The Actual News - Just the Facts

Thames Water lenders offer 'golden share' to head off nationalisation

July 21, 2026 • Business • BBC Business

Summary

Thames Water’s main lenders have offered the UK government a “golden share” and more control for local authorities to avoid the company being nationalised. The lenders also proposed more funds and debt relief in a new rescue plan, but the government previously rejected a similar offer.

Key Facts

Thames Water supplies water and wastewater services to 16 million people in London and southern England.
The company faces financial trouble and may run out of cash by November.
Lenders formed the London & Valley Water (L&VW) consortium to propose a rescue deal.
The previous offer included a £10 billion plan with debt write-offs and cash injections.
The government rejected the earlier plan for not doing enough for customers and the environment.
The new offer gives the government veto power through a “golden share” and more local authority involvement.
Thames Water was fined £122.7 million last year for sewage spills and shareholder payouts.
If Thames Water fails and becomes government-owned, the government could face a large debt bill.

Read the Original

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

BBC Business BBC Top Stories

'We're living in fear': 19 million children in Nigeria are out of school to avoid kidnappings

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

About 19 million children in Nigeria are not going to school because they and their families fear kidnappings. Since a major kidnapping event in 2014, Nigeria has experienced many school kidnappings, which makes parents hesitate to send their children to school.

Key Facts

Around 19 million children in Nigeria are out of school.
This equals about 27% of Nigerian children, one of the highest rates worldwide.
Kidnappings from schools are a major reason for children avoiding education.
The 2014 Chibok schoolgirls kidnapping marked a significant increase in such attacks.
On May 15th, 46 children and teachers were kidnapped in Oyo state but were safely released on July 10th.
Fear of abduction is a serious obstacle to schooling in Nigeria.
Groups like Boko Haram have been linked to these kidnappings.

Read the Original

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

France24

Lebanese army says troops deploying in 'pilot zone' after Israeli withdrawal

July 21, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The Lebanese army has started sending troops into a small area in southern Lebanon after Israeli forces withdrew as part of a US-brokered deal. This move aims to reduce tensions following recent fighting between Israel and Hezbollah.

Key Facts

Lebanese troops entered the village of Zawtar al-Gharbiyeh in the south.
Israeli forces began pulling out of this "pilot zone" as agreed last month with US help.
The plan includes disarming Hezbollah, a group supported by Iran.
A meeting is planned in Washington between President Donald Trump and Lebanon’s leader Joseph Aoun to discuss further Israeli withdrawal and Lebanese control.
The recent conflict started when Hezbollah fired rockets after a strike killed Iran’s supreme leader.
Over 4,300 people have died in Lebanon, including many civilians.
Israel reports 37 soldiers and 4 civilians killed during the conflict.
The situation remains tense as both sides negotiate peace steps.

Read the Original

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

BBC Top Stories BBC World

The UK gets a new government as its prime minister vows to be a 'circuit-breaker'

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Andy Burnham has become the new prime minister of the United Kingdom, the seventh in ten years. He plans to introduce a ten-year plan to change the country's politics and economy, moving away from policies that started in the 1980s.

Key Facts

Andy Burnham became the UK prime minister in July 2026.
He is the seventh prime minister in the last ten years.
Burnham promises a ten-year program for a new political and economic approach.
His plan moves away from neoliberal policies that began in the 1980s.
Key challenges include addressing the high cost of living.
Another challenge is the growing support for far-right political groups.
He has named the members of his new government.

Read the Original

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

France24

Bub – living an artist’s dreams and dreads in New York

July 21, 2026 • Technology • Guardian Tech

Summary

Bub is a unique video game that tells the story of an artist living in New York City, blending present-day life with childhood memories through stop-motion animation. Created by artist Case Jernigan and coder Todd Anderson, the game explores themes of creativity, health struggles, and memory using handmade visuals and music.

Key Facts

Bub is a video game made with stop-motion animation and handcrafted paper art.
The game's story follows an artist in New York and his experiences with anxiety and multiple sclerosis (MS).
It combines present-day scenes with memories and dreams, each shown in different visual styles.
The creators spent years drawing, painting, and cutting paper pieces by hand.
Player controls are designed to feel natural but sometimes behave unpredictably to enhance the experience.
Music by Adam Schatz and Asher Kurtz adds emotional depth with layered, textured sounds.
The game lets players create their own art as part of the experience.
Bub is planned for release in 2027.

Read the Original

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

Guardian Tech

Opposition leader Gandhi demands India PM's resignation over protest crackdown

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi has called for Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign after police clashed with student protesters demanding education reforms in New Delhi. The protests, led by the Cockroach Janta Party, focused on removing the Education Minister and improving the education system.

Key Facts

Rahul Gandhi demanded PM Modi's resignation for the police crackdown on student protests.
Police injured about 60 protesters; protesters also injured at least 118 police officers in clashes.
The protests were triggered by calls to remove Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) started online in May and has gained millions of followers.
Protesters have camped at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar site, continuing to press for education reforms.
The protests follow scandals involving leaked exam papers affecting millions of medical and high school students.
Parliament was adjourned after opposition demanded debate on police actions against protesters.
The government arrested some people linked to exam paper leaks and plans a "foolproof system" to prevent future cheating.

Read the Original

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

France24

India's opposition leader calls for Modi to step down as youth-led 'Cockroach' protests press on

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

India's opposition leader, Rahul Gandhi, demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi resign, blaming him for harming the future of young people. Youth-led protests called the "Cockroach movement" continued in New Delhi, opposing education policies and calling for the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, despite police using tear gas and batons to break up marches.

Key Facts

Rahul Gandhi, leader of the opposition Congress Party, called for Modi to step down due to his handling of youth and education issues.
The Cockroach movement is a youth-led protest group demanding education reforms and the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Protests in New Delhi saw clashes with police, with about 60 protesters and over 100 police officers reported injured.
Police used tear gas and batons to disperse demonstrators marching towards the Indian parliament.
Hundreds of protesters remained camped at Jantar Mantar site, continuing their demands.
The Cockroach Janta Party has gained millions of followers on social media since its start in May.
Protest leaders and participants condemned police violence and vowed to continue their demonstrations.
Rahul Gandhi and other opposition lawmakers held a sit-in protest outside Modi’s residence, some tying zip ties on their wrists as a symbol.

Read the Original

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

France24

Defence shares rise after Andy Burnham appoints John Healey as chancellor

July 21, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

Shares in UK defence companies rose after Andy Burnham appointed John Healey as chancellor, raising hopes for increased military spending. Healey, a former defence secretary, previously called for more defence investment, but experts say more funding is not guaranteed due to other government spending priorities.

Key Facts

Defence company shares like Babcock International, BAE Systems, Rolls-Royce, and QinetiQ increased after Healey’s appointment.
John Healey was named chancellor by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Healey previously resigned over disagreements about defence spending, arguing plans were insufficient.
Investors hope Healey might increase military budgets, possibly using war bonds (special loans for defence).
Market analyst Chris Beauchamp cautioned that Healey faces many budget demands, and extra defence funding is not certain.
UK government bonds changed little after the appointment, and the British pound rose slightly against the dollar.
The UK government borrowed less than expected in June, reducing pressure on financial markets.
The government announced a plan to reduce household electricity bills by £45 annually starting in October.

Read the Original

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

Guardian World

Trump "public charge" rule resets health test for green cards

July 21, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

The Department of Homeland Security has introduced a new rule to consider immigrants' use of health programs like Medicaid and CHIP when deciding green card applications. This policy, expanded during President Trump's first term and rolled back under President Biden, aims to evaluate whether immigrants might rely on government support.

Key Facts

The new "public charge" rule lets immigration officers decide case-by-case if using public benefits affects green card eligibility.
Programs like Medicaid, CHIP, and SNAP can be counted against immigrants applying for permanent residency.
The rule reflects the idea that immigrants should be self-reliant and not rely heavily on government aid.
Public health groups warn that this may discourage immigrant families from using health services, increasing emergency visits and health disparities.
A recent survey showed 11% of immigrant adults avoided public benefits last year due to immigration concerns.
The policy is expected to save over $13 billion annually in government transfer payments.
It may also reduce income for hospitals and medical suppliers that serve Medicaid patients.
The rule applies to green card applications submitted on or after September 18.

Read the Original

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

Axios

Tropical Storm Bertha Tracker Map Shows Where Landfall Expected This Week

July 21, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

Tropical Storm Bertha is moving slowly near the northern Gulf Coast, bringing heavy rain, coastal flooding, and a dangerous storm surge to parts of Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. The National Hurricane Center expects Bertha to remain a tropical storm and worsen flooding risks through the week.

Key Facts

Tropical Storm Bertha became the second named storm of the 2026 Atlantic hurricane season.
The storm is currently about 125 miles south of Panama City, Florida, with winds of 50 mph moving northwest at 2 mph.
Bertha is forecast to move near the northern Gulf Coast, approaching southeastern Louisiana by Wednesday.
A Storm Surge Watch is in effect from the Alabama-Florida border to the mouth of the Mississippi River with water levels possibly rising 2 to 4 feet above normal.
Heavy rainfall totaling 2 to 4 inches is expected along the Gulf Coast, with some areas possibly seeing up to 8 inches.
Flash flooding and isolated tornadoes are possible, especially in urban and low-lying areas.
Tropical Storm Warnings cover parts of the Gulf Coast from the Alabama-Florida border to areas in Louisiana.
Experts say hostile wind and dry air may limit the storm's strengthening, with rainfall being the main threat.

Read the Original

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

Newsweek

Protests erupt in Bologna after Moroccan man dies under police restraint

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

A Moroccan man named Abderrahim Fakir died while being restrained by police in Bologna, Italy. His death has caused protests and calls for justice, with some comparing the case to the death of George Floyd in the United States.

Key Facts

Abderrahim Fakir, a Moroccan man, died under police restraint in Bologna.
He reportedly asked for help during the restraint before he died.
The incident has led to violent protests in the city.
Human rights groups and opposition parties in Italy want answers about the death.
The case has been compared to George Floyd’s death in the U.S. in 2020.
Some comparisons have also been made to past tactics used by U.S. Immigration police (ICE) under President Donald Trump.
The protests reflect wider concerns about police brutality in Italy.

Read the Original

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

France24

Middle East war stuck in 'cycle of enhanced risk' as US and Iran exchange strikes

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

The United States has carried out airstrikes on Iran for ten nights in a row after American soldiers were killed in Jordan and Iraq. Iran says it is in a full-scale war with the U.S., while both sides show some signs of wanting to reduce tensions.

Key Facts

The U.S. has bombed Iran for ten consecutive nights.
The strikes followed attacks that killed American soldiers in Jordan and Iraq.
The U.S. wants Iran to stop attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Iran declared it is at full-scale war with the United States.
Experts worry the conflict is caught in a dangerous cycle with no easy way to end it.
Despite ongoing attacks, both countries have shown signs of seeking ways to lower tensions.
The conflict affects countries in the Middle East and concerns global security.

Read the Original

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

France24

Philippine Foreign Secretary says ASEAN must work together

July 21, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Philippine Foreign Secretary Theresa Lazaro said the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) needs to work as a team to protect itself from outside pressures. This statement was made during the ASEAN summit held in Manila.

Key Facts

Theresa Lazaro is the Philippine Foreign Secretary.
She spoke at the ASEAN summit in Manila.
ASEAN is a group of Southeast Asian countries.
Lazaro emphasized the need for unity within ASEAN.
The goal is to protect the group from outside influence or pressure.
The summit brought together member countries to discuss regional issues.
ASEAN focuses on cooperation and regional stability among its members.

Read the Original

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

Al Jazeera

AI minister role boosted but tech department axed in Burnham shake-up

July 21, 2026 • Technology • BBC Tech

Summary

The UK government has removed the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, but has made the AI Minister, Kanishka Narayan, a full cabinet member to show the importance of AI. Narayan will continue to oversee AI and related areas, while the responsibilities of the scrapped department are divided among other parts of government.

Key Facts

The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT) was created in 2023 but has now been abolished.
Its duties will be split across various government departments.
There is no longer a dedicated technology secretary after Liz Kendall was removed from the role by Prime Minister Andy Burnham.
Kanishka Narayan, the AI Minister appointed by Sir Keir Starmer, has been invited to join the cabinet.
Narayan previously handled AI opportunities, AI security, semiconductors, and online safety.
Experts say Narayan’s presence in cabinet highlights the government's focus on AI.
Challenges for the AI Minister include managing job risks from AI and building national technology resilience.
Increasing data centers and reliable energy supply are important for supporting AI growth in the UK.

Read the Original

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

BBC Tech

Trump hosts Lebanon's president as Israel begins first pullback

July 21, 2026 • World • Axios

Summary

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun will meet President Donald Trump as Israel begins its first military withdrawal from southern Lebanon under a U.S.-arranged agreement. The withdrawal is a test to give control of certain areas to the Lebanese Armed Forces and reduce Hezbollah’s presence.

Key Facts

President Aoun will visit the White House, the first Lebanese president to do so since 2009.
Israel started pulling back its troops from several villages in southern Lebanon as part of a pilot agreement brokered by the U.S.
The Lebanese Armed Forces will take responsibility for securing these areas and clearing out Hezbollah’s weapons.
The U.S. is working with Israel and Lebanon to decide who will verify that the Lebanese Armed Forces have fully cleared the zones.
The withdrawal is seen as a test of Lebanese government control and a step toward possible peace between Israel and Lebanon.
U.S. officials warn that any Hezbollah attempts to interfere could harm peace efforts and the well-being of Lebanese citizens.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports strengthening Lebanon’s government and military to replace Hezbollah’s influence.
President Trump is encouraging Israel to continue its withdrawal but expects major progress after Israel’s elections in October.

Read the Original

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

Axios

'Mostly symbolic': Does Aoun's White House visit signal a 'new containment strategy towards Iran'?

July 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun visited the White House in Washington. This visit is seen as a symbolic gesture to reposition Lebanon amid complex regional issues involving Iran, Hezbollah, Israel, and the U.S.

Key Facts

President Joseph Aoun of Lebanon visited Washington, D.C.
The visit aimed more at signaling Lebanon’s place in the region than creating immediate policy changes.
Lebanon faces intertwined challenges involving its own politics, Israeli security concerns, and U.S. strategy in the Middle East.
Iranian influence and Hezbollah’s changing role are important factors affecting Lebanon.
The situation in the Middle East cannot be fully understood by looking at one issue alone; all are linked.
The article discusses whether this visit relates to a new U.S. strategy to contain Iran’s influence.
The discussion includes regional tensions and ongoing conflicts involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S.

Read the Original

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

France24

Mitie agrees £3.1bn takeover by OCS in blow to London stock market

July 21, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

Mitie, a British facilities management company, has agreed to be bought for £3.1 billion by OCS Group, a private-equity-owned rival. This deal will take Mitie off the London stock market after nearly 40 years and is expected to finish in early 2027.

Key Facts

Mitie was founded in 1987 and employs 84,000 people.
OCS Group is owned by private equity firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and operates internationally with 135,000 employees.
The offer to buy Mitie includes a cash payment of 221.6 pence per share, which is 44.7% higher than the previous closing price.
Mitie provides services like engineering maintenance, hygiene, security, and cleaning, including contracts with government and industries such as defence and health.
Mitie’s CEO Phil Bentley plans to leave in March 2027, after over 10 years in the role.
The takeover follows a trend of many London-listed companies being acquired this year.
Recently, Mitie faced allegations of racism and hate speech at some of its sites and is investigating the claims.
The deal is expected to help both companies support customers better and grow their workforce.

Read the Original

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

Guardian World

Inside a group's push for whites-only communities "heritage communities"

July 21, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

A white separatist group called Return to the Land (RTTL) is creating whites-only communities in rural parts of the United States, especially in Arkansas and the South. They use legal strategies to try to avoid anti-discrimination housing laws, but they face lawsuits alleging illegal racial exclusion.

Key Facts

RTTL started a whites-only community on 160 acres near Ravenden, Arkansas, in late 2023.
The group structures communities as private membership clubs linked to for-profit companies to try to bypass fair housing laws.
They plan more communities in the Ozarks, Appalachia, and the South.
About 40 people, including children, currently live in the Arkansas community.
Membership requires a $25 fee, background checks, and sharing ethnic backgrounds.
RTTL has raised over $200,000 to fund new chapters and legal research.
The group’s founder has made statements praising racial exclusion and referencing Hitler.
RTTL faces a federal lawsuit after rejecting a person with Jewish and Black family ties from buying property.
Legal experts say the Civil Rights Act of 1866 and the 14th Amendment make RTTL’s legal defense weak and difficult to sustain.

Read the Original

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

Axios

Mom Starts Choking Home Alone With Baby—How She Survived Stuns Her

July 21, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

A mom in Utah, Elisha Trask, started choking at home while alone with her sleeping toddler. Unable to breathe or call for help, her neighbor felt a strong urge to check on her, arrived in time, and saved her life using the Heimlich maneuver.

Key Facts

Elisha Trask was eating leftover chicken at home when she suddenly choked.
She couldn't cough, speak, or call for help because her airway was blocked.
Trask tried to dislodge the food on her own but failed.
She worried about her toddler upstairs who was sleeping alone.
A neighbor heard commotion and checked on Trask through a partially open garage door.
The neighbor performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully removing the blockage.
The neighbor said she felt an unusual strong impression to check on Trask even without a clear reason.
The experience changed Trask’s view on following intuitive feelings and reaching out to others.

Read the Original

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

Newsweek

Hormuz tankers on fire, as US, Iran continue attacks: What’s the latest?

July 21, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

The United States has carried out attacks on Iran for ten nights in a row, targeting military sites. Iran responded by attacking US military assets in the Gulf and reported fires on two oil tankers in the Strait of Hormuz.

Key Facts

The US attacked Iranian military command centers, missile and drone sites, and air defense systems.
Explosions were reported in Iranian cities and islands including Qeshm Island, Bandar Abbas, and Shiraz.
Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) attacked US military radar and defense systems in Bahrain and Kuwait.
The IRGC claimed its missiles destroyed Amazon’s data infrastructure, according to Iranian semi-official sources.
Two oil tankers caught fire in the Strait of Hormuz after an explosion, and crews were being evacuated.
The IRGC warned shipping companies against using the southern route in the Strait of Hormuz due to the danger.
The US White House said strikes would continue until President Trump decides otherwise but mentioned ongoing diplomatic talks.
The IRGC said the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed as long as US attacks continue, stopping oil and gas exports from the region.

Read the Original

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

Al Jazeera

Latest News

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

This is what the news should feel like.

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

No ads. Just the news.

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Start your week caught up

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

You're the one who keeps this going

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Support no-spin news

Summary

Key Facts

Summary

Key Facts

Before you go — stay informed effortlessly

Preferences saved!