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The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump to host bash for crypto investors tied to his coin sales

Trump to host bash for crypto investors tied to his coin sales

Summary

President Donald Trump plans to host an exclusive cryptocurrency event on April 25 at his Mar-a-Lago club for buyers of his $Trump memecoin. The event has raised concerns among Democrats and ethics experts who say it may involve using the presidency for personal financial gain.

Key Facts

  • The event will be held at Mar-a-Lago on April 25 and is only open to the top 297 buyers of the $Trump memecoin.
  • The top 29 investors will get a special reception with President Trump.
  • $Trump is a memecoin, which means its value comes from social media hype, not real assets.
  • President Trump launched the $Trump memecoin just before his 2025 inauguration.
  • Last May, Trump held a similar dinner for memecoin buyers that raised $148 million and drew criticism for potential conflict of interest.
  • The memecoin website warns Trump might not attend, and those who qualify might get a special digital token (NFT) if he cannot.
  • Ethics experts say the event could violate federal rules against using public office for personal profit, and some call it close to bribery.
  • Democratic senators have written to the company behind the event to question how much Trump and his family are earning from these crypto ventures.
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How much does it cost to raise a child?

How much does it cost to raise a child?

Summary

It costs more than $300,000 to raise a child in the United States until they turn 18, according to LendingTree. The report explains the different expenses parents face while raising a child.

Key Facts

  • The total cost to raise a child in the U.S. is over $300,000.
  • This estimate covers expenses until the child reaches 18 years old.
  • Costs include things like food, housing, education, healthcare, and clothing.
  • The information comes from LendingTree, a financial services company.
  • The report aims to help parents understand and manage the costs of raising children.
  • The data shows raising children can be a significant financial responsibility.
  • Factors like location and family income can affect the total cost.
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US Senate passes $70bn funding plan for ICE, Border Patrol

US Senate passes $70bn funding plan for ICE, Border Patrol

Summary

The US Senate approved a $70 billion funding plan for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol to keep the Department of Homeland Security operating. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives and aims to fund the agencies for three years during President Donald Trump’s current term.

Key Facts

  • The Senate voted 50-48 to advance the $70 billion funding plan for ICE and Border Patrol.
  • This plan aims to reopen the Department of Homeland Security, which has been partly shut down since February.
  • Democrats opposed the bill due to concerns over immigration enforcement policies and recent protests.
  • Republicans are using a budget reconciliation process to pass the bill with a simple majority, avoiding the usual 60-vote threshold.
  • ICE is responsible for immigration arrests, detentions, and deportations in the US.
  • The funding would cover the remainder of President Trump’s term, roughly three years.
  • Senate Democrats proposed amendments to focus on lowering healthcare and household costs.
  • The House Republican leaders want funding for ICE and Border Patrol before considering other Homeland Security funding bills.
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‘Can I have some, please?’: has Trump opened the door to a psychedelic future?

‘Can I have some, please?’: has Trump opened the door to a psychedelic future?

Summary

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to speed up research on psychedelic drugs and improve access to them. The order directs the FDA to quickly review certain psychedelic drug candidates and supports the use of some psychedelics under “right to try” laws for seriously ill patients. This marks a change in the government's approach to these drugs, which have been illegal for decades.

Key Facts

  • President Trump signed an order to accelerate psychedelic drug research and increase access.
  • The FDA will fast-track reviews of three psychedelic drugs: psilocybin for depression and MDMA for PTSD.
  • The order includes making ibogaine available under “right to try” laws, which help terminally ill patients try experimental treatments.
  • This move could cause conflict with the DEA because schedule I drugs like psychedelics are usually excluded from “right to try.”
  • The Department of Health and Human Services announced $139 million to support new behavioral health therapies, including psychedelics.
  • The order aims to boost participation in clinical studies, especially among military veterans.
  • Psychedelic drugs have been illegal at the federal level since 1970 under the Controlled Substances Act.
  • Rescheduling these drugs to allow medical use will be part of the process following FDA approvals, according to the order.
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California officials tout historic drop in violence as killings fall to record low

California officials tout historic drop in violence as killings fall to record low

Summary

California has seen a big drop in gun violence and homicides over three years, reaching the lowest number of killings recorded in the state’s history. This drop is linked to strict gun laws, risk protection orders, violence prevention programs, and efforts focused on groups most affected by gun violence.

Key Facts

  • Homicides in California fell 35% from 2,304 in 2022 to 1,768 in 2024.
  • The largest drop in killings was among Black and Latino teenage and young adult males, with decreases of around 48-52%.
  • Suicides by gun also dropped to record lows during this period.
  • California credits strict gun laws, emergency risk protection orders (also called red-flag laws), and investments in violence prevention for the decline.
  • Despite the overall drop, about 90% of gunshot victims were male, and 75% were Black or Latino males in their 20s.
  • Domestic violence homicides increased by 21% from 2014 to 2024, with Black and Latina women disproportionately affected.
  • Federal government cuts under President Trump’s administration have reduced funding for community gun violence prevention programs.
  • As a result, California has seen a rise in applications for state-level violence prevention grants to fill funding gaps.
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5 Reasons the Fed's Independence Isn’t Sacred

5 Reasons the Fed's Independence Isn’t Sacred

Summary

The article discusses the idea that the Federal Reserve’s independence is not absolute and was created for specific historical reasons. It explains that Congress set up the Fed’s independence and can change its rules, and questions if the current way the Fed operates fits today’s economic challenges in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • The Federal Reserve’s independence began after World War II to control inflation and prevent politicians from keeping government borrowing costs low.
  • This independence was established by the 1951 Treasury-Fed Accord, a legal agreement between the Fed and the government.
  • The Federal Reserve Act gives Fed governors 14-year terms and protects them from being fired without cause, ensuring operational independence.
  • Congress created the Fed and can change its rules, goals, and how it is governed.
  • The Fed’s dual mandate to promote maximum employment and stable prices became law in 1977.
  • President Donald Trump publicly criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell and took legal actions against some Fed officials.
  • Some experts argue that the Fed’s independence should be flexible to better handle modern economic issues like housing shortages and industrial growth.
  • Coordination between the government and the Fed might be more effective than strict separation of their roles.
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SAVE America could affect your ability to vote

SAVE America could affect your ability to vote

Summary

Natural disasters can destroy important records that show who people are. This damage could make it harder for some people to prove their identity when they want to vote.

Key Facts

  • Natural disasters cause widespread destruction.
  • Important personal records may be lost or damaged during disasters.
  • These records are often needed as proof of identity.
  • Without these records, people might face difficulties voting.
  • The article links this issue with the SAVE America effort.
  • The topic focuses on how voting rights could be impacted by record loss.
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State-licensed medical marijuana reclassified as less dangerous drug

State-licensed medical marijuana reclassified as less dangerous drug

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order to reclassify state-licensed medical marijuana from Schedule I to Schedule III, which means it is now considered less dangerous under federal rules. This change may help increase research and ease some tax and regulatory limits on medical marijuana, but it does not legalize recreational use or fully remove marijuana from federal drug restrictions.

Key Facts

  • Medical marijuana licensed by states was moved from Schedule I to Schedule III in the federal drug classification.
  • Schedule III includes drugs like some pain medications, ketamine, and testosterone.
  • The reclassification may allow more detailed scientific studies on marijuana’s effects.
  • This federal change does not legalize recreational marijuana use nationwide.
  • Marijuana remains illegal under federal law and still on the controlled substances list.
  • The change could reduce some taxes and regulatory challenges for the cannabis industry.
  • President Donald Trump announced plans to reclassify marijuana but not legalize it before this order.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche said the change will help doctors and patients about medical treatments using marijuana.
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Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug in a historic shift

Trump reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as a less-dangerous drug in a historic shift

Summary

President Donald Trump’s acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, signed an order that changes the federal classification of state-licensed medical marijuana from a high-risk drug to a less dangerous category. This move does not legalize marijuana but reduces restrictions, offers tax breaks, and promotes research on medical cannabis.

Key Facts

  • Medical marijuana licensed by states has been moved from Schedule I to Schedule III under federal law.
  • Schedule I drugs are considered to have no medical use and a high risk of abuse; Schedule III drugs are less strictly controlled.
  • The order provides tax breaks to licensed medical marijuana businesses.
  • It makes it easier for researchers to study medical marijuana without penalties.
  • The Department of Justice will start a hearing process in late June to consider broader marijuana reclassification.
  • President Trump instructed his administration to speed up the marijuana reclassification process.
  • About 40 states currently have medical marijuana programs that are supported by this change.
  • The action helps medical marijuana operators register more easily with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA).
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Trump administration reclassifies cannabis as less dangerous

Trump administration reclassifies cannabis as less dangerous

Summary

The Trump administration has officially changed the federal classification of cannabis from a Schedule I to a Schedule III drug. This change makes cannabis less restricted under federal law, allowing for more research and medical use, but the drug remains illegal federally.

Key Facts

  • Cannabis was moved from Schedule I, considered highly dangerous with no medical use, to Schedule III, a less strict category.
  • Schedule III drugs are seen as having accepted medical uses and lower potential for abuse, similar to Tylenol with codeine.
  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order last year to start this reclassification.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche ordered the reclassification for cannabis products regulated by the FDA and those with state medical licenses.
  • The change will take effect 30 days after it is published in the Federal Register, but it can be legally challenged during this time.
  • The DEA will hold a hearing on the reclassification in late June.
  • Most states already allow medical or recreational marijuana use despite the federal ban.
  • Trump also recently signed another order to improve access to psychedelic drugs for medical treatment.
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Hung Cao Faces Iran Baptism of Fire

Hung Cao Faces Iran Baptism of Fire

Summary

Hung Cao has been named Acting Secretary of the Navy following the sudden departure of John Phelan amid rising tensions with Iran. Cao takes the role during a fragile ceasefire while the U.S. Navy enforces a blockade and prepares for possible combat operations.

Key Facts

  • John Phelan, the Navy Secretary, left his position unexpectedly.
  • Hung Cao, a 25-year Navy veteran and the Navy’s second-highest civilian official, is now Acting Secretary.
  • The Navy is enforcing a U.S. blockade of Iranian ports during a delicate ceasefire.
  • The Pentagon is experiencing leadership changes during ongoing U.S.-Iran tensions.
  • Phelan’s departure related to disagreements over Navy shipbuilding priorities with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
  • The U.S. armed forces are ready to resume fighting with Iran if the ceasefire ends.
  • The Navy also targets Iranian-linked ships globally and operates in the Caribbean against drug traffickers.
  • Removing a Navy Secretary during wartime is historically rare in the U.S. government.
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Trump administration moves to reclassify marijuana to schedule III drug

Trump administration moves to reclassify marijuana to schedule III drug

Summary

The Trump administration has officially started the process to change marijuana’s legal classification from schedule I to schedule III, which could allow more medical research and easier access for patients. This move follows President Trump’s executive order and aims to adjust how marijuana is regulated without fully legalizing it nationwide.

Key Facts

  • Marijuana was previously classified as a schedule I drug, alongside heroin and LSD.
  • The new classification would be schedule III, in the same group as ketamine and anabolic steroids.
  • Trump’s acting attorney general, Todd Blanche, signed the reclassification order.
  • The change is intended to improve healthcare by allowing more research on marijuana’s safety and medical use.
  • Rescheduling marijuana will not legalize it federally or change current criminal penalties immediately.
  • Marijuana remains illegal federally for transporting across state lines without permission.
  • This decision comes shortly after Trump ordered a review of psychedelic drugs for medical research.
  • Public opinion polls show majority support for marijuana legalization, including among some Republicans.
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California governor race heats up after Swalwell's exit

California governor race heats up after Swalwell's exit

Summary

The race for California governor became more competitive after Representative Eric Swalwell stopped running. Other candidates took part in a debate to discuss their plans for the state.

Key Facts

  • Eric Swalwell, a U.S. Representative, exited the California governor race.
  • The departure happened before a debate involving the remaining candidates.
  • The debate took place on a Wednesday.
  • Candidates discussed their ideas to lead California.
  • The event was covered by CBS News and The New York Times.
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Trump administration reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as less dangerous drug

Trump administration reclassifies state-licensed medical marijuana as less dangerous drug

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche signed an order to change the classification of state-licensed medical marijuana, lowering its danger level. This change reduces regulations and offers tax breaks to licensed medical marijuana businesses, but it does not fully legalize marijuana.

Key Facts

  • The reclassification applies only to state-licensed medical marijuana.
  • It lowers marijuana from a high-danger category to a less strict category.
  • The change was made by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
  • Licensed medical marijuana operators will get tax breaks.
  • This order does not legalize marijuana nationwide or for non-medical use.
  • The move aims to ease regulations for medical marijuana within states that allow it.
  • The decision affects how marijuana is treated under federal rules.
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A close look at the U.S.-Mexico border as crossings hit 55-year low

A close look at the U.S.-Mexico border as crossings hit 55-year low

Summary

Illegal border crossings between the U.S. and Mexico have dropped to the lowest level in 55 years. This decrease follows a period of higher crossings and comes during a time when President Donald Trump’s administration is enforcing stricter measures in some large U.S. cities.

Key Facts

  • Illegal crossings at the U.S.-Mexico border are at their lowest since 55 years ago.
  • Crossings had increased significantly in recent years before this drop.
  • President Donald Trump’s administration has increased enforcement actions in major U.S. cities this year.
  • The article discusses details of the border situation reported by Camilo Montoya-Galvez for CBS News.
  • The changes reflect shifts in migration patterns and government policy.
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Knife killings down by 21% in England and Wales, figures show

Knife killings down by 21% in England and Wales, figures show

Summary

Knife killings in England and Wales dropped by 21% in 2025 compared to 2024, reaching the lowest level since 2010-11. Overall homicide cases also decreased by 6%, and total knife-related crimes fell by 10%. Theft incidents and shoplifting showed small declines, while robbery of businesses involving violence increased.

Key Facts

  • Knife killings fell from 217 in 2024 to 172 in 2025, a 21% decrease.
  • Total homicides dropped by 6%, from 534 in 2024 to 503 in 2025.
  • Knife-related crimes fell by 10%, with 49,151 offences recorded in 2025.
  • The Crime Survey for England and Wales estimated 2.6 million thefts in 2025, 11% fewer than the previous year.
  • Recorded shoplifting offences fell by 1% to 509,566 in 2025.
  • Police were advised to record shoplifting with violence as robbery of business property, which likely caused a small increase in robbery cases.
  • Robbery of businesses rose sharply by 78%, from 14,691 cases in 2024 to 26,158 in 2025.
  • Homicide offences include murder, manslaughter, infanticide, and causing death or harm to children or vulnerable adults.
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Our 14-Year-Old Was Secretly Using Social Media. Then Our Worst Nightmare Came True

Our 14-Year-Old Was Secretly Using Social Media. Then Our Worst Nightmare Came True

Summary

A family shares the story of their 14-year-old daughter Englyn, who struggled with mental health issues linked to hidden social media use and harmful online content. Despite parental efforts, Englyn was exposed to distressing material promoted by social media algorithms, which contributed to her tragic death by suicide.

Key Facts

  • Englyn received a cellphone at age 11 to stay in touch with family and friends.
  • The parents knew her passcodes and checked her phone regularly but didn’t realize she downloaded secret social media apps.
  • Social media platforms used algorithms that showed Englyn content about self-harm and other harmful behaviors.
  • Englyn’s mental health declined, showing anxiety, depression, and self-harm before her death at age 14.
  • The family found Meta (Facebook) targeted Englyn and her friends with dark, disturbing videos, including one simulating a suicide attempt.
  • Despite multiple reports, the harmful video was not removed from Meta’s platform.
  • Internal company documents and lawsuits claim social media companies prioritize addicting users and use predatory practices like targeting children under 13.
  • Existing parental controls and screen time limits are often ineffective against these persistent algorithm-driven recommendations.
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Police hunt 17-year-old suspect in shooting near University of Iowa

Police hunt 17-year-old suspect in shooting near University of Iowa

Summary

Police are looking for a 17-year-old suspect, Damarian Jones, linked to a shooting near the University of Iowa that wounded five people. Jones faces multiple serious charges, including attempted murder, and remains at large after the incident early Sunday morning.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened around 1:45 a.m. Sunday at Iowa City's Pedestrian Mall near the University of Iowa.
  • Five people were shot and injured; two are still hospitalized with serious injuries.
  • Jones is charged with five counts of attempted murder and other assault-related charges.
  • Police say Jones fired six shots after a physical fight involving multiple people.
  • None of the injured victims were the intended targets.
  • Authorities recovered three firearms and multiple rounds of ammunition during the investigation.
  • Police are asking the public to provide any information on Jones’s whereabouts.
  • Additional charges and arrests are expected as investigations continue.
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WATCH:  Daring rescue for 2 families stuck on cliff

WATCH: Daring rescue for 2 families stuck on cliff

Summary

Two families hiking along a coastal area were trapped when the tide rose quickly and cut off their path. Rescue teams carried out a daring operation to bring them safely from the rocky cliff edge.

Key Facts

  • Two families were hiking near the coastline.
  • The tide came in faster than expected.
  • Rising water stranded the families on a rocky cliff.
  • Rescue authorities responded to the situation.
  • The families were safely rescued from the cliff.
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Families concerned over disappearance of 2 doctoral students: "It's very unusual"

Families concerned over disappearance of 2 doctoral students: "It's very unusual"

Summary

Police in Tampa are looking for two doctoral students from the University of South Florida who have not been seen for a week. The students, Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy, both originally from Bangladesh, went missing on April 16.

Key Facts

  • Two doctoral students from the University of South Florida are missing.
  • Their names are Zamil Limon and Nahida Bristy.
  • Both students are from Bangladesh.
  • They were last seen on April 16.
  • Their families have expressed concern about their disappearance.
  • Police in Tampa are actively searching for them.
  • The situation is described as very unusual by those close to the students.
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