The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Treasury warns banks of 'red flags' tied to customers in the US illegally

Treasury warns banks of 'red flags' tied to customers in the US illegally

Summary

The U.S. Treasury's financial crimes division asked banks to watch for payroll fraud and money laundering linked to people living in the country illegally. This follows President Donald Trump's executive order requiring banks to check the citizenship status of their customers more carefully.

Key Facts

  • The Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) is part of the U.S. Treasury focused on stopping financial crimes.
  • FinCEN issued a warning to banks about schemes involving identity theft, payroll tax fraud, and money laundering.
  • These schemes involve hiring people who are not legally allowed to work in the U.S.
  • The advisory encourages banks to report suspicious activities related to unauthorized workers.
  • President Donald Trump signed an executive order in May to make banks verify the citizenship status of their customers more closely.
  • The goal is to strengthen immigration enforcement through financial oversight.
  • This action is part of the Trump administration’s broader efforts to clamp down on illegal immigration.
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Jobs report sparks inflation fears; Trump responds

Jobs report sparks inflation fears; Trump responds

Summary

President Donald Trump responded to worries about inflation caused by a recent strong jobs report. He said that good job growth should be seen as a positive sign and believed that stock prices should rise when jobs reports are strong.

Key Facts

  • A new jobs report showed strong job growth.
  • Some people are worried this strong jobs report could cause inflation, which means prices going up.
  • President Trump disagreed with the inflation concerns from this report.
  • He said strong growth is good for the market and stocks.
  • Trump shared his views on the social media platform Truth Social.
  • He referred to a long history of stock prices rising after good economic reports.
  • The discussion is focused on the U.S. economy and market reactions.
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Why Washington is reducing visa processing across Africa

Why Washington is reducing visa processing across Africa

Summary

The United States plans to centralize visa processing in Africa by reducing embassies and consulates handling visa interviews from about 50 to around 20 regional hubs. This will require some applicants to travel farther for visa interviews, but it will not change who qualifies for a U.S. visa or the legal rules for approval.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. will move routine visa interviews to fewer, larger regional centers in Africa.
  • Around 50 current visa processing locations will be reduced to roughly 20.
  • Major cities like Nairobi, Johannesburg, Addis Ababa, Accra, and Dakar are expected to host these hubs.
  • Embassies will remain open for other diplomatic and consular duties.
  • The change may happen within weeks, but an exact start date is not confirmed.
  • Visa approval rules will not change; applicants will still follow existing U.S. immigration laws.
  • Some applicants might face higher travel costs and inconvenience, which could reduce the number of visa applications.
  • The U.S. State Department has not publicly detailed the reasons, but experts link it to improving efficiency, security, and resources.
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New Orleans’ Jesuit high school agrees to pay seven figures to settle child molestation claim

New Orleans’ Jesuit high school agrees to pay seven figures to settle child molestation claim

Summary

A Jesuit Catholic high school in New Orleans agreed to pay over a million dollars to settle a lawsuit about child sexual abuse by janitors decades ago. The case was settled before a trial set for June, connected to a broader abuse scandal involving the Catholic Church in the area.

Key Facts

  • Jesuit high school in New Orleans settled a child molestation lawsuit for a seven-figure sum.
  • The lawsuit involved abuse by janitors in the 1970s.
  • The plaintiff sued under a fake name about six years ago.
  • The trial scheduled for June 15 was canceled due to the settlement.
  • Another related lawsuit is scheduled for trial in September.
  • The abuse cases are linked to a larger Catholic Church scandal in New Orleans.
  • The local archdiocese declared bankruptcy in 2020 due to abuse claims and agreed to pay $305 million to survivors.
  • Depositions revealed that many staff members were credibly accused of abuse, and the school had previously paid multiple settlements related to a known molester janitor.
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Judge blocks series of Trump policies halting immigration processing

Judge blocks series of Trump policies halting immigration processing

Summary

A federal judge cancelled several immigration policies made by President Donald Trump after an attack on National Guard members. These policies had stopped immigration agencies from processing applications from people in about 40 countries, but now those applications must be processed again.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge ruled against some of President Trump’s immigration policies.
  • These policies were created after a deadly attack on National Guard members.
  • The policies stopped immigration agencies from processing applications from 39 countries.
  • The judge’s decision means these agencies must resume handling these immigration applications.
  • The policy changes happened around the time of last Thanksgiving.
  • The decision affects immigration processing in the United States.
  • The ruling reverses restrictions set by President Trump’s administration.
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US judge rules against Trump policies targeting immigrants from 39 travel-ban countries

US judge rules against Trump policies targeting immigrants from 39 travel-ban countries

Summary

A US federal judge ruled that the Trump administration illegally stopped processing immigration applications from people in 39 countries affected by travel bans. The judge said this policy left many immigrants waiting indefinitely, despite following legal procedures.

Key Facts

  • The judge ruled the Trump administration unlawfully blocked asylum, work permit, green card, and citizenship decisions for people from 39 countries.
  • These countries are in Africa, Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East.
  • The ruling came from Chief US District Judge John McConnell in Rhode Island.
  • The case was filed by immigrant groups and labor unions challenging USCIS policies from November.
  • USCIS is part of the Department of Homeland Security, responsible for immigration services.
  • The judge said the hold on applications caused immigrants to live in legal uncertainty without fault of their own.
  • The judge found that USCIS violated immigration laws set by Congress and administrative rules.
  • The decision happened the same day that the US Senate passed legislation to support President Trump’s immigration policies.
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Green Card Applicants Get Major Court Win Against Trump Travel Ban

Green Card Applicants Get Major Court Win Against Trump Travel Ban

Summary

A federal judge blocked new immigration rules under President Trump that stopped decisions on green cards, asylum, and work permits for people affected by the travel ban. The judge said these rules were likely against the law and unfairly delayed applications from many countries.

Key Facts

  • A U.S. District Judge, John McConnell, stopped immigration policies tied to the expanded travel ban.
  • These policies paused decisions on green cards, asylum cases, and work permits.
  • The rules were put in place after a National Guard shooting in Washington, D.C., in November 2025.
  • The policies applied to many countries designated by the travel ban.
  • The judge said the immigration agency broke laws set by Congress and administrative rules.
  • This ruling is a setback for the Trump administration’s attempt to hold up immigration applications from people already in the U.S.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has not yet commented on the ruling.
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Trump admin tries again to revive dying coal industry

Trump admin tries again to revive dying coal industry

Summary

President Donald Trump announced a new plan to support the U.S. coal industry by investing $700 million under the Defense Production Act. The plan includes updating existing coal plants and building new ones, even though coal is now more expensive and less common compared to renewable energy sources like wind and solar.

Key Facts

  • President Trump announced a $700 million plan to support the coal industry.
  • The money will be spent under the Defense Production Act, which lets the president protect important industries.
  • Funds will update 14 coal plants and build new plants in Alaska and West Virginia.
  • Coal currently produces about 15 percent of U.S. electricity, down from over half a decade ago.
  • Coal energy production is more expensive than wind and solar power today.
  • Coal causes high greenhouse gas emissions and releases harmful pollutants.
  • The plan aims to save $50 billion in electricity costs, but no source confirmed this figure.
  • Experts warn this effort may create "stranded assets" if coal plants become unprofitable due to cleaner energy growth and environmental rules.
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Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, reacts to abuse allegations at Delaney Hall ICE facility

Tom Homan, Trump's border czar, reacts to abuse allegations at Delaney Hall ICE facility

Summary

Tom Homan, who worked as President Donald Trump’s border czar, responded to protests about bad treatment claims at the Delaney Hall ICE facility in New Jersey. People are protesting because they say migrants at the facility face poor and harsh conditions.

Key Facts

  • Tom Homan served as border czar under President Donald Trump.
  • The Delaney Hall ICE facility is located in New Jersey.
  • There have been protests outside the facility for a long time.
  • Protesters claim migrants held there suffer from inhumane treatment.
  • Tom Homan publicly responded to these abuse allegations.
  • The protests are connected to the treatment of detained migrants.
  • The source of the news is CBS News reporter Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
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Platner says he and wife dealt with his texts to other women ‘very early’ in marriage

Platner says he and wife dealt with his texts to other women ‘very early’ in marriage

Summary

Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner said he and his wife addressed his past sexually explicit texting with other women early in their marriage. He told MS NOW the messaging stopped soon after they married.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is running for Senate in Maine as a Democrat.
  • He admitted to sending explicit texts to multiple women in the past.
  • Platner said he and his wife, Amy Gertner, dealt with this issue early in their marriage.
  • He said the sexually explicit texting stopped shortly after they were married.
  • This information was shared during an interview with MS NOW.
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House GOP moves to codify Hegseth’s ‘Department of War’ name change

House GOP moves to codify Hegseth’s ‘Department of War’ name change

Summary

House Republicans on the Armed Services Committee voted to officially rename the Department of Defense as the "Department of War." This change was proposed by Rep. Ronny Jackson and passed along party lines during the discussion of the annual defense policy bill.

Key Facts

  • The House Armed Services Committee is working on the yearly defense policy bill.
  • Republicans proposed renaming the Department of Defense to the "Department of War."
  • The amendment was introduced by Representative Ronny Jackson from Texas.
  • The vote on this amendment was largely along party lines, with Republicans supporting it.
  • The decision occurred during a long session of debate on defense issues.
  • This move would officially change the name of the U.S. military’s main defense department.
  • The Department of Defense has been its title since 1947.
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Rapist Paul Quinn sentenced to 24 years in case that saw Andrew Malkinson wrongly convicted

Rapist Paul Quinn sentenced to 24 years in case that saw Andrew Malkinson wrongly convicted

Summary

Paul Quinn was sentenced to 24 years in prison for a rape he committed in 2003, a crime for which Andrew Malkinson was wrongly jailed for 17 years. DNA evidence later cleared Malkinson, and Quinn was also found guilty of strangulation and causing serious harm to the victim.

Key Facts

  • Paul Quinn attacked a woman in Salford in 2003, causing serious injuries and raping her.
  • Andrew Malkinson was wrongly convicted in 2004 for this crime and spent over 17 years in prison.
  • Quinn’s DNA was found on the victim’s clothing, which led to Malkinson’s conviction being overturned in 2023.
  • Quinn was sentenced to 21 years in prison with an additional 3 years on licence, making a total of 24 years.
  • Quinn will be eligible for parole after serving 14 years, which is less time than Malkinson served.
  • The victim expressed the lasting impact the attack has had on her life, including visible scarring.
  • Police are investigating if Quinn is linked to other unsolved sex crimes.
  • The judge praised the victim’s bravery and acknowledged the injustice suffered by Malkinson.
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Platner Had Huge Advantage With Women—Will It Last?

Platner Had Huge Advantage With Women—Will It Last?

Summary

Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for U.S. Senate in Maine, currently leads in polls due to strong support from women voters. However, recent reports about his past behavior with women have raised questions that could weaken his campaign ahead of the primary election.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is running for U.S. Senate in Maine as a Democrat against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
  • Two recent polls show Platner with a double-digit lead among women voters.
  • Some women have accused Platner of being insulting, volatile, or unfaithful; one alleged he physically restrained her during an argument.
  • Platner denies the allegations and calls them politically motivated.
  • Platner has faced other controversies, including past offensive social media posts and a previously covered Nazi symbol tattoo.
  • Women voters are a crucial group in this race and have historically supported Collins.
  • The primary election is scheduled for June 9.
  • Political experts say these allegations could influence female voters enough to change the race outcome.
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Chances of Spencer Pratt and Steve Hilton Advancing Amid Slow Vote Count

Chances of Spencer Pratt and Steve Hilton Advancing Amid Slow Vote Count

Summary

Two important elections in California are still too close to call several days after voting ended, with mail-in ballots still being counted. President Donald Trump has criticized the slow process, accusing Democrats of cheating without proof.

Key Facts

  • California uses a "top-two" system where the two candidates with the most votes move to the November election, regardless of party.
  • In the Los Angeles mayoral race, incumbent Karen Bass is in first place; Spencer Pratt and Nithya Raman are competing closely for second.
  • In California’s governor race, Republican Steve Hilton, Democrat Xavier Becerra, and Democrat Tom Steyer are all close, with vote counts still ongoing.
  • Mail-in ballots that arrive up to seven days after Election Day can still be counted, slowing final results.
  • Election workers must verify millions of ballots’ signatures, which can take weeks in close races.
  • President Trump has accused Democrats of “cheating” and trying to steal the elections without offering evidence.
  • California officials say the slow count prioritizes accuracy and voter access over speed.
  • No federal investigation into the vote count delay has been confirmed.
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NPR reporter says Santos threatened him: ‘He was boiling with rage’

NPR reporter says Santos threatened him: ‘He was boiling with rage’

Summary

An NPR reporter said that Representative George Santos from New York threatened him in a phone call, using the phrase "a gun in your face." This happened after the reporter published a story about the Justice Department investigating Santos for possible insider trading.

Key Facts

  • NPR reporter Bobby Allyn claims George Santos threatened him during a phone call.
  • Santos allegedly said the phrase "a gun in your face" in the call.
  • The call occurred one day after Allyn published a report on a DOJ investigation into Santos.
  • The investigation involves potential insider trading by Santos.
  • George Santos is a current member of Congress representing New York.
  • The incident highlights tensions between media and the politician.
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Trump administration wins big after Senate Republicans pass ICE funding, avoid DOJ fund ban

Trump administration wins big after Senate Republicans pass ICE funding, avoid DOJ fund ban

Summary

Senate Republicans approved funding for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), supporting President Donald Trump's administration. They also prevented a ban on funding for the Department of Justice (DOJ).

Key Facts

  • Senate Republicans passed funding specifically for ICE.
  • The funding win supports the efforts of President Trump’s administration.
  • Republicans avoided a ban on money for the DOJ.
  • This decision was part of a series of votes called a "vote-a-rama."
  • The vote impacts key law enforcement agencies in the U.S.
  • The result is seen as a political success for President Trump.
  • The funding helps continue operations within ICE and DOJ.
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Trump teases Lincoln Memorial ‘promenade’

Trump teases Lincoln Memorial ‘promenade’

Summary

President Donald Trump announced plans to build a new walkway, called a "promenade," that will link the Lincoln Memorial to the Potomac River. This project is part of his ongoing efforts to change and update famous places in Washington, D.C.

Key Facts

  • President Trump revealed the plan on a Thursday.
  • The new walkway will connect the Lincoln Memorial with the Potomac River.
  • The project is named the "promenade."
  • Some people want to call it the "Trump Promenade."
  • This project is one of several aimed at changing well-known landmarks in Washington.
  • The promenade will be for pedestrians, meaning people walking.
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Exclusive: Kamala Harris takes the redistricting fight to Louisiana

Exclusive: Kamala Harris takes the redistricting fight to Louisiana

Summary

Vice President Kamala Harris is visiting New Orleans in August to speak at a Democratic fundraiser and address concerns about a Supreme Court ruling that may reduce Black representation in Congress. She plans to discuss how Democrats can respond to this ruling ahead of the midterm elections and beyond.

Key Facts

  • Vice President Harris will be the main speaker at the Louisiana Democratic Party’s fundraiser on August 7.
  • She is focusing on the impact of the Supreme Court’s Louisiana v. Callais ruling, which can lead to fewer Black-majority congressional districts.
  • The ruling allows states to redraw voting maps in ways that may reduce Black representation in the House of Representatives, especially in the South.
  • Harris has called the decision a form of "backdooring racism through politics."
  • She is meeting privately with lawmakers, including members of the Congressional Black Caucus affected by the ruling.
  • Harris is seen as preparing for a possible presidential run in 2028 and is working to secure support from Black voters.
  • This visit to Louisiana follows a prior trip in January for a book event and the New Orleans mayor's swearing-in ceremony.
  • Harris has also participated in calls organized by groups that support Black women leaders.
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How did the notion of ‘two-tier policing’ evolve, and does it really exist?

How did the notion of ‘two-tier policing’ evolve, and does it really exist?

Summary

The article explains the idea of "two-tier policing" in the UK, which claims that police treat white people more harshly than ethnic minorities. It traces the origin of this term, discusses recent debates on the topic, and presents official data showing that Black people are more likely to experience police use of force and stop-and-search than white people.

Key Facts

  • The term "two-tier policing" first appeared in 2012, used by far-right figures who said Muslims are treated more favorably than non-Muslims.
  • In 2023, Suella Braverman criticized police for "double standards" regarding a pro-Palestine march held on Armistice Day.
  • In 2024, claims increased that far-right white protesters were policed more harshly than Black Lives Matter or pro-Palestinian protests.
  • Critics say this comparison is inaccurate since Black Lives Matter and pro-Palestinian protests were mostly peaceful and organized, unlike violent riots.
  • Data from England and Wales show Black people are three times more likely to face police use of force than white people.
  • Black people are also almost four times more likely to be stopped and searched by police than white people.
  • The police inspectorate called Suella Braverman’s 2023 comments about double standards "unfair."
  • Asian people face mixed treatment: they are less likely than white people to have force used against them but more likely to be stopped and searched.
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US Senate approves $70bn for Trump immigration agencies

US Senate approves $70bn for Trump immigration agencies

Summary

The US Senate approved over $70 billion to fund immigration agencies under President Donald Trump for the next three years. The bill now goes to the House of Representatives, and if they agree, it will be sent to President Trump to sign into law.

Key Facts

  • The $70 billion funding will support agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Border Patrol.
  • The Senate vote was 52 in favor and 47 against, mostly along party lines.
  • One Republican, Senator Lisa Murkowski, voted against the bill, while one Democrat did not vote.
  • Democrats tried but failed to pass amendments to limit a controversial $1.8 billion fund linked to President Trump.
  • The $1.8 billion fund was intended to compensate people harmed by government actions but faced criticism as possibly benefiting Trump’s allies.
  • Earlier, $1 billion for a new White House ballroom was removed from the bill.
  • The bill was passed using a procedure that requires only a simple majority vote.
  • The funding follows earlier disputes that led to a partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security after deadly shootings involving immigration officers.
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