Account

  Login
  Sign Up For Free

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

Latest News

Recent developments and breaking news

First Thing: Former FBI director James Comey indicted over Instagram seashells post

First Thing: Former FBI director James Comey indicted over Instagram seashells post

April 29, 2026 • Us • Guardian World

Summary

The Justice Department charged former FBI Director James Comey with two felonies related to a social media post he made last year. Comey posted a picture of seashells arranged as "86 47," which prosecutors say was a threat against President Donald Trump, but Comey said he did not realize the numbers were connected to violence.

Key Facts

  • James Comey was charged with making a threat against President Trump and sending that threat across state lines using social media.
  • The photo showed seashells arranged to form the numbers "86 47," which can be interpreted as a call to "get rid of" President Trump (86 is slang for removing something).
  • Comey posted the picture on Instagram from vacation and captioned it simply as a cool seashell formation.
  • Comey deleted the post and apologized, saying he did not know the numbers were linked to violence.
  • Prosecutors argue a reasonable person would see the post as a serious threat to the president.
  • Comey released a video denying guilt and expressing confidence in the federal court system.
  • The charges represent another legal action involving political figures during President Trump's administration.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
DNA links Florida man in Philippines to 1989 child abduction

DNA links Florida man in Philippines to 1989 child abduction

April 29, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

A man accused of kidnapping and sexually abusing a a 7-year-old girl in Florida in 1989 was arrested in the Philippines in April 2025. Authorities used preserved DNA evidence and genealogical research to identify and locate Young Tom Talmadge, who now faces charges related to the crime.

Key Facts

  • The crime happened in Tampa, Florida, in 1989 involving a 7-year-old girl.
  • The suspect, Young Tom Talmadge, is 69 years old.
  • DNA evidence from the case and family tree research led investigators to Talmadge.
  • Talmadge was found living in Cavite, Philippines, over 9,000 miles from Tampa.
  • Philippine authorities arrested him on April 23, 2025.
  • He faces charges of sexual battery, lewd acts on a child, and kidnapping.
  • The Philippines plans to deport him as he is considered a fugitive.
  • The arrest is part of the Philippines' Shield Kids campaign to stop foreign child sex offenders from hiding there.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
We detected Aids through a federal early warning system. Trump has decimated it | Robert B. Shpiner

We detected Aids through a federal early warning system. Trump has decimated it | Robert B. Shpiner

April 29, 2026 • Us • Guardian US

Summary

Federal health and science advisory panels and data systems that have long helped U.S. doctors respond to diseases are being changed or weakened under President Trump's administration. These changes include dismissing expert members, stopping important public health data updates, and politically influencing scientific publications and funding boards.

Key Facts

  • In 1981, the CDC's weekly report first identified early cases of what became AIDS, helping doctors respond quickly.
  • The National Science Board, which oversees $9 billion in annual basic research grants, recently had many members fired without explanation.
  • The administration dismissed all members of the advisory committee on immunization practices, which has guided vaccine recommendations for 60 years.
  • After the committee was dismissed, childhood vaccine recommendations were reduced without expert input.
  • A federal judge found many replacements for vaccine advisory members lacked proper expertise.
  • The CDC stopped updating 38 public health databases, most related to vaccines, without explanation.
  • A CDC journal rejected a scientific paper on COVID-19 vaccine effectiveness after political concerns over the methods used.
  • These changes reduce the independence of federal health agencies and interfere with science-based medical guidance.
Read the Original

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

Guardian US
‘Still lots to talk about’: UK galleries team up to shine light on female artists

‘Still lots to talk about’: UK galleries team up to shine light on female artists

April 29, 2026 • World • Guardian World

Summary

Several UK galleries, including Penlee House in Cornwall, have teamed up to showcase works by important British female artists in an exhibition called Making Her Mark. This event is part of a UK-wide program called Going Places, which supports museums to share and celebrate their collections, focusing on highlighting women artists who have faced historical challenges.

Key Facts

  • Penlee House in Cornwall usually has mostly male artists featured in its collection.
  • The exhibition Making Her Mark includes works by female artists like Tracey Emin, Barbara Hepworth, Laura Knight, Elizabeth Forbes, and Gillian Ayres.
  • The show is a collaboration between Penlee House, Worcester City Art Gallery and Museum, and Kirkcaldy Galleries in Scotland.
  • Making Her Mark will stay in Penzance until autumn before moving to Worcestershire and Fife in the following year.
  • This exhibition is the first under Art Fund’s £5 million Going Places program involving 20 museums across the UK.
  • The galleries aimed to highlight the historical exclusion of women artists, including limited access to art schools and subjects.
  • The collaboration encouraged the galleries to rethink how they collect and display works by women artists.
  • Some artworks, like a large tapestry by Romani textile artist Imogen Bright Moon, required special planning for display space.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World
CEOs of US’s top energy firms received average pay raise of $12.3m, review finds

CEOs of US’s top energy firms received average pay raise of $12.3m, review finds

April 29, 2026 • Business • Guardian World

Summary

CEOs of the top U.S. utility companies received an average pay raise of 16% last year, reaching $12.3 million each. This increase happened while many customers faced higher utility bills and frequent power shutoffs.

Key Facts

  • CEO pay at 38 of 51 major U.S. utilities increased last year.
  • The average CEO salary for these companies is now $12.3 million.
  • Utility bills have risen by up to 40% in some areas since 2021.
  • Utilities shut off power to customers 13 million times nationwide in 2024.
  • Customers have paid over $5 billion towards utility CEO salaries since 2017.
  • CEOs received perks such as private jets and condos, sometimes paid for by customers.
  • Some CEOs got pay raises despite their companies having poor performance and many outages.
  • State utility commissions regulate these companies, and customers often cannot choose their utility provider.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
Renewal of controversial FISA program in limbo ahead of Thursday deadline

Renewal of controversial FISA program in limbo ahead of Thursday deadline

April 29, 2026 • Us • CBS News

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives is delaying a vote on renewing Section 702 of the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act, a spying program that allows surveillance of foreigners outside the U.S. The program is set to expire soon, and lawmakers are debating how to extend it while adding protections for Americans’ privacy.

Key Facts

  • Section 702 allows the government to collect communications from non-U.S. citizens outside the country without a warrant.
  • The program can also collect data of Americans connected to those foreigners, and the FBI can search that data without a warrant.
  • The law is due to expire on Thursday after a short extension from April 20.
  • House Republicans proposed a three-year renewal with some privacy safeguards but no warrant requirement for searches of Americans’ data.
  • Some senators want a warrant requirement, creating disagreement between the House and Senate.
  • President Trump had pushed for an 18-month renewal without changes, but many lawmakers, including Republicans, opposed this.
  • The House delayed votes multiple times due to lack of agreement among Republicans.
  • The bill includes measures for FBI reporting and greater congressional access to surveillance court proceedings.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
States take up kids online safety as Congress stalls

States take up kids online safety as Congress stalls

April 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Several U.S. states are increasing pressure on social media and AI companies to protect children online because Congress has not passed new laws on this issue. State officials are launching investigations, reaching legal settlements, and passing laws to improve online safety for kids.

Key Facts

  • State prosecutors are investigating social media and AI companies about child safety measures.
  • Congress is currently unable to agree on new federal rules to protect children online.
  • States are using legal settlements and court verdicts to hold companies accountable.
  • Some states are creating their own laws to improve online safety for children.
  • The actions by states aim to address risks children face on social media and AI platforms.
  • This effort shows a gap between federal government actions and state-level initiatives.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Redistricting war draws to a close: A look at GOP, Democratic gains

Redistricting war draws to a close: A look at GOP, Democratic gains

April 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Voters in Virginia approved a new congressional map that favors Democrats and may help them win more seats in the upcoming elections. Meanwhile, Florida is preparing a map that favors Republicans, which could balance the advantage Democrats gain in Virginia.

Key Facts

  • Virginia voters approved a new congressional map that leans toward the Democratic Party.
  • This map could help Democrats win more seats in the next House of Representatives election.
  • Florida is working on a new congressional map that favors the Republican Party (GOP).
  • The Florida map could reduce the gains Democrats might make in Virginia.
  • Both states are part of a national struggle over drawing congressional district boundaries.
  • Texas started the recent wave of redistricting changes earlier this year.
  • Redistricting is the process of redrawing district lines that decide which voters belong to which congressional area.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Republicans’ go-it-alone strategy keeps hitting walls, jeopardizing must-pass bills

Republicans’ go-it-alone strategy keeps hitting walls, jeopardizing must-pass bills

April 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

House Republicans are trying to pass important bills on their own without support from other parties. Their approach is causing delays and problems in passing legislation needed to fund government operations and set policies.

Key Facts

  • House Republicans are pursuing a "go-it-alone" strategy on key bills.
  • The bills include funding for the Department of Homeland Security.
  • They also involve extending government surveillance powers.
  • Another bill sets farm policy for the next five years.
  • This strategy is causing difficulties in passing these must-pass bills.
  • The conflicts are mainly occurring in the House of Representatives.
  • The delays may affect government operations and programs.
  • GOP leaders are leading this effort without relying on bipartisan support.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Supreme Court hears Trump’s bid to curtail deportation protection program

Supreme Court hears Trump’s bid to curtail deportation protection program

April 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

The Supreme Court is hearing a case about President Trump’s attempt to limit a program called Temporary Protected Status (TPS). TPS protects certain noncitizens from being deported when their home countries are unsafe due to war, natural disasters, or other serious problems.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court will decide if the Trump administration can reduce protections under the TPS program.
  • TPS was created in 1990 to help people who cannot return home safely.
  • TPS applies to people from countries affected by war, natural disasters, or other dangerous situations.
  • President Trump’s government wants to end or reduce TPS protections for some groups.
  • This case is part of President Trump’s broader efforts to tighten immigration rules.
  • Hundreds of thousands of noncitizens currently have TPS status in the U.S.
  • The Supreme Court’s decision will affect the legal status of those protected by TPS.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Senate GOP pushes back on Trump ballroom amid affordability worries

Senate GOP pushes back on Trump ballroom amid affordability worries

April 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

Senate Republicans are hesitant to support President Trump's plan to build a large ballroom at the White House. Some GOP senators worry it could look bad politically, especially if taxpayer money is used.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has proposed building a 90,000-square-foot ballroom at the White House.
  • Senate Republicans are reluctant to vote for legislation that would approve this plan.
  • Some GOP senators think supporting the project could hurt their political standing.
  • Concerns exist about using taxpayer funds for the ballroom's construction.
  • Despite hesitations, many Republicans support the idea in principle but oppose the timing or funding.
  • The project is described as controversial among lawmakers.
  • The political climate is a factor in the GOP’s cautious approach.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Pro-pesticide provisions complicate farm bill’s passage

Pro-pesticide provisions complicate farm bill’s passage

April 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

A provision in the farm bill aims to limit certain lawsuits against pesticide companies. This has caused disagreement in the House of Representatives, especially among some Republican lawmakers who support the "Make America Healthy Again" movement.

Key Facts

  • The farm bill includes a rule that would prevent some legal cases against pesticide makers.
  • This provision is causing debates in the House of Representatives.
  • The "Make America Healthy Again" (MAHA) group opposes this part of the bill.
  • Some Republican members are strongly against the provision.
  • The disagreement could delay the farm bill’s approval.
  • The bill overall deals with agricultural policies and support for farmers.
  • The dispute highlights tensions within the Republican Party.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Democrats hold 10-point edge over Republicans ahead of midterm elections: Poll

Democrats hold 10-point edge over Republicans ahead of midterm elections: Poll

April 29, 2026 • Us • The Hill

Summary

A recent Emerson College Poll shows that Democrats lead Republicans by 10 points in a general vote for Congress. This poll suggests Democrats are in a strong position before the November midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • The poll was conducted over three days last weekend.
  • 50% of likely voters support Democrats on a generic congressional ballot.
  • The poll shows a 10-point lead for Democrats over Republicans.
  • This is part of a series of polls showing Democratic strength.
  • The results provide insight into voter preferences ahead of the midterms in November.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
WATCH: King Charles, Trump share quips, tout US-UK relationship at state dinner

WATCH: King Charles, Trump share quips, tout US-UK relationship at state dinner

April 29, 2026 • Us • ABC News

Summary

President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump hosted King Charles III and Queen Camilla for a state dinner at the White House. The event celebrated the relationship between the United States and the United Kingdom.

Key Facts

  • The state dinner took place in the East Room of the White House.
  • King Charles III and Queen Camilla were the guests of honor.
  • President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump were the hosts.
  • The event included light-hearted conversation between King Charles and President Trump.
  • The dinner aimed to highlight the strong ties between the US and the UK.
  • This visit follows King Charles’ historic address to the US Congress.
  • The state dinner is a traditional way to welcome foreign leaders to the US.
Read the Original

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

ABC News
Map Shows Markets With Fastest Falling Home Values as Denver Takes Top Spot

Map Shows Markets With Fastest Falling Home Values as Denver Takes Top Spot

April 29, 2026 • Business • Newsweek

Summary

Denver has the fastest falling home values among major U.S. cities, with prices dropping 2.2% in February compared to a year ago. Many other cities, especially in the Sun Belt and West, are also seeing home prices decline due to more homes for sale and less demand, while some areas in the Northeast and Midwest still see rising prices.

Key Facts

  • Denver's home values fell 2.2% year over year in February, the largest drop in the country.
  • Tampa had the second biggest decline, down 2.1%.
  • Over half of major U.S. metro areas showed lower home prices in February.
  • Cities with notable declines include Seattle (-2%), Phoenix (-1.8%), Dallas (-1.7%), Las Vegas (-1.1%), and Portland (-0.9%).
  • The housing market is split: supply-rich areas like the Sun Belt and West face price drops, while supply-limited Northeast and Midwest regions often see prices rise.
  • Falling demand and increased new home construction contribute to more homes for sale and lower prices in some areas.
  • Factors affecting Denver include reduced migration to the state, higher building and insurance costs, and changes in mortgage rates reducing affordability.
  • Experts say these changes show market fragmentation, not a full national housing market decline.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
Man takes sister's exhumed body to bank in bid to get to her money

Man takes sister's exhumed body to bank in bid to get to her money

April 29, 2026 • World • CBS News

Summary

An Indian man dug up his sister’s body and brought it to a bank to try to get money from her account. The bank refused to give him access without a death certificate, a required official document, which he did not have.

Key Facts

  • The man, Jitu Munda, is from a tribal community in Odisha, India.
  • He wanted to withdraw money from his deceased sister’s bank account.
  • The bank said withdrawals by someone other than the account holder need proper authorization.
  • Without a death certificate, the bank would not allow access to the account.
  • Munda brought his sister’s exhumed body to the bank to prove she was dead.
  • This caused a distressing situation at the bank branch.
  • The bank said the claim will be processed once the death certificate is provided.
  • Many families in rural India lack official birth and death certificates due to gaps in documentation.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
Behind the Curtain: We've been warned

Behind the Curtain: We've been warned

April 29, 2026 • Technology • Axios

Summary

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly growing and becoming more powerful, with some companies limiting public access to their most advanced models due to safety concerns. AI is changing many industries and causing big shifts in the economy, but governments and society are not fully prepared for these changes.

Key Facts

  • AI is the fastest-growing product category ever.
  • Some AI models, like Anthropic’s Claude Mythos Preview, are so powerful they are not released to the public to avoid misuse.
  • OpenAI and Anthropic report their AI models are improving themselves without human help.
  • AI companies are less open about how their models work, and there are no laws requiring them to share details.
  • In April 2025, the home of OpenAI CEO Sam Altman was attacked twice, showing growing public worry about AI.
  • The stock market lost $2 trillion this year as investors realized AI could replace many jobs, such as coding, real estate, law, and finance.
  • Anthropic’s revenue grew from $1 billion to $30 billion in just over a year, making it one of the fastest-growing companies ever.
  • Anthropic voluntarily limited access to its powerful AI model to help cybersecurity experts prepare for new risks.
Read the Original

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

Axios
Laura Dern replaces Helena Bonham Carter in The White Lotus

Laura Dern replaces Helena Bonham Carter in The White Lotus

April 29, 2026 • World • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Laura Dern will replace Helena Bonham Carter in the fourth season of the TV show The White Lotus. Bonham Carter left the show early in filming due to creative differences, and Dern will now join the cast for the season set during the Cannes Film Festival.

Key Facts

  • Helena Bonham Carter left The White Lotus season four after filming began because her character did not fit well on set.
  • HBO and the show's creator, Mike White, decided to recast and rewrite the role originally meant for Bonham Carter.
  • Laura Dern has been announced as the new cast member taking over the role.
  • The fourth season is being filmed in the south of France and will take place during the Cannes Film Festival.
  • The White Lotus is a popular drama known for winning several Emmy Awards, with each season set in a luxury hotel at different locations.
  • Laura Dern has previously worked with creator Mike White, including on the TV show Enlightened.
  • Other actors in the new season include Steve Coogan, Kumail Nanjiani, Sandra Bernhard, Heather Graham, and Vincent Cassel.
  • The Cannes Film Festival runs from May 13 to May 24, and filming is expected to continue during this time.
Read the Original

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

BBC Top Stories
Airlines worldwide cancel flights, raise fares amid Middle East conflict

Airlines worldwide cancel flights, raise fares amid Middle East conflict

April 29, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

Airlines around the world are canceling flights and raising ticket prices because jet fuel costs have gone up. This rise in fuel prices comes after a Middle East conflict led to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, a key route for oil shipments.

Key Facts

  • Several low-cost airlines like Ryanair, Transavia, and Volotea are reducing their number of flights.
  • The Strait of Hormuz, an important passage for shipping oil, has been closed due to the conflict.
  • Closing the Strait has reduced the global supply of oil.
  • Less oil supply has caused jet fuel prices to increase sharply.
  • Higher jet fuel prices raise operating costs for airlines.
  • These increased costs have caused airlines to raise ticket prices.
  • Flight cancellations are happening due to fears of fuel shortages.
  • The situation is linked directly to ongoing tensions and conflict in the Middle East.
Read the Original

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

France24
King Charles, Trump toast ties despite Iran tensions

King Charles, Trump toast ties despite Iran tensions

April 29, 2026 • World • France24

Summary

King Charles and President Donald Trump met at a White House state dinner where they praised the strong relationship between the United Kingdom and the United States. During the event, President Trump said that King Charles agreed with his views on Iran’s nuclear weapons program amid ongoing tensions.

Key Facts

  • King Charles and President Donald Trump held a state dinner at the White House.
  • Both leaders spoke about the long-standing friendship between the UK and the US.
  • President Trump claimed King Charles agreed with his position on Iran’s nuclear weapons.
  • The meeting took place despite rising tensions related to Iran’s nuclear activities.
  • The event was part of broader diplomatic talks between the UK and US governments.
Read the Original

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

France24