US News - The Actual News

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.

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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.

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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%.

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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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NPR Home

Zohran Mamdani on his run for NYC mayor, taxing the rich and tackling hate head-on

July 01, 2025

Zohran Mamdani, a South Asian Muslim Democratic socialist, won the primary to be the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor. Despite skepticism and false claims against him, Mamdani focuses on policies like free public transit and affordable childcare, though he acknowledges the need for state support to achieve these goals.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani is running for New York City mayor and is now the presumptive Democratic candidate after winning the primary.
He faced opposition and false claims about his identity and beliefs during his campaign.
Mamdani emphasizes making life more affordable with policies like free public transit and childcare.
He acknowledges that many of his proposals require support from the state government, especially from Governor Kathy Hochul.
Mamdani believes progressive reforms are possible, as shown by his success in creating a fare-free bus pilot in New York City.
He plans to fund his programs by increasing taxes on corporations and people earning over a million dollars.
Mamdani argues that helping working people is a priority, as more of them are being displaced in the city.

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NPR Home

Mail-in voting rates dropped but early in-person voting is a hit, federal report shows

July 01, 2025

Fewer people voted by mail in the 2024 election compared to 2020, but more people voted early in-person. While mail voting decreased, overall voter turnout remained high, similar to during the pandemic.

Key Facts:

Mail voting accounted for 30.3% of votes in 2024, down from 43% in 2020.
Early in-person voting increased in popularity from 2020 to 2024.
Nearly 65% of eligible voters participated in the 2024 election.
More than two-thirds of voters cast their ballots in person in 2024, either early or on Election Day.
Election officials noted the need to accommodate various voting methods.
Some states reduced mail voting options compared to 2020.
Misinformation and new laws have influenced the decline in mail voting.
Republicans encouraged voting early by mail in the 2024 election despite previous opposition.

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NPR Home

US accuses Harvard of anti-Semitic harassment of Jewish students, staff

July 01, 2025

The Trump administration accused Harvard University of mistreating Jewish and Israeli students and threatened to cut federal funding. Harvard denied these accusations and said it is working to tackle anti-Semitism on campus.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration claimed Harvard violated Jewish and Israeli students' rights.
A federal task force alleged discrimination and harassment of Jewish students at Harvard.
The government threatened to remove Harvard's federal funding if it does not make changes.
Harvard stated it has taken steps to reduce anti-Semitism and promote inclusion.
Over $2.5 billion in federal grants to Harvard have been frozen by the administration.
Similar actions by the government have been taken against other universities like Columbia and the University of Virginia.
Protests against Israel's actions in Gaza have sparked debates about anti-Semitism on U.S. campuses.
The Trump administration has also looked into employment practices at the University of California for possible discrimination.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Trans troops in US military 'in survival mode' as ban on serving kicks in

June 30, 2025

A new ban, announced by former President Trump, restricts transgender people from serving in the US military. This affects service members like Maj Kara Corcoran, who must now comply with male regulations, despite identifying as female. Critics argue this policy is unfair, and legal challenges have already been filed.

Key Facts:

Maj Kara Corcoran has served in the US Army for 17 years and recently had to comply with male appearance rules for a graduation ceremony.
A ban announced by former President Trump in 2025 prevents most transgender people from serving in the US military.
The policy states those with gender dysphoria cannot serve, as it is considered incompatible with military standards.
There are officially about 4,200 transgender service members in the US military, though some estimates suggest the number could be 10,000.
Previous rules under President Obama allowed transgender service, but policies have changed with different administrations.
Public support for transgender military service is decreasing, with a Gallup poll showing lower support compared to previous years.
Legal challenges to the ban have been initiated by transgender officers and human rights groups.

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BBC World

Is RFK Jr's divisive plan to Make America Healthy Again fearmongering - or revolutionary?

June 30, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., as the U.S. health secretary, aims to tackle chronic illnesses in America and has taken actions like cutting jobs at health agencies and targeting food additives. While his plans face criticism from some health experts due to his history of controversial views, efforts like phasing out certain food dyes have seen support and changes from companies.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. health secretary focusing on chronic illnesses such as obesity and heart disease.
The U.S. faces what Kennedy calls an epidemic of chronic illness affecting many people.
Kennedy cut jobs and programs at the Department of Health and CDC, causing concern among some health experts.
He has a history of promoting unproven health theories, which has led to criticism from medical professionals.
Kennedy targets multinational food companies, blaming them for using harmful additives in food.
His initiative includes phasing out petroleum-based food dyes by 2026, with backing from major food companies.
Companies like PepsiCo announced plans to remove artificial colors from products.
Kennedy’s policies have led some states to legislate against certain food additives independently.

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BBC World

Household energy bills fall but may not go much lower

June 30, 2025

Energy bills for 21 million households in England, Scotland, and Wales will decrease due to a new price cap set by Ofgem. However, the exact future of energy prices is uncertain, with potential rises in winter and influences from global events. People are encouraged to explore fixed deals for possible savings.

Key Facts:

Ofgem has reduced the energy price cap, lowering bills by about £11 a month for typical households.
The 7% decrease in energy bills starts from Tuesday and affects variable tariffs, not fixed deals.
Fixed deals set a price per unit of energy, not the total bill, which depends on actual usage.
Current fixed deals could offer a potential saving of £200 annually, but only 35% of people use them.
Energy price predictions are uncertain due to potential influences such as Middle East instability.
Cornwall Insight predicts a further 1% reduction, but stresses unpredictability in future prices.
Energy bills are still higher than before the pandemic, even after adjusting for inflation.
Community programs, like the project by Stevenage Football Club, teach families to manage food and energy costs effectively.

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BBC Business

Obama, Bush decry ‘travesty’ of Trump’s gutting of USAID on its last day

June 30, 2025

Former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush criticized the Trump administration's decision to merge the US Agency for International Development (USAID) with the State Department. They expressed concern over the impact of the changes on USAID's global humanitarian work.

Key Facts:

Obama and Bush publicly addressed the actions of the Trump administration regarding USAID.
USAID, a six-decade-old agency, created by President John F. Kennedy, is being absorbed into the State Department.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio made the decision to integrate USAID into the State Department.
USAID is known for its global humanitarian and development efforts, such as providing food and water in conflict zones.
Trump referred to USAID as a flawed organization, claiming it was run by "radical left lunatics."
Bono, a U2 band member, also participated in the video call to support USAID staff.
The agency was targeted for government cuts, affecting many staffers and programs.
USAID has been involved in health initiatives like the President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR), credited with saving 25 million lives.

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Al Jazeera

Mamdani’s New York victory sparks Islamophobic backlash in US

June 30, 2025

Muslim New Yorkers have been attending Eid holiday prayers in Washington Square Park for years. Recently, some right-wing figures have used these gatherings to spread unfounded fears linked to Muslim American mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. This has led to an increase in Islamophobic comments following Mamdani's victory in the Democratic primaries, with several public figures making derogatory remarks.

Key Facts:

Muslim New Yorkers gather in Washington Square Park for Eid prayers annually.
Footage of these gatherings has been used by right-wing influencers to spread fear.
Zohran Mamdani, a Muslim American, recently won the Democratic primaries for New York City mayor.
Islamophobic rhetoric has increased after Mamdani's primary victory.
Some public figures have falsely linked Mamdani to extremist ideologies.
Politicians, including those connected to former President Trump, have made derogatory statements.
Calls for condemnation of bigotry are being made by some politicians and activists.
Some Democrats have publicly denounced the anti-Muslim remarks.

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Al Jazeera

White House says Canada's Carney 'caved' to Trump on tech tax

June 30, 2025

The White House stated that Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney decided not to impose a digital services tax on large U.S. tech companies after discussions with President Donald Trump. This decision followed Trump's threat to raise tariffs and halt trade negotiations. Canada's finance minister announced the tax's cancellation, which aimed to tax major tech firms' revenues in Canada.

Key Facts:

Canada planned a tax on big U.S. tech companies like Amazon, Meta, Google, and Apple.
The tax proposed a 3% charge on Canadian revenue over $20 million.
President Trump threatened to stop trade talks and raise tariffs in response to the tax.
Canada decided to cancel the tax to resume trade negotiations with the U.S.
Canadian Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne confirmed the tax's removal.
The tax, introduced in 2020, aimed to tax tech companies not fully taxed on their Canadian earnings.
The estimated cost to tech firms was over C$2 billion in the first year.
The tax cancellation caused political criticism within Canada, particularly by opposition leader Pierre Poilievre, who urged a different approach to U.S. negotiations.

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BBC US

Mexican authorities find 20 bodies, some decapitated, in Sinaloa state

June 30, 2025

Mexican authorities found 20 bodies on a highway in Sinaloa, an area affected by violent drug cartel fights. The bodies were found in different places, and a note was left, likely from one of the cartels involved. Violence in the region is tied to disputes over drug trafficking routes related to the Sinaloa Cartel.

Key Facts:

20 bodies were found, some decapitated, on a highway in Sinaloa, Mexico.
Bodies were discovered on a roadside, inside a vehicle, and in a bag.
A note was left with the bodies, possibly from a drug cartel, but its contents are unknown.
The Sinaloa region is experiencing violence due to rival cartels fighting for drug trafficking routes.
Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzman and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada’s factions are involved in these conflicts.
Violence increased after Ismael Zambada's arrest and trial in the U.S.
Over 1,200 people have died in Sinaloa due to this violence.
Drug-related crimes in Mexico have resulted in about 480,000 deaths since 2006.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Senate pushes to pass Trump’s budget as some Republicans voice concerns over Medicaid cuts

June 30, 2025

A significant bill, which includes large tax cuts and changes to immigration, energy, and Medicaid, is currently with the U.S. Senate. The outcome depends on whether enough Republican senators will support it.

Key Facts:

The bill proposes trillions in tax cuts.
It plans to make big changes to the U.S. immigration system.
It will affect the country’s energy policies.
Medicaid, a health program for low-income and disabled people, is part of the changes.
The Senate currently has control over the bill's future.
It's uncertain if enough Republican senators will vote in favor of the bill.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

News Wrap: Idaho investigators identify alleged gunman in firefighter ambush attack

June 30, 2025

Idaho authorities are looking into why someone ambushed and killed two firefighters. The Trump administration claims Harvard discriminated against Jewish and Israeli students. The Supreme Court is set to review rules about how much money political parties can spend on federal elections.

Key Facts:

Idaho investigators are searching for a reason behind the ambush shooting that killed two firefighters.
The Trump administration accuses Harvard of violating civil rights by not protecting Jewish and Israeli students.
The Supreme Court will examine existing rules on political party spending in federal elections.
An "ambush shooting" means an attack where victims are caught by surprise.
The Supreme Court is the highest court in the United States.
Civil rights laws are intended to protect individuals from discrimination based on characteristics like race or religion.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Operation Not Forgotten dedicates FBI agents to cold cases as Native families seek answers

June 30, 2025

Native Americans and Alaskan Natives have faced higher rates of violent crimes such as murder and rape for many years. Many of these crimes are not solved, partly because there aren't enough law enforcement resources.

Key Facts:

Native Americans and Alaskan Natives experience higher rates of violent crimes compared to other groups.
These crimes include murder, rape, and other forms of violence.
Generational trauma and systemic abuse are seen as contributing factors.
A lack of law enforcement resources in these communities affects crime-solving rates.
The report about these issues is from New Mexico.
This information is part of a series called "Race Matters."

Source Information

PBS NewsHour