US News - The Actual News

Senate GOP passes Trump's sweeping policy bill, setting up decisive vote in the House

July 01, 2025

Senate Republicans passed a major policy bill initiated by President Trump, focusing on major tax cuts and reductions in spending on programs like Medicaid and food assistance. The bill narrowly passed with Vice President JD Vance breaking a tie and now heads to the House, where it faces opposition and debate.

Key Facts:

The Senate voted 51-50 to pass President Trump's domestic policy bill.
Vice President JD Vance broke the tie in the Senate vote.
The bill proposes large tax cuts and reduces spending on Medicaid and food assistance programs (like SNAP).
An estimated 11 million people might lose Medicaid coverage under this bill.
The bill aims to prevent the expiration of 2017 tax cuts at the end of the year.
Three Republican senators, Susan Collins, Thom Tillis, and Rand Paul, voted against the bill.
The bill used a process called reconciliation to avoid a Democratic filibuster, allowing it to pass with a simple majority.
The bill will now be voted on in the House, where there is some opposition and debate expected.

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Powell sticks to ‘wait and see’ approach as Trump ramps up criticism

July 01, 2025

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell stated that the Federal Reserve will keep its interest rates unchanged for now to observe the impact of President Trump’s tariffs on the economy. Although President Trump wants the Fed to lower rates, Powell emphasized the importance of gathering more information on how these tariffs could affect inflation and the broader economy before making any changes.

Key Facts:

Jerome Powell is the Chair of the Federal Reserve.
Powell said the Fed will hold interest rates steady to see the effects of tariffs on the economy.
President Trump has criticized the Fed, asking for lower interest rates.
Trump argues lower rates could reduce government debt interest costs and boost the economy.
Powell mentioned that the Fed might have reduced rates without the tariff situation.
Most economists believe the Fed will not lower rates before September.
The Federal Reserve's key short-term interest rate is about 4.3%.
Powell did not rule out a possible rate cut at the next policy meeting scheduled for July 29-30.

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PBS NewsHour

Farewell to USAID: Reflections on the agency that President Trump dismantled

July 01, 2025

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) officially closed on July 1st, after the Trump administration dismantled it since January. The remaining functions of USAID will now be managed by the State Department, raising concerns about whether it can handle the agency’s large-scale aid programs.

Key Facts:

USAID began in 1961 to provide humanitarian aid and development programs worldwide.
President Trump’s administration decided to close USAID, officially shutting it down on July 1st.
Thousands of USAID contracts were canceled, and many employees were laid off.
The State Department will take over the duties of USAID, but there are doubts about its capability to manage aid programs.
Former USAID officials expressed concerns over the closure's impact on global aid and famine response.
Approximately 94% of USAID's 13,000 staff members were laid off.
USAID historically played a crucial role in managing global famine responses and disaster aid.
Experts worry about increasing hunger and famine since USAID's closure.

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Republicans “afraid of” Trump will vote for “Big Beautiful Bill”

July 01, 2025

Bill Schneider, a journalist and professor, discusses the high chances of passing a US budget plan called Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill,” even though both political parties have concerns about it.

Key Facts:

Bill Schneider is a journalist, author, and professor emeritus.
The US budget plan is referred to as Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill.”
There is opposition to this budget plan from both major political parties.
Despite the opposition, the bill is likely to pass.
The article discusses reasons for the bill's potential success.

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Al Jazeera

Iran says its nuclear sites were ‘seriously damaged’ by U.S. strikes

July 01, 2025

Iran is evaluating the impact of recent airstrikes by the US and Israel on its nuclear sites and has indicated it may still engage in talks with the US concerning its nuclear program. Key locations like Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz suffered significant damage, and Iran reports a high death toll from the conflict. Satellite images show Iranian activity at the Fordo site, where officials might be assessing the damage.

Key Facts:

Iran's nuclear sites were hit by US and Israeli airstrikes, causing serious damage.
Fordo, Isfahan, and Natanz are key sites affected by the strikes.
Iran's government reports 935 Iranian deaths from the conflict, including civilians and children.
US intelligence previously stated that Iran's organized nuclear weapons program ended in 2003.
Tehran is open to possibly resuming talks with the US about its nuclear program.
Satellite images show activity at Fordo, suggesting damage assessment is underway.
Questions remain about whether Iran moved any nuclear materials before the strike.

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PBS NewsHour

Senate works a tense overnight session as Republicans seek support for Trump’s big bill

July 01, 2025

The Senate held an all-night session to work on President Trump’s proposed bill involving tax breaks and spending cuts. Republican leaders are trying to gain support amidst concerns about Medicaid cuts and possible issues in the House if the Senate approves the bill.

Key Facts:

The Senate session lasted overnight, focusing on a bill for tax breaks and spending cuts proposed by President Trump.
Republican leaders are trying to gain enough support for the bill, facing resistance mostly from Democrats.
Concerns exist about potential Medicaid cuts affecting millions; some Republican senators oppose this.
The bill needs quick resolution before Trump's holiday deadline on Friday.
Vice President JD Vance was present to potentially break a tie in the Senate vote.
The bill, named the “One Big Beautiful Bill Act,” has a priority status in Congress.
House Speaker Mike Johnson warned the bill might face challenges when it returns to the House.
Senators Lisa Murkowski and Susan Collins focus on protecting Medicaid from severe cuts.
A small group of conservative Republican senators is pushing for deeper spending cuts to control the deficit.

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PBS NewsHour

Musk says he’ll work to primary members of Congress who vote for Trump’s big bill

July 01, 2025

Elon Musk and former President Donald Trump are in a public disagreement over a new political bill. Musk criticized the bill, saying it would harm job creation and new industries, and expressed his intention to oppose politicians who support it.

Key Facts:

Elon Musk and Donald Trump are clashing over a political bill involving tax changes.
Musk criticized the bill, saying it would harm jobs and new industries.
Musk suggested he might create a new political party.
He also indicated he would work against members of Congress who support the bill.
Musk's social media post on this topic was viewed 26 million times.
Trump criticized Musk over electric vehicle subsidies.
Republican senators are trying to pass the bill quickly through Congress.
Musk is the CEO of both Tesla and SpaceX.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump plans to visit Florida's new migrant detention center, 'Alligator Alcatraz'

July 01, 2025

President Trump plans to visit a new migrant detention center in Florida called "Alligator Alcatraz." This facility is located in the Everglades and will process and hold migrants before deportation flights. The site has a capacity of 10,000 beds and is part of the effort to increase migrant detention spaces across the U.S.

Key Facts:

The detention center is located at the Dade-Collier Training and Transition Airport in the Everglades.
The nickname "Alligator Alcatraz" refers to both a famous island prison and the wildlife in the Everglades.
The center will use tents and trailers, not permanent buildings, and will open with 5,000 beds.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis confirmed federal approval for the center's rapid setup.
The facility will prepare migrants for deportation flights directly from its runway.
Running the center will cost about $450 million annually, with partial funding from FEMA.
The plan is part of a larger strategy to increase detention capacity to 100,000 beds nationally.

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NPR Home

Who wins, who loses if Trump’s One Big Beautiful Bill passes?

July 01, 2025

The U.S. Senate is discussing a tax bill supported by President Trump, which aims to introduce extensive tax cuts. The Senate started debating the bill after a close vote, and if passed, it will need negotiation between the House and Senate to finalize a version for the President's signature. The bill provides more benefits to higher-income families but proposes cuts in programs like food stamps and Medicaid.

Key Facts:

The Senate started debating Trump's tax bill after a 51-49 vote.
Republicans hold a majority in both the Senate and House of Representatives.
The bill needs approval from both the House and Senate to become law.
The bill would benefit high-income households by extending tax cuts.
The child tax credit would permanently increase to $2,200 per child.
Traditional car manufacturers may benefit by ending tax credits for electric vehicles.
The bill proposes eliminating taxes on tips received by workers.
It plans to cut funding for the food stamp program by $68.6 billion over 10 years.
Medicaid funding would also be reduced by $930 billion by 2034.

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Al Jazeera

House prices see biggest monthly fall for over two years

July 01, 2025

UK house prices dropped by 0.8% in June, marking the largest monthly decrease since February 2023, according to data from Nationwide. Despite this decrease, prices were still 2.1% higher compared to the same time last year. Nationwide expects the housing market to become more active in the coming months.

Key Facts:

House prices in the UK fell by 0.8% in June 2023.
This was the largest monthly drop in over two years.
Annual house price growth slowed to 2.1%.
Nationwide expects the housing market to recover soon.
The unemployment rate in the UK remains low.
Earnings are currently growing faster than inflation.
Borrowing costs might decrease if interest rates are cut.
Changes in stamp duty tax affected the housing market dynamics.

Source Information

BBC Business

Most Americans feel democracy is theatened, poll shows. And, Mamdani speaks with NPR

July 01, 2025

A new NPR/PBS News/Marist poll shows that 76% of Americans think democracy is at risk, with concerns about politically motivated violence also high. President Trump, in his second term, has a 43% approval rating, while both Democrats and Republicans face challenges in Congress with upcoming legislative efforts. The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has been shut down and merged with the State Department under the Trump administration.

Key Facts:

76% of Americans feel that democracy is seriously threatened.
89% of Democrats, 80% of Independents, and 57% of Republicans share this concern.
73% of people see politically motivated violence as a significant problem.
President Trump has an overall job approval rating of 43%.
Only 44% of Democrats approve of their party's performance in Congress, while 73% of Republicans approve of theirs.
The Senate is working to pass a major tax and spending bill, which includes extending tax cuts and new spending for defense and immigration.
The USAID has officially shut down and its operations merged with the State Department.
A study in The Lancet indicates USAID has saved over 90 million lives in the last 20 years.

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NPR Home

Thailand PM Paetongtarn Shinawatra, father Thaksin face legal peril

July 01, 2025

Thailand's Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra is facing a legal challenge over a leaked phone call with Cambodia's former leader, which could lead to her suspension. Simultaneously, her father, former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, is on trial for allegedly insulting Thailand's monarchy, an offense that could result in a long prison sentence if he is found guilty.

Key Facts:

Thailand's Constitutional Court is reviewing a petition to remove Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra from office.
The petition claims she acted unethically during a phone call with former Cambodian leader Hun Sen.
If the case is accepted, she could be suspended immediately.
Thaksin Shinawatra, her father, is on trial for allegedly insulting the monarchy, which can lead to up to 15 years in prison.
Thailand's politics have long been divided between the pro-military elite and the Shinawatra family.
Paetongtarn has faced criticism after referring to Hun Sen as "uncle" and criticizing a Thai army official during the leaked call.
Paetongtarn's coalition government may lose power due to the controversy, as a key party left the alliance.
If Paetongtarn is suspended, her deputy, Phumtham Wechayachai, will take over temporarily.

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Al Jazeera

Fall in number of people struggling to pay energy bills

July 01, 2025

The original article content could not be found on the page, and some guidance was given for locating missing pages. Additionally, several unrelated news items were mentioned briefly, covering topics like new shirt sponsors, a health warning in Manila, and various local events.

Key Facts:

A webpage error message suggested checking the URL if the page could not be found.
If the error occurred from within the BBC site, readers are encouraged to email feedback.
Ipswich has a new shirt sponsor related to a major tech company in Suffolk.
Manila residents have been advised not to put out their trash due to health concerns.
Schoolchildren designed a walking aid for a teacher's daughter.
A tree fell onto a road during a crash, causing traffic delays.
26 new community officers will be deployed in a county, with a promise of less paperwork.
Maro Itoje, a rugby player, balances sports with interests in faith, charity, and politics.
Manchester United is interested in signing Aston Villa's Ollie Watkins, and other football transfer news was mentioned.

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BBC Business

As light pollution increases, West Texas works to protect the world's largest 'dark sky reserve'

July 01, 2025

West Texas is working hard to protect its night sky from light pollution. The area, known as the Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve, is the largest dark sky reserve in the world. Local efforts include special lighting rules and cooperation from nearby oil and gas industries to keep the skies dark for star viewing.

Key Facts:

The McDonald Observatory in West Texas hosts "star parties" where people gather to see the dark, star-filled sky.
Around 75,000 people attend these events each year.
Light pollution makes skies brighter, reducing the number of visible stars by about 10% yearly, on average.
The Big Bend area in Texas has successfully resisted increased light pollution.
Specific lighting rules have been set in place to reduce light pollution in the region.
The nearby Permian Basin oil and gas operators use dark-sky-friendly lighting to help protect the night sky.
The Greater Big Bend International Dark Sky Reserve covers 15,000 square miles, including parts of northern Mexico.
This reserve is larger than the state of Massachusetts and is the biggest dark sky reserve in the world.

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NPR Home

Morning news brief

July 01, 2025

Senate Republicans are close to a final vote on a spending bill. A survey shows that about 75% of Americans believe democracy is at serious risk. The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) will officially close on Tuesday.

Key Facts:

Senate Republicans are nearing a final vote on a spending bill.
A new poll says about 75% of Americans think democracy is in serious trouble.
USAID is set to officially shut down on Tuesday.
USAID is a government agency that aids international development.
The information was reported by Leila Fadel and Michel Martin on the Morning Edition.

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NPR National

USAID officially shuts down and merges remaining operations with State Department

July 01, 2025

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) closed and merged its remaining operations with the State Department on July 1, 2025. This decision began under the Trump administration.

Key Facts:

USAID was officially closed on July 1, 2025.
Its remaining operations have been merged with the State Department.
This move started when the Trump administration came into power.
The closure occurred nearly six months after the administration's decision to dismantle USAID.
USAID was responsible for providing international development and humanitarian aid.

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NPR World

3 in 4 Americans worry Iran will retaliate for U.S. strikes

July 01, 2025

A recent poll shows that 75% of Americans are worried about Iran hitting back after U.S. military action last month. This concern is seen in people from all political groups.

Key Facts:

A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll was conducted.
75% of Americans say they are concerned about Iran retaliating.
The concern is related to U.S. military strikes on three Iranian nuclear sites in June.
88% of Democrats expressed concern.
63% of Republicans shared this concern.
74% of independents also showed concern.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

What Americans think about Trump’s deportations right now

July 01, 2025

A PBS News/NPR/Marist poll found that most Americans think the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) may be going too far in its actions. More than half of those surveyed feel ICE's deportation efforts have exceeded what is necessary, though opinions vary across political groups.

Key Facts:

54% of Americans believe ICE's actions have gone too far.
18% feel ICE has not gone far enough; 26% say the actions are just right.
83% of Democrats and 59% of independents think ICE has gone too far.
Nearly half of Republicans, 49%, believe ICE's actions are appropriate.
43% of Americans believe current deportation policies make the U.S. safer.
Many Americans support deporting immigrants without legal status if they committed violent crimes (80% support).
Opinions are more divided on deporting those with nonviolent crime convictions or those working in specific industries.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Poll: Most feel democracy is threatened and political violence is a major problem

July 01, 2025

Ahead of the July 4 holiday, a new poll shows that most Americans believe democracy is under threat and political violence is a big issue. The survey included 1,381 adults and reflected U.S. demographics. It also highlighted a lack of trust in political leaders, with low approval ratings for both President Trump and Congress.

Key Facts:

76% of Americans say democracy is facing a serious threat.
73% view politically motivated violence as a major problem.
The poll surveyed 1,381 adults between June 23-25.
Participants were contacted via text message or online, in English and Spanish.
The margin of error for the poll is +/- 2.9 percentage points.
Among respondents, 89% of Democrats, 80% of independents, and 57% of Republicans see a serious threat to democracy.
Approval ratings: President Trump at 43%, congressional Republicans at 35%, and congressional Democrats at 27%.

Source Information

NPR Home

Doctors don't get much menopause training. State lawmakers are trying to change that

July 01, 2025

California lawmakers are working to improve menopause education for doctors. They introduced a bill that would require doctors to learn about menopause to renew their licenses. This effort is part of a broader national movement, with several states considering similar measures.

Key Facts:

A California bill aims to require menopause education for doctors to renew their licenses.
Another proposed bill in California was about identifying education gaps but was put aside.
California Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan introduced the menopause education bill.
A survey in the medical journal Menopause found fewer than one-third of gynecology programs train on menopause.
Thirteen states have introduced 21 bills related to menopause education.
New Jersey, Arizona, and Massachusetts are looking at bills to enhance menopause education for doctors.
Illinois and Louisiana require insurance to cover some menopause treatments.
Doctors can already get training on treating menopause symptoms.

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