The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

World News

Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

Orbán allies protest in Hungary against new prime minister's plans to oust President Sulyok

Orbán allies protest in Hungary against new prime minister's plans to oust President Sulyok

Summary

Supporters of former Prime Minister Viktor Orbán protested in Budapest against plans by the new Hungarian prime minister, Péter Magyar, to remove President Tamás Sulyok from office. Magyar's government aims to change the constitution to end Sulyok’s term, set term limits for parliament members, and reform the judiciary.

Key Facts

  • Thousands protested outside the presidential offices in Budapest defending President Tamás Sulyok.
  • New Prime Minister Péter Magyar defeated Orbán in April, ending Orbán's 16-year rule.
  • Magyar wants to remove Sulyok by amending the constitution, citing Sulyok's failure to block antidemocratic acts under Orbán.
  • The amendment would also set term limits for parliament, reform courts, and create a body to investigate alleged financial abuses by Orbán’s government.
  • Orbán’s Fidesz party claims these moves threaten democratic rules and accuse the new government of moving toward dictatorship.
  • Hungary’s president has mainly ceremonial powers but can send laws to the constitutional court for review.
  • Magyar’s government has taken steps to dismantle Orbán-era institutions, including suspending public broadcaster services seen as biased.
  • The new government unlocked about 16.4 billion euros in EU funds by promising democratic reforms.
Read the Original

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

Huge crowds in Mashhad as Iran's late supreme leader is buried

Huge crowds in Mashhad as Iran's late supreme leader is buried

Summary

Large crowds gathered in Mashhad, Iran, to bury the country’s late supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, at the Imam Reza shrine. His burial followed six days of mourning and came amid ongoing tensions and recent strikes between Iran, the US, and Israel.

Key Facts

  • Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was buried at the Imam Reza shrine in Mashhad, Iran’s holiest Shia Muslim site.
  • The funeral marked the end of six days of public mourning across Iran and Iraq.
  • Khamenei and several family members died in an Israeli strike on his Tehran residence on 28 February.
  • His son Mojtaba succeeded him as supreme leader but has not been seen publicly and reportedly was seriously wounded in the attack.
  • Iran's Revolutionary Guards accused the US of bombing railway bridges to disrupt the funeral.
  • Thousands of mourners in Mashhad held flags, banners, and photos, some calling for the death of US President Donald Trump.
  • The funeral ceremonies aimed to show unity and strength after a war and internal protests that caused many deaths in Iran.
  • Imam Reza’s shrine is a historic religious site visited by millions each year and is significant to Shia Muslims.
Read the Original

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

UK bakes in 35C highs as heatwave to continue next week

UK bakes in 35C highs as heatwave to continue next week

Summary

The UK is experiencing a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 35.5°C, marking the eighth day this year with temperatures above 34°C, a new record. This heatwave is expected to continue into next week before cooler weather arrives, but some regions will get brief relief from cooler sea breezes.

Key Facts

  • UK temperatures hit 35.5°C on Thursday in Wisley, Surrey.
  • This year has had eight days above 34°C, breaking the previous record of seven days set in 1976 and 2020.
  • The current heatwave is the third this year and may last into next week.
  • Cooler air is expected to reduce temperatures slightly in some areas over the weekend, especially near the North Sea.
  • Amber and yellow heat health warnings cover much of England until Sunday evening.
  • High temperatures affect vulnerable groups like the elderly, young children, and people with health problems.
  • Pollen levels are high due to the heat and dry weather, worsening allergies for some people.
  • The UK’s highest temperature record is 40.3°C, set in 2022 in Lincolnshire.
Read the Original

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

Pressure builds on Europe's biggest port to be greener

Pressure builds on Europe's biggest port to be greener

Summary

The Port of Rotterdam in the Netherlands is Europe’s largest freight port and a major center for oil refining and chemical production. It faces pressure from environmental groups to reduce its large carbon emissions and transition away from fossil fuels toward greener energy sources.

Key Facts

  • Rotterdam is Europe’s biggest freight port and handles nearly as much cargo as all UK ports combined.
  • Five oil refineries, including Shell's largest in Europe, operate at the port, processing hundreds of thousands of barrels of crude oil daily.
  • The fossil fuels passing through the port are linked to about 600 megatonnes of CO2 emissions annually, far exceeding the emissions of the Netherlands' biggest airport.
  • Rotterdam’s industrial cluster emits around 29 million tonnes of CO2 each year, about half of the Netherlands’ total domestic emissions.
  • Environmental group Advocates for the Future filed a lawsuit claiming the port authority is not doing enough to reduce fossil fuel dependency.
  • The Port Authority plans to cut its own emissions by 90% by 2030 and is investing in hydrogen fuel, onshore electric power for ships, and alternative fuels.
  • The port is focusing on carbon capture and storage (CCS) to reduce CO2 emissions by storing it underground.
  • Many major companies operating at the port are controlled by boardrooms abroad, making emission regulations challenging.
Read the Original

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

Syria arrests ISIS-linked suspects over Damascus bombings during Macron visit

Syria arrests ISIS-linked suspects over Damascus bombings during Macron visit

Summary

Syrian authorities say they arrested a group linked to Islamic State for bombings in Damascus during French President Emmanuel Macron’s visit. The attacks happened near the hotel where Macron stayed but did not harm him. The arrests followed raids across different neighborhoods in and around the city.

Key Facts

  • Bombings occurred in central Damascus during President Macron’s visit in early July 2026.
  • One person died and dozens were wounded in the attacks.
  • The Interior Ministry said the suspects belonged to a cell linked to the Islamic State group.
  • Syrian security forces conducted coordinated raids in four neighborhoods to capture the suspects.
  • The blasts happened near the hotel where Macron stayed, but after he had left the building.
  • Macron was the first EU leader to visit Syria since President Bashar al-Assad’s fall in 2024.
  • Syria joined the US-led coalition against Islamic State in 2025.
  • Officials said they will provide more details after investigations are complete.
Read the Original

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

Waiting for Moses: Africa’s sons in Russia’s war

Waiting for Moses: Africa’s sons in Russia’s war

Summary

Many young men from African countries like Cameroon are joining Russian forces in the war in Ukraine. Some are experienced soldiers, while others are students or unemployed, hoping for better opportunities but end up fighting far from home.

Key Facts

  • Around 3,000 Africans from 35 countries are reported to be fighting with Russian forces in Ukraine.
  • Ukrainian officials say Russia actively recruits these fighters in Africa, but a former Russian officer denies organized recruitment.
  • Many recruits from Cameroon have connections to Russia due to past Soviet-era student exchange programs.
  • Some Africans join because of economic hardship and the hope to support their families.
  • Experienced soldiers from African conflicts, as well as students and unemployed young men, travel to Russia and sometimes end up signing military contracts.
  • Experts describe this movement as a new type of migration linked to the war, taking away skilled workers and soldiers from African countries.
  • Families of those who died, like Moses’s mother in Cameroon, wait for news or the return of their loved ones' bodies.
  • This migration adds to existing movements of Africans seeking better opportunities abroad.
Read the Original

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

Renewed U.S.-Iran fighting threatens shipping and hopes of ending war

Renewed U.S.-Iran fighting threatens shipping and hopes of ending war

Summary

The ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran is close to ending after recent attacks. The U.S. military carried out new strikes against Iran, and neither side is ready to resume talks or ease tensions around the Strait of Hormuz, a key shipping route.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Central Command said it conducted a new series of strikes against Iran on Wednesday night.
  • There was another exchange of fire between the U.S. and Iran, raising the risk of renewed conflict.
  • Neither the U.S. nor Iran is prepared to return to peace talks at this time.
  • Iran has not agreed to allow free passage of ships through the Strait of Hormuz.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is a vital waterway for global shipping and oil transport.
  • Rising tensions threaten the safety of shipping in the region.
  • The current situation damages hopes of ending the ongoing conflict between the two countries.
Read the Original

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

U.S. and Iran escalate exchange of strikes

U.S. and Iran escalate exchange of strikes

Summary

The United States and Iran increased their military attacks against each other this week. The U.S. carried out more strikes on Thursday than at any time since a recent ceasefire began.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. and Iran have a fragile ceasefire in place.
  • Despite the ceasefire, fighting between the two countries escalated this week.
  • On Thursday, the U.S. military conducted the highest number of strikes since the ceasefire started.
  • The situation shows increasing tension between the U.S. and Iran.
  • CBS News senior national security correspondent Charlie D'Agata reported on the events.
  • The ceasefire has not stopped military actions completely.
  • The exchange of attacks occurred over a short period within the same week.
Read the Original

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

Canada’s Carney defends his visit to Saudi Arabia and slams criticism from afar

Canada’s Carney defends his visit to Saudi Arabia and slams criticism from afar

Summary

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney visited Saudi Arabia to improve trade and investment ties. He said publicly criticizing countries from afar is not effective and emphasized working together despite disagreements over issues like human rights.

Key Facts

  • This was the first visit by a Canadian Prime Minister to Saudi Arabia in 26 years.
  • Carney met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, the country’s main leader.
  • The visit aimed to reduce Canada’s reliance on the U.S. for trade and attract new investments.
  • Carney said criticizing countries from a distance may feel good but doesn’t work well.
  • Saudi Arabia faces global criticism for human rights, especially after the 2018 killing of Jamal Khashoggi.
  • Previous Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau openly criticized Saudi Arabia, causing a five-year diplomatic split.
  • Canada and Saudi Arabia restored full diplomatic relations in 2023 after tensions.
  • Carney stated he cares about human rights and raises such concerns privately during meetings.
Read the Original

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

News Wrap: Olympian pleads not guilty on Reflecting Pool damage charges

News Wrap: Olympian pleads not guilty on Reflecting Pool damage charges

Summary

Olympic canoe athlete David Hearn said he is not guilty of intentionally damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington. In other news, Ukraine used long-range drones to attack more energy sites in Russia. In southern China, heavy rain caused floods that killed at least 39 people.

Key Facts

  • David Hearn is a three-time Olympic canoe racer.
  • He pleaded not guilty to charges of damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington.
  • Ukraine launched drone attacks on energy targets inside Russia.
  • The drones used were long-range, meaning they can fly long distances.
  • Southern China experienced record rainfall over several days.
  • Flooding in southern China has killed at least 39 people.
  • Authorities in China are managing the aftermath of the floods.
Read the Original

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

Wally Funk, aviation pioneer and oldest woman to go into space, dies at 87

Wally Funk, aviation pioneer and oldest woman to go into space, dies at 87

Summary

Wally Funk, a pioneering female pilot who became the oldest woman to travel to space, died at age 87 in Grapevine, Texas. She was part of the Mercury 13, a group of women who underwent astronaut testing in the 1960s but were not accepted by NASA at that time.

Key Facts

  • Wally Funk died peacefully at her home in Grapevine, Texas, at the age of 87.
  • She was a respected pilot with over 19,600 hours of flying experience.
  • Funk was part of the "Mercury 13," a group of 13 women tested for astronaut training in 1961.
  • Despite passing tests faster and better than many men, NASA did not accept women astronauts until 1978.
  • She became the oldest woman to go to space later in life through a private spaceflight.
  • Funk was the first female flight instructor at a US military base.
  • She also worked as an aviation safety inspector for the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board.
  • Funk owned a flying school in Taos, New Mexico, where she taught thousands of people how to fly.
Read the Original

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

Motherhood not all warm and fuzzy: Bollywood actor's play spotlights messier side

Motherhood not all warm and fuzzy: Bollywood actor's play spotlights messier side

Summary

Bollywood actor Kalki Koechlin and theatre director Sheena Khalid have created a play called Belly of the Beast, based on Kalki’s 2021 book about motherhood. The play shares stories of five women experiencing different stages of motherhood, including challenges like postpartum depression, miscarriages, and balancing work with childcare.

Key Facts

  • Belly of the Beast is adapted from Kalki Koechlin’s book The Elephant in the Womb.
  • The play portrays five women at various stages of motherhood, from pregnancy to raising young children.
  • It discusses difficult topics such as abortions, miscarriages, and postpartum depression.
  • Motherhood is often seen positively in India, but this play highlights the less talked about struggles.
  • Kalki Koechlin wrote the original book during the Covid lockdown while experiencing postpartum depression.
  • The play aims to show the emotional and physical difficulties mothers face, which society often overlooks.
  • At its premiere in Delhi, the play was well received for its balance of serious themes and moments of humor.
  • The play also reflects the experience of many Indian women who carry the main responsibility for childcare.
Read the Original

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

Rahm Emanuel on criticizing Netanyahu, calling for new approach to U.S.-Israel ties

Rahm Emanuel on criticizing Netanyahu, calling for new approach to U.S.-Israel ties

Summary

Rahm Emanuel spoke in Tel Aviv about changing how the U.S. and Israel work together. He criticized Prime Minister Netanyahu’s government and suggested the U.S. should rethink its military aid to Israel and support efforts to create a Palestinian state.

Key Facts

  • Rahm Emanuel gave a speech in Tel Aviv about U.S.-Israel relations.
  • He criticized the current Israeli government led by Prime Minister Netanyahu.
  • Emanuel called for a new approach to how the U.S. provides military aid to Israel.
  • He emphasized the importance of restarting efforts to establish a Palestinian state.
  • The speech happened during a time when Americans and the Democratic Party are split on supporting Israel.
  • Emanuel discussed these issues in an interview with Geoff Bennett.
Read the Original

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

Regional mediators scramble to prevent U.S.-Iran deal from collapsing

Regional mediators scramble to prevent U.S.-Iran deal from collapsing

Summary

Countries like Qatar and Pakistan are working to reduce tensions between the U.S. and Iran and to restart talks on a nuclear agreement. Despite recent U.S. airstrikes, President Trump aims to avoid full-scale war and supports continued technical negotiations.

Key Facts

  • Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt, and Saudi Arabia are acting as mediators between the U.S. and Iran.
  • President Trump announced the end of the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding (MOU) and ordered airstrikes in response to Iranian attacks.
  • Mediators believe some Iranian groups opposed to the MOU carried out recent attacks to disrupt the deal.
  • Several phone calls between officials from both sides took place to calm tensions and promote diplomacy.
  • Iran’s Foreign Minister said the U.S. attacks violated the MOU.
  • Negotiators hope to agree on reducing tensions and schedule another round of talks between technical teams.
  • After days of conflict, Thursday saw a decrease in military actions, with no new U.S. strikes reported.
  • President Trump’s administration remains committed to finding a resolution through ongoing talks.
Read the Original

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

As diplomacy stalls, families worry Americans imprisoned by Iran are forgotten

As diplomacy stalls, families worry Americans imprisoned by Iran are forgotten

Summary

Several Americans remain imprisoned in Iran as tensions rise between the two countries. U.S. officials say they are working on resolving these cases through diplomacy, but families of the prisoners are worried their loved ones are being overlooked during the broader conflict.

Key Facts

  • There are still Americans in prison in Iran.
  • The situation between the U.S. and Iran is tense and getting worse.
  • U.S. officials say they are trying to solve these imprisonments through diplomatic talks.
  • Families of the imprisoned Americans are concerned they are not being prioritized.
  • The issue of prisoners is tied to the larger conflict between the two nations.
Read the Original

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

Flores Hobbits' eating habits offer clues about their evolutionary past

Flores Hobbits' eating habits offer clues about their evolutionary past

Summary

Scientists studied bones from pygmy elephants and found tooth marks from Komodo dragons alongside cut marks from stone tools. This suggests that small human relatives called Homo floresiensis scavenged elephant remains after Komodo dragons hunted them, rather than hunting the elephants themselves.

Key Facts

  • Homo floresiensis, nicknamed "Hobbits," lived on the Indonesian island of Flores about 60,000 years ago.
  • Pygmy elephants called Stegodon lived on Flores at the same time.
  • Elephant bones at the Liang Bua cave have marks from both Komodo dragon teeth and stone tools.
  • Researchers fed a goat to a Komodo dragon to compare bite marks with the fossil bones.
  • Komodo dragons left distinctive shallow, wide tooth marks, often on the meatiest parts of the body.
  • Stone tool marks appeared on less meaty parts, implying humans scavenged leftovers.
  • No evidence of fire use was found in the Homo floresiensis layers, so they likely ate raw meat from scavenged carcasses.
  • These findings challenge the idea that Homo floresiensis were skilled big-game hunters and raise new questions about early human migration and behavior.
Read the Original

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

What political satire can reveal about the strength of a democracy

What political satire can reveal about the strength of a democracy

Summary

The article discusses how satire, which uses humor to criticize leaders and systems, can show how strong a democracy is. In a podcast, Judy Woodruff talks with experts about why being able to joke about those in power is important for free expression.

Key Facts

  • Satire uses humor to challenge authority and reveal hypocrisy.
  • It helps test the limits of free speech in a society.
  • Judy Woodruff hosts a podcast called “In Pursuit of Happiness.”
  • In this episode, she speaks with Joshua Johnson from The Onion Network.
  • She also talks with scholar Sophia McClennen about satire’s role.
  • The conversation focuses on how satire reflects the health of democracy.
  • Laughing at leaders shows that people can express themselves openly.
Read the Original

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

Hermanos Gutiérrez perform 'Los Ojos del Cóndor' and reveal inspiration for new album

Hermanos Gutiérrez perform 'Los Ojos del Cóndor' and reveal inspiration for new album

Summary

Hermanos Gutiérrez create music that mixes Latin, surf rock, folk, and Western film styles. They are now focusing on their family heritage from Ecuador and Peru for their new album.

Key Facts

  • Hermanos Gutiérrez are two brothers who make instrumental music.
  • Their style combines Latin music, surf rock, folk, and sounds from Western movies.
  • They are inspired by their family's traditions from Ecuador and Peru.
  • The brothers recently performed a piece called "Los Ojos del Cóndor."
  • They discussed their music and inspiration in an interview with Geoff Bennett.
  • This interview was part of the arts and culture series called CANVAS.
Read the Original

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

How an app in South Korea will let victims track their stalkers

How an app in South Korea will let victims track their stalkers

Summary

South Korea has launched a new government app that lets stalking victims track their stalkers’ locations in real time. Officials hope this app will provide better protection, but some experts question if it will truly increase safety.

Key Facts

  • The app allows victims to see where their stalkers are in real time on their phones.
  • It was created and released by the South Korean government.
  • The goal is to give stronger protection to people who experience stalking.
  • Some experts doubt the app’s effectiveness in actually preventing harm.
  • The app’s use involves personal safety and privacy concerns.
  • Victims’ identities can be protected while using the app.
  • South Korea is trying new technology to address stalking issues.
  • The app is part of a broader effort to improve victim support services.
Read the Original

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

American-made drone technology guiding Ukraine's strikes into Russia

American-made drone technology guiding Ukraine's strikes into Russia

Summary

American-made drone technology is helping Ukraine target strikes deeper inside Russia. This support continues even though the U.S. has reduced some other military aid to Ukraine.

Key Facts

  • Ukraine is using drones made in the United States to guide its military strikes.
  • These drones help Ukraine hit targets farther inside Russian territory.
  • The U.S. has recently scaled back certain military support for Ukraine.
  • Despite this reduction, the American drone technology remains in use by Ukraine.
  • The information comes from a CBS News report by international correspondent Aiden Stretch.
Read the Original

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