The Actual News

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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Colorado declares town abandoned amid water and leadership crisis

Colorado declares town abandoned amid water and leadership crisis

August 01, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A small town in Colorado named Hartman was declared abandoned after its leaders resigned during a serious water crisis. The town’s water was unsafe to drink for a long time, and the local government could no longer operate, so the nearby county will take over essential services like water.

Key Facts

  • Hartman is a small town in south-eastern Colorado with fewer than 60 people.
  • The town’s water lacked chlorine for over a month and had a bad smell, making it unsafe to drink.
  • Residents had to boil water for months because it was not clean.
  • All local public officials resigned, leaving the town without government leadership.
  • The town could not hold elections or maintain its water system.
  • The water tower needed repairs but was neglected due to political conflicts.
  • Colorado’s secretary of state officially declared Hartman abandoned to allow the county to provide clean water.
  • Some residents disagreed with the abandonment decision, feeling the town was failed by the support systems.
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Guardian World Guardian US
I Hadn’t Seen My Brother in 20 Years. Then I Got a Text That Changed Everything

I Hadn’t Seen My Brother in 20 Years. Then I Got a Text That Changed Everything

August 01, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Alexis Carter-Black received a surprising text from a woman named Lisa, who revealed that Alexis’s brother, Bobby, had died six months earlier from heart failure. Lisa, who had been Bobby’s partner for 14 years and the mother of his three children, finally found a note Bobby left with Alexis’s contact in case anything happened to him.

Key Facts

  • Alexis had not seen or heard from her brother Bobby in 20 years.
  • Lisa sent a text to Alexis revealing Bobby’s death and sharing details about their life together.
  • Bobby died from congestive heart failure in his sleep at age 53.
  • He passed away two days before Christmas 2023, but Alexis learned about it six months later.
  • Bobby had given Lisa a sticky note with Alexis’s contact info and asked her to call if anything happened to him.
  • Lisa found the note after searching for six months.
  • Alexis told her husband and her mother about Bobby’s death after learning the news.
  • This news deeply affected Alexis and her family.
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Newsweek
Only Children Have One Key Difference—Psychologists Explain Why

Only Children Have One Key Difference—Psychologists Explain Why

August 01, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Psychologists say only children do not have one single personality and are generally as healthy and social as children with siblings. Only children often talk more with adults, which can make them comfortable using adult language, but this does not mean they grow up emotionally faster.

Key Facts

  • About 20% of U.S. households with children now have only one child.
  • The rise in only children is linked to factors like higher living costs, fertility issues, and less social pressure to have more kids.
  • Only children are not more spoiled, lonely, or socially awkward just because they lack siblings.
  • Personality and behavior depend more on parenting style, family life, and temperament than the number of siblings.
  • Only children often interact more with adults, leading to early use of broader vocabulary.
  • Some only children prefer close friendships or adult company over noisy groups with peers.
  • A 2025 study found no mental health problems tied to growing up without siblings and noted some strengths in thinking and mental resilience.
  • Differences related to being an only child usually result from family support and environment, not birth order.
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Newsweek
Soap star Shane Richie facing drink-drive charge

Soap star Shane Richie facing drink-drive charge

August 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Actor Shane Richie, who plays Alfie Moon on the TV show EastEnders, was arrested for drink-driving in Harlow, Essex. He has been charged and will appear in Colchester Magistrates' Court on September 9.

Key Facts

  • Shane Richie is 62 years old and lives in Tadworth, Surrey.
  • Police arrested him near a Tesco petrol station forecourt in Church Langley Way, Harlow.
  • The arrest happened shortly before 11:20 p.m. on Wednesday, July 29.
  • He is charged with drink-driving by Essex Police.
  • Richie’s real name is Shane Roche.
  • He has played his EastEnders character since 2002.
  • His court appearance is scheduled for September 9 at Colchester Magistrates' Court.
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BBC Top Stories
DoJ appears to ignore New Mexico deadline for key Epstein ranch files

DoJ appears to ignore New Mexico deadline for key Epstein ranch files

August 01, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The New Mexico attorney general, Raúl Torrez, set a July 31 deadline for the US Department of Justice (DoJ) to share unredacted files about abuse at Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch. The DoJ has only provided a small number of heavily redacted documents, prompting Torrez to consider legal action.

Key Facts

  • Raúl Torrez reopened a criminal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein’s Zorro Ranch in New Mexico.
  • Torrez requested unredacted files from the DoJ in February and set a July 31 deadline for delivery.
  • The DoJ provided only 31 pages, mostly old news clippings and heavily redacted documents.
  • No confirmed federal search of the ranch took place, unlike other Epstein properties.
  • Torrez warned he might sue if the DoJ did not fully cooperate by the deadline.
  • The Southern District of New York (SDNY) initially said it would not cooperate with Torrez’s request.
  • Jay Clayton, director designate of national intelligence and former SDNY US attorney, mentioned ongoing talks to resolve disputes over the files.
  • Todd Blanche, acting US attorney general, was accused of a "cover-up" but said he is still working with New Mexico officials.
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Guardian World Guardian US
A progressive lumberjack has fewer than 100 days to turn Maine’s Senate seat blue. Can he do it?

A progressive lumberjack has fewer than 100 days to turn Maine’s Senate seat blue. Can he do it?

August 01, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Troy Jackson, a progressive Democrat from Maine, has less than 100 days to win a US Senate seat against incumbent Republican Susan Collins. Jackson is working to unite Democratic voters and appeal to people who voted for both Collins and President Donald Trump in 2020.

Key Facts

  • Troy Jackson is a lumberjack and former state lawmaker chosen as the Democratic nominee in Maine’s Senate race.
  • He replaced Graham Platner, who dropped out after accusations he denies.
  • Susan Collins is a moderate Republican who has held her Senate seat in Maine for over 30 years.
  • Maine is important for Democrats to gain control of the US Senate in the upcoming midterm elections.
  • Jackson must quickly build support across Maine, including among voters who previously voted for Collins and President Trump.
  • About a third of Maine voters are unenrolled with no party affiliation.
  • Some voters are concerned about Collins supporting policies linked to President Trump.
  • Democrats want to rally behind Jackson despite recent challenges in the party.
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Guardian US
Max Miller abuse allegations complicate race for once-solid GOP seat

Max Miller abuse allegations complicate race for once-solid GOP seat

August 01, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rep. Max Miller, a Republican from Ohio, faces domestic abuse allegations that he denies. These claims are gaining national attention and making the race for his congressional seat more complicated.

Key Facts

  • Max Miller is a Republican member of the U.S. House of Representatives from Ohio.
  • Allegations of domestic abuse have been made against him.
  • Miller strongly denies these allegations.
  • The accusations have drawn national media coverage.
  • The situation has complicated the election race for his congressional seat.
  • Democrats have called for Miller to resign or face investigation.
  • Despite the claims, Miller still holds a strong position in the race.
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The Hill
The Democrats have one last chance to halt the erosion of US democracy – and it’s less than 100 days away | Timothy Garton Ash

The Democrats have one last chance to halt the erosion of US democracy – and it’s less than 100 days away | Timothy Garton Ash

August 01, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The article says that the United States democracy has weakened rapidly under President Donald Trump’s leadership, with concerns about his use of executive power and election interference. It argues that a big Democratic win in the upcoming midterm elections is needed to stop this decline and restore democratic norms.

Key Facts

  • The Varieties of Democracy Institute reported that U.S. democracy worsened sharply in 2025, reaching its lowest point in 60 years.
  • In 2025, President Trump issued 225 executive orders, while Congress passed only 49 laws, mostly minor.
  • The Heritage Foundation’s Project 2025 aims to strengthen presidential control, supported by Supreme Court rulings.
  • There are efforts to restrict voting rights, such as limiting mail-in ballots and requiring proof of citizenship, mainly targeting likely Democratic voters.
  • If the midterm elections are close, Republicans might try to exclude or disqualify Democratic winners.
  • Trump’s policies, including tariffs and war in the Middle East, have increased living costs and lowered his approval ratings.
  • The war against Iran has cost tens of billions of dollars, with no clear way to end it peacefully.
  • Reports allege that President Trump and his family have made about $2 billion from their time in office, and there are controversial business links between Trump associates and the FIFA World Cup.
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Guardian US
America’s Housing Market Winners and Losers, Mapped

America’s Housing Market Winners and Losers, Mapped

August 01, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Many Americans find it harder to buy homes now because house prices and borrowing costs have gone up faster than wages. However, some counties in the South and Midwest still offer affordable homeownership, while coastal areas in the Northeast and West are much less affordable.

Key Facts

  • Home prices and borrowing costs increased significantly since the pandemic, outpacing wage growth.
  • The Newsweek American Dream Index evaluates 33,772 U.S. ZIP codes on housing affordability and opportunity, using scores from 0 to 100.
  • Scores over 65 indicate thriving housing access, while scores below 35 show areas struggling with affordability.
  • The most affordable counties are mostly in the South and Midwest, where land and construction costs are lower, and building rules are less strict.
  • Popular Southern markets in Florida, Tennessee, and Texas have become less affordable due to high demand and limited new housing supply.
  • The least affordable counties are mainly coastal areas in the Northeast and West, including New York City, San Francisco, and Los Angeles counties.
  • The range of housing access scores shows large differences across the country in the ability of average households to afford homeownership.
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Newsweek
US drops Reflecting Pool case, admits damage due to botched renovation

US drops Reflecting Pool case, admits damage due to botched renovation

August 01, 2026 • France24

Summary

The US Justice Department dropped a criminal case against David Hearn, a former Olympian accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. New evidence showed the damage was caused by a poorly done renovation ordered by President Donald Trump, not vandalism by Hearn.

Key Facts

  • David Hearn was charged with felony vandalism for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool.
  • The Justice Department dismissed the case after discovering the damage resulted from a botched renovation, not vandalism.
  • President Trump personally oversaw the hurried renovation before the 250th anniversary of America’s independence.
  • The project cost about $14 million and included installing a new "American flag blue" liner.
  • Problems like peeling coating and algae appeared soon after the renovation was completed.
  • Hearn was arrested after touching a partially detached liner during a visit but denied causing damage.
  • Trump warned of a 10-year prison sentence for damaging his renovation projects, but no evidence linked Hearn to vandalism.
  • Lawyers for Hearn accused the administration of misusing government power in bringing the charges.
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France24
US admits Reflecting Pool damage due to botched renovation, drops charges against former Olympian

US admits Reflecting Pool damage due to botched renovation, drops charges against former Olympian

August 01, 2026 • France24

Summary

The US Justice Department dropped charges against former Olympian David Hearn, who was accused of damaging the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Officials now say the damage happened because of a bad installation during renovations overseen by President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • David Hearn faced felony vandalism charges for allegedly damaging the Reflecting Pool.
  • The charges were dropped after new evidence showed the damage was due to poorly done renovation work.
  • President Trump oversaw the renovation project, which cost at least $14 million.
  • The renovation included adding a new liner that later peeled and caused algae problems.
  • Hearn was arrested after inspecting a partially detached liner, but he denied causing any damage.
  • The Justice Department admitted the installation was "botched," not vandalism.
  • Hearn’s lawyers said the case was politically motivated and called for an apology.
  • President Trump had warned of jail time for damaging his renovation projects before.
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France24
US drops charges against Olympian for damage to Reflecting Pool

US drops charges against Olympian for damage to Reflecting Pool

August 01, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The US Department of Justice has decided to drop the case against Olympian David Hearn. They found new evidence showing the damage to the Reflecting Pool was caused by a bad installation by the contractor, not by Hearn.

Key Facts

  • David Hearn is an Olympian.
  • He was accused of damaging the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC.
  • The US Department of Justice handled the case.
  • New evidence showed the damage was due to poor work by the contractor.
  • The DOJ is dismissing the charges against David Hearn.
  • The Reflecting Pool is a well-known landmark in Washington DC.
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Al Jazeera
Trump wanted interest rate cuts to be ‘Rocket Fuel’ for the economy. He is losing that fight so far

Trump wanted interest rate cuts to be ‘Rocket Fuel’ for the economy. He is losing that fight so far

August 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump has been pushing the Federal Reserve to lower interest rates, calling it "Rocket Fuel" for the economy. However, since the war in Iran began, interest rates have gone up, making borrowing more expensive for families and the government. Despite higher rates, Trump insists the economy is doing well.

Key Facts

  • President Trump wants lower interest rates to boost economic growth and make loans cheaper.
  • Interest rates have actually increased since the war in Iran started in February.
  • Higher borrowing costs are making mortgages and auto loans less affordable for families.
  • The U.S. government has spent $827 billion this fiscal year just paying interest on its national debt.
  • Kevin Warsh, the Federal Reserve chair appointed by Trump, said inflation remains high and gave no clear plan to fix it.
  • Long-term U.S. Treasury bond rates are at their highest in nearly 20 years, contradicting Trump’s promises.
  • Trump continues to describe the economy as strong despite slow growth of 1.5% over the past three months.
  • Republicans worry that rising interest rates and costs could hurt their chances in the upcoming midterm elections.
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AP News
Breakneck pace in immigration courts is driving up deportation orders

Breakneck pace in immigration courts is driving up deportation orders

August 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The Trump administration is speeding up immigration court hearings to clear a large backlog. This has led to many immigrants missing their court dates and receiving quick deportation orders without enough time to prepare their cases.

Key Facts

  • Immigration courts are holding many large group hearings called "mega" master hearings, with over 1,300 in June 2026.
  • The time immigrants have to prepare for hearings has dropped from about six months to just over one month.
  • Many immigrants miss their hearings and are ordered deported quickly, often before their asylum claims are heard.
  • Supporters say faster hearings fix a long-standing problem of endless court delays.
  • Critics worry that rushing cases may harm judges' performance and deny fair legal process.
  • The Justice Department says judges are working to handle all cases fairly while resolving them faster.
  • Mega hearings can mean long waits in crowded and hot court lobbies.
  • Detained children in court are accompanied by caregivers and legal helpers.
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AP News
Leave it: Dog trainers help pets avoid poisonous snakes

Leave it: Dog trainers help pets avoid poisonous snakes

August 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

In Tucson, Arizona, dog trainers use electronic collars to teach dogs to avoid venomous rattlesnakes. This training helps protect dogs from dangerous snake bites, which can be deadly or costly to treat.

Key Facts

  • Dogs receive a mild shock from an electronic collar when they approach a rattlesnake, teaching them to stay away.
  • The rattlesnakes used in training have their venom glands removed and are not dangerous during the sessions.
  • About 150,000 dogs in the U.S. are bitten by venomous snakes each year.
  • In Arizona, veterinary centers treat several dogs daily for rattlesnake bites.
  • Snakebite survival rates for pets are around 94% with quick medical treatment.
  • Snakebite treatments can be expensive, involving antivenom and hospitalization.
  • Trainers say electronic collars are the most effective method for rattlesnake avoidance.
  • Research on rattlesnake-aversion training is ongoing at the University of Arizona’s College of Veterinary Medicine.
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AP News
Joe Rogan Says 'No Clear Way' to Resolve Iran War as Trump Approval Sinks

Joe Rogan Says 'No Clear Way' to Resolve Iran War as Trump Approval Sinks

August 01, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Podcast host Joe Rogan said there is no clear way to end the U.S. military conflict with Iran. His comments come as President Trump’s approval rating on the Iran war has dropped, with many voters opposing military action.

Key Facts

  • Joe Rogan expressed doubts about the U.S. military campaign against Iran, saying there is no clear resolution.
  • Rogan mentioned concerns about U.S. weapon supplies running low and bases being attacked by drones.
  • He said attacks on Iran make America less safe by creating enemies who want to strike back.
  • Rogan has criticized President Trump’s military strategy regarding Iran, calling it confusing.
  • A recent Quinnipiac University poll shows only 34% of voters support U.S. military action against Iran, while 60% oppose it.
  • President Trump’s approval rating on his Iran policy dropped to 28%, with 66% disapproving according to that poll.
  • Rogan’s criticism is notable because he has supported President Trump on other issues and endorsed him before the 2024 election.
  • Experts say Rogan’s comments reflect wider public doubts about the success of the war in Iran.
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Newsweek
SEC, Big Ten add long-missing support to college sports bill and revive its chances in the Senate

SEC, Big Ten add long-missing support to college sports bill and revive its chances in the Senate

August 01, 2026 • AP News

Summary

The Big Ten and Southeastern college sports conferences have agreed to support a Senate bill aimed at regulating college sports. Their backing improves the bill's chances of passing in the Senate before the summer break.

Key Facts

  • The Big Ten and Southeastern conferences voted to support the Senate college sports bill.
  • School presidents approved the support after last-minute changes were made to the bill.
  • Changes included adjustments on rules about deals involving athletes’ names, images, and likenesses.
  • The bill aims to regulate how college sports operate, especially around athlete endorsements.
  • The bill needs 60 votes in the Senate to move forward for a final vote.
  • Support from these large conferences ends a week of difficult negotiations.
  • The Senate hopes to vote on the bill before the summer recess next Friday.
  • The bill is bipartisan, meaning members of both political parties support it.
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AP News
US military says F-35B jet fighter crashes in California, pilot safe

US military says F-35B jet fighter crashes in California, pilot safe

August 01, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

An F-35B fighter jet crashed near the Miramar airbase in San Diego, California. The pilot ejected safely and was taken to a hospital with injuries that are not life-threatening.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened on a Friday near Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego.
  • The pilot ejected and is in stable condition with non-life-threatening injuries.
  • Firefighters responded to a nearby vegetation fire caused by the crash.
  • Miramar airbase was formerly home to the Navy’s Top Gun training school, moved to Nevada in 1996.
  • The F-35B is a special version of the F-35 that can take off on short runways and land vertically.
  • The US military has over 630 F-35 jets across the Marine Corps, Navy, and Air Force.
  • Each F-35B jet costs about $109 million.
  • The overall F-35 program is expected to cost around $2 trillion as more jets are bought and used for many years.
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Al Jazeera
CPS to target assets of jailed funeral director

CPS to target assets of jailed funeral director

August 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Robert Bush, a funeral director in Hull, was sentenced to 20 years in prison for crimes including selling fake funeral plans, stealing from charities, and denying proper burials to 30 people. Prosecutors have frozen his bank accounts and assets to recover money taken from victims.

Key Facts

  • Robert Bush ran Legacy Independent Funeral Directors in Hull.
  • He was convicted of 67 offences, such as giving families wrong ashes and not properly burying bodies.
  • Bush stole up to £12,000 from 12 charities.
  • He sold fake funeral plans to over 200 people without authorization.
  • Between 2017 and 2024, more than £3.5 million was paid into his business and personal accounts.
  • Bush lived well during this time, earning £162,000 a year and giving £52,000 yearly to his wife.
  • Police found the funeral home in poor condition during a March 2024 raid.
  • Prosecutors aim to confiscate his assets to compensate victims and their families.
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BBC Top Stories
I was working to survive and I wasn't paid

I was working to survive and I wasn't paid

August 01, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Several workers from catering companies in the UK say they are owed unpaid wages after leaving their jobs. They are seeking help from Acas, an independent organization that resolves workplace pay disputes, but many report difficulties getting their money.

Key Facts

  • Unpaid wage cases rose by about 17% from 2024 to 2025, according to Acas.
  • Nearly half of hospitality workers face problems at work involving pay or conditions.
  • Sonia Garcia Monuz is owed £2,300 in unpaid wages after leaving Viking Catering Ltd.
  • Joan Fullbrook won a tribunal case for £1,498 in unpaid wages but has not been paid yet.
  • George Weal was awarded £1,052 for unpaid wages at Chef2Table Ltd, but the company has not paid him.
  • George left after discovering the company’s delivery van was untaxed and uninsured.
  • Acas provides free advice to workers and employers to resolve pay disputes.
  • Chrissy Bell from Acas says even small unpaid amounts can cause serious problems for workers without savings.
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BBC Top Stories
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