The Actual News - Just the Facts

Zendaya on working with Tom Holland in Spider-Man: ‘When you’re best friends it’s easy’

July 29, 2026 • World • BBC World

Summary

Zendaya and Tom Holland attended the London premiere of their new film, Spider-Man: Brand New Day. They talked about their close relationship helping them work together and shared excitement about continuing their roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

Key Facts

Zendaya and Tom Holland are married and star together in the new Spider-Man movie.
The film is called Spider-Man: Brand New Day and premiered in London.
Tom Holland has played Spider-Man since 2016 and enjoys bringing new ideas to the role.
Zendaya plays MJ, Peter Parker’s love interest, and is known for matching her outfits to her film themes.
The movie features new cast member Sadie Sink in a secret role.
The story continues from the last film where Peter Parker erased himself from his loved ones’ memories.
The film has a new director, Destin Daniel Cretton.
Early reviews praise the movie as one of the best Spider-Man films in over 20 years.

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BBC World BBC Top Stories

Trump unveils plans for overhaul of Dulles International Airport outside Washington

July 29, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump announced plans to expand and improve Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C. The project will renovate existing facilities, add new spaces, replace old transportation systems, and include more shops and services. The government and airlines will finance the $22.5 billion project, which still requires some approvals.

Key Facts

President Trump revealed plans to overhaul and expand Dulles International Airport outside Washington.
The airport will add or renovate more than 5 million square feet of space.
The current "C" and "D" concourses will be replaced.
A new 32,000-space parking garage will be built closer to the airport.
The airport will replace the "people movers" system with an air train.
New restaurants, shops, and a large United Polaris lounge will be added.
The project will cost about $22.5 billion, funded by bonds and airlines like United.
The plan still needs some approvals from Congress before moving forward.

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CBS News

Saudi defense minister holds urgent meeting with Vance after Iraq strikes

July 29, 2026 • World • Axios

Summary

Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met with U.S. Vice President Vance to discuss recent joint strikes against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq. Despite these military actions, Saudi Arabia favors reducing tension with Iran and is managing regional conflicts, including talks with Yemen’s Houthi rebels.

Key Facts

Saudi Arabia and the U.S. conducted joint military strikes against pro-Iranian militias in Iraq after attacks on Saudi targets.
Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman met Vice President Vance at the White House to discuss the situation.
The strikes are a response to more than 30 recent drone attacks on Saudi Arabia by militias linked to Iran’s Revolutionary Guard Corps.
Saudi Arabia wants to defend itself but prefers to de-escalate tensions with Iran rather than escalate conflict.
Prince Khalid said Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu favors escalation with Iran, but Saudi Arabia sees de-escalation as better.
Saudi Arabia is handling its conflict with Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis on its own and is in negotiations with them.
The meeting aimed to share a message from Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman about the war with Iran and regional stability.
The Saudi defense minister delayed his Washington visit due to the recent Iraq strikes but resumed it to clarify Saudi positions.

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Axios

Todd Blanche’s US attorney general prospects dim as vote looms

July 29, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

Todd Blanche’s chance to become the permanent US attorney general is uncertain because a key Republican senator wants written proof that a $1.8 billion fund connected to a legal settlement is no longer active. The Senate judiciary committee will vote soon on Blanche’s nomination, but some senators have concerns about parts of the agreement involving President Trump and his family.

Key Facts

Todd Blanche is currently acting US attorney general and was President Trump’s personal lawyer.
The Senate judiciary committee will vote on whether to confirm Blanche permanently.
Senator John Cornyn, a key Republican swing vote, wants written assurance that a $1.8 billion fund is canceled before supporting Blanche.
The fund was part of a deal to resolve a $10 billion lawsuit Trump filed against the IRS over leaked tax returns.
The agreement included immunity from tax audits for Trump, his family, and businesses for documents filed before the deal.
The fund and the immunity clause have caused bipartisan criticism and concerns about fairness.
Blanche said the department is ending the fund but has not provided written proof.
Cornyn also wants clarity that the tax audit immunity does not apply to future cases or people outside the settlement.

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Guardian US Guardian World

Survey reveals rising optimism among African youth

July 29, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

A survey shows that young people in Africa are becoming more practical in how they see the influence of global powers. In other news, the constitutional court in the Democratic Republic of Congo approved a law that may allow President Felix Tshisekedi to run for a third term. There are also concerns about droughts and floods linked to the El Niño weather pattern affecting millions across Africa.

Key Facts

A survey indicates African youth are increasingly realistic about global powers.
The DRC’s constitutional court approved a referendum law related to presidential term limits.
The law could enable President Felix Tshisekedi to seek a third term in office.
The El Niño weather pattern may cause worse droughts and floods in Africa.
Millions of people across Africa could be affected by these changing weather conditions.
The news comes from a program called "Eye on Africa."
Other stories mentioned include protests in Iran, wildfires in France, and upcoming sports events in Africa.

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France24

Blanche nomination at risk of delay as Sen. Cornyn seeks assurances on Trump-IRS settlement

July 29, 2026 • Us • PBS NewsHour

Summary

A key Republican senator, John Cornyn, is delaying the vote on Todd Blanche's nomination for attorney general. Cornyn wants more written assurances from the Justice Department about a settlement that protects President Donald Trump and his family from certain tax audits. This delay could block the Senate Judiciary Committee from moving Blanche's nomination forward.

Key Facts

Todd Blanche is nominated for attorney general and is currently acting in that role.
Senator John Cornyn is a significant Republican vote who has paused his support due to concerns about a Trump-related IRS settlement.
The settlement protects President Trump and his family from some tax audits.
Cornyn canceled a scheduled meeting with Blanche over these concerns.
Another Republican senator, Thom Tillis, supports Cornyn’s position.
The Senate Judiciary Committee planned to vote on Blanche’s nomination on Thursday.
If even one Republican opposes, the nomination could fail to advance.
Blanche replaced Pam Bondi, who was fired in April.

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PBS NewsHour

Zelensky says he asked Trump for emergency package of Patriot missiles

July 29, 2026 • World • The Hill

Summary

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said he asked President Donald Trump for 300 Patriot missile interceptors to help Ukraine defend itself against Russian attacks this winter. Although President Trump recently allowed Ukraine to produce its own interceptors, Zelensky believes it will take too long to complete.

Key Facts

President Zelensky requested 300 Patriot missile interceptors from President Trump.
The request is aimed at strengthening Ukraine’s defense during the winter.
Patriot interceptors are missiles designed to shoot down incoming threats.
President Trump approved Ukraine's ability to manufacture its own interceptors earlier in the month.
Zelensky believes making interceptors in Ukraine will take more time than needed.
The request relates to Ukraine’s ongoing war with Russia.
Ukraine is seeking urgent military support to protect itself from Kremlin attacks.

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The Hill

Watch: Trump takes reporter questions on Iran, Fauci, AI and more at White House

July 29, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump answered questions from reporters at the White House on topics including the conflict in Iran, Dr. Anthony Fauci’s use of the Fifth Amendment at a recent hearing, and artificial intelligence. After the president’s remarks, a CBS News correspondent discussed Mr. Trump’s plans to change Dulles International Airport near Washington, D.C.

Key Facts

President Trump spoke to reporters at the White House.
He addressed questions about the situation in Iran.
He discussed Dr. Anthony Fauci invoking the Fifth Amendment during a Capitol Hill hearing.
The president also talked about artificial intelligence (AI).
A CBS News transportation correspondent discussed Trump’s proposed changes to Dulles International Airport.
The airport is located outside Washington, D.C.
The event and discussion were covered by CBS News.

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CBS News

Trump’s attorney general pick faces possible Republican roadblock

July 29, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

Todd Blanche, the interim U.S. Attorney General, is facing doubts from Republican Senator John Cornyn about his confirmation to lead the Department of Justice. Concerns focus on Blanche’s handling of a controversial IRS settlement and the creation of a fund seen as favoring President Trump’s allies.

Key Facts

Todd Blanche has been acting Attorney General since April and was previously deputy attorney general.
Senator John Cornyn expressed he is not ready to support Blanche’s confirmation.
Blanche brokered a May settlement protecting President Trump and his family from future IRS audits.
The settlement also included an “anti-weaponisation fund” for individuals claiming political persecution, which faced bipartisan criticism.
Blanche has since backed away from the fund after a federal judge ruled the settlement illegal.
The Senate Judiciary Committee plans a vote on Blanche’s nomination, needing Republican support to advance.
Cornyn, a critic of Trump recently, will leave the Senate in January and lost Trump’s endorsement in a primary last May.
President Trump defended Blanche and questioned Cornyn’s motives in opposing the nomination.

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Al Jazeera

5 takeaways on Fauci’s hostile Senate hearing, GOP contempt threats

July 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci, the former chief medical adviser to the White House, attended a Senate hearing where Republican members criticized his handling of the COVID-19 pandemic. Fauci declined to answer some questions during the several-hour-long session, which included discussions about possible contempt charges against him.

Key Facts

Dr. Anthony Fauci served as chief medical adviser to the White House and led the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases for nearly 40 years.
A Senate hearing focused on Fauci’s role in the government’s COVID-19 response.
Republican senators used the hearing to express strong criticism and question Fauci’s actions during the pandemic.
Fauci refused to answer some questions during the hearing.
Some senators threatened to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress.
The hearing lasted for several hours with intense discussions.
The event reflects ongoing political debates about how the government managed the COVID-19 crisis.

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The Hill

Algeria elects first-ever woman speaker of parliament

July 29, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

Khalida Boufedeche was elected as the speaker of Algeria’s parliament. She is the first woman to hold this position in Algeria’s history.

Key Facts

Khalida Boufedeche is a member of the National Liberation Front party.
She became the first woman to serve as speaker of the Algerian parliament.
Women hold only six percent of the seats in Algeria’s parliament.
Her election represents a historic moment for women’s political leadership in Algeria.

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Al Jazeera

How is Islamabad handling crisis in Pakistan-administered Kashmir?

July 29, 2026 • World • Al Jazeera

Summary

An election in Pakistan-administered Kashmir aimed to improve democracy faced serious problems as violence broke out during voting. Protests by a banned group demanding election changes led to clashes with security forces, resulting in many deaths. The government says any election reforms need a change to the constitution.

Key Facts

The election was intended to strengthen democracy in Pakistan-administered Kashmir.
Violence occurred during voting, with dozens killed in clashes between protesters and security forces.
The protesters belong to a banned group seeking changes to the election process.
The government in Islamabad requires a constitutional amendment to allow any election reforms.
This unrest is one of the biggest political crises in the Kashmir region in nearly 80 years.
Weeks of demonstrations preceded the violence.
The situation raises questions about the future political stability of the region.

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Al Jazeera

Who wins and who loses after US bans foreign robots?

July 29, 2026 • Us • Ars Technica

Summary

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned the import of many foreign-made mobile robots, including humanoid and four-legged robots, due to national security risks. The ban mainly targets new models of robots that have advanced sensors, network connectivity, and AI, especially those made in China, but also applies to some robots from allied countries.

Key Facts

The FCC added "foreign-produced advanced robotic devices" to the list of technologies banned for import.
The ban targets mobile robots that can move on the ground autonomously or via remote control.
Robots must have sensors, network connections, and AI software to be included in the ban.
The ban covers robots mainly produced by Chinese companies but also affects some robots from Japan, South Korea, and Germany.
Robots weighing less than 4.4 pounds, like robotic toys, are exempt.
Existing robots already approved or owned in the U.S. can still be used, but new models after the ban are blocked.
Medical robots, drones, trains, and fixed industrial robots are not included in the ban.
The U.S. Department of Defense can exempt certain foreign robots if deemed safe for national security.

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Ars Technica

Limiting sugar before age two linked to better brain health

July 29, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A study suggests that eating little sugar before the age of two might lower the risk of dementia later in life. Researchers studied people born before and after sugar rationing ended in the UK and found those who were toddlers during rationing had a lower chance of dementia.

Key Facts

The UK ended sugar rationing in September 1953, doubling average sugar intake from about 41g to 80g per day.
The study analyzed nearly 65,000 people from the UK Biobank project.
Toddlers who ate less sugar during rationing had a 23% lower risk of developing dementia.
The diagnosis of dementia in this group was delayed by about two and a half years.
The study cannot prove that sugar causes dementia; it only shows a link.
Experts warn that many factors affect brain health, so more research is needed.
The findings may not fully apply to children today because nutrition and weaning practices have changed.
Eating a healthy diet at any age supports brain health according to Alzheimer's Research UK.

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BBC Top Stories

Anthony Fauci’s high-profile Senate hearing: what we learned

July 29, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

Dr. Anthony Fauci appeared at a US Senate hearing led by Republican Senator Rand Paul to discuss the origins of the Covid-19 pandemic. Fauci declined to answer questions by invoking his Fifth Amendment rights, which protect against self-incrimination, leading to strong disagreements and threats of legal action from the senators.

Key Facts

The hearing focused on whether Covid-19 began as a “lab leak” from the Wuhan Institute of Virology.
Senator Rand Paul accused Fauci of being possibly responsible for the pandemic due to NIH funding linked to the institute.
Fauci, who advised both President Trump and President Biden during the pandemic, refused to answer questions citing his Fifth Amendment rights.
Fauci has testified at Senate hearings many times before but chose not to answer this time on his lawyers’ advice.
A group of 155 scientists defended Fauci, calling the accusations against him baseless and unsupported by evidence.
The hearing included debate over whether Fauci can use the Fifth Amendment after receiving a presidential pardon.
Senator Paul said he plans to push for a vote to hold Fauci in contempt of Congress for refusing to testify.
Another senator, Josh Hawley, said Fauci has no Fifth Amendment rights in this context because it is a congressional investigation.

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Guardian World Guardian US

James Comey’s lawyers say US government distorted details in seashell case

July 29, 2026 • Us • Al Jazeera

Summary

Lawyers for James Comey, former FBI director, say U.S. prosecutors left out important information and included false details in a case against him. The case involves an Instagram post Comey made showing seashells arranged as “86 47,” which prosecutors say is a coded threat against President Donald Trump; Comey denies this.

Key Facts

James Comey was charged in April for sharing a seashell photo on Instagram that showed “86 47.”
Prosecutors claim “86 47” is a coded message suggesting harm to President Trump, the 47th president.
“86” is slang meaning “get rid of” or “throw out.”
Comey’s lawyers say the government ignored key evidence that did not support their case.
The defense argues the case is politically motivated retaliation by the Trump administration.
Comey faces charges of threatening the president and sending a threat across state lines.
If convicted, Comey could face up to 10 years in prison.
There have been other legal cases targeting Trump critics, such as New York Attorney General Letitia James and former National Security Advisor John Bolton.

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Al Jazeera

The US Is Running Low on Ammo—That's Not Even Trump's Top Iran War Problem

July 29, 2026 • World • Newsweek

Summary

The United States is using a large amount of missiles and interceptors in its conflict with Iran, causing its supply of these weapons to lower significantly. Experts warn this could become a problem not just in the Middle East but also for possible future conflicts in other parts of the world.

Key Facts

The U.S. has launched many expensive missile interceptors like Patriot and THAAD to protect bases against Iranian attacks.
Patriot interceptors cost about $4 million each, and THAAD interceptors cost about $12 million each.
Iranian missiles and drones are much cheaper, with drones costing as little as $7,000 to $50,000.
The U.S. has dropped its reserve of Patriot interceptors from roughly 2,500 units to about 1,000.
THAAD interceptor stocks have fallen from around 360 to between 70 and 170.
The U.S. faces political challenges since public support for the conflict with Iran is low, limiting the administration’s options.
Experts say enough weapons remain for the ongoing conflict, but supplies could be inadequate for future wars with countries like China, North Korea, or Russia.
Allies like NATO have expressed concern about the depleted U.S. munitions inventory.

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Newsweek

Americans are down on the economy and concerned about costs: Polls

July 29, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

Polls from July 2026 show that most Americans think the U.S. economy is doing badly and are worried about rising prices. Many expect the economy to get worse over the next year, especially with higher costs for things like gas, food, and housing.

Key Facts

Only 23% of Americans said the economy is good, while 77% said it is poor or bad.
Inflation grew by 3.5% in June compared to last year, slightly lower than 4.2% the month before.
Majorities are very concerned about costs for healthcare (69%), food and goods (66%), housing (64%), gasoline (56%), and electricity (54%).
Concern about gasoline prices rose from 34% in January to 56% in July.
Democrats show more worry about costs than Republicans, especially about healthcare and housing.
Two-thirds of Americans say groceries are unaffordable, up from 45% before the conflict in Iran started.
Most Americans expect the economy to get worse: 48% said it will decline, while only 20% think it will improve.
Many voters say inflation causes financial hardship, with about one-third calling it severe.

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ABC News

Trump loses ground with GOP as overall approval sinks to 32 percent: Quinnipiac poll

July 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows that President Trump’s approval rating has fallen to 32 percent among all registered voters. The poll also indicates that President Trump is losing support from some Republican voters amid ongoing concerns about the Iran war and challenges to the U.S. economy.

Key Facts

President Trump’s overall approval rating is now 32 percent.
The poll was conducted by Quinnipiac University.
Support for President Trump is dropping among Republican voters.
The decline in approval is linked to the months-long conflict with Iran.
Economic difficulties in the U.S. may be affecting voter opinions.
The poll reflects the views of registered voters nationwide.

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The Hill

Pentagon: New casualty category for renewed Iran fighting tied to end of Operation Epic Fury

July 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The Pentagon created a new way to count U.S. military deaths and injuries related to recent fighting with Iran. This change is connected to the conclusion of Operation Epic Fury, and it involves removing some service members who died or were hurt from previous official counts.

Key Facts

The Pentagon announced a new category for tallying U.S. military casualties in conflicts involving Iran.
This change is linked to the end of a military effort called Operation Epic Fury.
Four U.S. service members died in recent fighting against Iran.
Dozens of service members were injured in the same conflict.
These deaths and injuries were removed from the Pentagon's previous casualty counts.
The new system clarifies how the Department of Defense reports casualties from renewed fighting.
The Pentagon aims for clearer tracking of military harms in conflicts with Iran.

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The Hill

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