The Actual News — Stay Informed Without It Wearing You Out

A look at the iPhone Duo before its official release this week

October 21, 2026 • Technology • CBS News

Summary

The new iPhone Duo smartphone will officially launch on Friday. Pre-orders began last week for $1,999, and the initial stock has already sold out.

Key Facts

The iPhone Duo is a new phone set to launch on Friday.
Pre-orders started last week.
The phone costs $1,999.
The first supply of pre-orders has sold out.
CNET’s senior technology reporter Abrar Al-Heeti has shared information about the new phone and similar devices.

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CBS News

Tesla profits drop 43% in Q3

October 21, 2026 • Business • Ars Technica

Summary

Tesla’s profits fell by 43% in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the same time in 2025. While the company made about the same amount of money overall, expenses rose sharply and revenues from solar panels, storage batteries, and regulatory credits declined.

Key Facts

Tesla earned $28 billion in revenue in Q3 2026, nearly unchanged from Q3 2025.
Automotive revenues dropped 3% to $20.6 billion compared to last year.
Revenue from solar panels and storage batteries fell 16% to $2.9 billion.
Service-related revenues, including parts and Supercharger use, increased by one-third to $4.6 billion.
Operating expenses grew by 39% to $4.8 billion, reducing the operating margin from 5.8% to 2.6%.
Net profit decreased by 43% to $787 million year over year.
Capital expenditures more than doubled to $4.7 billion, while free cash flow fell 62% to $1.5 billion.
Revenue from regulatory credits dropped from $417 million to $113 million as other automakers now produce their own electric vehicles.

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Ars Technica

Map Shows States Where Unemployment Is Growing Two Weeks Before Midterm

October 21, 2026 • Us • Newsweek

Summary

The latest report from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that seven U.S. states have higher unemployment rates now compared to one year ago, despite the overall national rate staying low at 4.2%. Major companies like Kroger, Pfizer, Amazon, and Netflix have recently announced job cuts, which may impact future unemployment numbers.

Key Facts

The national unemployment rate in September 2026 was 4.2%.
South Dakota had the lowest unemployment rate at 2.0%, and Washington, D.C. had the highest at 5.6%.
Seven states saw their unemployment rates rise from September 2025 to September 2026: Alabama, Arizona, Connecticut, Hawaii, Minnesota, New Mexico, and Oklahoma.
Connecticut's unemployment rate increased the most, by 0.9%, reaching 5.1%, which is above the national average.
No states showed a significant unemployment rate change between August and September 2026.
Some large companies recently announced layoffs: Kroger plans to cut about 3,000 corporate jobs, Pfizer about 150 jobs, Amazon announced more cuts, and Netflix may reduce around 5% of its workforce.
Twenty states have unemployment rates below the national average, while Washington, D.C., California, and Michigan have rates above it.
The detailed report does not include information on industries, job types, or demographics that might explain the changes in unemployment rates.

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Newsweek

Former officials urge Congress to reform permitting

October 21, 2026 • Business • The Hill

Summary

A group of officials who worked in past presidential administrations sent a letter to Congress asking for changes to the rules about government permits. They believe updating these permit rules will help the economy and national security.

Key Facts

The group includes economic and national security officials from different past administrations.
They wrote a letter to Senate Majority Leader asking for permit reform.
The requested reform focuses on how government permits are approved.
Permit reform is seen as important for improving the economy.
The officials also argue permit reform can strengthen national security.
The letter represents a call for Congress to act on this issue.

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The Hill

Airbnb's new rules limit cleaning chores for guests

October 21, 2026 • Business • ABC News

Summary

Airbnb is updating its rules for guests and hosts starting November 20. Guests will no longer have to do certain cleaning tasks like stripping beds and washing dishes, and hosts cannot charge their own fines. The company wants house rules to be simpler and clearer for everyone.

Key Facts

New Airbnb rules apply to bookings made on or after November 20, 2026.
Guests are no longer required to strip beds, wash and put away dishes, or take out trash offsite.
Guests can still be asked to do simpler tasks, like putting used dishes in the sink.
Hosts cannot impose their own fines on guests anymore.
House rules will be shown more clearly on listings, guest trip pages, and reminders.
Hosts can pick from seven standard house rules and add reasonable guest requests.
Hosts can still update rules anytime, but Airbnb will flag any rule breaking the new policy.
Separate contracts are allowed only in some cases, such as when required by law or homeowners associations.

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ABC News

Trump's political groups spend nearly $277 million in late midterm blitz on behalf of GOP candidates

October 21, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump's political groups have spent nearly $277 million since September to support Republican candidates in the 2024 midterm elections. This is the largest amount ever spent by a sitting president on midterms, showing high stakes for the November 3 vote.

Key Facts

MAGA Inc., Trump's main super PAC, spent nearly $277 million since early September.
MAGA Inc. gave $200 million to No Going Back PAC Inc. and $25 million to Safety & Affordability PAC Inc.
Republicans face tough midterm races and pressure as they try to keep control of the House and Senate.
Trump’s groups have spent over $256 million on ads, including big spending in Texas for Senate candidate Ken Paxton.
Billionaires like Elon Musk are also donating large amounts to help Republicans.
MAGA Inc. still had $164 million available to spend as of mid-October.
Spending started late in the campaign, making ad costs much higher due to limited available air time.
Trump announced plans to spend over $400 million overall by Election Day, covering advertising and voter outreach.

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PBS NewsHour

DNC denies Bankhead’s claim she was offered job to drop out of Montana Senate race

October 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Democrat Alani Bankhead said she was offered a job by the Democratic National Committee (DNC) to quit the Montana Senate race. The DNC denies making any such offer. Bankhead is competing against independent Seth Bodnar and Republican Kurt Alme for the Senate seat.

Key Facts

Alani Bankhead is running for the U.S. Senate seat in Montana.
She claims the DNC offered her a job to leave the race.
The Democratic National Committee denies offering her any job.
Other candidates in the race include independent Seth Bodnar and Republican Kurt Alme.
The Senate seat is currently open, meaning no incumbent is running.
Bankhead has faced pressure to drop out to help unify voters behind other candidates.

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The Hill

AI uncovers massive flaw in web's foundational code

October 21, 2026 • Technology • Axios

Summary

Two serious security problems were found in PHP, a programming language used by almost 70% of websites. AI tools, including an OpenAI model, helped discover these flaws, which could let hackers take control of websites without needing passwords.

Key Facts

PHP is an open-source programming language that runs nearly 70% of all websites.
Two critical vulnerabilities were found in PHP that hackers can exploit easily.
The flaws could allow attackers to control web servers without passwords.
AI, including an OpenAI model, helped find and fix one of these vulnerabilities.
Governments from the U.S. to Japan advised website owners to patch their systems quickly.
Some websites, like parts of Wikipedia and 4chan, temporarily shut down to fix the problems.
These PHP flaws have existed for many years but were very hard to exploit until now.
The discovery shows both the benefits and risks of AI in cybersecurity.

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Axios

In run-up to mass protests and riots, pro-Russian accounts amplified French anger, NGO finds

October 21, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

A non-government group called Alliance4Europe found that pro-Russian online accounts increased anger in France before recent big protests and riots. They studied more than 500,000 social media posts and traced this online campaign back to early September.

Key Facts

The research was done by the NGO Alliance4Europe.
Pro-Russian networks spread information meant to stir up anger in France.
The activity happened before large protests and riots in France.
Over 500,000 social media posts were analyzed.
The campaign began around early September.
The aim was to make the public more upset ahead of the unrest.
The findings connect foreign online influence to social tensions in France.

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France24

Mexico charges prosecutor with treason over US involvement in drug raid

October 21, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Mexico charged former Chihuahua state prosecutor Cesar Jauregui with treason for allowing U.S. agents to take part in a drug raid without federal government approval. The case raises concerns about Mexico’s sovereignty and the proper procedure for foreign forces operating on Mexican soil.

Key Facts

Cesar Jauregui, former Chihuahua Attorney General, faces treason charges.
He allegedly permitted U.S. agents to join a drug raid in northern Mexico.
Mexican law requires federal government approval for foreign forces on its territory.
Two U.S. agents and two Mexican officers died in a car accident during the operation.
Mexico’s President Claudia Sheinbaum said her government was not informed of U.S. involvement.
The Mexican constitution requires Senate approval for any foreign troops in the country.
President Donald Trump has spoken about possibly using U.S. military force in Mexico to fight drug cartels.
Jauregui denied foreign agents' direct involvement in the raid, saying they were nearby for drone training.

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Al Jazeera

Diving into Musk's order to restrict Ukraine's access to SpaceX satellites

October 21, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

Elon Musk ordered restrictions on Ukraine's use of SpaceX's satellite network. This decision affects Ukraine's access to crucial satellite services.

Key Facts

Elon Musk directed limits on how Ukraine can use SpaceX satellites.
SpaceX operates a network of satellites important to Ukraine.
The restriction has caused concern about Ukraine’s access to satellite communication.
The information comes from sources speaking to CBS News.
Analysts like Clayton Swope from the CSIS Aerospace Security Project have commented on the issue.
These satellites play a key role in Ukraine's defense and communication strategies.
The decision is significant during ongoing conflicts involving Ukraine.

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CBS News

Meta fined $25 billion in New Mexico over Cambridge Analytica scandal

October 21, 2026 • Technology • France24

Summary

A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion after a jury found the company misled users in a case linked to the Cambridge Analytica data scandal. This fine follows an $18 billion settlement Meta made with 48 other states over similar claims of user deception and data misuse.

Key Facts

Meta was fined $25 billion by a New Mexico court for deceiving users related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal.
The ruling comes after Meta settled for $18 billion with 48 other states over similar accusations.
Cambridge Analytica improperly collected data from millions of Facebook users via a personality quiz app installed by about 270,000 people.
The app collected data not only from users but also from their millions of friends, reaching roughly 87 million users worldwide.
Facebook learned of the data misuse in 2015 but only disclosed it publicly in 2018 after a whistleblower revealed the issue.
New Mexico’s Attorney General called the decision historic, emphasizing the importance of holding companies accountable for misleading users about their data.
Meta claims the fine is unfair and plans to appeal the decision, calling it a "tax on speech."
Meta has faced multiple other penalties for related issues, including harms to children and unsafe platform practices.

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France24

Historic NYC Hotel Kicks Off Milestone Restoration 119 Years After Opening

October 21, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

The Plaza Hotel in New York City, a historic building opened in 1907, will close in January 2027 for at least four years to restore its landmark-protected exterior. This restoration follows a major renovation completed in 2008 and is part of a larger trend of refurbishing older buildings across the U.S. for environmental and preservation reasons.

Key Facts

The Plaza Hotel opened in 1907 and has hosted many famous guests and leaders.
The hotel will close in January 2027 for at least four years to repair its façade (exterior front).
The restoration will follow historic preservation rules to keep the building’s original look.
A similar big renovation occurred in 2005, costing $450 million, changing parts of the hotel into condos.
Other historic buildings in NYC, like the Flatiron Building and Hotel Bossert, are also undergoing restorations or conversions.
Nearly half of U.S. buildings are older than 50 years, making restoration important for sustainability.
Reusing buildings can reduce carbon emissions by 50-75% compared to new construction.
There is growing interest in adapting existing buildings rather than building new ones from scratch.

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Newsweek

Trump heads to South Carolina to boost Senator Darline Graham in race

October 21, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump is visiting South Carolina to support Darline Graham in her Senate race. She was chosen to complete the late Senator Lindsey Graham’s term and won the Republican nomination with Trump’s endorsement. The Senate race is close, and her Democratic opponent, Annie Andrews, has criticized her experience and debate performance.

Key Facts

President Trump will hold a rally in South Carolina to support Darline Graham’s Senate campaign.
Darline Graham was appointed to finish her brother Lindsey Graham’s term after his death in July.
Trump endorsed Darline Graham in the Republican primary as a tribute to her brother.
Polls show Darline Graham leading by about 2.7 percentage points in a tight race.
Democratic challenger Annie Andrews criticized Graham’s lack of experience and debate performance.
Lindsey Graham was a strong supporter of Ukraine and U.S. foreign policy before his death.
Trump’s visit comes after his executive order lifting many Russia sanctions, which Darline Graham opposed.
The close race reflects challenges for Republicans nationwide amid low approval ratings for Trump and concerns over the U.S.-Israel war with Iran.

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Al Jazeera

US orders departure of embassy staff, families from Saudi Arabia

October 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. State Department told non-essential American workers and their families to leave Saudi Arabia. This move is because groups supported by Iran, called the Houthis, have been attacking Saudi Arabia. The situation could get worse quickly.

Key Facts

The State Department ordered non-emergency U.S. government staff and their families to leave Saudi Arabia.
The order is due to ongoing attacks by the Iranian-backed Houthi group.
The Houthis have increased their attacks in Saudi Arabia recently.
The U.S. warns that the conflict might spread beyond the affected area.
This is a safety measure to protect American personnel.
The State Department has repeated these warnings before as risks rise.
The evacuation is only for non-essential staff, essential workers stay.

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The Hill

El-Sayed defends Slotkin over remarks targeted by right

October 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed supports Senator Elissa Slotkin after she warned young professionals against working for President Trump’s administration. Slotkin’s comment caused criticism from Republicans.

Key Facts

Abdul El-Sayed is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate from Michigan.
Senator Elissa Slotkin is a Democrat from Michigan.
Slotkin said she wants young professionals to reconsider taking a job in President Donald Trump’s administration.
Republicans responded negatively to Slotkin’s remarks.
El-Sayed defended Slotkin against the Republican criticism.
The discussion took place during a radio interview with “The Daily Blast with Greg Sargent.”

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The Hill

Trump will speak at South Carolina midterm rally for Sen. Darline Graham as early voting begins

October 21, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump will visit South Carolina to support U.S. Senator Darline Graham in her campaign for re-election. The race is important to Republicans as Democrats hope to win the seat, but the state usually leans Republican.

Key Facts

President Donald Trump is holding a rally in South Carolina for Senator Darline Graham.
Darline Graham was appointed to the Senate seat after her late brother, Lindsey Graham, passed away in July.
Trump supported her appointment and backed her during a special primary against more experienced Republicans.
There was some disagreement recently between Trump and Graham over his decision to waive sanctions on Russia related to the Ukraine war.
Democrats see an opportunity because Graham has made some campaign mistakes.
Republicans are focused on defeating Democratic nominee Annie Andrews, a pediatrician.
Over $34 million has been spent on this Senate race.
Republicans accuse Andrews of supporting surgeries for transgender minors, but she denies this claim.

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PBS NewsHour

Lindsay Clancy murder trial: Judge denies request to question holdout juror

October 21, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

A judge in Massachusetts denied a request from Lindsay Clancy’s defense team to question a juror who did not agree on the verdict in her murder trial. The trial, where Clancy was charged with killing her three children, ended in a mistrial because the jury could not reach a unanimous decision.

Key Facts

Lindsay Clancy faced charges for the deaths of her three children.
The jury could not agree on a verdict, leading to a mistrial last month.
Defense lawyers wanted to question the holdout juror who prevented a unanimous verdict.
Judge William Sullivan refused to allow questioning of the juror at the next hearing.
Clancy is scheduled to return to court on November 2 for the next hearing.
The decision to deny questioning keeps the reasons for the holdout juror’s stance private.
The case remains unresolved due to the mistrial and will continue with new legal steps.

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ABC News

Trump administration asks Supreme Court to allow Big Bend border wall construction

October 21, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to allow construction of the border wall near the Big Bend area in Texas to continue. They argue that a lower court’s block on building the wall is without good reason and stops the government from securing part of the southern border.

Key Facts

The request was made by the Trump administration on Wednesday.
The border wall construction is planned near Big Bend, Texas.
A lower court judge blocked the construction of the wall.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer called this block “baseless.”
The administration says the block interferes with securing about 25% of the southern border.
The Supreme Court’s decision will determine if construction can resume.

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The Hill

Judge orders Meta to pay $25bn in fines for Facebook privacy violations

October 21, 2026 • Technology • Al Jazeera

Summary

A judge in New Mexico ordered Meta to pay $25 billion for misleading Facebook users about privacy violations. The jury found Meta responsible for more than 43 million violations of consumer protection laws, making this the largest fine ever against the company.

Key Facts

A New Mexico judge ordered Meta to pay $25 billion in fines for privacy violations related to Facebook.
A jury decided Meta misled users about who could access their personal information and how harmful content was handled.
The case found Meta broke consumer protection laws over 43 million times.
The money awarded will go into New Mexico’s education system fund.
Meta plans to appeal the ruling and expects to win.
The lawsuit partly stems from the Cambridge Analytica scandal, where data from 87 million Facebook users was used without consent.
This is the second big legal loss for Meta in New Mexico in six months, with previous fines totaling nearly $1 billion for failing to protect young users.
Meta's chief legal officer criticized the ruling, saying it makes it very hard to do business in New Mexico.

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Al Jazeera

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