Today in News History

On July 13, several notable moments in the history of News stand out. In 1863, American Civil War: The New York City draft riots begin three days of rioting which will later be regarded as the worst in United States history. In 1911, Bob Steele, American radio personality (died 2002) was born. In 1946, Alfred Stieglitz, American photographer and curator (born 1864) passed away. In 1964, Charlie Hides, American drag queen and comedian was born. In 1973, Watergate scandal: Alexander Butterfield reveals the existence of a secret Oval Office taping system to investigators for the Senate Watergate Committee. In 1977, New York City: Amidst a period of financial and social turmoil experiences an electrical blackout lasting nearly 24 hours that leads to widespread fires and looting. In 1988, DJ LeMahieu, American baseball player was born. In 2011, United Nations Security Council Resolution 1999 is adopted, which admits South Sudan to member status of United Nations. In 2024, President of the United States Donald Trump is injured in an assassination attempt while speaking at an election campaign rally near Butler, Pennsylvania. In 2024, Richard Simmons, American fitness personality and public figure (born 1948) passed away. Together, these milestones provide historical context for today's news news and ongoing narratives.

'Cool in 90 seconds' - the fake portable air conditioners sweeping the internet

BBC News

BBC News

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July 10, 2026

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Narrative Analysis: Appeal to Fear
'Cool in 90 seconds' - the fake portable air conditioners sweeping the internet

The ASA says adverts claiming small devices can rapidly cool rooms were too good to be true.

Narrative Intelligence Brief

This article was published by BBC News, a source frequently categorized with a center bias based in United Kingdom. Our narrative intelligence engine continuously monitors coverage from this outlet to track framing, bias, and rhetorical patterns. In this specific piece, our systems detected the potential use of the "Appeal to Fear" technique. This narrative approach is often used to shape reader perception by highlighting specific emotional or rhetorical angles. By understanding the editorial perspective of BBC News, readers can better contextualize the information presented and compare it across our broader media matrix to find the real narrative.

Reliability Insights

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Technique: Appeal to Fear
System analysis detected use of specific narrative techniques in this piece.
Analysis Methodology
This narrative analysis was generated using the CoDataLab Global Intelligence Engine. Our proprietary AI scans thousands of cross-border sources to identify sentiment patterns, framing techniques, and potential media bias. While AI provides the data-driven foundation, our objective is to empower readers with additional context beyond the standard headline.The content displayed above is a structured summary designed for rapid information processing. For the full original report, please visit the source outlet.

How other outlets are covering this story

Compare narratives across 36 related reports from 36 sources. Real Narrative News aggregates the coverage spectrum so you can see who emphasises what — bias tags reflect the outlet, not the story.

Coverage bias distribution

36 sources

Left 44%

Center 28%

Right 19%


Daily Mail

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· Jul 10, 2026

Bots buy up Britain's air con: Over-heating customers complain as cooling units for sale online disappear as soon as they try to buy them - and reappear at six times the price on eBay

Bots buy up Britain's air con: Over-heating customers complain as cooling units for sale online disappear as soon as they try to buy them - and reappear at six times the price on eBay

Wired

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· Jun 26, 2026

Get Off Grid in Style Thanks to This Device—On Sale for Prime Day (2026)

Pick up this deal on Jackery’s most portable battery and power up your adventures wherever they take you.

AllSides

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· Jun 27, 2026

Europe's Come-to-AC Moment

In stifling apartments and sweaty row houses in England, Germany, and even Scandinavia, some Europeans are considering a very American idea: They really need an air conditioner. One of their most accessible options, though, might feel unfamiliar to anyone accustomed to central air. Among Europe's commonly used types of air conditioning is a clunky, inefficient unit that stands a few feet high and has a wide exhaust tube meant to go out a window. Such units are typically a panic-buy on a hot weekend, Brian Motherway, the head of energy efficiency at the International Energy Agency, told me. People grab the first machine they see and end up living with it for a decade, he said...

iPhone in Canada

Unknown

· Jul 7, 2026

Koodo Follows Fido and Virgin with Across the Board $5 Price Hikes

Like clockwork, Canada’s biggest wireless carriers continue to follow each other when it comes to pricing. Telus flanker brand Koodo has increased prices across the board today by 5, a move that matches Virgin Plus and Fido. Here are Koodo’s plans as of June 7, 2026, for bring your own device and after autopay discounts: [] The post Koodo Follows Fido and Virgin with Across the Board 5 Price Hikes first appeared on iPhone in Canada.

Metro

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· Jun 30, 2026

Another heatwave is coming — here’s our guide to buying a portable air conditioner

Metro is here to help you survive the next heatwave, with our easy guide to buying a portable aircon unit and if they are actually worth having.

The Standard

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· Jun 24, 2026

Best air conditioning units 2026, tried and tested in the UK heatwave

For when your fan just won’t cut it

Irish News

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· Jun 22, 2026

8 hacks to cool your home quickly without air-con

Combat the heatwave with these quick tips and tricks.

Sky News - Business

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· Jun 25, 2026

Don't buy air conditioning until you've read this

Don't buy air conditioning until you've read this

JOE.co.uk

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· Jun 22, 2026

People rushing to buy ‘amazing’ ice-fueled air cooler that’s dropped to under £40 as UK heatwave hits

A cool deal for a cooler room With heatwave warnings issued across England and temperatures continuing to climb, many people are searching for affordable ways to stay cool. This portable air cooler could be just what you need to get through the hot weather, and for a limited time, it’s available for less than £40! []

Cosmopolitan

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· Jul 9, 2026

8 Effortless Summer Work Outfit Formulas That Feel as Cool as They Look

Trust me, these outfits can withstand sweaty commutes and frigid office AC.

Brisbane Times

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· Jun 23, 2026

It’s one of the distinctive sounds of South East Asia – but soon the noise of the ‘tuk-tuk’ might be gone

Asia’s ubiquitous three-wheeled tuk-tuks add hugely to the smog and noise of the continent’s megacities. Now, battery-powered versions promise a cleaner, quieter future – and to transform economies.

Global News

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· Jun 23, 2026

The Curator: Best portable power stations on sale for Amazon Prime Day from Jackery, Bluetti & more

From camping companions to whole-home backup beasts, these portable power stations keep the good times going all summer long.

MakeUseOf

Unknown

· Jul 1, 2026

These cheap gadgets quietly protect my expensive home appliances

Why spend a lot on your backup plan?

Daily Dot

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· Jul 1, 2026

‘They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To’: HVAC Worker Finds 48-Year-Old AC Still Working

An HVAC worker is going viral online after making a surprising discovery while servicing a 1978 air conditioner that’s still running. In the clip, he’s standing on a roof showing viewers the date stamped on the Goettl unit before saying, “48 years and still going.” He says the air coming out measures 56 degrees. He Sign up to receive the Daily Dot’s Internet Insider newsletter for urgent news from the frontline of online. The post ‘They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To’: HVAC Worker Finds 48-Year-Old AC Still Working appeared first on The Daily Dot.

Foreign Policy Journal

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· Jun 28, 2026

European Soccer Fans Discover America’s Obsession With Air Conditioning At The 2026 FIFA World Cup

If the 2026 FIFA World Cup has taught international visitors anything, it’s that Americans take air conditioning extremely seriously. Between matches, sightseeing, and cross-country travel, European fans have found what may be the tournament’s most unexpected standout: aggressively chilled indoor spaces. On TikTok, the hashtag WorldCup has surpassed 8 million posts, while WorldCup2026 has reached [] The post European Soccer Fans Discover America’s Obsession With Air Conditioning At The 2026 FIFA World Cup appeared first on Foreign Policy Journal.

Irish Star

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· Jul 1, 2026

These bestselling fans can help you stay cool during the Fourth of July heatwave

Keep your home cooler without relying on the AC around the clock. These bestselling fan deals are perfect for tackling the expected Fourth of July heatwave.

ZDNet

center

· Jul 10, 2026

Best wireless chargers of 2026: Expert tested

We tested the top wireless chargers from brands like Anker and Nomad to find the ones that make powering your devices easier than ever.

Gizmodo

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· Jun 25, 2026

The Best Tech to Level Up Summer 2026

Stay cool and enjoy the long, sunny days ahead with these gadgets to upgrade your life this summer and beyond.

The i Paper

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· Jun 25, 2026

The step-by-step guide to getting air con fitted at home – and what it could cost

Considering installing air conditioning? Here's what you need to know, and what to avoid

National Post

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· Jul 3, 2026

Geoff Russ: Europe’s irrational allergy to air conditioning

The so-called green transition is cooking them alive

CBC News

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· Jun 23, 2026

Drive-thru chatbots are clocking in at fast-food chains

Drive-thru chatbots are clocking in at fast-food chains

DNyuz

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· Jul 6, 2026

See how bad the air quality in D.C. really got after the Freedom 250 fireworks

Air quality in Washington, D.C., remained at unhealthy levels for more than 10 hours after the 40-minute fireworks show over the National Mall, according to data from AirNow, a website maintained by the Environmental Protection Agency reporting air quality measurements from physical sensors. Jason Hill, an environmental scientist at the University of Minnesota who reviewed []

Mashable

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· Jun 23, 2026

Regularly $2,999, the Jackery HomePower 3000 power station is over $1,000 off for Prime Day

The Jackery HomePower 3000 portable power station with two 200W solar panels is on sale for 1,599 at Amazon. That’s a 1,400 discount.

One Green Planet

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· Jun 25, 2026

The Thermostat That Pays for Itself: Best Smart Thermostats for 2026

The best smart thermostats of 2026, ranked for real energy savings and HVAC compatibility — ecobee, Nest, Amazon, Honeywell, and Sensi, with honest flaws and current prices.

CNET

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· Jul 6, 2026

Best Cheap Phone of 2026: These Good Phones Are Still at Reasonable Prices

Even as the cost of electronics rises, these phones provide everything you need without spending a ton of money.

Home Business Mag

Unknown

· Jul 1, 2026

Safety Devices Used in Modern Elevator Systems

Home Business Magazine Online Explore the safety devices used in modern elevator systems and learn how they prevent accidents, improve reliability ensure safe operation. The post Safety Devices Used in Modern Elevator Systems appeared first on Home Business Magazine.

Independent Online

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· Jul 2, 2026

Clearing the air: eThekwini tackles prepaid electricity misconceptions

Clearing the air: eThekwini tackles prepaid electricity misconceptions

Latestly.com

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· Jul 10, 2026

90-Second AC Scam? Experts Warn Mini Air Coolers Sold Online Can't Cool Rooms Like Air Conditioners

Online retail platforms and social media networks have recently seen a surge in advertisements for miniature cooling devices promising to lower room temperatures in just 90 seconds. Marketed under various brand names, these lightweight, low-wattage units are heavily promoted as low-cost, energy-efficient replacements for traditional air conditioners.

Business Today

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· Jul 1, 2026

Getting your AC serviced? How to check if the right gas is being used

So how do you know if the right gas is being filled in your air conditioner? Here's what every AC owner needs to check.

The News Letter

lean right

· Jul 1, 2026

Vax SpinScrub carpet cleaner drops to £125.10 in Amazon deal

The Vax SpinScrub Power Plus tackles carpets, upholstery, stairs and car interiors, and it's now available with a £124.89 discount on Amazon

Egypt Independent

lean right

· Jun 27, 2026

European heat wave brings in cool cash for Asian air-conditioner makers as sales surge

Seoul / Beijing Reuters — As Europe sweats through record-breaking temperatures, Asian makers of air conditioners, like South Korea’s Samsung Electronics, China’s Midea and Japan’s Mitsubishi Electric, are enjoying a boom in sales. Air conditioning is common throughout buildings, transport and homes in major cities across Asia, but it is rare in Europe and people are The post European heat wave brings in cool cash for Asian air-conditioner makers as sales surge appeared first on Egypt Independent.

DutchNews.nl

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· Jun 22, 2026

One in five homes have air conditioning as heatwaves increase

Around one-fifth of households in the Netherlands has air conditioning installed as people deal with the prospect of warmer summers...

The Independent

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· Jun 30, 2026

Life-threatening temperatures are gripping US cities — here are some hacks to stay cool without AC 

Sweltering conditions are expected to last through the weekend

South China Morning Post

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· Jun 29, 2026

China’s cooling, e-commerce giants reap windfall as a scorched Europe scrambles for relief

A heatwave sweeping across Europe has triggered a massive surge in sales for Chinese home appliances, with e-commerce giant Alibaba recording triple-digit growth for air conditioners and fans on its overseas platforms. On AliExpress, Alibaba’s international retail site, the June debut of air conditioners in Germany saw warehouse inventory for a 2.35-kilowatt Midea model completely wiped out by Thursday, according to data from Alibaba. The trend was also stark in southern Europe. Fan sales in...

Futurism

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· Jul 1, 2026

Is Your Air Conditioning Killing People Thousands of Miles Away?

Individual air conditioning is a scourge. The post Is Your Air Conditioning Killing People Thousands of Miles Away? appeared first on Futurism.

CNN

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· Jun 26, 2026

We tried to find AC in the UK during a heatwave

As a record breaking heatwave hits the UK, we went on the hunt for an elusive AC unit, something which only 10% of UK homes had. Here’s how it went…

Topics:

World · 17
Politics · 7
Technology · 6
Business · 3
Lifestyle · 1

Related coverage for "'Cool in 90 seconds' - the fake portable air conditioners sweeping the internet": Daily Mail — Bots buy up Britain's air con: Over-heating customers complain as cooling units for sale online disappear as soon as they try to buy them - and reappear at six times the price on eBay. Wired — Get Off Grid in Style Thanks to This Device—On Sale for Prime Day (2026). AllSides — Europe's Come-to-AC Moment. iPhone in Canada — Koodo Follows Fido and Virgin with Across the Board $5 Price Hikes. Metro — Another heatwave is coming — here’s our guide to buying a portable air conditioner. The Standard — Best air conditioning units 2026, tried and tested in the UK heatwave. Irish News — 8 hacks to cool your home quickly without air-con. Sky News - Business — Don't buy air conditioning until you've read this. JOE.co.uk — People rushing to buy ‘amazing’ ice-fueled air cooler that’s dropped to under £40 as UK heatwave hits. Cosmopolitan — 8 Effortless Summer Work Outfit Formulas That Feel as Cool as They Look. Brisbane Times — It’s one of the distinctive sounds of South East Asia – but soon the noise of the ‘tuk-tuk’ might be gone. Global News — The Curator: Best portable power stations on sale for Amazon Prime Day from Jackery, Bluetti & more. MakeUseOf — These cheap gadgets quietly protect my expensive home appliances. Daily Dot — ‘They Don’t Make Them Like They Used To’: HVAC Worker Finds 48-Year-Old AC Still Working. Foreign Policy Journal — European Soccer Fans Discover America’s Obsession With Air Conditioning At The 2026 FIFA World Cup. Irish Star — These bestselling fans can help you stay cool during the Fourth of July heatwave. ZDNet — Best wireless chargers of 2026: Expert tested. Gizmodo — The Best Tech to Level Up Summer 2026. The i Paper — The step-by-step guide to getting air con fitted at home – and what it could cost. National Post — Geoff Russ: Europe’s irrational allergy to air conditioning. CBC News — Drive-thru chatbots are clocking in at fast-food chains. DNyuz — See how bad the air quality in D.C. really got after the Freedom 250 fireworks. Mashable — Regularly $2,999, the Jackery HomePower 3000 power station is over $1,000 off for Prime Day. One Green Planet — The Thermostat That Pays for Itself: Best Smart Thermostats for 2026. CNET — Best Cheap Phone of 2026: These Good Phones Are Still at Reasonable Prices. Home Business Mag — Safety Devices Used in Modern Elevator Systems. Independent Online — Clearing the air: eThekwini tackles prepaid electricity misconceptions. Latestly.com — 90-Second AC Scam? Experts Warn Mini Air Coolers Sold Online Can't Cool Rooms Like Air Conditioners. Business Today — Getting your AC serviced? How to check if the right gas is being used. The News Letter — Vax SpinScrub carpet cleaner drops to £125.10 in Amazon deal. Egypt Independent — European heat wave brings in cool cash for Asian air-conditioner makers as sales surge. DutchNews.nl — One in five homes have air conditioning as heatwaves increase. The Independent — Life-threatening temperatures are gripping US cities — here are some hacks to stay cool without AC . South China Morning Post — China’s cooling, e-commerce giants reap windfall as a scorched Europe scrambles for relief. Futurism — Is Your Air Conditioning Killing People Thousands of Miles Away?. CNN — We tried to find AC in the UK during a heatwave