US News - The Actual News

Asked to flag 'negative' National Park content, visitors gave their own 2 cents instead

June 26, 2025

Around the country, signs have been placed in national parks asking visitors to report negative historical content. These signs appeared after an executive order by President Trump aimed at ensuring a positive portrayal of American history. Many park visitors have shared feedback, but few comments suggest changes to the historical content.

Key Facts:

Signs in national parks ask visitors to report negative historical content.
The initiative follows President Trump's executive order titled "Restoring Truth and Sanity to American History."
The order seeks to remove negative portrayals of Americans in historic sites.
Visitors can submit feedback using a QR code, phone number, email, or web address.
NPR reviewed comments on the initiative, revealing no major requests for content change.
Some comments praise park staff for telling the full American story, while others call for more inclusive history.
The Department of the Interior claims the effort aims to ensure an accurate portrayal of history on public lands.
A national park employee leaked a PDF with park visitors' responses to advocacy groups.

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As Gaza starves, GoFundMe accused of blocking ‘millions of dollars’ raised

June 26, 2025

GoFundMe is facing criticism for blocking fundraisers related to aiding Gaza. Charity groups that use the platform say they have had their fundraising pages shut down or funds frozen, affecting their ability to provide help.

Key Facts:

GoFundMe has been accused of stopping donations linked to Gaza from reaching their intended recipients.
Palestinian charity workers say that funds have been refunded to donors instead of reaching those in need.
Since violence in October 2023 began, over $300 million has been raised on GoFundMe for people in Palestine and Israel.
The Sameer Project, a group helping displaced people in Gaza, had $250,000 in donations refunded and described this as a major setback.
GoFundMe says its actions are part of a standard review to verify fundraisers, which some critics claim unfairly targets Gaza-related donations.
The company has not publicly shared specific data on how many Gaza fundraisers were closed compared to those for other causes.
Criticism online suggests that fundraisers for other regions, like Ukraine and Israel, face less scrutiny from GoFundMe.
Some groups avoid mentioning Gaza in their page titles to avoid reviews and continue raising funds without interruption.

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Al Jazeera

WATCH LIVE: Trump hosts ‘big bill’ event as key provision found to violate Senate rules

June 26, 2025

The Senate parliamentarian has found that a proposed change to Medicaid tax as part of President Trump's tax cut and spending plan does not follow Senate rules. This ruling makes it harder for Republicans to advance the bill, which includes big tax cuts and reductions in Medicaid spending.

Key Facts:

The Senate parliamentarian said a Medicaid provider tax change doesn't meet Senate rules.
This tax change is part of President Trump's tax and spending plan.
Republicans hoped to use Medicaid cuts to help pay for Trump's tax cuts.
Some Republicans want to challenge the parliamentarian's ruling.
The Congressional Budget Office estimates the House bill would leave over 10.9 million without health care.
President Trump and GOP leaders push to pass the bill before the Fourth of July.
Medicaid provider taxes help fund the program; changes could affect rural hospitals.
The revised Senate proposal aims for more cuts than the House version.

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PBS NewsHour

What to know about the Supreme Court ruling that legalized same-sex marriage 10 years ago

June 26, 2025

On June 26, 2015, the U.S. Supreme Court made a major decision, legalizing same-sex marriage across the country. This decision came from the Obergefell v. Hodges case, where James Obergefell and John Arthur sought legal recognition of their marriage in Ohio. The ruling depended on the U.S. Constitution's promise of equal protection and due process for all citizens.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruling on June 26, 2015, legalized same-sex marriage across the U.S.
The case, Obergefell v. Hodges, challenged Ohio's refusal to recognize a same-sex marriage on a death certificate.
James Obergefell and John Arthur, from Ohio, married in Maryland due to Ohio's laws against same-sex marriage.
The lawsuit argued that the U.S. Constitution's Fourteenth Amendment protects the right to marry.
The Supreme Court's 5-4 decision stated that marriage is a fundamental right, protected by the Constitution.
This ruling removed state-level bans on same-sex marriage and required states to recognize marriages from other places.
The decision affected other areas like custody, property, taxes, and insurance.
Same-sex marriages increased significantly after the ruling.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump still would have won in 2024 even if everyone had turned out to vote, Pew finds

June 26, 2025

A study by the Pew Research Center found that President Trump would still have won the 2024 election even if all eligible voters had cast a ballot. Trump won against Kamala Harris with nearly 50% of the votes, and Pew's survey showed he would have had a larger win if everyone had voted.

Key Facts:

The Pew Research Center study indicated Trump would win the 2024 election even with full voter turnout.
In the actual election, Trump received 49.7% of the vote, while Kamala Harris got 48.2%.
About 64% of eligible voters participated in 2024, which is the second highest turnout since 1904.
Even if all eligible voters had voted, Trump's margin would have been 48%-45% against Harris.
The Pew survey included nearly 9,000 voters and verified their voting history using voter files.
Non-voters from 2024 said they would have favored Trump 44%-40%.
Trump's support in 2024 became more ethnically diverse and younger compared to previous elections.
Trump kept more of his 2020 voters (85%) compared to Harris, who retained 79% of Biden's voters.

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NPR National

Understanding the impact of extreme heat on transportation infrastructure

June 26, 2025

Extreme heat can damage transportation infrastructure, like roads and railways. Mikhail Chester, an engineering professor, discussed these impacts with NPR.

Key Facts:

Extreme heat can weaken transportation structures such as roads and railways.
High temperatures can cause train tracks to bend, leading to accidents.
Roads can soften and create ruts under intense heat.
Mikhail Chester is an engineering professor at Arizona State University.
NPR featured a conversation with Chester about these impacts.
Understanding these effects is important for planning and safety improvements.

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Pentagon lays out details about military tactics used in U.S. strikes on Iran

June 26, 2025

Pentagon officials shared details about recent U.S. military attacks on Iran's nuclear sites, focusing on the execution of the strikes rather than their long-term effectiveness. They clarified that while the U.S. targeted Iran’s facilities, uncertainties remain about whether all nuclear materials were destroyed.

Key Facts:

Pentagon leaders discussed U.S. attacks on key Iranian nuclear facilities.
The Defense Secretary and a top general emphasized the planning and heroism of the strikes.
They provided limited details on how far the attacks set back Iran’s nuclear activities.
The main target was Iran's Fordo facility, hit by U.S. stealth bombers using bunker buster bombs.
Pentagon officials admitted uncertainty about the status of Iran’s enriched uranium.
Satellite images showed activity at the Fordo site days before the U.S. attack.
Enriched uranium is small and hard to locate, making it difficult to confirm its destruction.

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PBS NewsHour

U.S. economy shrank 0.5% between January and March, worse than 2 earlier estimates had revealed

June 26, 2025

The U.S. economy shrank by 0.5% from January to March 2025, mainly because of increased imports related to trade tensions. This was more than earlier estimated and marked the first contraction in three years.

Key Facts:

The U.S. economy's GDP decreased by 0.5% in the first quarter of 2025.
Trade tensions and the rush to buy imports before tariffs worsened the economic outlook.
Earlier, it was estimated the economy shrank by 0.2%.
Imports rose by 37.9%, reducing GDP by nearly 4.7 percentage points.
Consumer spending grew only 0.5%, down from 4% in the previous quarter.
The consumer confidence index fell to 93 in June, a decline from 98.4 in May.
A measure of the economy's core strength grew at 1.9%, down from 2.9% in the previous quarter.
Federal government spending dropped by 4.6%, the largest decrease since 2022.

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PBS NewsHour

Ex-Barclays boss loses job ban tribunal case

June 26, 2025

Jes Staley, the former boss of Barclays, lost his legal fight against a ban on him holding top financial jobs in the UK due to his connections with Jeffrey Epstein. The UK tribunal maintained the ban but reduced a fine from £1.8 million to £1.1 million, dismissing his claim that he was open about the relationship and not dishonest.

Key Facts:

Jes Staley, former head of Barclays, was banned from top financial roles in the UK.
The ban was due to his links to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Staley was accused of not accurately disclosing details of his relationship with Epstein.
London's Upper Tribunal upheld the ban but reduced his fine to £1.1 million.
Staley argued he disclosed his relationship with Epstein and was not dishonest.
Staley worked for JPMorgan before Barclays, where Epstein was a client.
Emails suggested Staley referred to Epstein as a close friend, contrary to his claims.
Staley stated he stopped personal contact with Epstein before joining Barclays.

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BBC Business

WATCH LIVE: State Department holds news briefing as Rubio helps brief Congress on Iran strikes

June 26, 2025

Senators will meet with top national security officials to discuss President Trump's decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites. They will also talk about a possible resolution to require congressional approval for any future strikes on Iran.

Key Facts:

Senators are meeting to discuss U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear sites.
The State Department will hold a news briefing at 2 p.m. EDT.
The Senate may vote on a rule requiring Congress's approval for future strikes on Iran.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth will brief the senators.
Some lawmakers believe the President should have consulted Congress before the strikes.
There are questions about the intelligence used to justify the attacks.

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PBS NewsHour

How does President Trump make his money? Real estate, hospitality and his name

June 26, 2025

President Trump made over $630 million last year from different sources, including real estate, hotels, and selling cryptocurrencies. His financial disclosure shows he has over $1.6 billion in assets and earns money from selling products with his name. Some people have raised concerns about his business activities while he is president.

Key Facts:

President Trump reported earning more than $630 million last year.
He made $57 million from selling cryptocurrencies.
Over $8 million came from licensing his name for products like watches and Bibles.
Three-quarters of his income comes from Trump hotels and golf courses.
Trump has over $1.6 billion in assets, including real estate and hotels.
He earned more than $13 million from his investments.
He recently started a mobile phone company called Trump Mobile.
There is ongoing discussion about the potential conflict between his business and presidential role.

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NPR Home

WATCH LIVE: White House holds briefing as Congress gets classified intelligence on Iran strike

June 26, 2025

Senators will meet with top national security officials to discuss President Trump's decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites. Lawmakers are concerned about the need for congressional approval before such military actions. A U.S. intelligence report suggests the strikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months, contrasting with some officials' claims of successful destruction.

Key Facts:

Senators are meeting with national security leaders about Trump's decision to bomb Iranian nuclear sites.
The White House will hold a news briefing at 1 p.m. EDT.
Some lawmakers think Trump needed Congress's approval for the strikes.
A Senate vote is expected on a resolution requiring congressional approval for future strikes on Iran.
A U.S. intelligence report states that Iran's nuclear program was only temporarily affected by the strikes.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe and other top officials will brief the senators.
Some officials say the nuclear sites were completely destroyed, while the intelligence report suggests otherwise.
The discussion includes debate over the president's military powers and the need for congressional input.

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PBS NewsHour

Supreme Court’s final opinions of the term are coming Friday, Roberts says

June 26, 2025

The Supreme Court plans to release its last decisions of the term on Friday. Six important cases are left, including ones about birthright citizenship and education involving LGBTQ storybooks.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court will announce its final decisions of the term on Friday.
Six cases still need decisions.
One case focuses on President Trump's executive order about birthright citizenship.
Another case involves Maryland parents opposing LGBTQ-themed storybooks in schools.
There is also a case about creating a second majority Black congressional district in Louisiana.
Chief Justice John Roberts shared the schedule for releasing decisions.

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PBS NewsHour

What to know about thimerosal, vaccine preservative from bygone flu-shot debate

June 26, 2025

The Trump administration's vaccine experts are discussing whether to stop using a preservative called thimerosal in some vaccines. Thimerosal has been used safely in vaccines for decades, with studies showing no harm from it. However, some people are worried about its mercury content, even though the type of mercury in thimerosal is different from harmful seafood mercury.

Key Facts:

Thimerosal is a preservative used in some vaccines and medical products since the 1930s.
This preservative prevents bacterial contamination in multi-dose vaccine vials.
Thimerosal contains a mercury type called ethylmercury, which the body can remove, unlike the harmful mercury found in some seafood.
Most vaccines for children have been made without thimerosal since 2001.
About 96% of flu vaccines given in the U.S. last flu season did not have thimerosal.
U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who questions vaccine safety, is raising the issue again.
A CDC analysis continues to show no link between thimerosal and health problems like autism.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump calls for end to Netanyahu corruption trial

June 26, 2025

Former US President Donald Trump asked for the corruption trial against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to be stopped or for Netanyahu to be pardoned. Netanyahu is on trial for bribery, fraud, and breach of trust, charges he denies. Yair Lapid, the main opposition leader in Israel, criticized Trump's comments, which come amid Israel's conflicts with Iran and Hamas.

Key Facts:

Donald Trump called for an end to the corruption trial of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.
Netanyahu is facing charges of bribery, fraud, and breach of trust and has been on trial since 2020.
Trump praised Netanyahu on social media, calling him a "hero" and "warrior" for Israel.
Trump also claimed the US helped Israel in its conflict with Iran and would now "save" Netanyahu.
The main opposition leader in Israel, Yair Lapid, said Trump should not interfere in Israel's legal matters.
Netanyahu has shown support for Trump's actions against Iran.
Yair Lapid suggested Trump might have a political motive for intervening, related to a potential deal on Gaza.

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BBC World

Supreme Court sides with Texas man on death row who’s seeking DNA testing

June 26, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of Ruben Gutierrez, a Texas death row inmate, allowing him to seek DNA testing that might prove he shouldn't be executed. Gutierrez was convicted of killing an 85-year-old woman during a robbery, but he claims DNA evidence will show he was not involved.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court decided 6-3 in favor of Ruben Gutierrez.
Gutierrez wants DNA testing to show he is not guilty of a murder he was sentenced to death for.
The murder victim was an 85-year-old woman named Escolastica Harrison.
Prosecutors claim the murder took place during a robbery aimed at stealing over $600,000.
Gutierrez's lawyers say no physical evidence links him to the crime.
Two other people were also charged in connection with the murder.
Gutierrez had previous execution dates postponed, including one due to a request for a spiritual adviser.
The Supreme Court had previously stayed his execution shortly before it was to occur.

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PBS NewsHour

Medicaid changes don't meet Senate rules in 'big, beautiful bill' says parliamentarian

June 26, 2025

The Senate parliamentarian ruled that a proposed change to Medicaid tax rules in a Republican tax and spending bill does not meet the requirements for passing the bill through a fast-track process. This decision affects the Republicans' plan to offset tax cuts and complicates the bill's progress.

Key Facts:

A Senate official, known as the parliamentarian, reviews whether bill parts follow certain rules.
The parliamentarian decided that a change to Medicaid provider taxes proposed by Republicans does not meet these rules.
This change was meant to help balance the costs of tax cuts in the bill.
Republicans introduced a $15 billion rural health fund after this setback.
Democrats see the ruling as a victory, as it removes significant healthcare cuts from the bill.
The decision impacts over $250 billion in proposed healthcare cuts.
Despite the ruling, Republicans intend to continue working on the bill to find a suitable solution.

Source Information

NPR Home

Supreme Court upholds South Carolina's ban on Medicaid funds for Planned Parenthood

June 26, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court decided that South Carolina can stop Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funding for non-abortion health services. This ruling means that the state can exclude Planned Parenthood from its Medicaid program, despite previous lower court decisions that supported the organization’s inclusion.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to allow South Carolina to block Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood for non-abortion services.
Medicaid is a federal program that helps with medical costs for people with limited income.
Federal law restricts Medicaid funding for abortions, except in cases of rape, incest, or to save the mother’s life.
The federal Medicaid law usually allows patients to choose their medical providers.
South Carolina argued it could exclude providers if state law supports it.
Planned Parenthood South Atlantic previously provided various health services like cancer screenings in South Carolina.
Lower courts had favored Planned Parenthood, saying patients could choose their health providers.
The Supreme Court's ruling reversed these lower court decisions.

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NPR Home

Supreme Court ruling allows states to cut off Medicaid funding to Planned Parenthood

June 26, 2025

The Supreme Court decided that states can stop giving Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood, with a 6-3 vote. This decision is part of a larger movement to reduce funding for the organization, which provides various health services beyond abortion.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 allowing states to cut Medicaid money to Planned Parenthood.
The ruling mainly affects South Carolina but might impact Medicaid patients more broadly.
Planned Parenthood offers services like birth control and cancer screenings, not just abortions.
South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster supports cutting off state funding to Planned Parenthood.
A budget plan in Congress, supported by President Trump, also aims to cut off Medicaid funds to the organization.
A previous legal challenge sought to keep Medicaid funds flowing to Planned Parenthood for patient choice in healthcare providers.
South Carolina’s annual Medicaid funds to Planned Parenthood amount to $90,000, a small part of the state's total Medicaid spending.
Public health groups argue that restricting Medicaid funding access could lower healthcare availability, especially in rural areas.

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PBS NewsHour

Pentagon chief: Iran strike was a 'historically successful attack'

June 26, 2025

The U.S. conducted airstrikes on Iran's nuclear sites, led by President Trump, which officials call a complex operation. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth described the attack as successful, but a leaked report suggested that the damage might be less extensive than claimed. Officials continue to support the president's statement that Iran's nuclear capabilities were heavily damaged.

Key Facts:

The U.S. launched airstrikes on Iran's nuclear facilities as part of a military operation.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth called the attack a "historically successful" mission.
A leaked report suggested the damage might only delay Iran's nuclear program by a few months.
President Trump claimed that Iran's nuclear program was "totally obliterated."
CIA Director John Ratcliffe stated that Iran's nuclear program was severely harmed and rebuilding would take years.
Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard stated that Iran's nuclear facilities would need complete reconstruction if they rebuild.
General Dan Caine explained that B-2 Stealth Bombers used bunker-busting bombs for the strikes.
The operation was named "Operation Midnight Hammer."

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