July 12, 2025

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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

Republican Senator Thom Tillis to leave Congress after clash with Trump

Republican Senator Thom Tillis to leave Congress after clash with Trump

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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Marchers cap Pride Month with celebration and protest

Marchers cap Pride Month with celebration and protest

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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James extends Lakers stay for record 23rd NBA season

James extends Lakers stay for record 23rd NBA season

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

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

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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The grassroots network helping women circumvent abortion bans and restrictions

The grassroots network helping women circumvent abortion bans and restrictions

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.

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News Wrap: Trump’s big budget bill advances in Senate

News Wrap: Trump’s big budget bill advances in Senate

The Senate started discussing a bill with tax and spending cuts that Republicans want to approve by July 4. Ukrainian officials reported a large air attack by Russia. Israel's military told people in northern Gaza to evacuate.

Key Facts:

  • The U.S. Senate is debating a bill that includes tax and spending cuts.
  • Republicans aim to pass this bill by July 4.
  • Ukraine reported a major air attack by Russia overnight.
  • Israeli military issued evacuation orders for northern Gaza.
  • The evacuation involves large areas and many people.

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How Trump’s proposed health and education program cuts affect Native communities

How Trump’s proposed health and education program cuts affect Native communities

The Trump administration suggested cutting funds for health and education programs that help Native American and Indigenous communities. Some people in these communities feel this is a continuation of past government actions that have not fulfilled promises made in old agreements.

Key Facts:

  • The Trump administration proposed reducing funding for programs aiding Native American and Indigenous communities.
  • These programs focus on health and education.
  • Community members feel this continues a pattern of government not meeting its obligations.
  • The obligations stem from historical land and peace agreements.
  • Edgar Villanueva, a community leader, discussed these concerns.
  • Villanueva is the founder of the Decolonizing Wealth Project and Liberated Capital.

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New book by former FDA head explores the science behind GLP-1 weight loss drugs

New book by former FDA head explores the science behind GLP-1 weight loss drugs

The CDC reports that about 20% of American adults have obesity. Many people are using drugs with a hormone called GLP-1 to help lose weight, but experts like Dr. David Kessler say these drugs should not be considered a simple solution.

Key Facts:

  • The CDC states that 1 in 5 American adults has obesity.
  • People are using weight loss drugs that include GLP-1, a hormone.
  • GLP-1 helps slow down digestion, aiding in weight loss.
  • Dr. David Kessler, a former FDA leader, supports using these drugs.
  • Kessler warns against viewing the drugs as a quick fix.

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Trump says he’s not planning to extend pause on most of his tariffs beyond July 9

Trump says he’s not planning to extend pause on most of his tariffs beyond July 9

President Trump announced that the 90-day pause on tariffs will end on July 9 unless countries reach trade deals with the U.S. Trump also spoke about ongoing negotiations with TikTok, mentioning a potential buyer needing China's approval, and he claimed that U.S. strikes severely damaged Iran’s nuclear facilities.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump will not extend the 90-day tariff pause beyond July 9.
  • Countries will be notified that trade penalties will begin unless they make deals with the U.S.
  • Trump hinted at a group of wealthy investors planning to buy TikTok, subject to China's approval.
  • Negotiations for 90 trade deals were a goal, but Trump noted the challenge of talking to all 200 countries.
  • Trump discussed U.S. strikes on Iran, claiming significant damage to Iran’s nuclear facilities.
  • The Iranian ambassador to the U.N. stated Iran's nuclear program is for peaceful purposes.
  • The International Atomic Energy Agency reported severe damage, but not total destruction, to Iran’s nuclear sites.

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Are seed oils good or bad for health? Here's what we know

There is a debate about whether seed oils like canola, soybean, and sunflower oil are harmful to health. Some people argue they are harmful, but many researchers disagree and say there is not enough evidence to support those claims.

Key Facts:

  • Some people, including RFK Jr., have claimed that seed oils are harmful to health.
  • Common seed oils discussed include canola, soybean, and sunflower oil.
  • RFK Jr. described these oils as "poisoning Americans."
  • Many researchers do not agree with this view.
  • There is currently not enough evidence to support the claim that seed oils are bad for health.

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Republican Sen. Thom Tillis will not seek reelection next year after Trump attacks

Republican Sen. Thom Tillis will not seek reelection next year after Trump attacks

Sen. Thom Tillis from North Carolina will not run for reelection next year. This decision follows criticism from President Trump after Tillis voted against a major Republican tax and spending bill. Tillis cited political division and a lack of bipartisanship as reasons for his retirement.

Key Facts:

  • Sen. Thom Tillis will not seek reelection in North Carolina next year.
  • Tillis faced criticism from President Trump for voting against a Republican tax and spending bill.
  • Tillis expressed dissatisfaction with political divisiveness and lack of cooperation in Washington.
  • He has served in the Senate for ten years.
  • Tillis is one of two Republican senators who voted against debating the GOP policy package.
  • He highlighted concerns over Medicaid costs for his state related to the bill.
  • The decision opens up a competitive race for his Senate seat.
  • Former Rep. Wiley Nickel is currently the only Democrat running for Tillis' seat.

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Thousands in Norway told they won up to millions in lottery error

Thousands in Norway told they won up to millions in lottery error

A glitch in the system of Norway's state-owned gambling company, Norsk Tipping, led to thousands of people being mistakenly told they had won large lottery amounts. The mistake was due to an error in converting currency, and no incorrect payments were made. The CEO, Tonje Sagstuen, apologized for the incident and resigned.

Key Facts:

  • Thousands of people in Norway were mistakenly informed they won large lottery sums due to a calculation error.
  • The error occurred because prize amounts were wrongly converted from Eurocents to Norwegian kroner, multiplying the amounts instead of dividing them.
  • No incorrect payouts were made, as the error was corrected by Saturday evening.
  • Norsk Tipping's CEO, Tonje Sagstuen, resigned following the mistake after apologizing for the confusion and breach of trust.
  • The company's board had an emergency meeting with the Ministry of Culture to discuss the issue.
  • Norsk Tipping has faced criticism for several technical problems and errors over recent months.
  • The Norwegian Minister of Culture and Equality stressed that the company must improve its control processes to prevent future mistakes.

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South Carolina’s Child Execution | True Crime Reports

South Carolina’s Child Execution | True Crime Reports

In 1944, George Stinney Jr., a 14-year-old, was executed in South Carolina after a very short trial. Decades later, a judge overturned his conviction because there were issues with the trial.

Key Facts:

  • George Stinney Jr. was 14 years old in 1944 when he was executed in South Carolina.
  • His trial lasted only one day.
  • No physical evidence was presented during the trial.
  • There were no defense witnesses to speak on behalf of Stinney.
  • The jury was all-white and took only ten minutes to decide he was guilty.
  • A judge overturned his conviction almost 70 years later.
  • The case highlights the racial injustices during the time of Jim Crow laws, which enforced racial segregation in the Southern United States.

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Republican North Carolina Sen. Tillis won’t seek reelection after opposing Trump’s bill

Republican North Carolina Sen. Tillis won’t seek reelection after opposing Trump’s bill

Republican Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina announced he will not run for reelection next year. He decided not to support President Trump's tax and spending package due to its impact on health care programs, creating a political opportunity for Democrats to gain a Senate seat in the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts:

  • Senator Thom Tillis will not seek reelection in North Carolina next year.
  • Tillis opposed President Trump's tax and spending plan because it cuts health care programs.
  • His decision opens up a Senate seat in a politically contested state.
  • Currently, Republicans hold a 53-47 majority in the Senate.
  • Tillis mentioned the challenges of being bipartisan in his statement.
  • Trump criticized Tillis for opposing the budget bill on social media.

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WATCH LIVE: Senate reads full text of Trump’s budget bill ahead of potential Monday vote

WATCH LIVE: Senate reads full text of Trump’s budget bill ahead of potential Monday vote

Before a late-night vote on President Trump's tax and spending bill, a Republican senator urged critics to read the entire proposal. The Senate, led by Republicans, is trying to pass the bill before the Fourth of July, despite Democrats’ efforts to delay the process. The bill aims to make Trump-era tax breaks permanent, but there are disagreements within the Republican party, especially over cuts to Medicaid and other programs.

Key Facts:

  • A Republican senator asked colleagues to read the full bill before voting.
  • The Senate vote to advance the bill was 51-49.
  • Democrats are using procedural delays to slow the bill's passage.
  • The bill is 940 pages long and includes permanent tax breaks.
  • The Congressional Budget Office says the bill could lead to 11.8 million more people without health insurance by 2034.
  • Republicans face internal disagreements on spending cut proposals, such as reducing Medicaid funding.
  • If the Senate passes the bill, it will return to the House for final voting.
  • President Trump is pressuring lawmakers to meet the passage deadline before Independence Day.

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Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats announces disbandment

Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats announces disbandment

The League of Social Democrats (LSD), Hong Kong's last active pro-democracy party, has decided to disband due to political pressure. The national security laws passed by China have led to the prosecution and imprisonment of activists, leaving Hong Kong with no legal opposition that holds street protests.

Key Facts:

  • The League of Social Democrats announced its disbandment due to political pressure.
  • The LSD was founded in 2006 and was known for its street protests and advocacy.
  • They cited the imprisonment of members and erosion of civil rights as reasons for disbandment.
  • National security laws introduced in 2020 allow life sentences for subversion and other offences.
  • Under these laws, many activists were jailed, and civil groups and critical media were shut down.
  • Article 23, passed in 2024, includes penalties for treason and espionage.
  • LSD was noted for aggressive protest tactics, such as throwing items at officials.
  • Hong Kong’s former British colony status ended in 1997 when it returned to Chinese rule.

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The manosphere has spoken: The toxic conversation around the Sean Combs trial

The trial of Sean Combs, involving charges of sex trafficking and racketeering, has finished closing arguments. While the jury decides, discussions about the trial are widespread on podcasts and YouTube, reflecting opinions from the public.

Key Facts:

  • The trial of Sean Combs involves charges of sex trafficking and racketeering.
  • Closing arguments in the trial took place after six weeks of testimony.
  • The jury is currently deliberating, meaning they are considering the case to make a decision.
  • Public discussions about the trial are happening a lot on podcasts and YouTube.
  • These discussions suggest we are in what some call a "post-MeToo era," where views about events are widely shared in public spaces.
  • NPR Music's Isabella Gomez Sarmiento and Rodney Carmichael have reported on these discussions.

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Antigovernment protesters clash with riot police in Serbia

Antigovernment protesters clash with riot police in Serbia

Dozens of people were arrested in Serbia's capital during a large protest against President Aleksandar Vucic. The rally demanded early elections and was part of ongoing protests led by university students. Police said some protesters were violent, leading to increased actions by law enforcement.

Key Facts:

  • A large protest took place in Serbia's capital against President Aleksandar Vucic.
  • Protesters demanded early parliamentary elections.
  • The protest was part of nearly eight months of ongoing dissent led by university students.
  • Dozens of protesters were arrested during clashes with police.
  • Serbia's Interior Minister said police acted because some protesters attacked them.
  • Police used pepper spray and shields against the demonstrators.
  • Officials estimated 36,000 people attended, while an independent group said about 140,000.
  • Serbian elections are scheduled for 2027.

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Paul dominates Chavez and calls out big names

Paul dominates Chavez and calls out big names

Influencer-turned-boxer Jake Paul won a boxing match against Julio Cesar Chavez Jr in California. Paul dominated the fight, while Chavez showed little effort to fight back. After the win, Paul expressed his intention to aim for a world title fight.

Key Facts:

  • Jake Paul defeated Julio Cesar Chavez Jr with a unanimous decision from the judges.
  • Paul won with scores of 99-91, 97-93, and 98-92.
  • Chavez Jr, a former world champion, showed minimal resistance during the fight.
  • Jake Paul has now won 12 professional boxing matches, with one loss to Tommy Fury.
  • Paul plans to challenge for a world title, targeting champions like Gilberto Ramirez and Badou Jack.
  • Both the WBA and WBC organizations have mentioned they might include Paul in their rankings, which could lead to a title shot.
  • Chavez Jr struggled with discipline and motivation throughout his career.
  • The fight took place at the Honda Center in Anaheim, California, with a sold-out crowd.

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'How can people afford to have kids?'

'How can people afford to have kids?'

People in Bristol are having fewer children, with a 36% drop in birth rates over the past ten years. Financial pressures and rising living costs are key reasons many people are reconsidering having children, reflecting a broader trend across the UK where fertility rates have fallen by 21% in the past decade.

Key Facts:

  • Bristol's birth rate has dropped by 36% in the last ten years.
  • The UK's fertility rate, which shows the average number of children per woman, has decreased by 21% in the past decade.
  • The current UK fertility rate is 1.44 children per woman, while in Bristol it is even lower at 1.14.
  • Economic factors, such as high living costs and expensive housing, are causing people to delay having children.
  • Many people in Bristol, including Courtney Young and Aaliyah Thomas, find raising children now financially challenging.
  • The average age for first-time mothers in the UK is 31, with women starting families later in life.
  • Bristol has a younger average age for its population compared to the rest of the UK (median age of 33 versus 41).
  • Some people, like Amy Joce, choose not to have children at all, embracing the decision as a personal choice.

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