The Actual News - Just the facts

France and Spain wildfire witnesses describe 'wall of flames', fear and stress

July 27, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Large wildfires are burning near cities in France and Spain, causing thick smoke, health problems, and forcing hundreds of thousands of people to evacuate their homes. Residents describe fear, stress, and damage from the fires, while emergency workers continue to battle the flames.

Key Facts

Wildfires are burning close to Bordeaux, France, with smoke causing breathing difficulties for people in the city.
Over 300,000 people have been evacuated across France and Spain due to the fires.
In the seaside resort Biscarrosse Plage, residents and visitors face stress and loss as fires have damaged the area.
Near Cotignac, France, a fire came within 10 meters of a family’s home, but the house was saved.
In central Madrid region, Spain, more than 27,000 hectares (66,000 acres) have burned, forcing quick evacuation.
Residents in eastern Spain’s Castellón province report the fires are intense and disrupt normal life.
Holidaymakers in France have had to change plans or leave early due to smoky air and fire dangers.

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2028 Democratic power rankings, right now

July 27, 2026 • Us • Axios

Summary

Democratic insiders name several top potential candidates for the 2028 presidential primary, led by Vice President Kamala Harris. Other strong contenders include Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Gavin Newsom, and a possible moderate candidate from the party establishment.

Key Facts

Kamala Harris is the frontrunner among Black voters, a key group in the Democratic primary.
Harris performed better in the 2024 campaign than in 2020 and is working to be more genuine in 2028.
South Carolina will be the first Democratic primary state in 2028, which may help Harris.
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (AOC) is seen as Bernie Sanders' successor and could raise large funds if endorsed by him.
Gavin Newsom is considered skilled and has strong Silicon Valley connections but faces challenges due to his California background.
A moderate, center-left candidate is expected to emerge, with possible contenders like Josh Shapiro and Wes Moore.
There is uncertainty about how much support a moderate candidate will attract amid current political anger.

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Axios

Carville: Hogg should take over ‘dysfunctional’ DNC

July 27, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

James Carville, a Democratic political strategist, said on Sunday that David Hogg, a former vice chair of the Democratic National Committee (DNC), should replace the current DNC chair, Ken Martin. He described the DNC as not working well and shared his thoughts in a video on YouTube.

Key Facts

James Carville is a Democratic political strategist.
Carville said David Hogg should become the new chair of the DNC.
David Hogg previously served as vice chair of the DNC.
The current DNC chair is Ken Martin.
Carville called the DNC “dysfunctional,” meaning it is not functioning properly.
Carville made these remarks in a YouTube video.
Carville mentioned he was recovering from hernia surgery at the time.

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The Hill

Spurs’ plans for new training facility in London park blocked by high court

July 27, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

A judge at the high court canceled a council’s approval for Tottenham Hotspur to build a new training center for women and girls in a London park. The ruling found the council did not share important environmental information when making its decision, which might have changed the outcome.

Key Facts

Tottenham Hotspur planned a women’s and girls’ football academy on 6.5 hectares of Whitewebbs Park in north London.
The local council, Enfield, initially allowed the development, but this decision was challenged by a campaign group called Guardians of Whitewebbs.
The group argued the council did not give all environmental impact details to councillors, misleading them.
The group also claimed Tottenham had special access to council leaders, raising concerns of bias, but the judge rejected this.
The judge ruled the council’s decision could have been different if all environmental information had been shared.
Tottenham had signed a 25-year lease for the site but opposed the legal challenge.
An environmental report said about 40% of the park would be lost if the plans went ahead.
Enfield council later withdrew their defense, and the current council leader welcomed the court’s decision.

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Guardian World

Why Is the Pentagon Splitting Up US Military Casualties in Iran

July 27, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

The Pentagon has changed the way it counts U.S. military deaths and injuries in the conflict with Iran by splitting casualties into two time periods: before and after July 7, when a ceasefire ended. This change has raised questions about how the Department of Defense is reporting the toll of the ongoing conflict.

Key Facts

The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) tracks American military deaths and injuries in the Middle East.
Since February, 18 U.S. service members have died and 624 have been injured in the Iran conflict.
The Pentagon now lists casualties separately for fighting from February to June and from July 7 onward.
July 7 marks the end of a ceasefire announced by President Donald Trump in June, followed by renewed U.S. airstrikes on Iran.
Four U.S. soldiers died after July 7, including three killed in a strike on a base in Jordan and one during a drone incident in Iraq.
Some lawmakers believe this split may be used to avoid needing Congress’s approval for ongoing military actions.
Congress recently voted to limit President Trump’s authority to conduct war against Iran, reflecting growing political opposition.
Critics say separating casualty counts treats the conflict as two separate wars instead of one continuous fight.

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Newsweek

Should you open a CD account?

July 27, 2026 • Business • CBS News

Summary

A certificate of deposit (CD) is a type of savings account where you deposit money for a set time and earn interest, usually higher than regular savings accounts. CDs are low risk, offer better interest rates, and come in various term lengths, but withdrawing early can mean fees and missing out on higher future rates.

Key Facts

CDs pay a fixed interest rate for a set term, giving predictable earnings.
Money in CDs is usually safe if the bank is insured by the FDIC or NCUA.
CD interest rates tend to be higher than those on checking or savings accounts.
Example: Capital One offers an 11-month CD with a 5.00% annual interest rate and no minimum deposit.
CDs can have terms ranging from one month up to five years or more, letting you pick what fits your goals.
A CD ladder involves buying multiple CDs with different term lengths to balance access and interest.
Early withdrawal from a CD often incurs a penalty fee.
If interest rates rise while your money is locked in a CD, you cannot take advantage of the higher rates without ending the CD early.

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CBS News

4 ways to double your money, according to financial experts

July 27, 2026 • Business • CBS News

Summary

Financial experts recommend different strategies depending on how quickly you want to double your money. For short-term goals, higher-risk investments like cryptocurrency or trading can work but come with big risks. For long-term goals, a mix of safer investments like stocks, real estate, and retirement accounts is better.

Key Facts

The "Rule of 72" helps estimate how many years it takes to double money by dividing 72 by the annual return rate.
A 6% return doubles money in about 12 years; a 12% return doubles money in about 6 years.
Traditional savings accounts offer very low returns (around 0.42% APY) and are not effective for doubling money quickly.
Higher-risk investments, including cryptocurrency and day trading, can double money faster but can also cause total losses.
Long-term strategies include maxing out employer 401(k) matches, investing in stocks, CDs, money markets, and real estate.
Diversifying investments reduces risk and helps grow money steadily over time.
Financial experts generally advise a balanced approach for long-term financial growth instead of seeking quick gains.

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CBS News

Where you should put your money in 2023

July 27, 2026 • Business • CBS News

Summary

Interest rates have risen as the Federal Reserve works to reduce inflation, making borrowing more expensive but also increasing the returns on some savings options. High-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), and money market accounts now offer higher interest rates, helping savers earn more on their savings with relatively low risk.

Key Facts

The Federal Reserve raised interest rates over 17 months to fight inflation.
Higher interest rates increase the cost of loans like credit cards, personal loans, and mortgages.
High-yield savings accounts offer annual yields around 4.30% to 5.50%, much higher than the average savings account rate of 0.42%.
These high-yield accounts are often offered by online banks with fewer overhead costs.
Certificates of deposit (CDs) pay fixed interest rates for a set term, usually from one month to five years.
Withdrawing money early from a CD usually triggers fees, often losing some or all interest earned.
Money market accounts combine savings and checking features, often with higher interest rates and easier access to funds than CDs.
Money market accounts may require higher minimum balances, or you could choose a high-yield savings account instead.

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CBS News

Burnham brings members of Socialist Campaign Group into government

July 27, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Andy Burnham has appointed three members of Labour’s Socialist Campaign Group as parliamentary private secretaries (PPSs) for the first time. The new chief whip, Anneliese Midgley, said PPSs will have bigger roles, including media work and helping shape government policy. Burnham aims to unify different parts of the Labour Party by including both leftwing and centrist members in government roles.

Key Facts

Three Socialist Campaign Group members were appointed as PPSs: Olivia Blake (local government), Mary Kelly Foy (housing), and Steve Witherden (energy).
PPS is the lowest government role, often given to rising MPs to help connect government and backbenchers.
Appointments were made with input from cabinet ministers.
Burnham wants to reduce divisions in the Labour Party and build a team from different political views.
PPSs will have more chances to do media appearances and participate in parliamentary work.
Burnham’s own PPS is veteran MP Sir Nic Dakin, who helps with key tasks like preparing for prime minister’s questions.
Some MPs expressed disappointment over many new MPs losing their PPS positions, including Abena Oppong-Asare, the first Black woman PPS to a prime minister.
Midgley called for creating a culture of “one Labour team” to support the prime minister’s agenda.

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Guardian World

New York school district halts plan to use humanoid robot amid backlash

July 27, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

A New York school district paused its plan to introduce a humanoid robot in a high school after facing criticism from teachers and the community. The district is now working on stronger student privacy rules and talking with local people before moving forward.

Key Facts

The Salamanca City Central school district planned to use a robot named Sally at its high school.
Sally is a $58,000 humanoid robot made by Realbotix, meant to interact with students using natural conversations and facial expressions.
Realbotix previously bought a company that makes sex dolls, which caused concern among teachers.
The New York State United Teachers union opposed the plan, saying students need real human teachers, not robots.
Teachers worried about data privacy and how the robot’s software would handle student information.
Some community members criticized the choice to test the robot in a school with a large Native American population due to historical trauma.
The school district said it will pause the project while updating privacy agreements and involving the community more.
Realbotix’s CEO said they want the robot program to be safe, approved by the district, and helpful to teachers and students.

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Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Tech

Trump warns of return to ‘strong military action’ if Iran diplomacy fails

July 27, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

President Donald Trump warned that the US will return to strong military action against Iran if current talks fail to end the crisis quickly. Iran denies direct talks with the US, while Oman and Iran try to agree on managing the strategic Strait of Hormuz amid regional tension.

Key Facts

President Trump said diplomatic talks with Iran must succeed quickly or military action will resume.
Iran’s foreign ministry stated there are no direct negotiations with the US at this time.
Oman and Iran met recently to discuss managing the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.
Iran wants ships passing through the strait to pay a transit fee, which Oman opposes unless it is voluntary and follows international law.
The US paused attacks on Iran for about two weeks due to progress in talks and concerns about munitions and regional retaliation.
The US military leader in the Middle East recommended stopping bombings near the strait as they have limited effect.
Iran claims the southern shipping route overseen by the US violates a ceasefire agreement.
Oman suggests a model like the Strait of Malacca, where countries voluntarily contribute fees for shipping safety and environmental care.

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Guardian World

4 ways to earn more interest on your savings

July 27, 2026 • Business • CBS News

Summary

This article explains four ways to earn higher interest on your savings in today’s economy. It highlights options like high-yield savings accounts, certificates of deposit, online banks, and money market accounts as safer ways to grow your money more than regular savings accounts.

Key Facts

The typical savings account currently pays about 0.42% interest yearly.
High-yield savings accounts now offer about 4.5% interest, the highest since 2008.
The Federal Reserve has raised short-term interest rates 11 times since March 2022, helping boost savings rates.
Certificates of deposit (CDs) pay higher interest if you agree to leave your money untouched for a set time.
Online banks often pay 4 to 5 times higher interest rates than traditional brick-and-mortar banks because they have lower costs.
Money market accounts usually offer higher interest than regular savings and allow check writing.
These higher rates may stay the same or increase until the Federal Reserve decides to lower rates.
Locking in a higher interest rate through CDs can protect your earnings if rates drop later.

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CBS News

WATCH: Measles outbreak raises alarms over vaccination rates

July 27, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

A measles outbreak in the United States has raised concerns about low vaccination rates. Experts say misinformation about vaccines is a major reason why fewer people are getting vaccinated, which helps the disease spread.

Key Facts

Measles cases are increasing in the U.S. due to low vaccination rates.
Vaccine misinformation is causing some people to avoid getting vaccinated.
Measles is a highly contagious disease that can be prevented with vaccines.
Public health officials warn that outbreaks can grow if vaccination rates stay low.
Experts encourage people to trust science and get vaccines to stop the spread.
The outbreak highlights the importance of strong immunization programs.
Preventing measles requires widespread vaccination to protect the whole community.

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ABC News

How a California Man Survived Nearly a Month Lost at Sea

July 27, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

A California man named Kai Sato was lost at sea for nearly a month after his sailboat was damaged. He was found alive drifting near Hawaii by a cargo ship, which helped him recover.

Key Facts

Kai Sato, 39, left the Catalina Islands on June 7 for a solo Pacific trip.
About two weeks in, his boat’s mast broke, and he ran out of fuel, leaving him unable to steer or call for help.
His phone stopped working after getting wet, cutting off communication.
Sato survived by eating leftover oatmeal and sea creatures and collected water using a homemade system from buckets and plastic bags.
He made repairs using PVC pipes and kayak paddles to stabilize his boat, slowly moving toward busy shipping routes.
A container ship from Pasha Hawaii spotted him and helped by giving food, water, clothes, and a place to rest.
Maritime law encourages ships to rescue people in danger at sea and offers rewards to rescuers.
Sato is now recovering in Hawaii and plans to try another long trip on a larger boat.

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Newsweek

ChatGPT starts blocking direct requests to copy an author's style

July 27, 2026 • Technology • Ars Technica

Summary

OpenAI’s ChatGPT has started refusing to copy the exact writing style of famous authors. Instead, it creates text that captures the general feeling of those authors’ work but uses its own distinct voice. This change may help OpenAI avoid legal issues related to copyright infringement lawsuits from authors.

Key Facts

ChatGPT no longer directly mimics the exact style of famous living or deceased authors when asked.
Instead, it offers text that reflects broad qualities or feelings similar to those authors.
This approach differs from earlier models that copied styles more closely, especially for deceased authors.
Authors and legal experts say copying a writer’s unique style can lead to copyright or unfair competition issues.
OpenAI is facing multiple copyright lawsuits claiming its AI copies protected authors’ work.
The Authors Guild advises writers not to use AI to copy other authors’ styles to avoid legal and ethical problems.
Other AI models, like Google’s Gemini, may still copy authors’ styles more directly.
OpenAI’s image generator DALL·E 3 already blocks requests to imitate the styles of living artists.

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Ars Technica

Shots fired at US consulate in Toronto for a second time this year

July 27, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Police in Toronto are investigating a shooting at the US consulate, the second such event this year. No one was hurt, but a white car without a licence plate fled the scene, and police briefly chased it before stopping for safety reasons.

Key Facts

A single gunshot was fired early Monday morning at the US consulate in Toronto.
An officer outside the consulate heard the shot and saw a white car fleeing without a licence plate.
Police started a high-speed chase but ended it to avoid danger; no injuries were reported.
This is the second shooting at the consulate in Toronto this year; the first happened in March.
Police have linked the March shooting to a larger network of gun-for-hire criminals.
The Royal Canadian Mounted Police and international partners are assisting in the investigation.
The consulate is heavily fortified, and those inside likely did not hear the gunshot.
Police are looking for suspects and have asked officers across Toronto to be alert.

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BBC World BBC US

Lawyers for Tate brothers, accused of rape and sex trafficking, to meet with prosecutors over UK extradition hearing dates

July 27, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Lawyers for Andrew and Tristan Tate will meet with federal prosecutors in Miami to arrange dates for their fight against extradition to the U.K., where they face charges of rape and sex trafficking. The Tate brothers deny wrongdoing and are currently held in federal detention.

Key Facts

Andrew and Tristan Tate are social media influencers with dual U.S. and U.K. citizenship.
They are accused in the U.K. of rape, assault, human trafficking, and related offenses spanning from 2010 to 2017.
New charges involve four additional accusers beyond earlier allegations.
The brothers were arrested in July 2023 in the U.S., shortly after moving from Romania.
Their lawyers say the extradition attempt is politically motivated and claim innocence.
The Tates have millions of social media followers and are known for promoting controversial views on gender and society.
The White House has stated it will not intervene in the extradition process.
Previous legal actions against the brothers in Romania have stalled due to procedural issues.

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PBS NewsHour

How Permanent Daylight Saving Time Could Affect Religious Americans

July 27, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a bill called the Sunshine Protection Act to make daylight saving time permanent, keeping clocks an hour ahead all year. Some religious groups, especially Orthodox Jews, are concerned this change would delay sunrise in winter and disrupt their morning prayers and routines.

Key Facts

The Sunshine Protection Act aims to stop changing clocks twice a year and keep daylight saving time year-round.
The House voted 308-117 in favor, and the bill is now before the Senate.
Permanent daylight saving time would give more daylight in the afternoon and evening during winter.
Orthodox Jews pray three times daily, with morning prayers needing to be done after sunrise but usually before work or school.
Making daylight saving time permanent would push sunrise an hour later in winter, making it harder for Orthodox Jews to pray in the morning on time.
Some locations like Indiana and Michigan would be more affected, with sunrise after 8 a.m. on many days in winter.
Christian groups are mostly unaffected since most do not have fixed daily prayer times around sunrise.
Religious organizations representing Orthodox Jews have expressed concern that the change could discourage synagogue attendance and disrupt religious rituals.

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Newsweek

Ken Martin has been a disaster for Dems

July 27, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The Democratic National Committee (DNC) owes $2 million. Meanwhile, President Donald Trump’s super PAC has $400 million. The Republican National Committee (RNC) has nearly $130 million available.

Key Facts

The DNC is $2 million in debt.
President Trump controls a super PAC with $400 million.
The RNC has close to $130 million in cash ready to spend.
The figures highlight the financial difference between the parties.
These amounts affect political campaign resources and spending.
The news was reported by The New York Times.
Super PACs are independent groups that raise money to support candidates.

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The Hill

Authorities say man killed his family, then himself, before all were found in Michigan home fire

July 27, 2026 • Us • AP News

Summary

A man in Michigan killed his wife and six children before taking his own life. Their bodies were found after a fire was set in their home, which is still under investigation.

Key Facts

The incident happened in Grand Haven Township, Michigan.
The family included a man, his wife, and six children aged 5 to 15.
All family members died from gunshot wounds.
The man, Kristopher Karolkiewicz, killed his family and then himself.
A fire was set in multiple parts of the home after the killings.
The family pets also died in the fire.
Amanda Karolkiewicz, the wife, was known to be a substitute teacher praised for her care toward students.
Officials continue to investigate how the fire began.

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AP News

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