The Actual News

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

Latest News

Recent developments and breaking news

"Godzilla vs. Kong" actress dies in Maryland car crash

"Godzilla vs. Kong" actress dies in Maryland car crash

Summary

Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old actress known for her role in the Godzilla movies, died after a car crash in Frederick County, Maryland. The crash involved a 1995 Honda Accord that left the road and hit a culvert, with speed believed to be a factor.

Key Facts

  • The accident happened around 2:52 a.m. on Windsor Road in Ijamsville, Maryland.
  • Kaylee Hottle was a passenger in the car, which was driven by a 19-year-old man from Frederick.
  • The driver survived with non-life-threatening injuries and another passenger declined medical help.
  • Hottle was taken to a trauma center where she was later pronounced dead.
  • The 1995 Honda Accord left the right side of the road and struck a culvert, a structure used to allow water to pass under the road.
  • Investigators think the car was going too fast before it crashed.
  • Kaylee Hottle was originally from Atlanta and recently lived in Kyle, Texas.
  • She was known for playing the character Jia in "Godzilla vs. Kong" and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" and used American Sign Language in her acting career.
Read the Original

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

Fiscal hawk or big spender – what kind of chancellor will John Healey be?

Fiscal hawk or big spender – what kind of chancellor will John Healey be?

Summary

John Healey has been appointed chancellor by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Healey is seen as a hardworking and unifying figure who supports re-industrialisation and devolution. He will manage the government’s budget while working within limits on taxes and borrowing set by the previous government.

Key Facts

  • John Healey was chosen as chancellor by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on his first day in office.
  • Healey has a reputation for hard work and a strong connection to the military.
  • He supports policies like re-industrialisation (bringing back manufacturing) and giving more powers to local regions (devolution).
  • Burnham promised not to raise income tax, VAT, or national insurance and to stick to previous borrowing rules.
  • Healey has experience working in Treasury and can appeal to different parts of the Labour party.
  • Some officials see Healey as ideologically motivated, not just a follower of the prime minister.
  • Healey has a personal style of involving junior staff in discussions and remembering details about people.
  • His role will include funding promises like higher defence spending, public control of utilities, and lowering living costs for voters.
Read the Original

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

The Houthis may soon discover the limits of Saudi strategic patience

The Houthis may soon discover the limits of Saudi strategic patience

Summary

The Houthis have announced plans to block Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, reflecting Iran’s strategy to pressure Saudi Arabia using regional allies. Saudi Arabia has responded with military strikes to prevent Iran from strengthening its support for the Houthis, while maintaining a strong, integrated defense force to protect its economic interests and regional stability.

Key Facts

  • The Houthis plan to block Saudi ships in the Red Sea, targeting Saudi ports.
  • Iran supports the Houthis as part of its effort to challenge Saudi Arabia indirectly.
  • Saudi Arabia has avoided a wider regional war for nearly ten years as a strategic choice.
  • The Iranian aim is to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s economy, especially its oil exports.
  • Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter and holds spare capacity to stabilize global markets.
  • Iran tried to reopen an air route between Tehran and Sana’a for military support to the Houthis.
  • Saudi airstrikes targeted Sana’a airport to stop Iran from establishing this military supply line.
  • Saudi-led Joint Forces Command now includes over 650,000 personnel from Saudi Arabia and allied countries, operating with integrated military technologies and coordination.
Read the Original

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

Trump administration will lose legal battle with NY Times: Mulvaney

Trump administration will lose legal battle with NY Times: Mulvaney

Summary

Mick Mulvaney, who used to be President Trump’s chief of staff, said he believes the Trump administration will lose a court case against The New York Times. The case involves journalists who wrote about President Trump’s new Air Force One airplane.

Key Facts

  • Mick Mulvaney is a former White House chief of staff under President Trump.
  • The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against The New York Times.
  • The lawsuit is about articles written about President Trump’s new Air Force One plane.
  • Mulvaney said he thinks the administration will probably lose the legal battle.
  • He expressed doubt about the legal grounds for the lawsuit.
  • The New York Times journalists reported on details of the new plane used by President Trump.
Read the Original

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

Bystander injured in shooting near White House pursuing legal claim against Secret Service

Bystander injured in shooting near White House pursuing legal claim against Secret Service

Summary

A man from Kansas, Benjamin Del Real, Jr., was hurt in a shooting near the White House involving Secret Service agents and another armed person. He is now planning to take legal steps against the Secret Service, saying the agency was careless.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened near the White House in spring.
  • Benjamin Del Real, Jr. is 25 years old.
  • He was injured during a shootout involving Secret Service agents and another armed individual.
  • He is accusing the Secret Service of negligence, meaning he says they did not act carefully.
  • His lawyers announced plans to file an administrative claim against the agency.
  • The claim was announced at a press conference held on Tuesday.
  • The legal action seeks to hold the Secret Service responsible for the injuries he sustained.
Read the Original

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

Deposed leader of Turkish opposition announces new party to challenge Erdogan

Deposed leader of Turkish opposition announces new party to challenge Erdogan

Summary

The former leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, Ozgur Ozel, announced plans to start a new political party to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ozel was removed as leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) by a court decision, which critics say was meant to weaken the opposition.

Key Facts

  • Ozgur Ozel was removed as CHP leader by a court order that canceled a party vote.
  • The court reinstated the previous leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is unpopular with many CHP supporters.
  • Ozel plans to launch a new party called Yeni Parti (New Party) later this week.
  • Many CHP lawmakers are expected to leave the party to join Ozel’s new party.
  • The CHP has faced many criminal investigations, mainly alleging corruption in areas it governs.
  • Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a top Erdogan challenger, has been imprisoned since March 2023.
  • The government says courts are independent and denies political interference.
  • Under Ozel, CHP gained important cities in the 2024 municipal elections, challenging Erdogan’s party.
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
GLP-1s are linked to a 17% drop in worker sick leave, new study finds

GLP-1s are linked to a 17% drop in worker sick leave, new study finds

Summary

A new study shows that GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, help reduce long-term sick leave by 17% among workers. This decrease could save money for workers, employers, and the government by lowering time off due to illness.

Key Facts

  • GLP-1 drugs are prescribed for diabetes and obesity and improve health by lowering risks of heart attacks and strokes.
  • The study found users of GLP-1 drugs took 17% less sick leave lasting over 30 days than non-users.
  • Reduced sick leave can save up to 1.5% of an individual’s salary, about $866 on average.
  • The research used data from Denmark, where employers pay full salary for up to 30 days of sick leave, and the government pays after that.
  • Short-term sick leave reductions save employers money, while long-term reductions save the government money in Denmark.
  • In the U.S., sick leave policies are less generous, so reduced sick leave might improve worker productivity and benefit companies.
  • The study suggests that fewer sick days and less “presenteeism” (working while sick and less effective) could lead to better job performance and career opportunities.
Read the Original

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

RFK Jr says cyclospora outbreak is ‘under control’ after FDA recall reversal

RFK Jr says cyclospora outbreak is ‘under control’ after FDA recall reversal

Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the cyclospora parasite, is under control after the FDA reversed a large lettuce recall. The outbreak has affected many states, especially in the Midwest, with thousands of reported cases this summer.

Key Facts

  • Cyclospora causes diarrhea and spreads through contaminated food or water.
  • The outbreak has been reported in 34 states, with over 1,600 confirmed cases nationally and more than 6,500 cases in Michigan alone.
  • The FDA initially recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from 27 states but later said the recall was a false alarm.
  • Kennedy said the source was identified and companies involved have issued recalls.
  • The CDC expects the outbreak to continue through August due to the parasite’s long incubation period.
  • The Trump administration reduced funding and staffing for food safety and outbreak response programs, which experts say slowed the response.
  • Cyclospora outbreaks happen every summer and tend to increase in warm weather.
  • Kennedy emphasized that knowing the source will help people make better food choices.
Read the Original

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

US civil rights agency moves to end demographic data collection after 60 years

US civil rights agency moves to end demographic data collection after 60 years

Summary

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to end a 60-year-old rule that requires many private companies to report the race, gender, and job roles of their workers annually. This change stops the collection of data used to track workplace discrimination and diversity, following a move by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Key Facts

  • Since 1966, companies with at least 100 employees must submit demographic reports to the EEOC each year.
  • The reports include information about workers’ gender, race, ethnicity, and job categories.
  • The EEOC’s Republican majority approved ending this reporting rule with a 2-1 vote.
  • EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas supports ending the requirement, saying it could promote racial stereotyping and discrimination.
  • Critics say stopping the data collection removes an important tool for discovering discrimination and monitoring equality in workplaces.
  • The EEOC gets over 88,000 worker complaints yearly and has used the data to guide investigations and enforcement.
  • Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal, the only Democrat on the commission, opposed ending the rule.
  • The rule change is part of broader civil rights policy shifts under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Read the Original

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

Appeals court upholds White House adviser Peter Navarro’s contempt of Congress convictions

Appeals court upholds White House adviser Peter Navarro’s contempt of Congress convictions

Summary

A federal appeals court has upheld White House adviser Peter Navarro’s convictions for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. The court ruled Navarro failed to prove that President Trump had legally protected him from providing the requested information.

Key Facts

  • Peter Navarro, a White House adviser, was convicted of contempt of Congress for ignoring a subpoena from the January 6 committee.
  • The subpoena requested records and testimony related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
  • Navarro claimed President Trump had invoked executive privilege to shield him, but the court rejected this claim.
  • Navarro served a four-month prison sentence for these convictions.
  • After prison, Navarro spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
  • Navarro’s appeal was heard by a three-judge panel from the D.C. Circuit Court, which ruled unanimously against him.
  • The judges on the panel were appointed by former Presidents Obama and Biden.
  • Navarro previously worked as a White House trade adviser under President Trump’s first term and continues in a similar role during his second term.
Read the Original

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

Weeklong rainstorms in Chile blamed on El Nino kill at least 10 and trigger flash floods

Weeklong rainstorms in Chile blamed on El Nino kill at least 10 and trigger flash floods

Summary

Heavy rainstorms linked to El Nino have caused severe flooding in northern Chile, killing at least 10 people and leaving over 100,000 stranded. The storms damaged thousands of homes, cut electricity and water supplies, and led the government to declare a state of emergency.

Key Facts

  • At least 10 people have died due to weeklong rainstorms in northern Chile.
  • The government declared a state of emergency in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions.
  • Over 100,000 people are trapped by flash floods caused by the heavy rain.
  • More than 4,000 people have been displaced, with over 1,000 staying in emergency shelters.
  • The storms destroyed 81 homes and damaged over 20,000 properties.
  • Thousands have lost electricity and access to drinking water.
  • The national disaster agency sent evacuation warnings to 10 out of 16 regions.
  • Meteorologists say the extreme weather is due to the return of El Nino, which causes heavier rainfall in southern South America.
Read the Original

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

Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

Summary

A federal appeals court in New York reversed a lower court decision that had ordered the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, allowing his possible re-arrest as he faces deportation. Mahdawi is challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to expel him, but the appeals court said he must first go through the immigration court process before federal judges can review his claims.

Key Facts

  • The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a Vermont judge’s order to release Mohsen Mahdawi.
  • The Vermont judge compared the government’s actions to McCarthy-era repression.
  • The appeals court ruled the lower judge acted outside his authority by intervening too early.
  • Mahdawi is fighting deportation under the Trump administration, accused of criticism against Israel.
  • He became a U.S. legal permanent resident in 2015 and was arrested during a citizenship interview in April 2025.
  • The court decided not to rule on whether Mahdawi’s constitutional rights were violated, saying he must exhaust immigration court appeals first.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union represents Mahdawi and opposes his detention and deportation during appeals.
  • A similar appeals ruling happened earlier this year involving another pro-Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil.
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.

Support us
Trump administration pushes ahead with plans to reopen the US embassy in Libya

Trump administration pushes ahead with plans to reopen the US embassy in Libya

Summary

The U.S. State Department plans to spend nearly $41 million to reopen the U.S. Embassy in Libya after closing it in 2014 due to conflict. This step aims to restore diplomatic presence and support U.S. security interests in the region, which faces challenges from rival countries like Russia.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Embassy in Libya was closed in July 2014 because of ongoing conflict in the country.
  • The State Department informed Congress of a $41 million plan to help reestablish the embassy.
  • Funding will improve security at a smaller U.S. office in Tripoli and prepare for a full embassy reopening.
  • Libya is important to the U.S. because of its location by the Mediterranean and its influence on regional security, energy, and migration.
  • Russia has increased its involvement in Libya, challenging U.S. interests in North Africa.
  • Libyan leaders from both the western and eastern parts of the country have recently met with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • U.S. diplomats have been working from nearby countries Tunisia and Malta since the embassy closed.
  • The reopening is part of a broader U.S. effort under President Trump to restore embassies in regions with strategic importance, including Venezuela and Syria.
Read the Original

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

From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful people named in Epstein files

From Elon Musk to the former Prince Andrew, a who’s who of powerful people named in Epstein files

Summary

A large set of files related to Jeffrey Epstein was released by the U.S. Justice Department, showing his connections to many rich and powerful people, including Elon Musk and former Prince Andrew of England. None of these people have been charged with a crime related to Epstein’s illegal activities, and all have denied involvement.

Key Facts

  • The files come from documents tied to Jeffrey Epstein, a wealthy financier and convicted sex offender.
  • Epstein died by suicide in a New York jail in 2019 while awaiting trial.
  • Former Prince Andrew’s name appears hundreds of times in the released documents.
  • Prince Andrew denies allegations that he engaged in sexual abuse involving Epstein’s victims.
  • Prince Andrew lost his royal titles last year, including being called Duke of York.
  • Some released emails show invitations and offers involving Epstein and Prince Andrew.
  • Other prominent individuals named include Elon Musk and Sarah Ferguson, the Duchess of York.
  • No one named in the documents has been charged with related crimes so far.
Read the Original

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

Naked mole-rat queens use a chemical signal to suppress fertility in rivals

Naked mole-rat queens use a chemical signal to suppress fertility in rivals

Summary

Scientists discovered that naked mole-rat queens produce a special chemical scent to stop other females in their colony from having babies. This chemical, found only in queens, spreads through their tunnels and signals their breeding status, helping to keep order without violent fights.

Key Facts

  • Naked mole-rats live mostly underground and have unique traits like pain insensitivity, long life, and cancer resistance.
  • They live in colonies where only one female, the queen, breeds, similar to ants or bees.
  • Scientists studied the mole-rats’ sense of smell, which is very important since they are blind.
  • Mole-rats use complex chemical signals to recognize colony members and strangers, leading to aggression towards outsiders.
  • Researchers identified a specific chemical called isopropyl myristate that only queen mole-rats produce.
  • This chemical is spread through tunnels and changes with the queen’s fertility cycle.
  • The queen’s scent stays on surfaces for about 24 hours, helping her control the colony without fighting.
Read the Original

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

Trump meets with Lebanon's President Aoun over Iran war and Israel's attacks on Hezbollah

Trump meets with Lebanon's President Aoun over Iran war and Israel's attacks on Hezbollah

Summary

President Donald Trump met with Lebanon’s President Joseph Aoun at the White House. They talked about the war involving Iran, the group Hezbollah, and attacks by Israel.

Key Facts

  • The meeting took place at the White House.
  • President Trump and President Aoun discussed the ongoing conflict involving Iran.
  • They talked about Hezbollah, a political and militant group based in Lebanon.
  • The discussion included Israel’s attacks on Hezbollah.
  • The meeting was reported by CBS News.
  • Nancy Cordes was the CBS News correspondent covering the story.
  • The focus was on regional security issues in the Middle East.
Read the Original

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

Airbus to test folding wings for next generation of bestselling planes

Airbus to test folding wings for next generation of bestselling planes

Summary

Airbus is testing folding wings for its next generation of planes to save energy and fit better in crowded airports. The company plans to try wing extensions on an A321neo plane next year and decide the new aircraft design by 2030. Rolls-Royce aims to supply new engines for these planes and is seeking UK government support for its UltraFan engine program.

Key Facts

  • Airbus will test folding wing extensions around 4-5 meters long on an A321neo plane in 2025.
  • Folding wings help longer wings fit into existing airport gates, improving energy efficiency.
  • Boeing already uses folding wingtips on its 777X but not on single-aisle planes like Airbus’s A321neo.
  • Airbus plans to decide the shape of its new planes by 2030, including wing shape and engine type.
  • New planes will have heavier, larger engines and wings shaped like a gull’s for better aerodynamics.
  • Rolls-Royce is developing UltraFan engines for both widebody and narrowbody planes.
  • Rolls-Royce seeks UK government support to invest in its engine program, arguing it will boost the UK economy.
  • UK government must balance support for Rolls-Royce with other priorities like social care and homelessness.
Read the Original

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

Watch: Trump talks Iran operation while taking questions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun

Watch: Trump talks Iran operation while taking questions with Lebanese President Joseph Aoun

Summary

President Donald Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met in the Oval Office and answered questions together. During this event, President Trump talked about recent U.S. military strikes against Iran.

Key Facts

  • The meeting took place in the Oval Office at the White House.
  • President Trump and Lebanese President Joseph Aoun held a joint question-and-answer session.
  • President Trump discussed U.S. military actions targeting Iran.
  • CBS News covered the event with a report by Aaron Navarro.
  • The discussion included topics related to U.S.-Iran relations.
  • The details were shared through CBS News and available on their app and website.
Read the Original

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

From us

You're the one who keeps this going

No ads, no paywall. Pay what you want to keep it that way — suggested $3.99/month.

Support us
Iranians struggle to get by amid US war and domestic woes

Iranians struggle to get by amid US war and domestic woes

Summary

People in Iran are facing many problems because of economic troubles, government limits, and damage from recent conflicts involving the United States and Israel. Prices for food, rent, and medicine have risen sharply, while wages and pensions have not kept up, making it hard for many Iranians to pay for basic needs.

Key Facts

  • A pensioner in Tehran now pays about $5 for a small tub of ice cream and yogurt, while her monthly pension is about $94 after a government increase.
  • Iran is dealing with long-term economic problems worsened by recent conflicts and sanctions from the United States and Israel.
  • Inflation last month was nearly 90%, and food prices increased by 134% compared to the previous year.
  • Rent increases in Tehran have averaged about 50%, although the government limits legal increases to 27%.
  • The government offers small cash subsidies and electronic food coupons, but some shops refuse them because they have not been reimbursed.
  • Iran’s currency recently hit a record low, trading at more than 1.9 million rials per US dollar.
  • The government doubled official bread prices last month, and petrol prices may rise again soon.
  • Internet access in Iran was completely cut off for three months during recent unrest and war, and even now it remains very slow and heavily controlled.
Read the Original

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

How much interest can a $15,000 short-term CD account earn if opened this July?

How much interest can a $15,000 short-term CD account earn if opened this July?

Summary

A short-term certificate of deposit (CD) account can earn more interest than a regular savings account this July. For example, putting $15,000 into a short-term CD can generate several hundred dollars in interest within a year while still allowing access to the money after the term ends.

Key Facts

  • Regular savings accounts currently offer very low interest rates, around 0.38%.
  • Short-term CDs offer higher fixed interest rates, ranging from about 3.95% to 4.17% depending on the term length.
  • A $15,000 deposit could earn around $146 in 3 months or $626 in 1 year with top CD rates.
  • Terms offered include 3 months, 6 months, 9 months, and 1 year.
  • Interest earned depends on the CD’s fixed rate and the length of the term.
  • Savers should shop around to find the best rates and be aware of withdrawal penalties that could reduce earnings.
  • Short-term CDs provide a balance between earning higher interest and maintaining access to funds within a year.
  • Online platforms make it easier for savers to compare CD rates and open accounts quickly.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account