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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

January 6 defendants pursue millions in claims through obscure federal process

January 6 defendants pursue millions in claims through obscure federal process

June 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Some people convicted of attacking police during the January 6 events are using a special federal law called the Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) to try to get money from the government. The Justice Department can decide whether to pay these claims, which come from a special fund controlled by Congress, and many of these people have received pardons from President Trump.

Key Facts

  • The Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) lets people sue the government for money if they believe they were wronged.
  • January 6 defendants who attacked officers are using the FTCA to seek millions in compensation.
  • The Justice Department has full control over settling these claims.
  • The money would come from the judgment fund, a government money pool approved by Congress.
  • All claimants in these cases were pardoned by President Trump.
  • The Trump administration stopped its earlier "anti-weaponization fund" after criticism from lawmakers.
  • Some lawyers say the FTCA provides a clearer legal path for compensation than the earlier fund idea.
  • Notable people, including Michael Flynn and Carter Page, have already settled FTCA claims with the government for $1.25 million each.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Sewer socialism is flowing through America's cities

Sewer socialism is flowing through America's cities

June 17, 2026 • Axios

Summary

Some U.S. cities are seeing a rise in a movement called "sewer socialism," which focuses on expanding government services like affordable housing, child care, and public transportation. This movement is inspired by early 1900s policies and is gaining support among younger politicians and voters who want more public investments to help with cost-of-living issues.

Key Facts

  • Sewer socialism is a political approach that supports public programs for the common good, like affordable housing and public transit.
  • Politicians in cities like New York, Seattle, and Washington D.C. are promoting these ideas.
  • The movement dates back to early 1900s Milwaukee, where public sewer systems and housing projects were built by the government.
  • Many Americans, especially younger voters, have a more positive view of socialism compared to capitalism.
  • The movement revives New Deal-style public investments that were reduced in the 1970s and 1990s.
  • Some past policies reduced public housing funding or limited welfare benefits, shifting more responsibility to the private market.
  • The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) now has over 110,000 members and has helped elect around 172 candidates since 2018.
  • It is still uncertain whether sewer socialism will grow beyond liberal-leaning cities.
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Axios
Republicans embrace Platner as midterm boogeyman

Republicans embrace Platner as midterm boogeyman

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republicans are focusing on Graham Platner, a Democrat, as a key opponent in their effort to keep control of the Senate. Platner, a progressive who is a combat veteran and oyster farmer, won the Democratic primary in Maine and is challenging Senator Susan Collins.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a Democrat running for U.S. Senate in Maine.
  • He is a progressive candidate with a background as a combat veteran.
  • Platner also works as an oyster farmer.
  • He won the Democratic primary in Maine easily.
  • Senator Susan Collins is the Republican incumbent he aims to defeat.
  • Republicans view Platner as a major threat in the upcoming midterm elections.
  • This race is important for control of the U.S. Senate.
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The Hill
Todd Blanche faces rocky Senate confirmation process for attorney general

Todd Blanche faces rocky Senate confirmation process for attorney general

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces challenges in getting confirmed by the Senate for the permanent position. Several Republican senators have expressed doubts about his trustworthiness and whether he can act independently from President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • Todd Blanche currently serves as the Acting Attorney General.
  • He is seeking Senate approval to become the permanent Attorney General.
  • Over 20 Republican senators criticized him in a recent private meeting.
  • Concerns focus on whether Blanche can be independent from President Trump.
  • The Senate confirmation process is expected to be difficult for Blanche.
  • Senate Republicans openly questioned his credibility during discussions.
  • The Attorney General leads the Justice Department and enforces U.S. laws.
  • The confirmation requires a majority vote in the Senate to finalize.
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The Hill
Senate GOP quietly seeks to curb Trump troop moves from Europe

Senate GOP quietly seeks to curb Trump troop moves from Europe

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republican senators are working quietly to limit President Donald Trump’s authority to move U.S. troops out of Europe. The Senate Armed Services Committee is preparing legislation to make it harder for the White House to withdraw soldiers from NATO missions without Congress’s approval.

Key Facts

  • Some Republican lawmakers want more control over U.S. military decisions in Europe.
  • The focus is on President Trump’s ability to remove troops stationed there.
  • The Senate Armed Services Committee is leading the effort to introduce new rules.
  • These changes would require the president to get permission from Congress before moving troops.
  • The move aims to keep the U.S. committed to NATO, a military alliance with European countries.
  • The White House has indicated plans to reduce troops in Europe.
  • Congress wants to be involved in big decisions about American military presence overseas.
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The Hill
Newsom sees Trump DOJ investigation as a political gift

Newsom sees Trump DOJ investigation as a political gift

June 17, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

California Governor Gavin Newsom is using a Justice Department investigation linked to President Donald Trump to boost his national political standing. Instead of being hurt by the probe, Newsom views it as a chance to gain attention as a possible Democratic candidate for president in 2028.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Justice is conducting an investigation involving President Donald Trump.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom is from California and a member of the Democratic Party.
  • Newsom is seen as a potential Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
  • The investigation could have challenged Newsom politically but instead is helping him.
  • Newsom is embracing the confrontation with President Trump to raise his profile nationally.
  • This situation is giving Newsom a new opportunity in his political career.
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The Hill
Most Americans see freedoms under threat but core to nation’s identity, AP-NORC poll finds

Most Americans see freedoms under threat but core to nation’s identity, AP-NORC poll finds

June 17, 2026 • AP News

Summary

A recent AP-NORC poll shows that most Americans believe important freedoms like voting rights, free speech, and religious freedom are central to American identity but feel these rights are currently at risk. About two-thirds of people think voting rights are threatened, and many also see dangers to free speech and gun rights.

Key Facts

  • Around 90% of Americans say the right to vote is very important to the country’s identity.
  • About 90% also view freedom of speech as highly important to the nation.
  • Approximately 80% consider freedom of religion a core American value.
  • Around 60% say the right to keep and bear arms is important to national identity.
  • Two-thirds believe voting rights face some level of threat, with one-third seeing a major threat.
  • Nearly half say freedom of speech is under a major threat.
  • About 30% view gun rights and religious freedom as facing a major threat.
  • The poll was conducted before a recent Supreme Court decision that limited part of the Voting Rights Act.
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AP News
Men guilty of violent disorder near asylum hotel

Men guilty of violent disorder near asylum hotel

June 17, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Three men were found guilty of violent disorder during protests outside an asylum hotel in Epping, Essex, where up to 500 people had gathered. The protests turned violent after counter-demonstrators arrived, leading to clashes with police and damage to police vehicles.

Key Facts

  • The protests happened on 17 July outside The Bell Hotel in Epping, Essex.
  • About 500 people protested after a migrant from the hotel was charged and jailed for sex offences.
  • Three men—Keith Silk, Jonathan Glover, and Charlie Land—were part of a violent crowd.
  • Silk threw a bottle at a police car and tried to pull down a hotel sign.
  • Land smashed a police car windscreen and damaged its wing mirrors.
  • Glover confronted police officers and got into a fight, losing two teeth during the incident.
  • Police described the event as the worst disorder they had seen in 20 years.
  • Policing these protests cost Essex Police £1.54 million.
  • The Home Office later removed all asylum seekers from the hotel due to fire safety concerns.
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BBC Top Stories
Mixed results for Trump in "key battleground state" as primaries continue ahead of midterms

Mixed results for Trump in "key battleground state" as primaries continue ahead of midterms

June 17, 2026 • France24

Summary

In Georgia’s primary runoffs, voters supported President Donald Trump’s pick for U.S. Senate but rejected his choice for governor. Among Democrats, the primaries highlight a split between progressive and moderate candidates as the party prepares for the midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Georgia held primary runoff elections that are important ahead of the midterms.
  • Republicans in Georgia backed President Trump’s preferred Senate candidate.
  • Voters did not support President Trump’s choice for governor in the same elections.
  • President Trump’s endorsements remain influential in strongly Republican states like Georgia.
  • Democratic primaries show a divide between progressive and moderate candidates.
  • This primary season is seen as important for shaping strategies ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
  • The article provides political updates specific to U.S. domestic elections.
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France24
ICE Makes 10 Changes to Detention Camp Standards: Full List

ICE Makes 10 Changes to Detention Camp Standards: Full List

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) has updated its National Detention Standards for 2026. The changes remove previous rules requiring detainees to be paid for work, increase federal control over detention facility operations, and add new policies on language services, mental health, and religious meal preparations.

Key Facts

  • ICE eliminated the rule that required detainees who work to receive at least $1 per day.
  • The updated standards require detention facilities to accept all detainees assigned by ICE, limiting refusal by private contractors.
  • Language services must be provided free of charge to detainees who do not speak English well.
  • Facilities are now required to offer kosher and halal meals prepared on-site if certified.
  • New mental health rules shorten evaluations from seven days to fewer days and add protections for detainees with serious mental illness in segregation.
  • Private contractors like GEO Group face lawsuits for paying detainees very low wages for work done inside detention centers.
  • The Supreme Court allowed a lawsuit against GEO Group over detainee pay to proceed.
  • The updated standards allow limited use of artificial intelligence tools for language interpretation in noncritical situations.
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Newsweek
Trump-backed candidate wins primary to face Jon Ossoff in Georgia midterms – US politics live

Trump-backed candidate wins primary to face Jon Ossoff in Georgia midterms – US politics live

June 17, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A candidate supported by President Donald Trump, Mike Collins, won the Republican primary runoff in Georgia. He will run against Democratic Senator Jon Ossoff in the November midterm election for the U.S. Senate.

Key Facts

  • Mike Collins, endorsed by President Trump, defeated Derek Dooley in Georgia’s Republican primary runoff.
  • Collins is a U.S. House member since 2023 and a former trucking executive.
  • Collins has denied the 2020 election results and defended the January 6 rioters.
  • Jon Ossoff has been Georgia’s U.S. Senator since 2021 and will face Collins in the November election.
  • For governor, Republican Rick Jackson won the primary to face Democrat Keisha Lance Bottoms.
  • The Republican Senate narrowly failed to pass a resolution to end hostilities with Iran.
  • The Justice Department charged five men accused of planning an attack at a White House UFC event.
  • President Trump criticized Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during the G7 summit.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Trump puts Jay Clayton's nomination for intel chief on hold

Trump puts Jay Clayton's nomination for intel chief on hold

June 17, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Trump is delaying the nomination of Jay Clayton to lead the U.S. intelligence community. He wants Congress to pass a voter ID law before approving a key intelligence surveillance program.

Key Facts

  • President Trump announced the delay while at the Group of Seven summit in France.
  • Jay Clayton was nominated to be director of national intelligence after Bill Pulte, the acting director, faced criticism for lack of experience.
  • Democrats opposed renewing an important surveillance program until Pulte's nomination was withdrawn.
  • President Trump accused Democrats of breaking a deal to renew the surveillance program after Clayton’s nomination.
  • Trump wants to keep Bill Pulte as acting director until Clayton’s replacement as U.S. attorney is confirmed.
  • Trump linked approval of the surveillance program (called FISA) to passing a voter ID bill he calls the "Save America Act."
  • The Republican-controlled Congress has not passed the voter ID bill because it lacks enough support, especially from Democrats.
  • Jay Clayton is currently U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and was formerly head of the Securities and Exchange Commission.
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CBS News
American pride has fallen off a cliff

American pride has fallen off a cliff

June 17, 2026 • Axios

Summary

A new survey finds that Americans feel less proud of their country and are divided on what it means to be truly American. Many people have lost faith in shared values like religion and the American Dream, and political divisions are growing deeper.

Key Facts

  • Only 51% of Americans say they are very proud to be American, down from 82% in 2013.
  • Less than half of Democrats think being born in America, believing in God, or being Christian is important to American identity.
  • Most Republicans believe these factors are important to being truly American.
  • Fewer than half of Americans believe that hard work leads to success, with 18- to 29-year-olds’ belief dropping from 50% in 2024 to 36%.
  • Only 18% of Americans are very proud of how democracy is working in the country today.
  • The survey shows a clear split, with Republicans and others having very different views on identity, faith, and democracy.
  • The Public Religion Research Institute conducted the survey online in May 2026 with 5,469 adults across all states.
  • The margin of error for the survey is about ±1.5 percentage points.
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Axios
1 dead after private plane crashes onto Texas road, police say

1 dead after private plane crashes onto Texas road, police say

June 17, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A private plane crashed onto a highway in Laredo, Texas, killing one of the six people on board and injuring the others. The plane had departed from Mexico and was heading to Austin but diverted to Laredo before crashing.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened late Tuesday on Texas State Highway Loop 20 in Laredo.
  • One person died, and the other five passengers were sent to the hospital.
  • Authorities have not released the identity of the deceased yet.
  • The plane was a Cessna Citation Latitude registered as N523QS.
  • The flight started in San Jose del Cabo, Mexico, and was headed to Austin, Texas.
  • The crash site had jet fuel spilled on the road, requiring cleanup.
  • The loop road was closed for an extended time due to the crash.
  • The FBI and the National Transportation Safety Board are involved in the investigation.
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ABC News
Green Card Update: Family Visas Move Ahead—Full List of Changes

Green Card Update: Family Visas Move Ahead—Full List of Changes

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The U.S. State Department's July Visa Bulletin shows progress in family-based green card categories, allowing more applicants to move forward. However, employment-based green cards, especially for Indian nationals, face significant delays and some categories are now closed for the rest of the fiscal year.

Key Facts

  • Family-based green card categories like F1, F2B, F3, and F4 have moved forward, making it easier for some applicants to advance.
  • The F2A category, for spouses and children of green card holders, did not move in July after a big advance in June.
  • Employment-based green cards for India in the EB-2 and EB-5 categories are now unavailable until at least October 2026.
  • The EB-1 category for India moved backwards by two months, showing increased delays.
  • Some employment categories, such as EB-3 and EB-4, show progress, but filing dates remain the same as last month.
  • These changes reflect higher demand and processing delays mainly for Indian employment-based visa applicants.
  • Mexico and the Philippines saw mixed movement, with some family-based categories staying the same.
  • The Visa Bulletin guides when applicants can proceed with their green card process each month.
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Newsweek
MAGA hawk mutiny deepens Trump's isolation on Iran

MAGA hawk mutiny deepens Trump's isolation on Iran

June 17, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Trump has made a deal with Iran that has caused strong disagreements among his supporters, especially those who strongly support Israel. Many pro-Israel Republicans are upset because they see the deal as giving too much to Iran and worry it threatens Israel’s safety.

Key Facts

  • President Trump arranged a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Iran aiming to pause fighting and start peace talks.
  • Pro-Israel conservative Republicans want to see the exact details of the deal but have not been given full access.
  • The deal may allow Iran to sell oil again and receive financial relief tied to its compliance with nuclear talks.
  • Some hawks believe the United States had Iran weakened and should not ease pressure now.
  • Critics doubt Iran will change its nuclear ambitions and question the wisdom of trusting its government.
  • Trump praised Iranian negotiators as reasonable, which angered hawkish Republicans.
  • Key Republican leaders and Israel have not been shown the official memo despite their involvement.
  • Some Republican allies who supported Trump’s earlier hard line on Iran now speak out against the deal without directly criticizing Trump.
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Axios
I Thought My Son Was Allergic to Cow's Milk, Reality Was My Worst Nightmare

I Thought My Son Was Allergic to Cow's Milk, Reality Was My Worst Nightmare

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A mother shares her experience with her son Finley’s worsening health problems after his first birthday. After many visits to doctors and hospitals without clear answers, Finley was finally diagnosed with a brain tumor.

Key Facts

  • Finley started vomiting frequently and having rashes shortly after his first birthday.
  • Initial medical advice suggested a cow’s milk allergy, but removing cow’s milk did not help.
  • His symptoms changed to violent vomiting every morning and occasional rashes that appeared and disappeared quickly.
  • Finley experienced a seizure-like episode and vomiting blood, but early hospital visits gave inconclusive or incorrect explanations.
  • After multiple visits to different hospitals, Finley was finally transferred to the Royal Victoria Infirmary.
  • A CT scan revealed that Finley had a brain tumor.
  • Following the diagnosis, Finley received care from a team of specialists including oncologists and surgeons.
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Newsweek
How California’s Primaries Test the Direction of a Divided Democratic Party

How California’s Primaries Test the Direction of a Divided Democratic Party

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

California’s recent primary elections show changes in the Democratic Party’s leadership and direction. Many long-time leaders like Nancy Pelosi are stepping down, and new candidates face challenges reflecting the party’s shift and internal disagreements.

Key Facts

  • Democrats have won many special elections and have strong voter turnout but have low overall popularity ratings.
  • Republicans identify clearly with President Trump and MAGA, while Democrats struggle with internal divisions and unclear leadership.
  • Key Democratic leaders like Pelosi and Senators Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren are retiring or nearing the end of their careers.
  • California is the most populous and richest state, playing a big role in shaping national Democratic campaigns and funding.
  • Pelosi’s district in San Francisco is open for the first time in 39 years, marking a significant leadership change.
  • New Democratic candidates in California face tough competition and a party divided between its progressive and moderate members.
  • California raises about 20% of all Democratic federal campaign funds in the 2024 election cycle.
  • The state’s primaries act like a mini presidential race because of its size, diversity, and political importance.
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Newsweek
Trump's UFC Circus Shows Courts Are Down for the Count | Opinion

Trump's UFC Circus Shows Courts Are Down for the Count | Opinion

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump hosted a UFC fight event at the White House on his birthday, using the venue to promote a company he invested in and sell Trump-branded products. Courts have been slow or hesitant to stop such activities, leading to concerns that repeated legal challenges against Trump are tiring the judiciary.

Key Facts

  • President Trump held a UFC fight event at the White House, turning it into a for-profit spectacle.
  • The event promoted a company Trump invested in and sold branded merchandise.
  • Courts did not issue rulings in time to stop the fight, effectively allowing it to happen.
  • Legal challenges around Trump’s actions are often dismissed on technical grounds by courts.
  • Trump has lost 67 legal cases and won 7, with judges across political views agreeing on rulings.
  • Trump often criticizes courts after losing cases, calling them biased and corrupt.
  • Some judges, like Judge William Young, have openly called Trump a lawless bully.
  • The Supreme Court seems cautious or hesitant in fully confronting President Trump’s actions.
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Newsweek
Trump Enters a Cage Fight in the Emperor's New Clothes

Trump Enters a Cage Fight in the Emperor's New Clothes

June 17, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump celebrated his 80th birthday with a mixed martial arts event on the White House South Lawn, drawing comparisons to ancient Roman spectacles. Commentators connected his showmanship to past U.S. presidents’ displays of strength and highlighted differences between Trump’s style and traditional presidential behavior.

Key Facts

  • President Trump held a cage fight event at the White House to mark his 80th birthday.
  • The event featured a steel dome on the South Lawn, compared in size to the ancient Roman Colosseum.
  • Some media described Trump’s event as a show of imperial style and excess.
  • Past presidents like Theodore Roosevelt also displayed physical toughness, including boxing and jiu-jitsu demonstrations.
  • The article notes historical presidents’ macho and theatrical behaviors, such as horseback riding, hunting, and military landing ceremonies.
  • Andrew Jackson’s 1829 inauguration was notably rowdy and populist, showing earlier examples of crowd engagement and vulgarity.
  • The story suggests Trump’s event fits into a long American tradition of presidential spectacle, though with a modern TV-style flair.
  • Comparisons between Trump and authoritarian rulers like Xi Jinping highlight different approaches to power and empire-building.
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Newsweek