The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

‘I’m tired of getting kicked in the teeth’: firefighting union leader seeks to shake up Congress

‘I’m tired of getting kicked in the teeth’: firefighting union leader seeks to shake up Congress

June 08, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Bob Brooks, a firefighter and former union leader from eastern Pennsylvania, won the Democratic nomination for a US House seat. He is running against Republican Ryan Mackenzie in a closely contested race, focusing on representing working-class people and opposing policies supported by the Trump administration.

Key Facts

  • Bob Brooks has worked many jobs, including firefighter and union leader.
  • Brooks won the Democratic nomination for a House seat in eastern Pennsylvania.
  • He is running against Republican Ryan Mackenzie, who has strong business group support.
  • The race is close, with a slight advantage for Mackenzie.
  • Brooks emphasizes representing working-class voters, who are underrepresented in Congress.
  • Brooks’ campaign criticizes Mackenzie for supporting Trump administration policies like tax cuts for the wealthy.
  • Brooks supports policies such as Medicare for all, raising the minimum wage, and stopping Medicaid cuts.
  • He has been involved in passing laws to help firefighters and first responders with social security and mental health benefits.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
Southern states’ new maps upend elections for candidates, voters

Southern states’ new maps upend elections for candidates, voters

June 08, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Some Southern states have redrawn voting district boundaries shortly before elections. This has caused confusion for election workers, candidates, and voters about who is running and where. The Supreme Court ruling in April allowed Louisiana and Alabama to use new maps that favor Republicans.

Key Facts

  • Southern states changed voting district boundaries just before upcoming elections.
  • These new boundaries affect which candidates appear on ballots.
  • Election officials, candidates, and voters are trying to understand the changes.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court made a decision in April related to the Voting Rights Act.
  • This ruling lets Louisiana and Alabama use district maps that favor Republican candidates.
  • These changes could impact election results in November.
  • The adjustments follow a court ruling that weakens protections from the Voting Rights Act.
  • The situation is causing last-minute challenges for those involved in the elections.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks

GOP plots third reconciliation bill as midterm clock ticks

June 08, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Republicans are working quickly to create a third major bill that includes only their party's ideas before the August recess. This effort is important because it could secure key parts of President Trump's agenda before the midterm elections, which might change which party controls Congress.

Key Facts

  • Republicans want to pass a third bill using a process called reconciliation, which allows passing certain laws with a simple majority.
  • This bill aims to include important parts of President Trump’s agenda.
  • The August recess is a pause in congressional work, so they want to finish the bill before then.
  • Midterm elections will happen soon, which may change which party controls the House and Senate.
  • The bill is seen as the last chance for the GOP to pass major legislation before the elections.
  • Assembling the bill quickly shows urgency due to the limited time available.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
This week on The Hill: Congress scrambles on reconciliation 2.0 and FISA

This week on The Hill: Congress scrambles on reconciliation 2.0 and FISA

June 08, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Congress is facing a busy week with major issues on the agenda, including a bill to fund immigration enforcement and an extension of the government's surveillance powers without warrants. The House plans to review a $69.5 billion budget package to support Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and border security.

Key Facts

  • Republicans are focused on two main priorities this week: immigration enforcement funding and extending surveillance powers.
  • The House will consider a budget reconciliation package worth $69.5 billion.
  • The budget package is designed to fund Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
  • The package also supports border security efforts.
  • Lawmakers are set to discuss a long-term extension of warrantless spying powers under the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act (FISA).
  • This week is seen as a critical time for Congress to address these priorities.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
Divisions mount between GOP lawmakers, Trump, raising tensions

Divisions mount between GOP lawmakers, Trump, raising tensions

June 08, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Tensions are growing between President Trump and some Republican lawmakers as disagreements increase on key political issues before the midterm elections. Despite these conflicts, President Trump has helped defeat some Republican members who oppose him.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is having disagreements with Republicans in Congress.
  • The conflicts involve important and divisive political issues.
  • These tensions are increasing ahead of the upcoming midterm elections.
  • Some Republican senators and representatives openly criticize the president.
  • President Trump has supported efforts to remove GOP members who oppose him.
  • These internal party conflicts highlight divisions within the Republican Party.
  • The struggle reflects wider debates over the party’s direction and leadership.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
Freedom Caucus set for revamp as big names depart Congress

Freedom Caucus set for revamp as big names depart Congress

June 08, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The House Freedom Caucus, a group of conservative lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives, will change next year because several well-known members are leaving Congress. This shift will likely affect how the group works with Republican leaders and President Donald Trump.

Key Facts

  • The House Freedom Caucus is a conservative group within the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Several prominent members of the Freedom Caucus will leave Congress after this term.
  • These members are leaving because they chose to run for higher office or are retiring.
  • The changes in membership will start next year.
  • The makeover in the group may change its relationship with Republican leaders in Congress.
  • The Freedom Caucus’s connection with President Donald Trump may also be affected.
  • The group is known for its confrontational style within conservative politics.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
Mark Teixeira looms as Democrats look to snap 5-year baseball losing streak to GOP

Mark Teixeira looms as Democrats look to snap 5-year baseball losing streak to GOP

June 08, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Republican and Democratic teams will play the annual Congressional Baseball Game this week. Democrats hope to win for the first time in six years, while Republicans aim to keep their winning streak going with largely the same players as last year.

Key Facts

  • The Congressional Baseball Game is held every year between members of Congress.
  • The Republicans have won the last five games in a row.
  • Democrats want to end this five-year losing streak.
  • Rep. Roger Williams (R-Texas) is the manager of the Republican team.
  • The Republican team has many of the same players as in the previous year.
  • The game is a friendly competition that involves lawmakers from both parties.
  • The event brings attention to members of Congress outside their usual political roles.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Hill
Harris eyes possible 2028 comeback, but some former allies look to 'fresh' faces

Harris eyes possible 2028 comeback, but some former allies look to 'fresh' faces

June 08, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Former Vice President Kamala Harris is thinking about running for president again in 2028, but some of her past supporters are not excited about the idea. Other potential candidates, like California Governor Gavin Newsom, are also being considered by Democratic donors and advisers for the 2028 race.

Key Facts

  • Kamala Harris is considering a 2028 presidential run but has not made a firm decision or started formal planning.
  • Some past supporters and donors are hesitant or not supportive of another Harris campaign.
  • Gavin Newsom, California Governor, is seen by some as a strong contender in 2028 and might gain support from those who previously backed Harris.
  • Willie Brown, a powerful California political figure, thinks Newsom is more "viable" because Harris was seen as a recent electoral loser.
  • Harris chose not to run for California governor in 2026, a decision some advisers questioned.
  • Some donors feel the 2024 Harris campaign spent too much money too quickly, which makes them cautious about supporting her again.
  • There is a desire among some Democratic donors for new and fresh candidates rather than familiar faces.
  • Harris’ allies acknowledge that if she runs, some donors may choose to support other candidates instead.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

ABC News
From the Octagon to the Oval office: White, Trump and a 25-year friendship

From the Octagon to the Oval office: White, Trump and a 25-year friendship

June 08, 2026 • ESPN

Summary

President Donald Trump and Dana White have had a friendship lasting 25 years. Their relationship is visible at UFC fights, political events, and official White House gatherings.

Key Facts

  • Dana White is a long-time friend of President Donald Trump.
  • Their friendship has lasted around 25 years.
  • They attend UFC fights together, showing their support.
  • They appear together at political events.
  • Their friendship extends to the White House lawn, indicating close ties with the presidency.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

ESPN
What's driving Trump to pursue a slice of the AI windfall

What's driving Trump to pursue a slice of the AI windfall

June 08, 2026 • Axios

Summary

President Trump is working to have the U.S. government take ownership stakes in major artificial intelligence (AI) companies as part of a strategy to share in their financial growth. This approach marks a change from typical Republican free-market views and aims to give the government a direct financial interest in AI development.

Key Facts

  • President Trump supports the U.S. government owning shares in AI companies, like OpenAI and Anthropic.
  • The government has already taken stakes in companies such as Intel, chipmakers, miners, and quantum computing firms.
  • These stakes are often acquired through federal funding that previously had no ownership conditions.
  • Small ownership percentages in AI companies valued at trillions of dollars could be worth tens of billions to the government.
  • Senator Bernie Sanders also wants the government to gain from AI profits but proposes a large one-time tax on AI companies instead.
  • Trump favors voluntary equity stakes, allowing the government to be a partner in the AI industry’s growth.
  • Recent changes in the White House AI team include the departure of AI czar David Sacks and deputy Sriram Krishnan for non-policy reasons.
  • President Trump plans to meet with tech companies soon to discuss potential partnerships involving government equity.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Axios
6 people stabbed at Penn Station, police say

6 people stabbed at Penn Station, police say

June 08, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Six people were stabbed at Penn Station in New York City on Sunday evening. Police quickly arrested a suspect, described as emotionally disturbed, and say the attack was not linked to terrorism.

Key Facts

  • The stabbing happened around 7 p.m. at Penn Station.
  • Six victims were stabbed; at least one was seriously injured.
  • The victims were taken to nearby hospitals for treatment.
  • Amtrak Police caught and arrested the suspect at the scene.
  • A knife was found where the attack took place.
  • The suspect showed signs of emotional disturbance and had no terror connections.
  • Police called it a random act of violence.
  • Authorities warned of traffic and transit delays around Penn Station after the incident.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

CBS News
How LGBTQ+ Pride Month Has Changed in the Era of MAGA and Donald Trump

How LGBTQ+ Pride Month Has Changed in the Era of MAGA and Donald Trump

June 08, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

In June, known for LGBTQ+ Pride Month, major companies are reducing their Pride support and focusing on other promotions. Some Republican states have renamed June to celebrate traditional family values, and the Trump administration made several moves that limited official recognition of Pride.

Key Facts

  • Many companies have stopped or reduced Pride merchandise and sponsorships during June.
  • NYC Pride faced a $500,000 fundraising shortfall after lowering its goal for 2024.
  • Republican governors in states like Indiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Utah, and Arkansas renamed June to terms like Nuclear Family Month to counter Pride Month.
  • Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders and Alabama Governor Kay Ivey issued proclamations emphasizing traditional family roles.
  • The Trump administration banned LGBTQ+ flags on federal buildings, investigated schools over transgender bathroom policies, renamed a Navy ship removing the name of gay rights activist Harvey Milk, and discouraged Pride celebrations on FBI time.
  • No Republican president has ever officially proclaimed Pride Month; every Democratic president since 1999 has.
  • President Trump appointed openly gay officials, such as Richard Grenell and Scott Bessent, to prominent government positions.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Newsweek
Trump, MAGA Fury As Spencer Pratt Drops To Third In LA Mayor Race

Trump, MAGA Fury As Spencer Pratt Drops To Third In LA Mayor Race

June 08, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

In the Los Angeles mayoral race, Spencer Pratt, a Republican supported by President Donald Trump, fell to third place as vote counting continued. Trump and other supporters in the MAGA movement said the election is unfair, but California officials deny any cheating.

Key Facts

  • Spencer Pratt is a Republican candidate for Los Angeles mayor supported by President Trump.
  • Pratt fell to third place behind Democrat Nithya Raman as votes were counted.
  • Karen Bass, a Democrat, leads the race with 34.7% of votes counted so far.
  • California uses a system where the top two candidates, regardless of party, move to a final runoff election.
  • President Trump claimed without proof that Pratt is being cheated in the vote count.
  • MAGA supporters also said the election is rigged and should be investigated.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom and his staff have rejected these claims and mocked Trump’s remarks.
  • About 83% of votes have been counted at the time of the report.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Newsweek
Ministers to issue guidance on children's screen use

Ministers to issue guidance on children's screen use

June 08, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The government is preparing to release new advice for parents on how children aged 5 to 16 should use screens like phones and computers. They have started a three-week period to collect information, and the guidance will include tips on screen time, the right age for a first smartphone, and technology use in schools.

Key Facts

  • This will be the first official government guidance on children's screen use.
  • The advice targets children aged 5 to 16.
  • A three-week call for evidence has been launched to gather information.
  • The guidance is expected to be published in autumn.
  • It will cover how much time children should spend on screens daily.
  • It will also offer advice on when children should get their first smartphone.
  • The guidance will include how technology should be used in schools.
  • Officials say too much screen time can hurt children’s sleep and physical activity.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

BBC Top Stories
Secret Service-level security for NBA Finals with Trump attending Game 3

Secret Service-level security for NBA Finals with Trump attending Game 3

June 08, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump will attend Game 3 of the NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden in New York City, leading to increased security including street closures and strict no-bag policies. The Secret Service is managing security with airport-style checks, and no watch parties will be allowed outside the arena for this game.

Key Facts

  • President Trump is attending Game 3 of the NBA Finals where the New York Knicks host the San Antonio Spurs.
  • The Knicks lead the series 2-0 and the game is in Manhattan at Madison Square Garden.
  • Security includes street closures, a no-bag policy, and Secret Service-level screening like at airports.
  • Fans are urged to arrive at least two hours before the game to avoid delays.
  • No watch parties are allowed outside Madison Square Garden for Game 3 due to the presidential visit.
  • Subway and commuter train services at nearby Penn Station will continue operating normally.
  • The Knicks have not been in the NBA Finals since 1999 and last won in 1973.
  • The NBA Finals have attracted high ticket prices, with some resale tickets above $9,000.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Al Jazeera
Widow 'distressed' by firm's nine-month delay to husband's pension

Widow 'distressed' by firm's nine-month delay to husband's pension

June 08, 2026 • BBC Business

Summary

Kay Donald’s husband died nearly nine months ago, but she has not received his pension payments due to delays by Capita, the company managing the civil service pension scheme. Capita apologized for the delays and said it is working to fix the problems causing people to wait for their pensions.

Key Facts

  • Barry Donald died last September, shortly before his 34th wedding anniversary with Kay.
  • Capita took over the administration of the civil service pension scheme in December last year.
  • Kay sent all necessary documents in October but has not received any pension payments.
  • Thousands of people have faced delays getting lump-sum payments or pension income from Capita.
  • Capita apologized for the delays and said it is working to restore normal service.
  • Kay has contacted Capita many times, also involving her Member of Scottish Parliament (MSP) and solicitor.
  • Other families, like Rachel Shankland’s, have experienced similar problems settling pensions after a loved one’s death.
  • The civil service pension scheme has about 1.7 million members affected by Capita’s administration issues.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

BBC Business
More than 1,300 deaths a month in England due to long A&E waits, figures suggest

More than 1,300 deaths a month in England due to long A&E waits, figures suggest

June 08, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

More than 1,300 people a month in England die because they wait too long in emergency rooms (A&E). The Royal College of Emergency Medicine says this number has grown nearly ten times since 2015 and is linked to overcrowded hospitals and slow patient admission.

Key Facts

  • Over 300 deaths per week in England in 2025 are linked to long waits in A&E, rising from 30 per week in 2015.
  • The risk of death increases after five hours waiting in A&E and gets worse the longer the wait.
  • In 2025, there were an estimated 15,860 excess deaths due to long A&E waits.
  • Emergency doctors say the problem results from full hospitals and a focus on easier cases rather than the most urgent patients.
  • Nursing leaders call for more hospital beds, more nurses, better primary care, and improved social care to fix the issue.
  • The government says it is investing £215 million to build and expand urgent care centers to relieve pressure on A&E.
  • Specialist teams are being sent to hospitals with the worst corridor care to help fix the problem.
  • Despite some improvements, long waits remain a serious and ongoing issue in England’s emergency care system.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Guardian World
Penn Station Stabbing: Six People Injured, Person of Interest In Custody

Penn Station Stabbing: Six People Injured, Person of Interest In Custody

June 08, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Six people were injured in a stabbing at New York’s Penn Station on Sunday evening. The suspect was arrested at the scene, and emergency services took the victims to hospitals for treatment.

Key Facts

  • The stabbing happened around 7 p.m. on June 7, 2026, inside Penn Station, a busy train station in New York City.
  • Six people were injured, with one seriously hurt, two with moderate injuries, and two with minor injuries.
  • All five stabbed victims were taken to Bellevue Hospital, and another injured person was taken to a different hospital.
  • The suspect was taken into custody immediately, and a knife was found.
  • Both Amtrak Police and New York Police responded quickly to the incident.
  • The motive for the stabbing is not yet known.
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani expressed support for the victims and thanked first responders.
  • This incident occurred a day before President Donald Trump was expected to attend an NBA Finals game nearby.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Newsweek
Queensland magistrate suppresses identity of man with ‘high public profile’ in extortion case

Queensland magistrate suppresses identity of man with ‘high public profile’ in extortion case

June 08, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A Queensland court has decided to keep the identity of a man with a high public profile secret during an ongoing extortion case. The man is not directly involved in the case but his actions were allegedly used as part of the extortion attempt against a woman by her former partner.

Key Facts

  • The case is happening in Cairns, Queensland, Australia.
  • The man with a high public profile is referred to as MM in court.
  • MM is not a party to the extortion case.
  • The extortion allegedly involved threats based on MM’s conduct.
  • Police asked the court to suppress MM’s identity to protect him.
  • The magistrate closed the court to the public except for approved media.
  • A lawyer argued against suppressing MM’s identity, saying it was not legally justified.
  • The court said revealing MM’s identity might harm the case and discourage other victims from coming forward.
  • The case will return to court on July 28 for further hearings.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Guardian World
Lawsuit says it seeks to stop 'deeply corrupt' UFC event at White House

Lawsuit says it seeks to stop 'deeply corrupt' UFC event at White House

June 08, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A public interest law firm filed a lawsuit to stop a UFC mixed martial arts event planned for June 14, 2026, on the White House South Lawn. The suit claims the event was allowed improperly, skipped environmental reviews, and unfairly uses public land for private profit linked to President Donald Trump and his allies.

Key Facts

  • The UFC event is scheduled for June 14, 2026, on the White House South Lawn and nearby Ellipse, coinciding with President Trump’s birthday.
  • The Public Integrity Project represents a political activist and a Vietnam veteran in the lawsuit.
  • The lawsuit argues the event bypassed normal permits by using a temporary "America 250" rule meant for the country’s 250th anniversary celebrations.
  • It states the event is not truly a celebration of Independence but promotes the UFC brand and President Trump’s birthday.
  • The case claims a large 600-ton steel arch construction should have required an environmental review under federal law.
  • The plaintiffs say they suffer aesthetic and procedural harms from these alleged illegal actions.
  • Past lawsuits against President Trump’s remodeling efforts of White House grounds have struggled in court.
  • The case is currently assigned to Judge Amit Mehta, appointed by former President Barack Obama.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

ABC News