The Actual News

Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.

World News

Comprehensive coverage of international news and global events

Whereabouts of nearly 300 people with Ebola unknown in DRC

Whereabouts of nearly 300 people with Ebola unknown in DRC

Summary

Nearly 300 people who tested positive for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) are missing, raising concerns about controlling the outbreak. The Ebola outbreak is severe, spreading amid conflict and displacement, with health workers struggling to reach affected people.

Key Facts

  • About 300 people with confirmed Ebola cases in the DRC are currently unaccounted for.
  • More than 1 million people are living in camps where health workers cannot easily reach them.
  • As of now, there have been 1,118 confirmed Ebola cases and 291 deaths in the DRC, and 20 cases with 2 deaths in Uganda.
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts between 6,636 and 10,287 cases by mid-September under a central scenario.
  • There is a 70% chance the outbreak could spread to neighboring South Sudan soon.
  • Health officials want to recruit 20,000 local community health workers to improve tracking and prevention.
  • Only 13% of the nearly $1 billion pledged in international support has been received so far.
  • New drug trials for treating and preventing this strain of Ebola are scheduled to begin soon in the DRC.
Read the Original

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

South Korea bets on personal drones to shore up defensive capability

South Korea bets on personal drones to shore up defensive capability

Summary

South Korea plans to give every soldier a personal drone as part of a large increase in aerial weapons. To prepare for threats from North Korea, South Korea will train 500,000 soldiers to use drones and produce over 100,000 drones in the next three years.

Key Facts

  • South Korea wants to equip each soldier with a personal drone.
  • The goal is to strengthen defense against North Korea.
  • Half a million South Korean soldiers will be trained to operate drones.
  • More than 100,000 drones will be made within three years.
  • Drones are seen as a way to improve defense despite fewer soldiers and fewer young people to recruit.
  • The drones will be self-guided, meaning they can operate on their own once launched.
  • This plan is part of South Korea’s effort to modernize its military.
  • The program aims to address challenges from North Korea’s military threats.
Read the Original

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

Christmas market attacker jailed for life for murdering six in Germany

Christmas market attacker jailed for life for murdering six in Germany

Summary

A court in Germany sentenced Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen to life in prison for killing six people by driving a car into a crowded Christmas market in Magdeburg in 2024. The attack lasted just over a minute and injured about 300 others. The attacker had personal motives and a history of mental health issues.

Key Facts

  • Taleb Al-Abdulmohsen is 51 years old and from Saudi Arabia.
  • He drove a rented BMW at up to 48 km/h (30 mph) through the Magdeburg Christmas market on 20 December 2024.
  • Six people died, including a nine-year-old boy and five women aged 45 to 75.
  • About 300 people were injured in the attack.
  • Al-Abdulmohsen was arrested immediately after the incident.
  • Prosecutors said he acted alone and was motivated by personal reasons, not ideology.
  • He has narcissistic personality disorder and had conflicts with German authorities.
  • He came to Germany as an asylum seeker in 2016, claiming persecution, and expressed critical views of Islam and support for a far-right German party.
  • He worked in a secure psychiatric facility before the attack and was recently considered unfit for work.
  • The trial was held in a special courthouse built to handle many victims.
Read the Original

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

Iranian national U.S. sought for $3.4 billion in hacking attacks arrested

Iranian national U.S. sought for $3.4 billion in hacking attacks arrested

Summary

Montenegro police arrested a 39-year-old man with Iranian and Turkish citizenship wanted by the U.S. for hacking attacks that caused $3.4 billion in damage. The man is charged with conspiracy to commit computer fraud, hacking, and identity theft, and is accused of attacking U.S. universities to benefit Iranian groups.

Key Facts

  • The man is wanted by a federal court in New York for hacking and computer crimes.
  • He was arrested in the coastal town of Kotor, Montenegro, at the request of the U.S. and FBI.
  • The hacking attacks began in 2013 and targeted U.S. infrastructure, including 150 universities.
  • The damage from these attacks is estimated at over $3.4 billion.
  • Stolen data was used to benefit the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and Iranian universities.
  • Montenegro will handle extradition proceedings to send the man to the U.S.
  • Montenegro is a NATO member, a U.S. ally, and a candidate to join the European Union.
Read the Original

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

Digested week: Another PM bites the dust and it’s surprisingly moving | John Crace

Digested week: Another PM bites the dust and it’s surprisingly moving | John Crace

Summary

The article discusses the frequent changes in British prime ministers over recent years and reflects on the personal nature of political resignations. It also describes the author’s renewed interest in the World Cup, highlighting England’s strong performance against Croatia and the challenges faced in the game against Ghana.

Key Facts

  • The UK has had seven prime ministers in the author’s 12.5 years of covering politics.
  • In the past four years alone, there have been four different UK prime ministers.
  • Keir Starmer resigned after Labour won a byelection, not due to election loss or opposition pressure.
  • Keir Starmer’s resignation speech was quick and subdued, contrasting with Boris Johnson’s more confrontational resignation.
  • Andy Burnham’s future as a political leader is uncertain due to voter impatience with unmet promises.
  • The author initially lost interest in the World Cup but regained passion after England’s game against Croatia.
  • England’s play against Croatia was described as urgent, creative, and very exciting.
  • The Ghana game showed a slower, less confident England team, struggling to adapt to Ghana’s defensive tactics.
Read the Original

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

‘Chock full of incredible animals’: marine expedition uncovers 31 new species in two weeks

‘Chock full of incredible animals’: marine expedition uncovers 31 new species in two weeks

Summary

A marine research team exploring ocean waters off Brazil discovered 31 new animal species in two weeks. They used advanced technology to study tiny sea creatures live on their ship, speeding up how fast they could identify new species.

Key Facts

  • The expedition took place in international waters near Brazil on the research vessel Falkor (too).
  • Researchers found 31 new species, including jellyfish, comb jellies, worms, and single-celled organisms.
  • The team used a special microscope called the Squid that lets them see living cells in 3D on the ship.
  • This microscope uses lasers to scan microscopic details quickly without needing to prepare samples for weeks.
  • The study focused on the ocean midwater zone, which covers 90% of Earth's living space but is very unexplored.
  • Experts from the US, Australia, Brazil, and Japan took part in the expedition.
  • The discoveries help scientists understand how ocean life is spread across different depths and locations.
  • Other tools included genetic analysis and advanced imaging systems to identify species fast.
Read the Original

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

IAEA demands verification of Iran nuclear ambitions amid ‘statement war’

IAEA demands verification of Iran nuclear ambitions amid ‘statement war’

Summary

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) calls for a strong system to verify Iran’s nuclear program to ensure it is not developing weapons. The United States and Iran continue talks about inspections amid conflicting statements, with Iran denying any intention to build nuclear arms.

Key Facts

  • IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi says strong verification is needed to monitor Iran’s nuclear activities.
  • The US and Western allies worry Iran’s nuclear program could lead to weapons, but Iran insists its program is only for peaceful, civilian use.
  • Iran stopped cooperating with the IAEA after US and Israeli attacks on its nuclear sites last year but has allowed some inspectors back recently.
  • Iran has not permitted access to nuclear sites that were bombed, and the status of some enriched uranium is unclear.
  • The US and Iran disagree publicly over inspection terms, with the US saying inspections were agreed on and Iran saying they are still being negotiated.
  • President Donald Trump claims Iran has agreed to the highest level of nuclear inspections, while Iran denies the accusations.
  • The 14-point memorandum of understanding (MoU) between the US and Iran includes a nuclear supervision part managed by the IAEA.
  • Iran urges Gulf states to help create a nuclear-weapons-free zone in West Asia.
Read the Original

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

Senior Ukrainian intelligence official jailed for life for spying for Russia

Senior Ukrainian intelligence official jailed for life for spying for Russia

Summary

A senior Ukrainian intelligence officer, Colonel Dmytro Kozyura, was sentenced to life in prison for spying for Russia's security service. He shared secret military and political information with Russia and was caught after being monitored by Ukraine’s security service.

Key Facts

  • Colonel Dmytro Kozyura was chief of staff at Ukraine’s anti-terrorism center.
  • He was recruited by Russia’s FSB in 2018 and resumed contact with them in December 2024.
  • Kozyura shared classified information about Ukraine’s military, leadership, and infrastructure.
  • Ukrainian intelligence arrested him in February 2025 after monitoring his communications.
  • He used a safehouse in Kyiv and separate devices to communicate with Russian handlers.
  • Before his arrest, Ukraine used Kozyura to send false information to Russian forces.
  • He was convicted of high treason and illegal handling of weapons under martial law.
  • The judge gave him a life sentence, the harshest punishment for spying.
Read the Original

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

Radio 2 DJ Trevor Nelson taking break from broadcasting over health issues

Radio 2 DJ Trevor Nelson taking break from broadcasting over health issues

Summary

Trevor Nelson, a BBC Radio 2 DJ, is taking a break from broadcasting due to health issues after a routine check-up led to further medical tests. He shared the news on Instagram and plans to focus on getting better before returning to work.

Key Facts

  • Trevor Nelson has not been on air all week due to health reasons.
  • He announced his break on Instagram to keep his followers informed.
  • Nelson was advised to have more medical tests after a routine check-up.
  • He has had a 30-year career at the BBC promoting black music genres like R&B, soul, and hip-hop.
  • Many musicians and media professionals sent him messages of support.
  • BBC Radio 2 and BBC Radio 1Xtra leaders wish him a speedy recovery.
  • Nelson recently received awards recognizing his broadcasting career, including one this week and one earlier this year.
  • He will still be heard on a pre-recorded concert broadcast on Radio 2 this Sunday.
Read the Original

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

King Charles' Wealth Compared To Trump's as UK Monarch Shares Tax Bill

King Charles' Wealth Compared To Trump's as UK Monarch Shares Tax Bill

Summary

King Charles III has paid over $40 million in taxes since becoming king in 2022, sharing new details about the British monarchy’s finances. In comparison, U.S. President Donald Trump’s wealth and tax records are less transparent, though Forbes estimates Trump’s net worth at about $6.5 billion.

Key Facts

  • King Charles III’s net worth is estimated at about £680 million ($900 million).
  • Charles’s income mainly comes from the Duchy of Lancaster estate and personal investments, not a government salary.
  • Since his reign began in September 2022, Charles has paid over $40 million in taxes.
  • President Trump’s net worth is estimated at $6.5 billion, mostly from real estate, golf clubs, cryptocurrency, and media companies.
  • Trump chose to take a $1 salary as president instead of the official $400,000 annual salary.
  • Trump’s wealth grew by $1.4 billion over the past year, with some losses in his media company’s value.
  • Trump has not fully released his tax returns, breaking with past presidents, but some returns were leaked showing limited federal income tax paid in recent years.
  • Charles’s tax disclosure provides a rare public look at royal finances, while Trump continues to face calls to release his full tax documents.
Read the Original

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

Great Britain’s grid operator warns again over power supplies in heatwave

Great Britain’s grid operator warns again over power supplies in heatwave

Summary

Great Britain’s energy system operator warned about tight electricity supplies due to a heatwave causing high demand for cooling. The operator asked power generators to increase output to avoid problems, but the overall electricity supply remains stable, with no blackouts expected.

Key Facts

  • The National Energy System Operator (Neso) issued a warning about electricity supply tightness on Thursday.
  • The heatwave is causing many people to use air conditioners and fans, raising electricity demand.
  • Neso had previously issued a similar warning earlier in the week.
  • Wind speeds have slowed because of the heat, reducing renewable energy production.
  • Neso paid about £10 million extra to gas power plants to boost electricity output on Wednesday evening.
  • Some UK gas power plants have reduced output due to the heat.
  • In France, four nuclear plants stopped working unexpectedly because river water was too warm to cool reactors.
  • The French utility EDF plans to spend €80 million to install cooling systems in schools and daycare centers for future heatwaves.
Read the Original

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

Even young and fit urged to skip runs and too many beers in heatwave

Even young and fit urged to skip runs and too many beers in heatwave

Summary

Europe is experiencing extreme heat causing more medical emergencies, including heart problems, even among young and fit people. Officials advise avoiding outdoor exercise and limiting alcohol to stay hydrated and reduce health risks during the heatwave.

Key Facts

  • Ambulance services in London and Paris report sharp rises in serious emergencies like cardiac arrests due to the heat.
  • London saw a 50% increase in life-threatening emergency calls, with cardiac arrests up 30% on the hottest day this week.
  • Paris will ban public drinking of alcohol for two days to help reduce heat-related health issues.
  • Alcohol causes dehydration by making you urinate more, which is dangerous during hot weather when you sweat a lot.
  • Heat exhaustion can quickly develop into heatstroke, a medical emergency where the body cannot cool down.
  • Experts suggest avoiding strenuous exercise outdoors during high temperatures and choosing cooler times like early morning or late evening.
  • Officials warn that even young and healthy people are vulnerable to heat-related illnesses.
  • People are advised to hydrate well by drinking water regularly, especially between alcoholic drinks, to prevent dehydration.
Read the Original

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

Highlife enjoys growing popularity in the hands of new generation of musicians

Highlife enjoys growing popularity in the hands of new generation of musicians

Summary

Highlife is a style of music that started about 100 years ago in the port cities of Ghana. It mixes old colonial brass instruments with traditional African rhythms and was important during West African independence. UNESCO has recognized Highlife as an important cultural heritage, and new musicians are helping the music grow and change.

Key Facts

  • Highlife music began around 100 years ago in Ghana.
  • It combines brass instruments introduced during colonial times with local African rhythms.
  • The genre played a key role during West Africa’s independence movements.
  • UNESCO has added Highlife to the list of intangible cultural heritage.
  • A new generation of musicians is updating Highlife to keep it alive and fresh.
  • The genre is gaining popularity again both in Africa and worldwide.
  • Highlife is called the "grandfather" of modern African music.
  • The music reflects the history and culture of West Africa.
Read the Original

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

Baby pulled alive from rubble after Venezuela earthquake

Baby pulled alive from rubble after Venezuela earthquake

Summary

Rescuers in Venezuela found a baby alive under the rubble after a strong earthquake caused buildings to collapse. Teams are still searching for many people who are missing after the disaster.

Key Facts

  • A powerful earthquake hit Venezuela, causing buildings to fall down.
  • Rescuers discovered a baby alive under the collapsed building.
  • Search efforts are ongoing for thousands of missing people.
  • The earthquake caused widespread damage and fear.
  • Emergency teams are working to help victims and find survivors.
Read the Original

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

Nigeria's major police reform edges forward after senate approval

Nigeria's major police reform edges forward after senate approval

Summary

The Nigerian Senate approved a bill that lets each of Nigeria's 36 states set up its own police force. This change aims to improve security but also raises worries that powerful state governors might gain too much control, possibly increasing violence.

Key Facts

  • The Nigerian Senate approved the bill on June 24, 2026.
  • The bill allows individual states to create their own police forces.
  • Nigeria has 36 states in total.
  • Recent events, like a large school kidnapping in the southwest, highlighted security problems.
  • Experts caution that giving states police control could empower governors in a country where politics can be violent.
  • The existing national police force has faced criticism over handling conflicts.
  • Security concerns include threats from groups like Boko Haram.
Read the Original

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

France’s Green Policies Have Left It Unprepared for Climate Change

France’s Green Policies Have Left It Unprepared for Climate Change

Summary

France experienced extreme heat above 104 degrees Fahrenheit that forced closures of schools and public transport in Paris. The country’s long-term climate policies focused on saving energy and cutting emissions but did not prepare buildings or public spaces for very hot weather, leaving people vulnerable during heatwaves.

Key Facts

  • Paris shut down schools, museums, and public transport during a June heatwave with temperatures over 104°F.
  • France’s climate policies prioritize energy saving and reducing emissions, focusing on keeping buildings warm in winter rather than cool in summer.
  • Only about 7% of French households have air conditioning; including fans, about 25% have any cooling.
  • Public spaces like schools often lack cooling systems, causing closures during extreme heat.
  • French building rules protect historic looks and limit additions such as external air conditioners.
  • Many French homes trap heat because they are built to keep warmth inside during winter.
  • Around 40% of homes lack shutters, which help block solar heat and reduce indoor temperature.
  • The combination of hot weather and unadapted buildings causes dangerous indoor heat levels, especially in dense cities like Paris.
Read the Original

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

Russia reports downing 660 Ukrainian drones, denies seeking Belarus war aid

Russia reports downing 660 Ukrainian drones, denies seeking Belarus war aid

Summary

Russia said it shot down 660 drones launched by Ukraine in the biggest strike so far. Ukraine’s drone attacks have damaged Russian energy sites and caused fuel shortages, raising concerns that Russia might ask Belarus to join the war. Belarus denies plans to enter the conflict and says it wants peace.

Key Facts

  • Russia’s Ministry of Defence reported downing 660 Ukrainian drones overnight.
  • The drone attacks hit 13 Russian regions including Moscow and Crimea.
  • A house was damaged and a woman injured in the Tula region due to the attacks.
  • An industrial plant important for Russian explosives production in Novomoskovsk was damaged.
  • Ukraine targets energy infrastructure to disrupt Russia’s war funding and supply lines.
  • Ukrainian President Zelenskyy accused Russia of pushing Belarus to help in the war.
  • Belarus denies plans to join the conflict and says it wants to keep peace.
  • Belarusian President Lukashenko warned Ukraine not to try to drag Belarus into the war.
Read the Original

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

Moment woman pulled from rubble alive after Venezuela earthquake

Moment woman pulled from rubble alive after Venezuela earthquake

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela with magnitudes of 7.2 and 7.5, causing major damage. At least 235 people died, 4,300 were injured, and many are still missing. Rescuers saved a woman named Graciela Mora alive from the rubble in the hard-hit area of La Guaira.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes of 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude struck Venezuela recently.
  • The quakes are among the strongest in over 100 years in the region.
  • At least 235 people have died due to the earthquakes.
  • About 4,300 people were injured.
  • Many are still trapped under rubble or missing.
  • Graciela Mora was rescued alive from a collapsed building in La Guaira.
  • Graciela suffered injuries, including a broken finger.
  • She held the hand of a friend who died while waiting to be rescued.
Read the Original

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

More Than 50,000 Missing in Venezuela Quakes as Death Toll Rises

More Than 50,000 Missing in Venezuela Quakes as Death Toll Rises

Summary

Two strong earthquakes hit Venezuela on Wednesday, causing severe damage and many casualties. Over 50,000 people are reported missing, and the death toll has reached 235, with the number expected to rise.

Key Facts

  • Two earthquakes measuring 7.2 and 7.5 struck Venezuela in quick succession on Wednesday evening.
  • The earthquakes caused at least 235 deaths and more than 4,300 injuries so far.
  • More than 50,000 people have been reported missing since the quakes.
  • Rescuers are searching collapsed buildings in Caracas and nearby areas for survivors.
  • The quakes were shallow, less than 20 miles underground, which increased the damage.
  • This double-earthquake event is unusual because both were strong; normally, aftershocks are smaller.
  • The earthquakes’ epicenters were near Moron, about 105 miles west of Caracas.
  • The second quake was the strongest in Venezuela since 1900.
Read the Original

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

Outrage as woman jailed for three years after criticising Somali government online

Outrage as woman jailed for three years after criticising Somali government online

Summary

A Somali woman named Sadia Moalim Ali was sentenced to three years in prison for criticizing the Somali government on social media. Her case has drawn strong criticism from former officials and human rights groups, who say the sentence is unfair and violates freedom of expression.

Key Facts

  • Sadia Moalim Ali, 27, was jailed after posting critical comments about government issues like youth unemployment, high fuel prices, and corruption.
  • She was convicted of insulting government institutions but not of incitement to commit a crime.
  • Her sentence was given on June 25 and caused public outrage in Somalia.
  • Former Somali president Sharif Sheikh Ahmed and former prime minister Hassan Ali Khaire condemned the sentence.
  • Human rights groups say this case is part of a wider problem of harassment and discrimination against women activists in Somalia.
  • Ali has been in custody since April 12 and reported being tortured and threatened by police while detained.
  • Her lawyers have appealed the verdict, calling the sentence harsh and unjust.
  • Somali authorities have faced accusations since 2022 of cracking down on journalists and activists through arrests and intimidation.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account