US News - The Actual News

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

June 29, 2025

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.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Hong Kong’s League of Social Democrats announces disbandment

June 29, 2025

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.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

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

June 29, 2025

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.

Source Information

NPR National

Antigovernment protesters clash with riot police in Serbia

June 29, 2025

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.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Paul dominates Chavez and calls out big names

June 29, 2025

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.

Source Information

BBC US

'How can people afford to have kids?'

June 29, 2025

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.

Source Information

BBC Business

Senate Republicans vote to advance Trump’s ‘Big, Beautiful Bill’

June 29, 2025

The U.S. Senate voted 51 to 49 to advance a major bill supported by President Trump, moving it to the next phase of discussion. The bill plans to increase military spending, fund border security, and make cuts to Medicare and clean energy programs. Debate on the bill will continue, as Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are split on its contents.

Key Facts:

The Senate vote was 51 in favor and 49 against advancing the bill.
Two Republican senators joined Democrats in voting against the bill.
The “One Big Beautiful Bill Act” proposes a $150 billion increase in military spending.
It includes funding for mass deportations and building a border wall.
To cover these costs, the bill plans to cut funding for Medicare and clean energy.
Senate Democrats are unanimously opposed to the bill, meaning all Republican votes are critical for passage.
If the Senate approves the bill, it will then move to the House of Representatives for further approval.
The bill is expected to increase the U.S. national debt, with nonpartisan analysts predicting it will add trillions to existing debt levels.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Say 'maybe' to the dress? Tariffs are crashing the wedding planning party

June 29, 2025

Tariffs have been affecting the wedding dress market, leading to higher prices for brides in the U.S. Most wedding dresses sold in the U.S. are made in China, and due to tariffs imposed on these dresses, costs have increased. Store owners and customers are noticing these changes in their budgets.

Key Facts:

Most U.S. wedding dresses are made in China, covering 90% of the market.
Recently, a tariff of up to 145% was imposed on these dresses, later reduced to 30%.
Tariffs have led to a 10% to 15% extra charge on gowns, depending on the designer.
Brides are paying more, with some gowns costing an additional $150.
Other wedding items like veils, hairpieces, and garment bags are also affected by tariffs.
Store owners find budgeting difficult due to the unpredictability of future tariffs.
Popular wedding dress designers are raising prices to manage higher costs.
Some store owners add a surcharge now, while others worry about future price changes.

Source Information

NPR Home

Northern Irish rap group Kneecap plays Glastonbury despite controversy

June 29, 2025

Irish-language rap group Kneecap performed at the Glastonbury Festival despite facing criticism from British politicians and legal issues for one of its members. Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, known as Mo Chara, faces a terrorism-related charge but claims he didn't know the flag he waved was linked to a banned group.

Key Facts:

Kneecap is a Northern Irish rap group that uses the Irish language in their music.
The group performed at the Glastonbury Festival in England, drawing a large audience.
Liam Óg Ó hAnnaidh, a group member, is charged under the Terrorism Act for allegedly supporting a banned group.
Ó hAnnaidh is out on bail and says he unknowingly waved a Hezbollah flag.
Kneecap's performance included chants of political slogans and criticism of the U.K. Prime Minister.
The band is known for its high-energy performances and political messages.
The U.K. government plans to ban a protest group the band supports under terrorism laws.
Kneecap claims that the criticism against them is due to their support for the Palestinian cause.

Source Information

NPR Home

What Love Island USA can learn from the UK franchise's own tragedies

June 29, 2025

Love Island USA, a reality TV show inspired by a UK version, faces challenges related to the mental health of its contestants. The show has become popular, but participants experience online bullying and emotional difficulties, similar to issues seen in the UK. Efforts to improve contestant support continue, though experts note differences between the US and UK approaches.

Key Facts:

Love Island USA is an offshoot of the UK reality show and is gaining popularity.
Contestants on the show face cyberbullying, leading to on-air appeals for viewers to stop.
The UK version of the show has faced similar challenges, including serious mental health issues among contestants.
Two former contestants from Love Island UK died by suicide, prompting government investigation into reality TV's impact.
The US and UK versions both provide mental health support, but experts suggest the UK's support systems are more advanced.
The US show uses on-site psychologists and a welfare manager to support contestants.
Contestants on Love Island are informed about the potential negative impact of fame before joining.
Reality TV contestants may gain fame and money quickly, but some struggle with the long-term consequences.

Source Information

BBC US

Thousands party at Budapest Pride in clear message to Orban

June 29, 2025

Tens of thousands of people participated in Budapest Pride, marching through the city in a peaceful demonstration for LGBTQ+ rights. This large turnout followed a ban on the event, due to a new law linked to child protection, but local authorities supported the march, and it proceeded mostly uninterrupted.

Key Facts:

An estimated 100,000 to 200,000 people joined the Budapest Pride march.
The event took place across Elisabeth Bridge and areas alongside the Danube River.
Participants included LGBTQ+ people and supporters aiming for a larger message on human rights.
The march defied a new law by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government that aimed to restrict such events.
The law links homosexuality with depictions inappropriate for children.
Budapest's mayor, Gergely Karacsony, supported the march, citing a different law allowing council-organized events.
Police maintained a low profile, although temporary cameras were used to record the event.
At the same time, Prime Minister Orban attended another event, emphasizing order and family values.

Source Information

BBC World

The Trump administration is building a national citizenship data system

June 28, 2025

Researchers continue to investigate the mystery of what happened to pilot Amelia Earhart, who vanished during a flight over the South Pacific Ocean in 1937.

Key Facts:

Amelia Earhart was a famous pilot.
She disappeared in 1937.
Earhart was flying over the South Pacific when she went missing.
Many researchers are still looking for answers about her disappearance.
The case of her vanishing remains unsolved to this day.

Source Information

NPR Home

Funeral of Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark

June 28, 2025

Former Minnesota Speaker of the House Melissa Hortman and her husband Mark were honored at a funeral in Minneapolis. They were both killed in their home on June 14, which was a shocking event for many.

Key Facts:

Melissa Hortman was the Speaker of the House in Minnesota.
She and her husband Mark were killed in their home on June 14.
Their deaths were described as an assassination.
The funeral took place in Minneapolis.
The incident attracted national attention.

Source Information

NPR National

News Wrap: Senate Republicans unveil their version of Trump’s big budget bill

June 28, 2025

Senators met over the weekend to work on passing Trump's budget bill as the deadline approached. In Tehran, people attended the funeral for military commanders and scientists who died in the conflict with Israel. Palestinian officials reported that at least 62 people died from Israeli strikes in Gaza. A funeral was also held in Minneapolis for Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.

Key Facts:

Senators held a rare weekend session in an attempt to pass President Trump's budget bill.
The budget bill faced an approaching deadline.
In Tehran, mourners gathered for the funeral of military commanders and scientists who died in the war with Israel.
Palestinian officials reported deaths of at least 62 people in Gaza due to Israeli strikes.
A funeral took place in Minneapolis for Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Senate Republicans scramble to pass Trump's 'Big Beautiful Bill'

June 28, 2025

Senate Republicans are working to pass a budget bill important to former President Donald Trump's plans. The bill includes tax cuts and changes to welfare, and they hope to vote on it by July 4th. Some senators are unsure about the bill due to its quick release and complex contents.

Key Facts:

Senate Republicans aim to pass a budget bill by a self-imposed July 4th deadline.
The bill is over 940 pages long and was released shortly after midnight.
It includes $3.8 trillion in tax breaks and changes to welfare programs.
The House of Representatives passed an earlier version of this bill.
Changes to the bill address funding for rural hospitals and tax deductions.
The new bill allows a higher tax deduction limit for couples earning up to $500,000.
Some Republicans are concerned they haven't had enough time to read the bill.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune hopes to have a vote by Saturday.

Source Information

BBC US

What’s in the latest version of Trump’s ‘big bill’ Senate Republicans are trying to pass

June 28, 2025

Congress is deciding on a 940-page bill that includes tax cuts and new spending plans. The bill, supported by Republicans, aims to make certain tax cuts permanent and add new benefits, but Democrats oppose it.

Key Facts:

The bill is 940 pages long and includes tax cuts and spending plans.
It aims to make current tax rates and brackets permanent.
It includes $3.8 trillion in tax cuts.
New tax breaks in the bill would mean no taxes on tips, overtime pay, or some car loans.
The bill proposes a $6,000 deduction for certain older adults earning up to $75,000 a year.
The child tax credit would increase from $2,000 to $2,200.
Republicans are working to pass the bill by the Fourth of July.
Democrats are united in their opposition to the bill.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Hortmans’ beloved dog Gilbert lay in state with slain Minnesota lawmaker and her spouse

June 28, 2025

Melissa Hortman, a Democratic leader in Minnesota, and her husband were killed in a shooting at their home. Their dog, Gilbert, was also injured and later put to sleep. A ceremony was held at the Minnesota Capitol to honor the Hortmans and Gilbert.

Key Facts:

Melissa Hortman was a Democratic leader in Minnesota and a former state House speaker.
Hortman, her husband, and her dog were attacked by a man pretending to be a police officer.
Gilbert, the family's golden retriever, was put to sleep due to his injuries.
The couple and their dog were honored at the Minnesota Capitol, marking the first time a dog received such an honor.
Hundreds of people attended the ceremony to pay their respects.
The accused shooter, Vance Boelter, is charged with killing the Hortmans and attacking other Democratic lawmakers.
Gilbert was considered too friendly to be a service dog and stayed with the Hortmans as a pet.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

'New video games cost me a whole day's wages'

June 28, 2025

Many gamers, like Kady Sands and Dirk Casinillo, find that video game prices have increased significantly, making them less affordable. To save money, some gamers are turning to cheaper, smaller games made by independent developers instead of buying expensive new releases from large companies.

Key Facts:

Kady Sands, 21, noticed video games now cost more than a day's wages and up to £70 for some.
Kady plays games to help cope with city noise and finds portable consoles helpful.
The new Nintendo Switch 2 costs £395.99, with some games like Mario Kart World costing £74.99.
Microsoft and Sony have also raised prices for their gaming consoles.
Indie games offer a cheaper alternative, providing enjoyment similar to pricey games.
Nick Poole from UK Interactive Entertainment explains game production costs are rising due to advanced graphics and complex development.
Dirk Casinillo, a gamer and streamer, has observed a significant rise in game prices, exceeding £75 for some new titles.

Source Information

BBC Business

Lotus has 'no plans' to close any factory

June 28, 2025

Lotus, a car manufacturer, stated that it has no plans to close any of its factories, despite considering opening a new plant in the US. The company is exploring its options in the global market while continuing its operations in the UK.

Key Facts:

Lotus announced there are no plans to close any factories.
The company is thinking about starting a new plant in the US.
The BBC reported that the production at their main site in Hethel, Norfolk, might end, affecting 1,300 jobs.
Production stopped temporarily in Hethel due to tariffs on car imports to the US.
The US market is important for Lotus, but a 25% import tax on cars and parts poses challenges.
Lotus confirmed its commitment to maintaining operations in the UK.

Source Information

BBC Business

Is your lump charcoal made from U.S.-grown hardwood? An expert investigates

June 28, 2025

Some people who grill prefer using lump charcoal over briquettes due to its clean burning and natural wood flavors. However, a check on lump charcoal packages in the U.S. revealed that some labels do not accurately represent the contents, and some products contain unsustainable tropical woods.

Key Facts:

Lump charcoal is made from real wood turned into charcoal without added chemicals.
The wood type used in lump charcoal affects how it burns and flavors the grilled food.
Some charcoal claims include inaccuracies, such as incorrect wood types or origins.
Sustainable charcoal is often made from U.S. hardwood trees; charcoal from tropical woods may involve deforestation.
A study tested 15 major U.S. lump charcoal brands to see if the labels matched the contents.
Nearly 50% of the charcoal was made from oak or mesquite, trees found in North America.
Some charcoal bags labeled as U.S. products contained non-native tropical woods.
The Fair Packaging and Labeling Act requires accurate product descriptions but was not always followed in these products.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour