The Actual News

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

World News

Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

Will NATO get involved in securing Strait of Hormuz?

Will NATO get involved in securing Strait of Hormuz?

Summary

NATO leaders met in Ankara to discuss military support for Ukraine and defense spending. The US asked NATO allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route Iran had blocked, but many European countries declined, saying the conflict with Iran is not NATO's concern.

Key Facts

  • NATO leaders gathered in Ankara for talks on defense and Ukraine support.
  • The US and Israel are involved in a conflict with Iran.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a crucial waterway for global shipping.
  • Iran had closed the Strait of Hormuz for several months.
  • The US asked NATO allies to help secure the strait.
  • Many European NATO members refused to join the effort.
  • The refusal is based on the view that the Iran conflict is outside NATO's mission.
  • Experts from various universities and institutes discussed the issue during the meeting.
Read the Original

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

Heat health alerts extended as record for most 34C days in a year broken

Heat health alerts extended as record for most 34C days in a year broken

Summary

England is experiencing its third heatwave of the year with temperatures reaching 35°C (95°F). Heat health alerts cover most of England, warning of pressure on health services and possible travel disruptions until Sunday evening.

Key Facts

  • Heat health alerts have been extended to northern England and cover almost all of England until 9 pm Sunday.
  • Temperatures reached 35.1°C in Surrey, close to the Wimbledon record of 35.7°C in 2015.
  • NHS ambulance services are under sustained pressure due to the heatwave.
  • Rail services across England are facing disruptions and have advised passengers to avoid non-essential travel.
  • This heatwave marks the eighth day this year with temperatures at or above 34°C, setting a new record for the calendar year.
  • High electricity demand is expected because of increased use of cooling devices, with the grid operator requesting more power availability.
  • Safety advice urges people to take care, especially children, elderly, and those with health conditions.
  • The worst heat is expected in southern and eastern England, with Wimbledon players receiving extra care for heat protection.
Read the Original

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

Love Island star Cach Mercer joins Strictly line-up

Love Island star Cach Mercer joins Strictly line-up

Summary

Cach Mercer, winner of Love Island 2025, is one of the celebrities joining the 2026 season of Strictly Come Dancing. Other announced participants include celebrity hair stylist Chris Appleton, singer Delta Goodrem, actress Lacey Turner, and reality star Dani Dyer.

Key Facts

  • Cach Mercer won Love Island in 2025 and works as a model, DJ, and mental health charity ambassador.
  • Mercer is excited to learn ballroom dances like the foxtrot on Strictly Come Dancing.
  • Chris Appleton is known for styling celebrities like Kim Kardashian and has created looks for Jennifer Lopez and Katy Perry.
  • Australian singer Delta Goodrem, who previously competed in Eurovision 2026, will also compete in the show.
  • Actress Lacey Turner, famous for her role on EastEnders, is participating and is a longtime fan of the show.
  • Dani Dyer, a previous Love Island contestant, is returning after fracturing her ankle during rehearsals last year and missing the competition.
  • The Strictly Come Dancing 2026 season is expected to start in September.
  • The show pairs celebrities with professional dancers to compete in ballroom and Latin dances.
Read the Original

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

Weekly quiz: Why did Australia's PM apologise to Kylie Minogue?

Weekly quiz: Why did Australia's PM apologise to Kylie Minogue?

Summary

This article highlights several events from the past week, including Prince Harry losing a privacy court case, England's football team winning a match against Mexico, and the United States celebrating its 250th birthday. It also mentions a quiz related to news and events, referencing Kylie Minogue and Australia's Prime Minister's apology.

Key Facts

  • Prince Harry lost a privacy case against the publisher of the Daily Mail.
  • England's football team, known as the Three Lions, won a game in Mexico.
  • The United States marked its 250th birthday recently.
  • Australia’s Prime Minister apologized to singer Kylie Minogue (though details are not provided).
  • The article includes a quiz about recent world news events.
  • The quiz was created by Ben Fell.
  • Readers are invited to try other quizzes from previous weeks or archives.
Read the Original

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

Ghanaian influencer extradited to US over $8m scam targeting elderly Americans

Ghanaian influencer extradited to US over $8m scam targeting elderly Americans

Summary

A Ghanaian social media influencer named Frederick Kumi, also known as Abu Trica, was extradited to the United States to face charges of running a romance scam that stole over $8 million from elderly Americans. He is accused of using fake online identities created with AI tools to trick victims and send the stolen money to accomplices in both countries.

Key Facts

  • Frederick Kumi (Abu Trica) is accused of scamming elderly Americans out of more than $8 million.
  • He allegedly used AI technology to create fake profiles and gain victims' trust on social media and dating sites.
  • Kumi was extradited from Ghana to the US and could face up to 20 years in prison.
  • His lawyer claims Ghana’s government ignored court decisions by extraditing him early, raising legal concerns.
  • Prosecutors say the scam involved false claims like urgent medical needs or investment opportunities to get money.
  • Kumi’s social media showed luxury cars and properties, which raised suspicion about his income sources.
  • The case is part of a larger effort by US authorities to stop fraud targeting elderly Americans, especially involving West African networks.
  • Kumi was arrested last year in a joint operation between Ghana and the US.
Read the Original

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

North Texas aviation pioneer Wally Funk dies, aged 87

North Texas aviation pioneer Wally Funk dies, aged 87

Summary

Wally Funk, a pioneering female pilot and the oldest woman to travel to space, has died at age 87 in Grapevine, Texas. She was part of the Mercury 13 program in the 1960s and flew to space in 2021 with Blue Origin's New Shepard mission.

Key Facts

  • Wally Funk was born on February 1, 1939, and lived in Grapevine, Texas.
  • She was selected for the Mercury 13 program in 1961, undergoing the same tests as NASA astronauts.
  • Despite her qualifications, women were not allowed to join NASA astronauts during her early career.
  • Funk became the first female flight instructor at Fort Sill, Oklahoma, and the first female inspector for the FAA.
  • She trained over 3,000 pilots and logged more than 30,000 flight hours.
  • In July 2021, at age 82, she flew to space on Blue Origin's New Shepard NS-16 mission, becoming the oldest woman in space.
  • She received multiple honors, including induction into the Texas Aviation Hall of Fame and Women in Aviation International Pioneer Hall of Fame.
  • Wally Funk died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones, as announced by the city of Grapevine.
Read the Original

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

From us

No ads. Just the news.

It's free for everyone. If it's useful, support us at a price that feels right.

Support us
Girl, 14, found stabbed in woodlands was 'beautiful, kind and caring'

Girl, 14, found stabbed in woodlands was 'beautiful, kind and caring'

Summary

A 14-year-old girl named Lilly Jones was found dead in a park in Blaina, Wales, two days after she went missing. A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and is due to appear in court again soon.

Key Facts

  • Lilly Jones went missing from her home on June 20.
  • Her body was found in Duffryn Park on June 22.
  • The cause of death was multiple stab wounds.
  • A 14-year-old boy has been charged with her murder and is in custody.
  • A court hearing for the boy is planned later this month.
  • A trial is expected to start in November.
  • Lilly’s family described her as kind, caring, and unique.
  • The family thanked the community for support and donations.
Read the Original

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

Irish citizen found guilty of murdering American woman in Hungary

Irish citizen found guilty of murdering American woman in Hungary

Summary

A Hungarian court sentenced an Irish man to 14 years in prison for murdering an American woman tourist in Budapest in 2024. The man killed the woman during a private encounter, hid her body, and later disposed of it in a forest near Lake Balaton.

Key Facts

  • The victim was Mackenzie Michalski, a 31-year-old nurse practitioner from Portland, Oregon, visiting Hungary.
  • She was last seen at a nightclub in Budapest on November 5, 2024, after which she went missing.
  • The suspect, a 37-year-old Irish citizen identified as L.T.M., was arrested on November 7, 2024.
  • Police said the man beat and strangled Michalski and then hid her body in his apartment.
  • He later placed her body in a suitcase and discarded it in a wooded area near Szigliget by Lake Balaton.
  • The court found that the man intended to kill Michalski and did not seek help after the attack.
  • He was sentenced to 14 years in prison without parole and ordered to pay court costs and be deported after serving the sentence.
  • The man is appealing the conviction.
Read the Original

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

American-made technology guiding Ukraine's strikes into Russia

American-made technology guiding Ukraine's strikes into Russia

Summary

Ukraine is using an American-made long-range reconnaissance drone called the V-BAT to find Russian military targets inside Russia. This drone helps Ukraine plan strikes that damage important Russian military and energy sites, especially around the Black Sea and Crimea.

Key Facts

  • The V-BAT drone is made by the U.S. company Shield AI and can fly long distances to gather information.
  • Ukraine’s navy used the drone to spot Russian soldiers and equipment on an oil rig, leading to attacks that destroyed key Russian assets.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy declared a 40-day campaign to pressure Russia into ending the war, relying on drone-guided strikes.
  • Ukraine has almost doubled its strikes more than 30 miles inside Russia since June 2026.
  • The strikes targeted military, energy, and logistics facilities, including oil tankers in the Black Sea.
  • Russian officials stopped gas sales to Crimea after Ukrainian attacks, aiming to isolate the region.
  • After the U.S. reduced intelligence sharing, France now provides about two-thirds of Ukraine’s intelligence.
  • Ukrainian drones enhanced with Starlink internet help improve their surveillance but the V-BAT is still unmatched in range and communication.
Read the Original

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

Putin’s Last Roll of the Dice

Putin’s Last Roll of the Dice

Summary

Russian President Vladimir Putin is continuing his military campaign in Ukraine despite heavy losses and economic problems. The U.S., under President Donald Trump, has announced plans to let Ukraine produce Patriot missile systems to help defend against Russian attacks, signaling increased support for Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Russian forces face a stalemate in Ukraine with heavy casualties and limited progress.
  • Crimea, controlled by Russia, is increasingly threatened by Ukrainian attacks.
  • Russia’s economy suffers from inflation, high interest rates, and fuel shortages.
  • Ukraine is under frequent missile and drone attacks from Russia, causing civilian casualties.
  • President Trump announced the U.S. will license Ukraine to build Patriot missile systems, which defend against ballistic missiles.
  • The exact details of the U.S. license to produce Patriots are still unclear.
  • Russia’s air attacks aim to pressure Ukraine and its allies politically.
  • Ukrainian and Western officials say more air defenses are urgently needed as missile attacks continue.
Read the Original

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

Justin Baldoni describes painful saga as he breaks silence on Blake Lively dispute

Justin Baldoni describes painful saga as he breaks silence on Blake Lively dispute

Summary

Actor Justin Baldoni and his wife Emily spoke publicly for the first time about their family’s pain after a legal battle with co-star Blake Lively. The lawsuit involved accusations of sexual harassment and retaliation, most claims were dismissed by a judge, and the parties settled remaining issues before a trial.

Key Facts

  • Blake Lively sued Justin Baldoni and his company in December 2024, alleging sexual harassment and retaliation on the film set of "It Ends With Us."
  • A judge dismissed most harassment claims because Lively was classified as an independent contractor, not an employee.
  • Baldoni filed a $400 million counter-lawsuit against Lively and her husband, Ryan Reynolds, for defamation and extortion, but it was fully dismissed.
  • The parties settled remaining claims about breach of contract and retaliation just before the trial was to start in New York.
  • Lively said she pursued the case due to retaliation after asking for a safe working environment.
  • Baldoni and his wife expressed gratitude for support and said their family is healing.
  • The legal fight lasted nearly two years before reaching a resolution in May 2025.
Read the Original

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

Kudlow: US entered Iran MOU too quickly

Kudlow: US entered Iran MOU too quickly

Summary

Larry Kudlow, a host on Fox Business, said the United States acted too quickly in agreeing to a temporary deal with Iran. He mentioned concerns about Iran being allowed to sell millions of barrels of oil under this agreement.

Key Facts

  • Larry Kudlow spoke about the U.S.-Iran interim deal on his Fox Business show.
  • He believes the U.S. made the agreement too fast.
  • The deal allows Iran to sell 50 to 60 million barrels of oil.
  • Kudlow’s comments focus on the timing and terms of the deal.
  • The agreement is described as an interim or temporary arrangement.
  • Oil traders reported the amount of oil Iran could sell.
  • The discussion relates to U.S. foreign policy toward Iran.
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.

Support us
Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams and more mourn the death of Bonnie Tyler

Catherine Zeta-Jones, Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams and more mourn the death of Bonnie Tyler

Summary

Welsh singer Bonnie Tyler died at age 75 while hospitalized in Portugal for illness-related treatment. Many celebrities, including Catherine Zeta-Jones and Rod Stewart, expressed their sadness and shared memories of her unique voice and personality.

Key Facts

  • Bonnie Tyler was 75 years old at the time of her death.
  • She died in a hospital in Faro, Portugal, where she was receiving treatment.
  • Tyler underwent emergency intestinal surgery in May and was placed in an induced coma.
  • She gained fame for songs like “Total Eclipse of the Heart” and “It’s A Heartache.”
  • Catherine Zeta-Jones was related to Tyler through marriage and spoke about their close relationship.
  • Several well-known artists, including Rod Stewart, Bryan Adams, and Tony Hadley, paid tribute to her.
  • Tyler was appreciated for her distinctive, gravelly voice and lively personality.
  • Her death was unexpected and has elicited widespread mourning in the entertainment world.
Read the Original

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

Furore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government headquarters

Furore in Nigeria over fake federal agency set up in government headquarters

Summary

A fake Nigerian government agency called the presidential foreign intervention promotion council (PFIPC) was listed in the 2026 budget and given office space in a federal building. The case involves accusations of forgery, impersonation, and financial misconduct and is under investigation amid political controversy ahead of Nigeria’s general elections.

Key Facts

  • The PFIPC was allocated 1.3 billion naira (£705,248) in Nigeria’s 2026 budget.
  • Femi Gbajabiamila, the president’s chief of staff, accused Adeniyi Adeyemi Matthew of forging his signature and official documents.
  • Adeyemi claimed he was appointed to lead PFIPC, but the presidency denies knowing him.
  • Adeyemi reportedly met with ambassadors without approval and set up bank accounts for PFIPC without government consent.
  • The actual Nigerian investment promotion council raised concerns about PFIPC’s similar name.
  • Office space was given to PFIPC in the federal secretariat, raising questions about how Adeyemi accessed it.
  • President Bola Tinubu ordered an anti-corruption agency to investigate PFIPC.
  • Some key officials involved in the case have past controversies, including suspensions and legal troubles in the US.
Read the Original

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

Turkish president gives Nato leaders engraved guns and bullets at summit

Turkish president gives Nato leaders engraved guns and bullets at summit

Summary

At a NATO summit in Ankara, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan gave NATO leaders engraved revolvers with six live bullets as gifts. These unusual presents caused surprise and security challenges, as leaders had to handle the guns carefully due to different laws on transporting firearms.

Key Facts

  • President Erdoğan gave each NATO leader a personalized revolver with six live bullets at the Ankara summit.
  • The guns came in red boxes lined in black and included a note exempting them from export controls.
  • Many leaders and security teams were surprised and puzzled by the gift.
  • Some leaders took their guns home, leaving the bullets in Turkey, while others left both gun and ammo behind.
  • The revolvers given to EU leaders were handled with extra security and will be decommissioned and sent to a military museum.
  • The Polish president received his revolver with caution due to a previous incident when a grenade launcher gift exploded in his office.
  • Transporting fully functional guns across borders requires following strict legal rules, causing logistical difficulties.
  • The Turkish presidency did not comment on why they chose to give these particular gifts.
Read the Original

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

INTERVIEW: Courtney Grace Talks Spielberg and Her 'Disclosure Day' Moment

INTERVIEW: Courtney Grace Talks Spielberg and Her 'Disclosure Day' Moment

Summary

Courtney Grace gained attention for a brief but powerful role in Steven Spielberg's latest film, "Disclosure Day." Previously a journalist, Grace shared in an interview that her past experience helped her perform authentically, and she spoke about the courage it took to pursue acting.

Key Facts

  • Courtney Grace appears briefly near the end of Spielberg’s new movie, "Disclosure Day."
  • Her performance has received strong praise and is seen as a major breakthrough in her career.
  • Grace worked as a journalist for about seven years before becoming an actress.
  • She believes her journalism experience helped her stay calm and genuine on camera.
  • A mentor encouraged her to admit her true dream of acting, which she credits for her path forward.
  • Grace says success comes from taking the next right step and being brave, even when feeling unsure or scared.
  • She is grateful for the positive response to her role in the film.
Read the Original

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

Greek F-16 fighter jet crash-lands at busy Zakynthos airport

Greek F-16 fighter jet crash-lands at busy Zakynthos airport

Summary

A Greek Air Force F-16 fighter jet crash-landed at Zakynthos airport after a technical problem during a training flight. The pilot was unharmed, but the plane caught fire on the runway, causing the airport to close and delaying flights.

Key Facts

  • The F-16 experienced a technical fault and landed around 13:45 local time.
  • The pilot is reported to be in good health.
  • Greek media said the jet showed signs of an onboard fire before landing and caught fire on the runway.
  • The plane landed without using its landing gear and slid along the runway.
  • Firefighters responded quickly to put out the fire.
  • The jet belonged to the 335 Squadron of the 116th Combat Wing, based in western Greece.
  • The airport was closed, delaying all flights until 21:00.
  • A special air force team is set to remove the damaged aircraft from the runway.
Read the Original

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

Andy Burnham says Labour ‘didn’t get it right’ as he apologises for its stance on Gaza

Andy Burnham says Labour ‘didn’t get it right’ as he apologises for its stance on Gaza

Summary

Andy Burnham, leader of the UK's Labour Party, apologized for the party’s early response to Israel’s military actions in Gaza and said the party needs to improve its approach. He promised to increase pressure on the Israeli government, including sanctions and possible trade bans related to illegal settlements, while condemning violence and calling for accountability.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham admitted Labour's initial response to the Gaza conflict was not adequate and apologized.
  • He plans to pressure Israel with measures like sanctions and trade restrictions on illegal settlements.
  • Burnham criticized the UK government for being slow to call for a ceasefire in Gaza.
  • Labour leader Keir Starmer faced criticism for his early remarks supporting Israel’s right to withhold power and water from Gaza.
  • Starmer recognized Palestine as a state after months of pressure in 2025.
  • Burnham condemned Hamas’s attacks and antisemitism in the UK, stressing a balanced approach.
  • He acknowledged possible war crimes in Gaza but said international courts should decide on legal judgments.
  • Many Labour voters left the party because of its stance on Israel and Palestine, moving to the Green party.
Read the Original

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

From us

Pay what it's worth to you

We dropped the ads. Support independent, no-spin news at the suggested $3.99/month.

Support us
Mali rebels attack convoy of Russian reinforcements headed to besieged military camp

Mali rebels attack convoy of Russian reinforcements headed to besieged military camp

Summary

Tuareg separatists and jihadist groups attacked a convoy of Russian mercenaries and Malian soldiers heading to a military camp in northern Mali. The convoy was trying to reinforce troops holding a key town called Anefis, which is near the separatists’ stronghold of Kidal.

Key Facts

  • The convoy included Russian paramilitary forces from Africa Corps and Malian soldiers.
  • The attackers are from the Azawad Liberation Front (FLA) and an Al-Qaeda-linked jihadist group called JNIM.
  • Anefis is an important town for controlling the larger northern town of Kidal.
  • The FLA and jihadists have taken control of Anefis after coordinated attacks.
  • Mali's government wants to hold Anefis to eventually retake Kidal from separatists.
  • The convoy was ambushed twice, with heavy fighting ongoing as of the report.
  • Russia supports Mali, Burkina Faso, and Niger with military help against jihadists.
  • Russia is also pursuing energy and mining deals with these Sahel countries in Africa.
Read the Original

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

Jennings ‘not surprised’ Iran deal ‘ending this way’

Jennings ‘not surprised’ Iran deal ‘ending this way’

Summary

Conservative commentator Scott Jennings said he is not surprised that the temporary ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran is failing as fighting increases. He stated that Iran has always been strongly opposed to the United States, and that President Trump tried to address this.

Key Facts

  • Scott Jennings is a conservative political commentator.
  • Jennings spoke about the ceasefire deal between the U.S. and Iran.
  • The deal was meant to temporarily stop hostilities.
  • Hostilities between the U.S. and Iran are increasing again.
  • Jennings said Iran has historically been very adversarial to the U.S.
  • He mentioned that President Trump attempted to manage the situation.
  • Jennings expressed no surprise at the failure of the ceasefire.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account