US News - The Actual News

WATCH LIVE: Senate begins debating amendments to Trump’s ‘big, beautiful’ spending bill

June 30, 2025

The U.S. Senate is working to pass a large bill proposed by President Trump that includes tax cuts and spending changes. The debate is intense, with Republicans and Democrats sharply divided over issues like health care cuts. The bill could impact millions of Americans' health insurance and increase the national deficit.

Key Facts:

The Senate is debating a bill with significant tax cuts and spending changes backed by President Trump.
A GOP senator announced retirement plans after opposing the bill due to cuts to Medicaid.
The bill could leave 11.8 million more Americans without health insurance by 2034, according to the Congressional Budget Office.
The bill could increase the U.S. deficit by $3.3 trillion over the next ten years.
The bill needs to pass the Senate before moving to the House for a vote.
Some Republicans are pushing for even deeper cuts, especially to health care.
Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski voted in favor after intense discussions, aided by specific provisions for her state.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Welfare concessions to be set out before key vote

June 30, 2025

The government is set to explain changes to its welfare reform plans to gain the support of Labour MPs before an important vote. The plans faced backlash from over 120 Labour MPs, prompting concessions to make the benefits system fairer, such as limiting cuts to certain payments and raising benefits with inflation.

Key Facts:

The government will announce changes to its planned welfare reforms before a crucial vote.
Over 120 Labour MPs opposed the original plans, leading to significant concessions.
The goal of the welfare changes is to save £2 billion annually, not the originally expected £5 billion.
Concessions include limiting cuts to the Personal Independence Payment for new applicants.
The government reversed plans to freeze the health-related part of universal credit; it will now rise with inflation.
A review of the Personal Independence Payment assessment process will be conducted with input from disabled people.
The reforms aim to allow people receiving benefits to try work without fear of losing support.
Some Labour MPs, along with the Liberal Democrats, still oppose the changes due to concerns about their impact on vulnerable groups.

Source Information

BBC Business

Trump DHS links data for new citizenship tracking tool. And, Senate discusses tax bill

June 30, 2025

The U.S. Senate is working on a major Republican tax and spending bill that aims to increase military and border spending and raise the debt limit while making cuts to Medicaid. Additionally, the Trump administration has introduced a new system to track citizenship data, and two firefighters were killed in North Idaho by a suspected sniper.

Key Facts:

The Senate is debating a Republican tax and spending bill that President Trump wants to be approved by Friday.
This bill includes a $5 trillion increase in the debt ceiling to avoid a default.
It proposes more federal spending on border enforcement and the military.
The most significant cuts in the bill are proposed for Medicaid, which may lead to nearly 12 million people losing coverage.
The Trump administration launched a national citizenship data system to verify voter citizenship.
Concerns have been raised about potential other uses of the new citizenship data system.
In North Idaho, two firefighters were fatally shot in what authorities describe as a sniper attack.

Source Information

NPR Home

UK-US tariff deal begins but still no news on steel

June 30, 2025

The UK and US have started a new deal that lowers import taxes, allowing UK car makers to sell up to 100,000 vehicles in the US with a 10% tax, benefiting UK car and aerospace sectors. In return, the UK will remove taxes on US ethanol and beef imports, but tariffs on UK steel and aluminum are still in place, with negotiations ongoing until July 9. Other countries are also seeking trade deals with the US before the upcoming deadline.

Key Facts:

The UK-US deal began after being signed at the G7 summit.
UK cars can now be sold in the US with a 10% tariff, down from the previous 27.5%.
UK aerospace exports to the US will have zero tariffs.
The UK will remove tariffs on US ethanol and increase the quota for US beef imports.
UK steel and aluminum are still subject to a 25% tariff, which could double if no agreement is reached by July 9.
The UK government believes the deal will save industries money and protect jobs.
Other countries, like Thailand, are also in talks with the US to reduce tariffs.
President Trump has stated it is unlikely he will extend the deadline for tariff negotiations.

Source Information

BBC Business

Bayern beat Flamengo 4-2 to meet PSG in Club World Cup quarters

June 30, 2025

Bayern Munich beat Flamengo 4-2 in the Club World Cup round of 16 match. Harry Kane scored two goals for Bayern, moving them into the quarterfinals where they will face Paris Saint-Germain.

Key Facts:

Bayern Munich won 4-2 against Flamengo in the Club World Cup.
Harry Kane scored twice in the match for Bayern Munich.
Joshua Kimmich and Leon Goretzka also scored for Bayern.
Gerson and Jorginho scored the goals for Flamengo.
Flamengo's coach, Filipe Luis, said that the best Brazilian players are in Europe.
Bayern will play Paris Saint-Germain in the quarterfinals.
The match was held at Hard Rock Stadium with a crowd of 60,914.
Luiz Araujo and Leon Goretzka's key moments impacted the game's outcome.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

This company wants to be the first to mine the ocean floor, with Trump's help

June 30, 2025

Gerard Barron, CEO of The Metals Company, aims to be the first to mine the ocean floor for minerals like nickel and cobalt with support from an executive order by President Trump. The company seeks approval to mine a mineral-rich area in the Pacific Ocean, though the environmental impact and rights over international waters remain concerns.

Key Facts:

Gerard Barron is the CEO of The Metals Company, which plans to mine the ocean floor.
President Trump's executive order promotes deep-sea mining to reduce U.S. reliance on foreign minerals.
The targeted mining area is in the Pacific Ocean, known as the Clarion-Clipperton Zone.
This zone contains large amounts of minerals such as nickel and cobalt.
The Metals Company is seeking U.S. government approval to start mining in this area.
Mining these minerals is considered crucial for defense and energy technologies.
Environmental impact on ocean ecosystems is a significant concern among scientists.
Legal rights over these minerals in international waters are disputed by other countries.

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NPR Home

Murders are down nationwide. Researchers point to a key reason

June 30, 2025

The number of murders across the United States has dropped significantly, with a 14% decrease in 2024 and similar trends expected in 2025. Experts link this decline to changes stemming from the COVID-19 pandemic, which had a major impact on daily life and public services.

Key Facts:

Murder rates in the U.S. fell by at least 14% in 2024, according to AH Datalytics and the Council on Criminal Justice.
The FBI reports similar declines up to 2023, and experts anticipate continued decreases in 2025.
Detroit experienced its lowest homicide rate since 1965.
Police presence and strategy contribute to crime rates but are not the sole reasons for the decline.
Crime analysts identify the COVID-19 pandemic as a key factor affecting murder rates.
The pandemic led to many young people staying home with less to occupy their time.
Local government services and employment, which decreased at the pandemic's peak, have returned to pre-pandemic levels, helping restore community support systems.
Renewed municipal spending is contributing to job creation and community improvements.

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NPR Home

80 years later, a Holocaust survivor meets an American soldier who helped free him

June 30, 2025

Andrew Roth, a Holocaust survivor, and Jack Moran, a former U.S. soldier, met in Los Angeles 80 years after Moran helped liberate Roth from the Buchenwald concentration camp. They shared their experiences with the USC Shoah Foundation, which works to preserve Holocaust survivor stories. Many survivors like Roth and soldiers like Moran are nearing 100 years old, and their testimonies help ensure that history is not forgotten.

Key Facts:

Andrew Roth was imprisoned in Buchenwald, a concentration camp in Germany, after surviving Auschwitz and a Jewish ghetto.
Jack Moran served in the U.S. Army during World War II and was part of the group that liberated Buchenwald.
Roth and Moran recently met at the USC Shoah Foundation, an organization that records and shares Holocaust survivor stories.
An estimated six million Jews were killed during the Holocaust.
The Conference on Jewish Material Claims Against Germany states that approximately 220,000 Holocaust survivors are still alive.
The USC Shoah Foundation is gathering survivor testimonies to help fill in historical gaps and promote understanding of the Holocaust.
Survivor stories are crucial as there are fewer first-hand witnesses living to share their experiences.

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NPR Home

Republican Sen. Ron Johnson 'satisfied' with Trump's bill after initial opposition

June 30, 2025

Republican Senator Ron Johnson decided to support President Trump's tax and spending bill after expressing satisfaction with Trump's promise to cut federal spending. Johnson, who initially voted against it, cast the deciding vote to advance the bill, which includes significant tax cuts and changes to Medicaid. The bill has sparked debate over potential impacts on Medicaid and state budgets.

Key Facts:

Senator Ron Johnson initially opposed but later supported President Trump's tax and spending bill.
The bill proposes $4 trillion in tax cuts and changes to Medicaid, the health program for low-income individuals.
The bill includes new work requirements for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), which helps people buy food.
Johnson’s support followed discussions with Trump about reducing federal spending to pre-pandemic levels.
Johnson criticized the $1.9 trillion average annual deficit during President Biden’s term.
Some lawmakers, including GOP Senator Thom Tillis, oppose the bill due to potential high costs for states if Medicaid changes are implemented.
Johnson supports an amendment to end the federal government’s cost-sharing for certain Medicaid enrollees by 2030.
The bill faces scrutiny from Democrats and some Republicans concerned about the impact on Medicaid coverage.

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NPR National

After Supreme Court ruling, Grants Pass still can't remove a homeless encampment

June 30, 2025

Even though the Supreme Court decided that cities can remove homeless camps, the city of Grants Pass in Oregon is still not able to remove a camp there.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruled that cities could legally remove homeless encampments one year ago.
The city of Grants Pass in Oregon was the focus of the Supreme Court case.
Despite the ruling, Grants Pass is still unable to remove a specific homeless encampment.
The issue of how cities handle homeless camps remains ongoing.
The case highlighted the challenges cities face in managing homeless populations.

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NPR National

The impact of UVA's President resignation on public higher education

June 30, 2025

The President of the University of Virginia resigned because of pressure from the Trump administration. A professor from Michigan State University discussed what this means for public universities.

Key Facts:

The University of Virginia's President stepped down from the position.
The resignation happened due to pressure from the Trump administration.
Leila Fadel, a reporter, spoke to Brenden Cantwell about this issue.
Brenden Cantwell is a professor at Michigan State University.
The conversation focused on how this resignation might affect public higher education.

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NPR National

US Senate begins debate on Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

June 30, 2025

The United States Senate is discussing President Donald Trump's new bill, which includes tax cuts and reductions to healthcare and food programs. The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) estimates this bill could increase US debt by $3.3 trillion over ten years and result in 11.8 million more uninsured Americans by 2034. Some Republicans and all Democrats oppose the bill due to its potential impact on healthcare and clean energy.

Key Facts:

The US Senate is debating a new bill from President Trump that includes tax cuts and reductions to healthcare and food assistance.
The bill is 940 pages long and is referred to as the “Big, Beautiful Bill.”
The Congressional Budget Office (CBO) expects the bill to increase US debt by $3.3 trillion over a decade.
The CBO also predicts 11.8 million more Americans could be without health insurance by 2034 if the bill is passed.
Republican leaders aim to pass the bill before July 4, the US Independence Day.
Some Republicans have opposed the bill, particularly due to its cuts to Medicaid, a program for low-income people.
The bill plans to cut $1.2 trillion, mostly from Medicaid and food stamps, by adding work requirements.
The bill proposes rolling back tax credits for green energy and includes funding for national security and border enforcement.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Two killed in ‘heinous assault’ on firefighters in Idaho

June 30, 2025

In Idaho, a gunman attacked firefighters responding to a fire near Coeur d'Alene, killing at least two people. Law enforcement believes the gunfire came from high-powered rifles, and the suspects have not surrendered. Authorities urged the public to stay away as they work to resolve the situation.

Key Facts:

A gunman shot at firefighters at Canfield Mountain, Idaho, killing at least two people.
The incident occurred around 2:00 pm, just north of Coeur d'Alene.
The Kootenai County Sheriff's Office said it's unclear if there was more than one shooter.
The shooter used high-powered rifles and fired rapidly at first responders.
Idaho Governor Brad Little called the attack a "direct assault" on firefighters.
Authorities asked the public to avoid the area for safety reasons.
The FBI and Department of Homeland Security are involved in the response.
Investigators are checking if the fire was a setup to target first responders.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Two people shot dead in Idaho while responding to brush fire

June 29, 2025

Two people were shot and killed in Idaho while they were responding to a brush fire. Authorities say that the firefighters were ambushed, and the suspect is currently on the loose.

Key Facts:

Two people were killed in Idaho while responding to a fire.
The incident happened in Kootenai County.
Firefighters were caught by surprise, described as an ambush.
People in Coeur d'Alene city are being told to stay away from the area.
The suspect responsible for the shooting has not been captured yet.
The FBI is involved and is helping at the scene.
Idaho's Governor mentioned that several firefighters were attacked during the incident.

Source Information

BBC US

NYC mayoral frontrunner Mamdani: 'I don't think we should have billionaires'

June 29, 2025

Zohran Mamdani recently became the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, marking the first time a Muslim American has won such a primary in the city. He supports taxing wealthier neighborhoods more and proposes policies like free buses and a higher minimum wage. Mamdani, labeled a communist by President Trump, emphasizes his focus on addressing inequality and denies the communist label.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor, making him the first Muslim American to do so.
He aims to increase taxes on wealthier areas to fund public services like free public transportation and universal childcare.
Mamdani is 33 years old and promotes democratic socialism, aiming to reduce inequality in the city.
He plans a $30 minimum hourly wage and rent freeze if elected.
President Trump criticized Mamdani, calling him a communist, which Mamdani denies.
Mamdani highlights the wealth disparity in New York City, noting one in four residents live in poverty.
In his campaign, Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo, a significant political figure.
He has faced scrutiny for his views on the Israel-Gaza conflict, expressing support for Palestinians.

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BBC US

Republican Senator Thom Tillis to leave Congress after clash with Trump

June 29, 2025

Republican Senator Thom Tillis announced he will not run for reelection after opposing a major budget bill supported by President Trump. He expressed concerns about the lack of independent thinking in Washington and criticized elements of the budget bill that he believes could harm people in North Carolina. The bill's changes to Medicaid are particularly controversial, with Tillis and others noting potential negative impacts on healthcare access.

Key Facts:

Senator Thom Tillis is a Republican from North Carolina.
Tillis will not seek reelection, citing a decline in independent political thinking.
He opposed a budget bill important to President Trump, citing concerns over Medicaid cuts.
The bill requires most adults to work to get Medicaid benefits and limits state taxes on medical providers.
President Trump criticized Tillis for not supporting the bill and may support other candidates against him.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill could result in nearly 12 million people losing health coverage.
Trump has criticized other Republicans who oppose the bill, such as Senator Rand Paul and Congressman Thomas Massie.
There is speculation about potential challengers for Tillis's Senate seat, including Lara Trump.

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BBC US

Marchers cap Pride Month with celebration and protest

June 29, 2025

People in cities around the world, including New York City and Budapest, joined Pride parades to celebrate and call for LGBTQ+ rights. The events included both celebrations with music and costumes and demonstrations against political actions affecting LGBTQ+ communities, such as those by the Trump administration in the U.S. and the Hungarian government.

Key Facts:

New York City's Pride parade is the oldest and largest in the U.S. and had the theme "Rise Up: Pride in Protest" this year.
Participants protested against President Trump's policies, which included limiting transgender rights and removing diversity programs.
Pride parades also took place in many other U.S. cities like San Francisco, Chicago, and Seattle.
New York's parade passed the Stonewall Inn, commemorating the 1969 Stonewall Riots that sparked the LGBTQ+ rights movement.
In Budapest, despite a government ban, around 100,000 people participated in a Pride event to protest Hungary's laws against LGBTQ+ rights.
Some companies withdrew or reduced their financial support for Pride events in the U.S. this year.
New York police officers in full uniform were not allowed to march in the parade for the fifth consecutive year.
Globally, Pride events have occurred or are planned in cities like Tokyo, Paris, London, and Rio de Janeiro.

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NPR Home

James extends Lakers stay for record 23rd NBA season

June 29, 2025

LeBron James will play in his 23rd NBA season, breaking the record for the most seasons played, after choosing to extend his contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. He aims for a fifth Championship and currently holds the record as the NBA's all-time leading scorer.

Key Facts:

LeBron James has decided to play for a 23rd NBA season with the Los Angeles Lakers.
He activated a $53 million player option for the 2025-26 season.
LeBron aims for his fifth NBA Championship.
He holds the record for the most points scored in NBA history with 42,184 points.
LeBron shares the record for most NBA seasons played with Vince Carter.
He has made 1,562 regular-season appearances, close to the record set by Robert Parish.
LeBron's career started in 2003 with the Cleveland Cavaliers.
He has won NBA titles with the Miami Heat, Cleveland Cavaliers, and Los Angeles Lakers.
In 2024, his son Bronny joined the Lakers, and they played together in an NBA game.

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BBC US

Trump's budget may cost millions their healthcare as Senate debates bill

June 29, 2025

A proposed budget bill in the US Senate could reduce healthcare services for up to 12 million Americans, according to the Congressional Budget Office. The bill, supported by former President Donald Trump, faces challenges due to concerns about increased national debt and healthcare cuts, and may not have enough support to pass in the Senate.

Key Facts:

The Congressional Budget Office estimates the bill could add $3.3 trillion to the national debt.
The bill proposes $1 trillion in cuts to healthcare funding, affecting programs like Medicaid.
The bill cleared a preliminary vote with a slim margin of 51-49 in the Senate.
Senators have 20 hours to debate the bill and can propose amendments before the final vote.
The Republican party holds a slight majority in the Senate with 53 seats.
Two Republican senators joined Democrats in opposing the initial move to debate the bill.
Democratic senators are using procedural rules to delay the vote and force a reading of the lengthy bill.
If passed by the Senate, the bill would need approval from the House of Representatives and then reach the president's desk for final acceptance.

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BBC US

The grassroots network helping women circumvent abortion bans and restrictions

June 29, 2025

Since the U.S. Supreme Court ended Roe v. Wade three years ago, 20 states have put bans or limits on abortions. Despite these changes, women continue to find ways to access abortions. A new podcast named "The Network" talks about how an abortion pill contributed to grassroots activism that altered laws in Latin America.

Key Facts:

Roe v. Wade, a significant ruling on abortion rights, ended three years ago.
20 U.S. states have banned or limited abortion access since then.
Women are still managing to terminate pregnancies despite these changes.
A podcast called "The Network" discusses this issue in depth.
The podcast focuses on an abortion pill's role in grassroots movements.
These movements have helped change abortion laws in Latin America.
Ali Rogin conducted an interview with the podcast's co-hosts, Marta Martinez and Victoria Estrada.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour