The Actual News

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

World News

Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

Woman and man arrested in Ireland after police intercept ‘highly sophisticated’ bomb

Woman and man arrested in Ireland after police intercept ‘highly sophisticated’ bomb

Summary

Police in Ireland stopped a vehicle near the border and found a very advanced bomb inside. Two people, a woman and a man, were arrested, and authorities said the bomb was made with military-grade explosives.

Key Facts

  • Police in Ireland targeted a car near the border on the N2 south of Carrickmacross, County Monaghan.
  • The car was carrying a bomb described as highly sophisticated and advanced.
  • The bomb contained suspected military-grade explosives.
  • A woman in her 20s was arrested at the scene and remained in custody.
  • A man in his 40s was also arrested and is being held in Dublin.
  • The bomb was seized from dissident republicans who reject the Good Friday Agreement.
  • Irish police work with Northern Ireland police and UK intelligence to handle these threats.
  • Garda commissioner Justin Kelly called this seizure extremely significant and expressed concern about the ongoing threat.
Read the Original

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

The US owes the people of Hong Kong an explanation

The US owes the people of Hong Kong an explanation

Summary

Six years ago, the United States set a clear policy stance regarding Hong Kong. Recently, that clear position has faded without explanation.

Key Facts

  • The United States made a distinct policy decision about Hong Kong six years ago.
  • That policy included clear guidelines or boundaries.
  • Recently, those guidelines have quietly changed or disappeared.
  • There has been no public explanation from the U.S. government for this change.
  • The shift affects how the U.S. interacts with Hong Kong.
  • The situation is connected to ongoing political changes and developments in Hong Kong.
  • This topic relates to international relations and global policy.
Read the Original

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

Brazil uses forensic science to trace gold’s origin and tackle illegal mining in the Amazon

Brazil uses forensic science to trace gold’s origin and tackle illegal mining in the Amazon

Summary

Brazil is using forensic science to trace the origin of gold and fight illegal mining in the Amazon rainforest. The country’s federal police analyze gold samples to check if they come from protected areas, helping to stop deforestation and mercury pollution caused by illegal mining.

Key Facts

  • Brazil’s National Institute of Criminalistics in Brasilia runs a “gold lab” to analyze gold samples.
  • The lab uses a method called "gold fingerprinting" to identify where the gold was mined by studying its unique chemical makeup.
  • Each gold sample contains trace elements like silver and copper that act like a fingerprint.
  • This forensic method helps confirm if gold was taken illegally from protected forests or Indigenous lands.
  • The technique has been developed since 2019 with Brazilian universities and uses advanced tools such as X-ray fluorescence and mass spectrometry.
  • Illegal mining in the Amazon drives deforestation and dangerous mercury contamination.
  • Criminals often try to sell illegally mined gold through legal markets by using fraud.
  • Since 2023, about 1.2 million acres of rainforest have been cleared for mining in the Amazon, with nearly half in Brazil.
Read the Original

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

Bangladesh’s president, once a close ally of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, resigns

Bangladesh’s president, once a close ally of ousted premier Sheikh Hasina, resigns

Summary

Bangladesh’s President Mohammed Shahabuddin resigned halfway through his term, citing medical reasons. His resignation follows political changes, including the fall of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and the rise of a new government led by Tarique Rahman.

Key Facts

  • Mohammed Shahabuddin became Bangladesh’s 22nd president in April 2023.
  • He was appointed during Sheikh Hasina’s rule and was considered her close ally.
  • Sheikh Hasina’s government ended in August 2024 after an anti-government movement; she fled to India.
  • A new government led by Tarique Rahman took power with a landslide victory in February 2024.
  • Shahabuddin resigned on medical grounds, but reports suggest he may have been pressured due to contacts with Hasina.
  • After resignation, Parliament’s speaker will serve as acting president until a new one is elected.
  • Hasina was sentenced to death in absentia by a Bangladeshi tribunal for a crackdown linked to the uprising.
  • India has refused to extradite Hasina despite requests from Bangladeshi governments.
Read the Original

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

A seaplane carrying 11 crashes into an island north of Seattle and all aboard are rescued

A seaplane carrying 11 crashes into an island north of Seattle and all aboard are rescued

Summary

A seaplane carrying 11 people crashed and caught fire near Sucia Island, north of Seattle. All passengers and the pilot were rescued quickly and taken to hospitals, while authorities began an investigation into the crash.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened around 5:20 p.m. near Shallow Bay by Sucia Island in the San Juan Islands, Washington.
  • The seaplane had 1 pilot and 10 passengers on board.
  • The plane caught fire after crash landing on a rocky coast and partially sank against a large rock.
  • Multiple rescuers, including Good Samaritans and the U.S. Coast Guard, helped rescue all aboard.
  • The plane took off from Lake Union in Seattle heading to Roche Harbor on San Juan Island.
  • The aircraft was a de Havilland DHC-3 Otter, a single-engine plane used for short take-offs and landings.
  • Kenmore Air, the operator, suspended flights for the next day and is cooperating with investigators.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will investigate the cause of the crash.
  • Following a 2022 fatal seaplane crash in Puget Sound, FAA required inspections of certain parts on these planes, but the aircraft involved was reported to have passed inspections.
Read the Original

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

New UK leader Andy Burnham caps a busy first week with a part-time office move to Manchester

New UK leader Andy Burnham caps a busy first week with a part-time office move to Manchester

Summary

Andy Burnham became the new prime minister of the United Kingdom and has started his term by traveling across the country, meeting with world leaders, and announcing economic measures like a tax cut on household electricity bills and a bus fare cap. He opened a part-time office in Manchester to help spread economic growth beyond London and to give more power to local areas.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham took office as the UK prime minister after Keir Starmer resigned.
  • Burnham has traveled around England and Scotland during his first week in office.
  • He announced a tax cut on household electricity bills and set a cap of 2 pounds ($2.70) on bus fares.
  • Burnham plans to work at least one day a week from a new Northern office in Manchester called “No 10 North.”
  • The Manchester office aims to decentralize power and support economic growth outside of London.
  • Opposition politicians have criticized the new Manchester office, calling it a gimmick.
  • Burnham promises to give more power to local areas to improve struggling regions.
  • On foreign policy, Burnham supports continued UK aid to Ukraine and respects Greenland’s right to self-determination alongside Denmark.
Read the Original

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

What experts are saying as Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda kills more than 1,000 people

What experts are saying as Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda kills more than 1,000 people

Summary

The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is the fastest growing ever and has caused over 1,000 deaths. Health officials reported more than 2,500 confirmed cases and are working hard to control the virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.

Key Facts

  • The Ebola outbreak is happening in eastern Congo.
  • Over 2,500 people have tested positive for Ebola.
  • More than 1,000 people have died from the outbreak.
  • At least 738 patients are isolated or in the hospital.
  • There is no approved vaccine or treatment for this version of the virus yet.
  • Health officials are working to contain the spread of Ebola.
  • The outbreak is considered the fastest-growing in history.
Read the Original

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

Indian student protests: What’s next after Modi’s promise on exam leaks?

Indian student protests: What’s next after Modi’s promise on exam leaks?

Summary

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi promised quick legal action against those involved in exam paper leaks, addressing student protests that are spreading across the country. Activist Sonam Wangchuk ended his 26-day hunger strike after talks with government officials, but student protests continue, demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Key Facts

  • Exam paper leaks have led to widespread student protests in multiple Indian cities, including New Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, and Patna.
  • The student group Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) is organizing protests demanding education reforms and the resignation of Education Minister Pradhan.
  • Violence occurred near protests when police used tear gas and batons on demonstrators trying to march to the Indian Parliament.
  • Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International criticized the Indian government for excessive police force and internet shutdowns during protests.
  • Sonam Wangchuk, an activist supporting the students, ended a 26-day hunger strike after negotiations with government leaders.
  • The government promised not to press charges against peaceful protesters from recent demonstrations.
  • Officials also said they are discussing reforms to prevent exam paper leaks and considering compensation for families of students who died by suicide linked to exam issues.
  • The National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical school admissions has had multiple paper leak scandals in recent years.
Read the Original

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

Five killed in occupied West Bank after Israeli settlers attack

Five killed in occupied West Bank after Israeli settlers attack

Summary

Four Palestinians and one Israeli person died in a shooting in the West Bank village of Till. The shooting happened after Israeli settlers attacked the village, according to Palestinian authorities.

Key Facts

  • The incident took place in Till, a village in the occupied West Bank.
  • Four Palestinians were killed during the shooting.
  • One Israeli was also killed in the event.
  • Israeli settlers reportedly attacked the village before the shooting.
  • Palestinian authorities provided information about the attack and casualties.
Read the Original

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

Some Trump officials worried about rapid use of interceptor, precision-guided weapons, sources say

Some Trump officials worried about rapid use of interceptor, precision-guided weapons, sources say

Summary

Some officials who served under President Donald Trump are worried about the fast use of interceptors and precision-guided weapons in the Middle East. These weapons can be used to hit targets accurately from a distance.

Key Facts

  • Officials from the Trump administration have expressed concern about weapon use in the Middle East.
  • The weapons involved are interceptors and precision-guided types.
  • Interceptors are used to stop or destroy incoming missiles or threats.
  • Precision-guided weapons can accurately target specific locations or objects.
  • The concern is about how quickly these weapons are being deployed in the region.
  • The information comes from sources talking to CBS News.
  • CBS News correspondent Kathryn Watson reported on this issue.
Read the Original

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

Concerns over U.S. weapons getting depleted as U.S. and Iran continue to trade strikes

Concerns over U.S. weapons getting depleted as U.S. and Iran continue to trade strikes

Summary

The United States and Iran are continuing to exchange military strikes in the Middle East. Some U.S. officials are worried that American weapons might be running low as the conflict goes on and forces increase in the region.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. is increasing its military presence in the Middle East amid ongoing conflict with Iran.
  • The U.S. and Iran are conducting strikes against each other.
  • Some officials in the U.S. are concerned about running low on weapons.
  • President Donald Trump has warned of possible further military actions.
  • The situation is ongoing and causing worry about resources for U.S. forces.
Read the Original

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

Ten killed in Russian attack near Kyiv

Ten killed in Russian attack near Kyiv

Summary

At least 16 people were killed in Russian missile strikes near Kyiv and in the eastern city of Sloviansk. Ukraine also launched attacks on Russian military targets and warehouses of a major Russian online retailer, Wildberries, causing fires and casualties.

Key Facts

  • Ten people died in ballistic missile strikes near Kyiv.
  • Five people were killed in Sloviansk, an eastern Ukrainian city.
  • Ukrainian forces killed six and wounded 26 near Kirov, a city deep inside Russia.
  • Ukraine attacked Wildberries warehouses in Saint Petersburg and nearby areas, causing large fires.
  • Wildberries warehouses have been hit three times in six days, with previous strikes killing workers and destroying goods worth about $1 billion.
  • The missile attack near Kyiv targeted a military training ground and an ongoing defense exhibition.
  • Ukrainian officials say they are investigating why a public event was held despite the risk of attack.
  • Romania shot down a Russian drone that entered its airspace, alerting local authorities.
Read the Original

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

Can You Catch Legionnaires' Disease at Home? Doctors Explain the Risks

Can You Catch Legionnaires' Disease at Home? Doctors Explain the Risks

Summary

A Legionnaires' disease outbreak in Manhattan's Upper East Side has sickened 82 people and caused five deaths. The disease comes from bacteria that grow in warm water systems and spread through tiny water droplets people breathe in, not from person to person.

Key Facts

  • The outbreak in Manhattan is linked to contaminated cooling towers.
  • 82 people have become ill, with eight still in the hospital and 56 discharged.
  • No new cases were reported for six days as of July 21, but the situation is still being monitored.
  • Legionnaires' disease is caused by bacteria called Legionella, which grow in warm water.
  • People get sick by breathing in small water droplets containing the bacteria.
  • The disease can cause mild fever or serious lung infections such as pneumonia.
  • Legionella bacteria can grow in cooling towers, showers, hot tubs, decorative fountains, and plumbing systems.
  • Household risk exists if water heaters are set too low or water sits unused for a long time, but regular use and proper maintenance reduce risk.
Read the Original

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

Explosions heard near US base in Iraq after Pentagon finishes latest strikes against Iran

Explosions heard near US base in Iraq after Pentagon finishes latest strikes against Iran

Summary

Explosive drones attacked a U.S. military base in northern Iraq near Erbil, where American troops are stationed. This happened shortly after the U.S. military carried out a series of air strikes against Iran for the 13th night in a row.

Key Facts

  • Five explosive drones targeted the U.S. base near Erbil International Airport in northern Iraq.
  • Kurdish security forces said coalition troops shot down all five drones.
  • The attack came just hours after the U.S. completed its 13th straight night of strikes against Iranian targets.
  • The base in Erbil hosts American forces as part of international coalition operations.
  • The strikes against Iran are part of ongoing military actions by the U.S. in the region.
  • No information about casualties or damage from the drone attack was provided in the report.
Read the Original

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

Satellite Images Show Russian Tu-95MS Bomber Destroyed by Ukraine Drone

Satellite Images Show Russian Tu-95MS Bomber Destroyed by Ukraine Drone

Summary

Satellite images confirm that a Ukrainian drone destroyed a Russian Tupolev Tu-95 strategic bomber at a military base in Russia. The attack shows Ukraine can strike deep inside Russia, hitting important military targets.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine used long-range drones to attack the Engels-2 airbase in Russia’s Saratov region.
  • The drone strike destroyed the tail section of a Russian Tu-95MS bomber.
  • The Tu-95 is a key Russian bomber that carries cruise missiles for long-range attacks.
  • Russia has about 45 Tu-95MS bombers and 18 modernized versions in service.
  • Losing one bomber reduces Russia’s ability to launch missile strikes on Ukraine.
  • The Engels-2 base supports heavy bomber aviation regiments important to Russia’s military.
  • Ukraine has also targeted logistics centers for Russia’s largest online retailer, Wildberries, in St. Petersburg and Crimea.
  • This attack follows a recent report that a Ukrainian F-16 fighter jet shot down a Russian plane in air combat for the first time.
Read the Original

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

Chris Mason: What his first week in power tells us about Andy Burnham

Chris Mason: What his first week in power tells us about Andy Burnham

Summary

Andy Burnham became the new UK prime minister recently and is working on early government changes from his base in Manchester. He has introduced some small policy steps so far, with a major long-term plan expected later this year. Burnham's start shows he is active and focused, but he faces challenges both at home and internationally.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham took office as UK prime minister after Sir Keir Starmer stepped down.
  • Burnham is setting up important government functions in Manchester, called No 10 North.
  • Early policy actions included changes to business rates, bus fares, and VAT on electricity bills in England.
  • Burnham plans to announce a detailed 10-year plan for Britain later in 2026.
  • Some opposition politicians say Burnham’s start is informal and question the depth of his plans.
  • Burnham called for a pause on the early release of prisoners in England and Wales due to prison crowding.
  • He renewed US use of British airbases for defensive strikes on Iran, leading to threats from Tehran.
  • The situation in the Middle East is escalating, affecting UK foreign policy and security concerns.
Read the Original

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

Tanzanian lecturer arrested over anti-government protests charged with terrorism

Tanzanian lecturer arrested over anti-government protests charged with terrorism

Summary

A university lecturer in Tanzania, Melkisedek Kaijage, was arrested and charged with terrorism related to anti-government protests that were planned but did not take place. He will stay in custody until his trial because terrorism charges in Tanzania usually do not allow bail.

Key Facts

  • Melkisedek Kaijage teaches political science and public administration at the University of Dodoma.
  • He was arrested after planned protests on July 7 calling for democratic reforms were banned.
  • More than 130 people were arrested in connection with these protests.
  • Kaijage was first charged with inciting people to join protests but later charged with terrorism.
  • Prosecutors say he threatened to burn public buildings to intimidate others.
  • Terrorism charges in Tanzania can lead to prison sentences from 10 years to life.
  • The lecturer was moved from police custody to a prison in Dodoma.
  • The Tanzanian government has been cracking down on opposition figures and banned political rallies to maintain security.
Read the Original

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

Police in Northern Ireland intercept car bomb near Irish border

Police in Northern Ireland intercept car bomb near Irish border

Summary

Police in Ireland stopped a car bomb near the Northern Ireland border this week and arrested two people. The bomb was linked to dissident republican groups who oppose the peace agreement that ended decades of conflict in the region.

Key Facts

  • The car bomb was found near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan, in the Republic of Ireland.
  • A woman in her 20s and a man in his 40s were arrested and remain in custody.
  • Irish police called a military bomb disposal team to handle the explosive device.
  • The car bomb was described as "extremely significant" by police officials.
  • Earlier this year, two car bombs exploded or were attempted in Northern Ireland, linked to dissident republicans.
  • No one was hurt in the recent bombing incidents.
  • Dissident republicans are a small group who oppose the 1998 Good Friday peace agreement.
  • The Troubles was a conflict that caused about 3,600 deaths before the peace deal.
Read the Original

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

US summons Malaysia envoy over Israel policy

US summons Malaysia envoy over Israel policy

Summary

The US has called in Malaysia’s ambassador to discuss Malaysia’s long-standing policy of not recognizing Israel. Malaysia continues to bar Israeli citizens from entering the country because of its support for the Palestinian cause, despite concerns raised by some US lawmakers.

Key Facts

  • The US Department of State summoned Malaysia’s ambassador over Malaysia’s Israel policy.
  • Malaysia does not recognize the state of Israel and has no diplomatic ties with it.
  • Malaysia’s policy includes denying entry to Israeli citizens.
  • An individual holding both US and Israeli citizenship was asked to leave Malaysia after authorities found his Israeli nationality.
  • A community called Network School was shut down after claims it included Israeli participants.
  • Eight US congressmen opposed Malaysia’s ban on Israeli citizens and threatened to cut military training aid.
  • Malaysia’s Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said the country will continue to bar Israeli citizens to support Palestinians.
  • The US Congress requested the State Department review Malaysia’s economic and security relations.
Read the Original

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

Four men dead after car crashes into lamp-post

Four men dead after car crashes into lamp-post

Summary

Four men died when a car crashed into a lamp-post in Huyton, Merseyside, early in the morning. One other passenger was taken to the hospital and is stable. Police have closed several roads while they investigate the crash.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened before 2:00 a.m. on Liverpool Road in Huyton, Merseyside.
  • Four men, aged 23, 23, 24, and 26, died at the scene.
  • A 27-year-old passenger survived and is in stable condition at the hospital.
  • The car was a black Seat Cupra traveling from Liverpool toward Knowsley.
  • Eleven roads near the crash site, including Liverpool Road and East Prescot Road, are closed.
  • The road closures will likely last through the weekend.
  • The police have asked witnesses to come forward with any information.
  • Investigations are ongoing to understand how the crash happened.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account