The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Technology News

Breaking news and analysis from the world of technology

Caitlin Clark breaks record again - with a rookie card

Caitlin Clark breaks record again - with a rookie card

Summary

A rookie card featuring WNBA star Caitlin Clark sold for $660,000, breaking the previous record for the highest-selling women's sports card. The card includes her signature, a photo, and a patch from her uniform, highlighting her achievement as a top rookie scorer.

Key Facts

  • Caitlin Clark's WNBA rookie card sold for $660,000.
  • This sale more than doubled the previous women's sports card record.
  • The card was sold through an auction hosted by Fanatics Collect.
  • Clark's card includes her signature, a photo, and a uniform patch.
  • The card also features "769 pts and counting," referencing her points record.
  • Her previous record-breaking card sold for $366,000.
  • Clark has 14 cards that have sold for more than her annual salary.
  • She has been out with a groin injury since July 15, with no return date set yet.
  • Clark was drafted first overall by the Indiana Fever in 2024 and named rookie of the year.
Read the Original

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

US confirms it will destroy contraceptives previously designated as aid

US confirms it will destroy contraceptives previously designated as aid

Summary

The United States has decided to destroy reproductive health supplies worth $10 million instead of donating them. This decision, which follows regulations against supporting groups that provide or promote abortions, has upset several advocacy groups that had offered to redistribute the supplies at no cost.

Key Facts

  • The US will destroy reproductive health supplies rather than donate them.
  • Supplies are worth $10 million, and destruction will cost $167,000.
  • US regulations prevent aid to groups involved in abortion services.
  • Advocates and aid groups have criticized the decision.
  • Groups like IPPF and others offered to distribute supplies for free, but the US declined.
  • Supplies are set to be destroyed in France.
  • The supplies were initially purchased under President Biden's administration.
  • Former President Trump had already canceled orders worth $34.1 million.
  • Trump administration policies have reduced US aid programs and cut assistance globally.
Read the Original

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

Meta to suspend political advertising in the EU as transparency law looms

Meta to suspend political advertising in the EU as transparency law looms

Summary

Meta, the company that owns Facebook and Instagram, will stop showing political and social issue ads in the European Union starting in October. This decision comes in response to new EU rules requiring transparency about political ads, which create legal challenges for the company.

Key Facts

  • Meta will suspend political and social issue ads in the EU starting October 2025.
  • This change is due to the EU’s new Transparency and Targeting of Political Advertising (TTPA) regulation.
  • The TTPA requires tech companies to label political ads and disclose who paid for them, targeting which elections.
  • Companies that don't follow these rules could face fines up to 6% of their annual revenue.
  • Alphabet, Google's parent company, made a similar decision in November.
  • The EU introduced these rules to prevent misinformation and foreign influence in elections.
  • Meta's Facebook and Instagram are under investigation by the EU for not adequately handling misinformation.
  • The Digital Services Act requires tech companies to counter illegal and harmful content or face fines.
Read the Original

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

What's needed to help historic starvation levels in Gaza is 'tragically simple,' aid group says

Summary

An aid group reports that many people in Gaza are facing severe hunger. They say delivering food to the half a million people in need is challenging.

Key Facts

  • An aid group reports severe hunger in Gaza.
  • About half a million people in Gaza need food.
  • Delivering food to those in need is difficult.
  • The situation in Gaza is described as having "historic starvation levels."
  • The aid group believes the solution to the crisis is simple but hard to implement.
Read the Original

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

Acquaintance of suspect in plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts convicted in Austria

Acquaintance of suspect in plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts convicted in Austria

Summary

An Austrian court convicted an 18-year-old named Luca K. on terrorism charges unrelated to a plan to attack Taylor Swift concerts in Vienna. He was found guilty of being part of a terrorist and criminal organization and sentenced to two years in prison.

Key Facts

  • Luca K., an 18-year-old, was convicted in an Austrian court on terrorism charges.
  • The charges relate to involvement with a terrorist and criminal organization.
  • He shared propaganda from the Islamic State group.
  • Luca K. was not part of the plot to attack Taylor Swift concerts.
  • He admitted to his actions and expressed regret over them.
  • The court sentenced him to two years, and his time spent in custody will count toward this sentence.
  • The main suspect in the concert attack plot, Beran A., is still under investigation.
  • The verdict against Luca K. can be appealed.
Read the Original

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

What does it take for a famine to be declared in Gaza?

What does it take for a famine to be declared in Gaza?

Summary

The hunger crisis in Gaza is severe, with one-third of its population experiencing significant food shortages. Despite the scarcity, it has not been officially declared a famine. Authorities rely on an international system called the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) to decide when to label a situation as a famine.

Key Facts

  • Hunger in Gaza has reached high levels, affecting a third of the over 2 million people living there.
  • Gaza faces extreme shortages of food, water, and medicine.
  • The World Food Programme is part of the United Nations and monitors hunger crises around the world.
  • The Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) system helps determine the severity of hunger situations globally.
  • The IPC uses a five-phase scale to categorize food security, from normal conditions to famine.
  • For a famine to be declared, specific criteria need to be met according to the IPC scale.
  • FEWS NET and the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) play important roles in monitoring hunger and using the IPC system.
Read the Original

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

How Epstein case is tearing apart Maga's online conspiracy wing

How Epstein case is tearing apart Maga's online conspiracy wing

Summary

Supporters of former President Donald Trump are divided online about whether the government should release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted financier. Some people want the files released for transparency, while others trust Trump's decision to keep them private. Trump's past association with Epstein and recent comments have fueled debates among his supporters.

Key Facts

  • There is controversy among Trump's supporters about releasing files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Epstein was a convicted financier with connections to many high-profile figures.
  • Trump was once friends with Epstein but reportedly ended their friendship due to Epstein's behavior.
  • Trump initially showed interest in releasing more Epstein files but later suggested the case was closed.
  • Online communities supporting Trump are divided, with some urging for the files' release and others supporting Trump's decision to withhold them.
  • Some prominent allies and public figures have called for the files to be made public.
  • The Justice Department continues to look into Epstein-related matters, including interviewing Ghislaine Maxwell, who was close to Epstein.
Read the Original

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

'Resurrection' brings 'Dexter' back to life — and Michael C. Hall is better than ever

'Resurrection' brings 'Dexter' back to life — and Michael C. Hall is better than ever

Summary

"Dexter: Resurrection" is a new TV series featuring Michael C. Hall as Dexter Morgan, who survives being shot and wakes up from a coma. The show introduces new characters and plots, focusing on Dexter's return to dealing with serial killers, including a unique dinner party setting.

Key Facts

  • "Dexter: Resurrection" is a continuation of the Dexter series, featuring Michael C. Hall as the main character.
  • The original Dexter series started in 2006 with Showtime.
  • Dexter Morgan is a character who channels his urge to kill towards other serial killers.
  • The new series shows Dexter waking up from a coma after being shot.
  • The show includes a dinner party scene where serial killers meet, hosted by a character named Leon.
  • New characters are played by actors like Peter Dinklage and Uma Thurman.
  • The series features both familiar faces and new murder investigations.
  • The show combines old and new storylines in an intricate plot.
Read the Original

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

Around 6,000 websites to start checking ages in UK, Ofcom says

Around 6,000 websites to start checking ages in UK, Ofcom says

Summary

Approximately 6,000 websites in the UK, including social media and porn sites, will begin checking if users are over 18 starting Friday, as per the UK's media regulator, Ofcom. This action aims to enhance child safety online, though there are questions about its effectiveness and whether all sites will comply.

Key Facts

  • About 6,000 UK websites will start verifying if users are over 18.
  • Ofcom, the UK's media regulator, is overseeing this new age verification measure.
  • Sites like Pornhub, Reddit, Discord, and Grindr are part of this initiative.
  • Some significant porn sites in the UK have not implemented age checks yet.
  • The Technology Secretary calls the new rules "common sense" for online safety.
  • Critics are concerned about the effectiveness and potential for users to bypass age checks.
  • The rules are part of broader efforts to protect children from harmful online content.
  • Organizations like the NSPCC support the move, emphasizing tech companies' responsibilities.
Read the Original

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

Around 6,000 porn sites start checking ages in UK

Around 6,000 porn sites start checking ages in UK

Summary

Around 6,000 websites that offer adult content in the UK will start checking if users are over 18. This is part of a new effort by the media regulator Ofcom to improve online child safety. Some experts and charities still question if the new rules will successfully protect children.

Key Facts

  • Ofcom is implementing age checks on around 6,000 sites in the UK to ensure users are over 18.
  • The rules are part of efforts to improve child safety online.
  • Some major platforms like Pornhub and Reddit have agreed to age checks.
  • Not all platforms are requiring age verification yet.
  • Experts are concerned children may still find ways to bypass these age checks.
  • The UK government's rules aim to regulate age checks online like other age-restricted activities.
  • Children's charities are pushing for even stronger rules to protect children online.
  • Some worry that these age checks may lead users to riskier, unregulated sites.
Read the Original

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

Haiti sends 150 soldiers to Mexico for training as gang violence surges

Haiti sends 150 soldiers to Mexico for training as gang violence surges

Summary

Haiti has sent 150 soldiers to Mexico for training as part of a plan to strengthen its military forces and tackle gang violence. A total of 700 soldiers will undergo training in Mexico to help rebuild Haiti's military, which was disbanded in 1995 but reinstated in 2017.

Key Facts

  • Haiti sent 150 soldiers to Mexico for training.
  • A total of 700 soldiers will train in Mexico.
  • Haiti's military was disbanded in 1995 and reinstated in 2017.
  • Gang violence in Haiti resulted in the death of over 4,800 people from October 2024 to June 2025.
  • After training in Mexico, soldiers will work with Haiti’s National Police and Kenyan officers.
  • Recently, about 30 Haitian soldiers also trained in Martinique.
  • In 2023, Haiti had about 2,000 soldiers compared to 7,000 soldiers before its army was disbanded.
Read the Original

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

Russian parliament approves a bill punishing online searches for information deemed ‘extremist’

Russian parliament approves a bill punishing online searches for information deemed ‘extremist’

Summary

The Russian upper house of parliament approved a bill that fines people for online searches of information labeled as "extremist." This bill now awaits approval from President Vladimir Putin. The term "extremist" covers various opposition groups and activities, but it is unclear how this will be enforced or differentiated from regular internet use.

Key Facts

  • Russian parliament's upper house approved a bill punishing online searches for "extremist" information.
  • The fine for searching such materials online can go up to about $64.
  • The bill includes a broad definition of "extremist," covering opposition groups and international movements like the LGBT movement.
  • President Vladimir Putin is expected to sign the bill into law.
  • It is unclear how authorities will identify violators or differentiate them from regular users.
  • Many Russians use VPNs to access blocked content, but authorities are making efforts to close these loopholes.
  • Since Russia sent troops into Ukraine, there has been increased online censorship and more prosecutions related to social media activity.
  • Several independent media and rights groups have been shut down or labeled negatively by the government.
Read the Original

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

Thailand-Cambodian clashes force 100,000 into shelters on Thai border

Thailand-Cambodian clashes force 100,000 into shelters on Thai border

Summary

Fighting between Thailand and Cambodia has intensified, causing more than 100,000 people to evacuate from their homes in Thailand. The evacuees have taken shelter in various locations, including a sports hall at Surindra Rajabhat University, where they await updates on when it might be safe to return home. The conflict has resulted in at least 14 deaths in Thailand and one in Cambodia.

Key Facts

  • Heavy fighting has broken out between Thailand and Cambodia, making many people leave their homes.
  • More than 100,000 people in Thailand have evacuated from four provinces by Friday.
  • Evacuees are using a university sports hall as a shelter, with nearly 3,000 people staying there.
  • The university has turned into a functioning evacuation center, cancelling classes to provide space.
  • The provincial hospital is helping with medical needs and mental health services.
  • The fighting has caused 14 deaths in Thailand and one in Cambodia.
  • People in shelters are unsure when it will be safe to return home.
  • About 20,000 people in Cambodia have also evacuated from areas near the border.
Read the Original

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

People like extroverted robots — but they relate to the neurotic ones

People like extroverted robots — but they relate to the neurotic ones

Summary

A study found that people found robots with neurotic personalities more relatable, though they enjoyed interacting with extroverted robots the most. The study involved a human-shaped robot at a museum in Chicago, where participants interacted with robots having different personalities.

Key Facts

  • The study explored how people react to robots with different personalities.
  • Researchers used a human-shaped robot and tested it with neurotic, extroverted, and typical robot personalities.
  • The neurotic robot spoke tentatively and used filler words like "um."
  • People described the neurotic robot as understanding deep emotions and relatable.
  • Participants found extroverted robots the most enjoyable to interact with.
  • The study took place at a museum in Chicago.
  • Extroversion has been the main focus in past robot personality research, as it is useful for tasks requiring confidence.
  • The research aimed to explore the potential usefulness of neurotic robot traits.
Read the Original

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

Death toll in Thai-Cambodia clashes rises to 16 as 120,000 flee border area

Death toll in Thai-Cambodia clashes rises to 16 as 120,000 flee border area

Summary

The fighting between Thai and Cambodian troops has led to 16 deaths, 15 in Thailand and one in Cambodia. Over 120,000 people have left their homes due to the conflict, which involves heavy artillery and rocket fire on both sides.

Key Facts

  • The conflict has resulted in 15 deaths in Thailand and one in Cambodia.
  • More than 120,000 people have fled their homes near the border.
  • Fighting began with smaller weapons and quickly increased to heavy artillery and rocket fire.
  • Thailand's Ministry of Public Health reported civilian and military casualties, with injuries counting more than 45 people.
  • Over 100,000 people were evacuated in Thailand from the provinces of Surin, Sisaket, Buriram, and Ubon Ratchathani.
  • Approximately 20,000 residents were evacuated from Cambodia's Preah Vihear province.
  • Cambodia claims damage to the Preah Vihear temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  • International concerns were raised, with the United Nations Security Council scheduling an emergency meeting to discuss the situation.
Read the Original

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

DOJ faces credibility questions as it investigates Jeffrey Epstein

Summary

The Department of Justice (DOJ) is investigating Jeffrey Epstein, a financier and convicted sex offender. There are questions about whether the DOJ can conduct the investigation fairly and honestly.

Key Facts

  • The DOJ is looking into Jeffrey Epstein, who was convicted of sex crimes.
  • Epstein was known as a financier, which means he handled large amounts of money and investments.
  • People are questioning if the DOJ's investigation will be fair.
  • The credibility of the DOJ is in question during this investigation.
  • A credible investigation means people believe the investigation is honest and true.
Read the Original

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

Germany sees anti-Pride events and restricts rainbow flags ahead of LGBTQ+ parties

Summary

In Germany, there have been more anti-LGBTQ+ incidents recently. Authorities are also limiting the display of rainbow flags, which are symbols of LGBTQ+ pride, before upcoming events.

Key Facts

  • Anti-LGBTQ+ incidents are increasing in Germany.
  • Rainbow flags, which represent LGBTQ+ pride and support, are facing restrictions.
  • Authorities are taking these actions before scheduled LGBTQ+ events.
  • The increase in incidents and restrictions comes ahead of parties celebrating LGBTQ+ communities.
  • These developments are taking place in July 2025.
Read the Original

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

US State Department approves $4.7bn surface-to-air missile package to Egypt

US State Department approves $4.7bn surface-to-air missile package to Egypt

Summary

The US government has approved a possible sale of a missile defense system to Egypt, valued at $4.67 billion. This deal includes advanced missile systems and support from US personnel to help with training and logistics.

Key Facts

  • The US State Department approved a potential $4.67 billion sale of a missile system to Egypt.
  • The package includes a National Advanced Surface-to-Air Missile System (NASAMS), radar systems, and hundreds of missiles.
  • US employees and contractors will assist Egypt with engineering and technical support.
  • The sale supports US foreign policy by strengthening Egypt, a major non-NATO ally in the Middle East.
  • RTX Corporation, based in Massachusetts, is the primary contractor for this sale.
  • Congress has been notified of this potential sale with the required certification.
  • If approved, 26 US government workers and 34 contractors will travel to Egypt to provide extended training and support.
  • Egypt, a long-time US ally, has recently held military exercises with China, showing growing relations between the two nations.
Read the Original

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

Ranchers in Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock

Ranchers in Mexico are struggling against a flesh-eating parasite infecting livestock

Summary

Ranchers in Mexico are dealing with a flesh-eating parasite called the New World screwworm that infects livestock. Due to this, the United States has stopped importing cattle from Mexico to prevent the parasite from spreading across the border.

Key Facts

  • Ranchers in Chiapas, Mexico, face an outbreak of the New World screwworm that affects animals like cows, sheep, pigs, cats, and dogs.
  • The U.S. has stopped cattle imports from Mexico due to fears the parasite could spread to the U.S.
  • Mexico, with U.S. support, is building a plant to produce sterile flies to help control the parasite, but it won't be ready until next year.
  • The cost of medicines to treat affected animals has risen, leading some ranchers to use home remedies.
  • The parasite can infect any open wound in animals, no matter how small.
  • Veterinarian Alfredo Chávez reports an increase in cases in his area and notes limited government support.
  • The U.S. fears that if the parasite reaches Texas, it could cause significant economic losses.
  • Despite local efforts to control the outbreak, the presence of the screwworm has significantly affected cattle exports from Mexico to the U.S.
Read the Original

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

Elon Musk ‘sorry’ after Starlink satellite internet suffers global outage

Elon Musk ‘sorry’ after Starlink satellite internet suffers global outage

Summary

SpaceX's Starlink internet service experienced a major outage, which affected tens of thousands of users for about two and a half hours. This service disruption led to apologies from SpaceX executives, including Elon Musk. The outage was caused by a failure in key software that runs their network.

Key Facts

  • Starlink provides internet to over six million users in about 140 countries and territories.
  • The outage lasted approximately two hours and 30 minutes.
  • The disruption began at around 3 PM Eastern Time on Thursday.
  • Users reported the issue through Downdetector, with as many as 61,000 user reports.
  • The outage was due to a problem in the internal software of Starlink's network.
  • SpaceX has launched over 8,000 Starlink satellites since 2020.
  • The network is popular with militaries, transportation companies, and rural internet users.
  • Recent updates to the network have focused on increasing speed and bandwidth.
Read the Original

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