US News - The Actual News

‘Cops in the form of alligators’: Trump visits Florida’s Alligator Alcatraz

July 01, 2025

President Donald Trump opened a new immigration detention center in Florida, called "Alligator Alcatraz", alongside Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The facility, located in the Everglades, is intended to support mass deportation efforts by providing more space for detainees.

Key Facts:

"Alligator Alcatraz" is a new immigration detention facility in southern Florida.
President Trump, Governor Ron DeSantis, and Secretary Kristi Noem attended the opening.
The facility is in the Everglades, on the former Dade-Collier Airport site.
It aims to provide more space for detainees to support mass deportations.
The location is isolated, surrounded by wetlands and wildlife like alligators.
The site was set up quickly, with temporary structures on the old airport pavement.
The proximity to an airstrip is meant to help speed up deportations.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

A look at what’s behind the efforts to reshape how American history is taught

July 01, 2025

In the past ten years, over 20 states have created laws or rules that limit how history is taught in schools. President Trump has also issued orders to change how U.S. history is shown in schools and museums.

Key Facts:

Over 20 states have passed laws affecting history education in the last decade.
These laws restrict the way history is taught in schools.
President Trump issued executive orders to influence how U.S. history is presented.
These changes impact not only schools but also some famous museums.
The report is part of the Art in Action series and CANVAS coverage.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

New laws this month touch on fundamental rights

July 01, 2025

New laws starting in July affect various states in the U.S. Tennessee has laws on immigration that could lead to charges against local officials and another law that targets housing immigrants without documentation. Other states, like Wyoming and Florida, have laws impacting gun-free zones and water fluoridation, respectively, while several states continue to pass laws affecting transgender rights.

Key Facts:

Tennessee can charge local officials with a felony if they support certain "sanctuary policies" on immigration.
A new law in Tennessee makes it illegal to house undocumented immigrants, with lawsuits challenging this by religious groups and landlords.
Wyoming's new law stops local authorities from banning guns in schools and public buildings.
Florida banned local governments from adding fluoride to water, citing health concerns, while experts argue fluoride benefits dental health.
Georgia law now bans transgender athletes from participating in school and university sports.
Iowa removed gender identity from its civil rights protections and legally defined male and female.
Kansas has prohibited gender-affirming healthcare practices for minors.

Source Information

NPR Home

Major climate change reports are removed from U.S. websites

July 01, 2025

Some U.S. national climate assessment reports are not available on federal websites right now. These reports, which help local and state governments plan for climate changes, were supposed to be moved to NASA's site, but links are missing. Past reports are still in NOAA’s library, but new reports aren't easy to find online.

Key Facts:

U.S. climate assessment reports have vanished from federal websites.
The reports help state and local governments plan for climate changes.
The White House said NASA would now host these reports, but details were not provided.
Searches for the reports on NASA’s site have not been successful.
NOAA, which coordinated the reports, has not responded to queries about their availability.
Past assessment reports are still stored in NOAA’s library.
The most recent report, from 2023, included a detailed interactive atlas.
The assessments are required by law every four years under the 1990 Global Change Research Act.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

What happened right before the Senate’s big vote on Trump’s big bill

July 01, 2025

The U.S. Senate approved President Donald Trump's major tax and spending cut bill by a 51-50 vote. Vice President JD Vance cast the deciding vote during a long session where senators considered many amendments.

Key Facts:

The Senate approved President Trump's bill with a close 51-50 vote.
Vice President JD Vance broke the tie to pass the bill.
This session involved the longest "vote-a-rama" in history, lasting 27 hours.
Senators went through 49 votes and many potential changes to the bill.
Three Republican senators voted against the bill: Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and Rand Paul.
Concerns about Medicaid cuts and the deficit were reasons for opposition.
Senator Lisa Murkowski played a key role in the vote's outcome.
The bill used a special process called "budget reconciliation," which involves a step called the "Byrd bath" to ensure parts of the bill have a budgetary effect.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

House Speaker may have to make a lot of promises to get bill to Trump's desk

July 01, 2025

A large tax and spending bill central to President Trump's plans was passed by the Senate after extensive negotiation and voting. The bill now returns to the House of Representatives, where Speaker Mike Johnson must address Senate modifications and align them with the House members' priorities.

Key Facts:

The Senate passed President Trump's major tax and spending bill after prolonged discussions.
There were 49 consecutive votes in the Senate before passing the bill.
The bill supports key parts of Trump's domestic policy agenda.
The bill must now go back to the House of Representatives for further action.
House Speaker Mike Johnson will manage differences between the Senate's version and House priorities.
Mike Johnson represents the Republican party and serves as the Speaker of the House.
The discussion included input from Michael Ricci, who has experience in Republican politics.

Source Information

NPR National

Watch: President Trump tours controversial 'Alligator Alcatraz'

July 01, 2025

President Donald Trump visited a new immigration detention center in South Florida called "Alligator Alcatraz" because it is located in a secluded area of the Everglades. Florida Governor Ron DeSantis mentioned that the center was built in just eight days, and the first people are expected to arrive soon.

Key Facts:

President Trump toured an immigration detention center in South Florida.
The center is nicknamed "Alligator Alcatraz" due to its isolated location in the Everglades.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis accompanied President Trump on the tour.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem was also present during the visit.
The center was constructed in eight days, according to Governor DeSantis.
They expect to receive the first occupants by the coming Wednesday.

Source Information

BBC US

Here’s what’s in the big bill that just passed the Senate

July 01, 2025

Republicans are working to pass a tax and spending cut bill through Congress, with a final House vote possibly happening soon. The bill includes tax cuts, funding for national defense, and measures for immigration enforcement, with plans to offset costs by reducing spending on Medicaid and other programs. The Senate has already passed the bill, and the House will vote on the amended version.

Key Facts:

Republicans are close to passing a tax and spending cut bill in Congress.
The bill is 887 pages long and includes tax breaks and spending cuts.
President Trump has urged Republicans to pass the bill by July 4th.
The legislation includes $4.5 trillion in tax cuts, making current tax rates permanent.
It adds new tax breaks, such as no taxes on tips and overtime pay.
The bill provides $350 billion for Trump's border and national security plans.
$46 billion is allocated for the U.S.-Mexico border wall and $45 billion for migrant detention.
To pay for the bill, Republicans propose cutting Medicaid and food assistance programs.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Federal pressure on Harvard over antisemitism echoes conservative attacks on higher ed

July 01, 2025

The U.S. government, during the Trump administration, has used charges of antisemitism to justify cutting university funding, banning travelers, and deporting student activists. Some Jewish community members believe these moves are not effectively addressing safety concerns or reducing antisemitism.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration cited antisemitism as a reason for its actions against universities.
Actions included cutting funds, banning certain travelers, and deporting some student activists.
These measures are part of broader federal pressure on higher education.
Some people in the Jewish community argue these steps do not effectively ensure safety or combat antisemitism.
The topic is connected to wider conservative critiques of higher education.

Source Information

NPR National

Mass layoffs at HHS were likely unlawful and must be halted, federal judge says

July 01, 2025

A federal judge ruled that recent large layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) were likely against the law. The judge stopped the Trump administration from continuing these layoffs and restructuring, following a lawsuit by attorneys general from 19 states and the District of Columbia.

Key Facts:

A federal judge stopped the Trump administration from proceeding with mass layoffs at HHS.
The judge's decision was based on a lawsuit by attorneys general from 19 states and Washington, D.C.
The layoffs had affected more than 10,000 employees and involved consolidating 28 agencies into 15.
The judge called the layoffs "arbitrary and capricious" and against legal standards.
The lawsuit argued that the restructuring harmed essential health programs and shifted costs to states.
The affected HHS parts include the CDC, the Center for Tobacco Products, the Office of Head Start, and others.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had said 20% of the layoffs might be reversed due to mistakes.
HHS must report the status of the situation by July 11, according to the judge's order.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

US Senate Republicans narrowly pass Trump's 'big, beautiful' bill

July 01, 2025

Senate Republicans passed a major tax and spending bill, which involved Vice-President JD Vance breaking a tie vote. The bill, part of Trump's plans, now returns to the House of Representatives, where its future is uncertain due to various concerns, including its potential to increase the national deficit.

Key Facts:

Republicans in the Senate passed a tax and spending bill after 24 hours of debate.
Vice-President JD Vance cast the deciding vote in a 50-50 tie in the Senate.
The bill must now be approved by the House of Representatives.
Trump's goal was for the bill to be ready by July 4, but opposition may cause delays.
The bill proposes to make permanent tax cuts and reduce spending on programs like food subsidies and healthcare.
Some Republicans and Democrats oppose the bill due to concerns about increased national debt and cuts to social programs.
The Senate version of the bill might add $650 billion to the yearly national deficit.
Opposition includes fiscal conservatives, Democrats, and figures like Elon Musk, who disagree with parts of the bill.

Source Information

BBC US

President Trump's tax and spending bill's fate rests with the House

July 01, 2025

The future of a tax and spending bill supported by former President Trump depends on the decision of the House of Representatives. NPR's Juana Summers discusses the bill's chances with Michael Ricci, a former congressional advisor and current professor.

Key Facts:

The bill involves both tax changes and government spending.
The decision about the bill will be made by the House of Representatives.
Juana Summers from NPR is discussing the bill's prospects.
Michael Ricci, who is a professor and a former advisor to congressional Republicans, provided insights.
The bill is supported by former President Trump.
The date of the discussion was July 1, 2025.

Source Information

NPR National

Watch: Father and daughter rescued after fall from Disney cruise ship

July 01, 2025

A father jumped into the ocean to rescue his daughter after she fell overboard from a Disney Cruise Line ship. Both were safely rescued by crew members near the Bahamas as the ship headed to Florida.

Key Facts:

A girl fell from a Disney cruise ship while her father took a picture.
Her father jumped into the ocean to save her.
The rescue happened on the last day of the cruise.
They were traveling from the Bahamas to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
Crew members rescued both the father and daughter after they were in the water for 10 minutes.

Source Information

BBC US

Senate pulls AI regulatory ban from GOP bill after complaints from states

July 01, 2025

The U.S. Senate voted 99-1 to remove a proposal that aimed to prevent states from regulating artificial intelligence (AI) for ten years from a larger bill related to tax breaks and spending cuts. The proposal faced opposition from both Republicans and Democrats, who argued it restricted states' ability to regulate AI effectively. The vote took place after an overnight session, and the amendment to strike the provision was introduced by Senators Marsha Blackburn and Maria Cantwell.

Key Facts:

The proposal tried to stop states from regulating AI for ten years.
The proposal was connected to federal funding, offering subsidies only to states that did not regulate AI.
The Senate voted 99-1 to remove this proposal from the bill.
The provision faced criticism from both Republican and Democratic governors and state officials.
A last-minute effort to save the measure was abandoned after amendments proposed by Sen. Marsha Blackburn and Sen. Maria Cantwell.
Prominent tech leaders initially supported the idea, fearing complex compliance with varied state laws.
Opponents argued that the proposal benefited the AI industry by reducing accountability.
Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders led a group of GOP governors in opposing the measure.
A group of parents urged lawmakers to strike the proposal, citing safety concerns related to harmful AI products.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

US Senate Republicans struggle to push Trump's budget bill over finish line

July 01, 2025

Senate Republicans are facing challenges in passing a major tax and spending bill linked to President Trump's agenda. Four Republican senators currently do not support the bill, making it difficult to secure enough votes. If the Senate approves the bill, it must return to the House of Representatives, where it will face another vote.

Key Facts:

Senate Republicans are trying to pass a large tax and spending bill.
Four Republican senators opposed the current version of the bill.
Vice-President JD Vance is expected to cast tie-breaking votes if needed.
The bill aims to extend tax cuts from Trump's first term.
Republicans want to cut spending on programs like healthcare and food aid to balance the budget.
The House of Representatives passed their version of the bill by a narrow margin.
If approved by the Senate, the bill will need another vote in the House.
President Trump initially wanted the bill by July 4th but acknowledged it might not happen by then.

Source Information

BBC World

Zohran Mamdani’s victory in NYC mayoral primary confirmed after ranked choice vote count

July 01, 2025

Zohran Mamdani won New York City's Democratic mayoral primary, defeating former Governor Andrew Cuomo by 12 percentage points. Mamdani will face incumbent Mayor Eric Adams, independent candidate Jim Walden, and Republican Curtis Sliwa in the general election. Cuomo may run as an independent in the general election.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo by 12 percentage points in the primary.
Mamdani will compete against current Mayor Eric Adams and others in the general election.
Cuomo is considering running in the general election as an independent.
Ranked choice voting was used, allowing voters to rank candidates by preference.
Mamdani is 33 years old and a democratic socialist, previously a member of the state Assembly.
If elected, Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim and first Indian American mayor.
Mamdani's campaign focused on reducing the cost of living and included populist ideas.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

The White House took down the nation's top climate report. You can still find it here

July 01, 2025

The Trump administration took down the website for the National Climate Assessment, a key report on how climate change affects the U.S. The report is still accessible through other websites, despite the original site being offline. Congress requires these reports to be updated every four years, but work on the next edition has stopped.

Key Facts:

The National Climate Assessment website has been taken down by the Trump administration.
This report is an important source for understanding the effects of climate change in the U.S.
The assessment site previously offered a searchable atlas for specific local climate information.
The Trump administration halted work on the next report edition due out in 2027.
Congress mandates a new National Climate Assessment every four years.
Past and current reports are available on NOAA's and will be on NASA's websites.
Archived versions, including an interactive atlas, are on the Internet Archive's Wayback Machine and Esri’s platform.

Source Information

NPR Home

The Trump admin is withholding over $6 billion in education grants for schools

July 01, 2025

The Trump administration is holding back over $6 billion in federal education grants for schools, one day before the funds were expected to be distributed. This affects programs across the country, including those for teacher training and student activities, while the administration reviews the funding.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration is delaying over $6 billion in federal grants for schools.
These funds were originally set to be given out by July 1, 2025.
The Education Department is reviewing these funds due to a change in administration priorities.
Impacted programs include migrant education and services for English language learners.
About $2.2 billion of the funds are typically used for teacher training.
Some public schools' major funding sources, like Title I and IDEA, are not affected by this delay.
The 21st Century Community Learning Centers grant, supporting after-school programs, is part of the freeze.
The delay is described as unprecedented and disruptive for school planning and budgeting.

Source Information

NPR Home

Senate passes Trump’s reconciliation bill with Vance casting tie-breaking vote

July 01, 2025

Senate Republicans passed a tax and spending bill by a 50-50 vote, with Vice President JD Vance casting the decisive vote. The bill, which includes tax cuts and spending reductions, now returns to the House for further approval and changes, especially those affecting Medicaid, may face more challenges.

Key Facts:

The vote on the bill was tied at 50-50, with Vice President JD Vance casting the tie-breaking vote.
Three Republican senators and all Democrats voted against the bill.
The bill is known as the "One Big Beautiful Bill Act" and mainly focuses on tax cuts and spending reductions.
Changes were made to Medicaid in the Senate version, leading to concerns about millions losing health care.
The bill is now sent back to the House, which had previously approved a different version.
The Congressional Budget Office estimated the bill could increase the deficit by nearly $3.3 trillion over ten years.
The bill could result in 11.8 million more Americans becoming uninsured by 2034.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Why is Musk calling for a new America Party over the Big Beautiful Bill?

July 01, 2025

Elon Musk announced he would consider creating a new political party, called the America Party, if Congress passes a bill that includes tax breaks and cuts to healthcare and food programs. Musk has criticized the bill due to concerns about increasing national debt and its effects on electric vehicle tax credits.

Key Facts:

Elon Musk plans to form a new political party called the America Party if a controversial bill passes.
The bill proposes tax breaks and cuts to healthcare and food programs.
Musk opposes the bill, saying it will raise the national debt and eliminate electric vehicle tax credits.
The US national debt is currently more than $36 trillion.
The bill would reportedly increase the national debt by $3.3 trillion from 2025 to 2034.
Musk has a history of expressing dissatisfaction with both major US political parties.
Musk's social media poll showed support for a new political party, but such polls may not represent wider public opinion.
The bill, as currently amended, would end tax credits for electric vehicles, potentially affecting consumer demand.

Source Information

Al Jazeera