people in fights between Farc dissident groups in Colombia’s southern region.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

Support no-spin news

The site stays free. If The Actual News is worth something to you, chip in.

Trump Playbook Tested by Hard-Right Outsider in Colombia Presidential Race

Trump Playbook Tested by Hard-Right Outsider in Colombia Presidential Race

Summary

Colombia is preparing for a presidential election with two main candidates: Ivan Cepeda, the left-wing incumbent president Gustavo Petro's chosen successor, and Abelardo De La Espriella, a lawyer and political outsider with a hard-right, populist campaign style similar to U.S. President Trump. De La Espriella's campaign focuses on security, smaller government, and nationalist ideas, appealing to voter dissatisfaction with traditional politics.

Key Facts

  • Gustavo Petro, Colombia’s first left-wing president, is leaving office after one term.
  • Ivan Cepeda, a left-wing senator, is Petro’s preferred successor and leads the polls.
  • Abelardo De La Espriella is a right-wing outsider who has gained strong support rapidly, rising from 1.1% in March 2025 to about 30% before the election.
  • De La Espriella uses anti-establishment messages, social media engagement, and tough security promises inspired by leaders like President Trump and Nayib Bukele.
  • Colombia is deeply divided politically, with many voters tired of the traditional left-right options.
  • De La Espriella’s platform includes smaller government, expanded prisons, and a security approach modeled on El Salvador’s policies.
  • Polls show a likely runoff between Cepeda and De La Espriella, with the race very close and unpredictable.
  • De La Espriella has said he will quit politics if he loses, but experts believe his campaign has changed Colombia’s political landscape for the hard right.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Still no deal between Iran and the US after a two-hour Situation Room meeting

Still no deal between Iran and the US after a two-hour Situation Room meeting

Summary

President Donald Trump held a two-hour meeting about a peace deal with Iran, but no agreement was reached. The main issues are Iran wanting billions of dollars in frozen assets released, while Trump demands Iran remove mines from a key shipping route and destroy enriched uranium.

Key Facts

  • Talks between the U.S. and Iran about a peace deal have not made progress.
  • President Trump met for two hours to discuss Iran’s latest proposal.
  • Iran wants billions of dollars in frozen assets to be unfrozen.
  • Trump wants Iran to remove mines from the Strait of Hormuz, a major shipping route.
  • Trump also wants Iran to agree to destroy enriched uranium, which can be used for nuclear weapons.
  • Statements from Washington and Tehran about the talks differ and conflict.
  • The situation is part of broader tensions involving the Middle East.
  • No new agreement was made after the meeting.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Putin's warning to Armenia: Russia or the European Union

Putin's warning to Armenia: Russia or the European Union

Summary

Armenia’s leader, Nikol Pashinyan, is trying to build good relationships with both Russia and the European Union (EU). Russia’s President Vladimir Putin warned that Armenia cannot join the EU and remain part of Russia’s economic group, the Eurasian Economic Union, at the same time.

Key Facts

  • Armenia wants to work with both Russia and Western countries like the EU.
  • President Nikol Pashinyan supports the idea of Armenia joining the EU.
  • President Vladimir Putin disagrees with Armenia joining the EU.
  • The Eurasian Economic Union is led by Russia and includes Armenia.
  • The Eurasian Economic Union threatened to suspend Armenia if it pursues EU membership.
  • Putin said it is not possible for Armenia to be part of both the EU and the Eurasian Economic Union.
  • The Eurasian Economic Union asked Armenia to hold a public vote to decide between the two options.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Ukraine drones strike Russian oil facility, as Kyiv and Moscow trade blows

Ukraine drones strike Russian oil facility, as Kyiv and Moscow trade blows

Summary

Ukraine carried out drone attacks on several Russian energy sites, including a major port in Taganrog, causing fires and some injuries. Russia responded with missile and drone attacks on Ukraine, damaging infrastructure and causing power outages.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine attacked Russian energy facilities in multiple regions using drones.
  • A big fire broke out at the port of Taganrog after drones hit a tanker, fuel tank, and administrative building.
  • Two civilians were injured in Taganrog when a drone struck a private home.
  • Russian air defenses shot down multiple Ukrainian drones across four districts overnight.
  • Drone strikes also damaged a gas pipe in a village, forcing evacuations but no casualties.
  • Russia launched 90 drones and two ballistic missiles against Ukraine, affecting electricity in Zaporizhzhia.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy warned Russia plans a new large attack and called for more Patriot missile defenses.
  • A Russian drone crashed in eastern Romania, injuring two, increasing tensions with NATO.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Millions of breast cancer patients could safely avoid chemotherapy, study suggests

Millions of breast cancer patients could safely avoid chemotherapy, study suggests

Summary

A new international study shows that many breast cancer patients can skip chemotherapy safely by using a DNA test called Prosigna. The test helps doctors find out which patients will benefit from chemotherapy and which can be treated just with hormone therapy, reducing side effects for most patients.

Key Facts

  • The study involved over 4,000 breast cancer patients older than 40 from six countries.
  • Prosigna is a gene test that looks at 50 genes linked to breast cancer growth to predict the risk of cancer returning.
  • About two-thirds of patients got a low-risk score and avoided chemotherapy, using hormone therapy alone.
  • The five-year survival rate was 93.7% for those who skipped chemotherapy, close to 94.9% for those who had it.
  • Chemotherapy can cause side effects like fatigue, nausea, hair loss, weak immune system, and fertility problems.
  • The study was led by University College London (UCL) and will be presented at a major cancer conference in the US.
  • More than 5,000 NHS breast cancer patients in the UK could avoid chemotherapy yearly thanks to these findings.
  • It is not yet known if the test works as well for patients under 40 years old.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Voting ongoing in snap elections in Malta, governing party expected to win

Voting ongoing in snap elections in Malta, governing party expected to win

Summary

Voting has started in Malta’s early parliamentary election to choose the government for the next five years. The main competition is between the current Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, and the centrist Nationalist Party, led by Alex Borg.

Key Facts

  • The election was called a year early due to concerns about rising energy prices and inflation linked to the Iran war.
  • The economy, rising housing rents, and struggling public services are major voter concerns.
  • Malta is the smallest and most crowded country in the European Union.
  • Labour has been the dominant party in Malta for the last ten years and is expected to win again.
  • Alex Borg, leader of the Nationalist Party, aims to become Malta’s youngest prime minister at 30.
  • The election happens amid ongoing effects of the 2017 assassination of journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who uncovered government corruption.
  • A government inquiry found the authorities created an environment where those who killed her felt they would not be punished.
  • Two men were sentenced to life in prison in June 2025 for providing the bomb used in the assassination.
  • Election results are expected by midday Sunday.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

Pay what you want

We're reader-funded instead of ad-funded. You decide what no-spin news is worth.

Why Iran Isn't Backing Down on Lebanon

Why Iran Isn't Backing Down on Lebanon

Summary

Iran is refusing to stop supporting Hezbollah in Lebanon, despite ongoing wars and economic pressure. Iran sees Hezbollah as vital to its security and demands a ceasefire in Lebanon as part of any peace deal with the United States.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. is hosting talks between Israeli and Lebanese military leaders amid conflict linked to Iran.
  • Israel wants Hezbollah disarmed; Hezbollah is an important ally of Iran in the region.
  • Hezbollah responded to a Hamas attack in October 2023, escalating Middle East tensions.
  • Iran has faced war from the U.S. and Israel for three months but remains firm in supporting Hezbollah.
  • Iranian leaders say stopping support for Hezbollah is not an option because it protects Iran’s national security.
  • Hezbollah was created with Iran’s help during the 1980s to fight Israeli forces in Lebanon.
  • Iran’s “Axis of Resistance” includes groups supported by its elite Revolutionary Guard and helps Iran’s strategic goals.
  • The movement led by Hezbollah’s late leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was a key part of Iran’s regional coalition against enemies like ISIS.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Ukraine Has Gained the Upper Hand Over Russia

Ukraine Has Gained the Upper Hand Over Russia

Summary

Ukraine’s military has gained an advantage over Russia by holding more positions and causing more damage. This improvement comes despite reduced U.S. support and continued Russian attacks, helped by Ukraine’s increased use of drones for strikes inside Russia and occupied areas.

Key Facts

  • Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said his troops are gaining ground and inflicting more damage on Russian forces.
  • Earlier in the year, U.S. support for Ukraine had decreased under the Trump administration, raising concerns about Russia’s advantage.
  • Ukraine has increased production and use of various types of drones, including reconnaissance and strike drones, to attack Russian targets.
  • These drones have been effective in hitting supply lines and logistics up to 65 miles inside occupied territories and Russia itself.
  • Ukrainian forces have intensified operations at the front lines and deep behind Russian lines, disrupting Russian logistics and economy.
  • Russian forces are reportedly exhausted and unable to make major breakthroughs according to Ukrainian commanders.
  • Cutting off Starlink satellite internet access for Russian troops has complicated their operations.
  • The coming six months are seen as critical for Ukraine to maintain momentum and possibly force Russia to withdraw from parts of eastern Ukraine.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Iran war: What is happening on day 92 as Trump weighs Iran deal

Iran war: What is happening on day 92 as Trump weighs Iran deal

Summary

The U.S. and Iran continue talks to end their conflict, but no agreement has been reached yet. Fighting continues in the region, with Israeli forces advancing into southern Lebanon, while the U.S. encourages allies to increase military spending to counter threats.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump is set to make a final decision on a possible deal with Iran.
  • Iran says talks with the U.S. are ongoing but no final agreement exists and will judge actions, not words.
  • The U.S. demands Iran stop nuclear weapon development and keeps a naval blockade it calls legal; Iran calls this blockade illegal.
  • Israeli forces have moved beyond the Litani River in southern Lebanon, increasing military activity there.
  • Israeli attacks in Lebanon have reportedly caused civilian casualties.
  • The U.S. Secretary of Defense announced a $1.5 trillion plan to expand America’s military and urged allies to spend more on defense.
  • U.S. and Israeli military officials held talks with Lebanese representatives on regional security.
  • Israeli military intercepted projectiles from Lebanon, with no reported casualties.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Malta parliamentary elections begin as ruling party set to win

Malta parliamentary elections begin as ruling party set to win

Summary

Malta held its parliamentary elections, with early results showing that the ruling Labour Party is likely to win a fourth term. Prime Minister Robert Abela leads the party and is favored by voters due to the country's strong economic record despite concerns about construction, corruption, and public services.

Key Facts

  • Malta’s parliamentary elections began on Saturday, May 30, 2026.
  • The Labour Party, led by Prime Minister Robert Abela, is expected to win a fourth term.
  • Abela campaigned on the country’s economic success and protection against global crises.
  • The main opposition is the Nationalist Party, led by 30-year-old Alex Borg, who would be the youngest prime minister if elected.
  • Malta’s population is about 550,000 and the country is the smallest and most crowded in the European Union.
  • The economy relies on tourism, online gaming, and finance, with very low unemployment.
  • Rapid population growth has caused a construction boom, raising concerns about traffic, environmental damage, and heritage sites.
  • The government is spending extra money to help citizens with energy costs amid global conflicts, but climate change is not a major campaign topic.
  • Malta faces ongoing criticism for corruption and slow reforms.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Russian spies are aggressively seeking Western technology as sanctions bite, officials say

Russian spies are aggressively seeking Western technology as sanctions bite, officials say

Summary

Russian intelligence agencies have stepped up efforts to steal Western technology and defense secrets due to international sanctions hurting Russia's economy. They use fake companies, middlemen, hackers, and cyber spies to get advanced machinery, research, and technology for military and dual-use purposes.

Key Facts

  • Sanctions have limited Russia’s access to machinery, technology, and research from Europe.
  • Russian spies create fake companies and recruit middlemen to gather technology secretly.
  • They target advanced weaponry research, such as Sweden’s Gripen fighter jet technology.
  • Russia is seeking technology in areas like space, quantum computing, arctic, and marine tech.
  • These technologies can be used for satellites, communications, and navigation.
  • Russia also needs computer technology and software updates for machine tools.
  • The UK and European countries accuse Russia of stealing technology and planning sabotage or assassination attempts.
  • Swedish police arrested two people linked to illegal shipments of machinery to Russia through a Turkish company.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

How a chemical tank disaster struck at the heart of a Washington state mill town

How a chemical tank disaster struck at the heart of a Washington state mill town

Summary

A chemical tank containing a wood-breaking mixture ruptured at a paper mill in Longview, Washington, killing 11 people. The accident caused extensive damage and has deeply affected a community closely tied to the lumber and paper industries for generations.

Key Facts

  • The chemical tank held over 500,000 gallons (1.9 million liters) of caustic chemicals used in paper production.
  • The tank failure occurred at Nippon Dynawave Packaging Co., a paper mill in Longview, Washington.
  • The chemical spill was strong enough to overturn vehicles and damage mill buildings.
  • 11 people died as a result of the tank rupture.
  • Longview is a mill town historically linked to the lumber and paper industry, with many residents working in the mills.
  • Local leaders and residents expressed concern for the victims’ families and the future of mill jobs.
  • The parent company, Nippon Paper Group of Tokyo, is evaluating the accident’s financial impact.
  • The incident is one of the deadliest U.S. workplace accidents in recent years.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

The news is free. Support if you want.

No ads. Pay what this is worth to you — most people choose $3.99/month.

French intellectual and inventor of 'cinema verite' Edgar Morin dies at 104

French intellectual and inventor of 'cinema verite' Edgar Morin dies at 104

Summary

French intellectual Edgar Morin, who helped create a style of documentary film called "cinema verite," died at 104. He was known for encouraging critical thinking and fighting intolerance, and he was active in the French Resistance during World War II.

Key Facts

  • Edgar Morin was 104 years old when he died.
  • He helped invent "cinema verite," a way of making documentaries that show real life and unscripted conversations.
  • His famous 1961 film, "Chronicle of a Summer," explored topics like class and race through simple questions.
  • Morin was a member of the French Resistance during World War II.
  • He studied sociology but called himself a "humanologist," combining philosophy, psychology, and biology to understand humans.
  • Morin was born in Paris to Jewish parents from Greece and lived through major historical events of the 20th century.
  • He remained active and shared his thoughts on social issues and world events until late in life.
  • His wife said he left a large impact through his courage, ideas, and hope.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Satire, social media and India’s Gen Z revolt

Satire, social media and India’s Gen Z revolt

Summary

A comment by India’s chief justice calling young, unemployed people “cockroaches” sparked an online satirical movement called the Cockroach Janta Party. This movement, popular among Gen Z, expresses frustration with issues like unemployment, education, and limited free speech in India.

Key Facts

  • India’s chief justice used the term “cockroaches” to describe young, unemployed people.
  • The insult led to the creation of the Cockroach Janta Party, an online satirical group.
  • The group quickly gained tens of millions of followers on social media.
  • The movement reflects Gen Z’s concerns about joblessness and education problems.
  • It also highlights worries about shrinking freedom of expression in India.
  • The article mentions other global issues, such as xenophobic violence in South Africa.
  • It also covers tightened U.S. sanctions on Cuba and their effects on ordinary Cubans.
  • Voices from each region provide insight into these social and political challenges.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account