US News - The Actual News

GOP Sen. Rounds says Iran nuclear threat ‘very seriously eliminated’

June 26, 2025

Republican Senator Michael Rounds from South Dakota, who is part of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees, attended a briefing about airstrikes against Iran's nuclear program. The briefing included information from top U.S. officials like the CIA Director and Defense Secretary.

Key Facts:

Senator Michael Rounds is from South Dakota.
He is a member of the Senate Armed Services and Intelligence Committees.
On Thursday, he participated in a briefing about airstrikes on Iran's nuclear program.
The briefing was conducted by CIA Director John Ratcliffe.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Gen. Dan Caine also provided information.
Journalist Amna Nawaz interviewed Rounds after the briefing.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Top U.S. diplomat in Hong Kong criticizes the city and China for curtailing freedoms

June 26, 2025

Hong Kong's top U.S. diplomat, Gregory May, said that actions by the Chinese and Hong Kong governments have reduced freedoms. He mentioned the national security law's impact on activists like Jimmy Lai and concerns about its enforcement reaching into the U.S. The Hong Kong government criticized May's comments, highlighting their own national security needs.

Key Facts:

U.S. Consul General Gregory May raised concerns about reduced freedoms in Hong Kong.
May pointed out the case of activist Jimmy Lai, who is facing charges under a national security law.
Jimmy Lai and other activists could face life imprisonment under this law.
The Hong Kong national security law was put in place after the 2019 protests.
May expressed worry about the law being applied in the U.S. against Hong Kong activists abroad.
The Hong Kong government criticized May's comments, defending their legal system.
U.S. voiced displeasure over restrictions on July 4th events organized in Hong Kong.
Hong Kong's education authorities advised schools to be cautious about national security issues.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

News Wrap: At least 18 killed as they waited for flour, Gaza hospital officials say

June 26, 2025

In Gaza, an airstrike reportedly killed at least 18 people as they waited for supplies. The severe summer heat in the eastern U.S. is starting to cool down. In France, storms caused deaths and injuries. Former Congresswoman Carolyn McCarthy has passed away.

Key Facts:

An airstrike in central Gaza killed at least 18 people who were waiting for flour, according to hospital officials and witnesses.
The intense summer heat in the eastern United States is beginning to ease.
Violent storms in France resulted in at least two deaths and injured 17 people.
Carolyn McCarthy, a former U.S. Congresswoman, has died.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Supreme Court clears way for states to deny Medicaid funding for Planned Parenthood

June 26, 2025

The Supreme Court decided that Planned Parenthood and a patient could not legally challenge South Carolina's decision to stop giving Medicaid money to Planned Parenthood. This ruling allows other states to also potentially stop giving funds to abortion-care providers.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Carolina in a case involving Planned Parenthood and Medicaid funds.
The decision was made with a 6-3 vote among the justices.
The ruling prevents Planned Parenthood and its patients from suing South Carolina over Medicaid funding issues.
The decision could influence other states considering cutting funds to organizations that provide abortion care.
This case highlights ongoing debates over funding for healthcare services related to reproductive rights.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Who gains and who loses under Trump’s big budget bill

June 26, 2025

President Trump's budget bill is about to be voted on in the Senate, possibly starting Friday. A decision was made that some of the proposed Medicaid changes do not meet the requirements for the budget process the Republicans want to use.

Key Facts:

The Senate is getting ready to vote on President Trump’s budget bill.
Voting could start as early as Friday.
The Senate parliamentarian made a ruling about the bill.
The ruling said some Medicaid changes in the bill don’t fit the current budget process.
The Republicans are using a specific budget process to try to pass the bill.
Medicaid is a program that helps with healthcare costs for people with limited income.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Hegseth defends results of US strikes in push to win public opinion battle

June 26, 2025

The U.S. Defense Secretary, Pete Hegseth, held a briefing to argue that the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites were successful, despite an earlier report suggesting otherwise. His goal was to change public opinion and counter negative media coverage.

Key Facts:

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth gave a briefing at the Pentagon.
He aimed to show that the U.S. attack on Iran's nuclear facilities was a success.
Hegseth disputed a preliminary report that found the strikes less effective.
He criticized the American media for negative coverage, calling it unpatriotic.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe's letter claimed key Iranian sites were destroyed.
General Dan Caine described the use of "bunker buster bombs" in the attack.
Hegseth urged Americans to think critically about the strike's effectiveness.
The briefing addressed the quick pace of American politics and public opinion.

Source Information

BBC US

Your guide to Medicaid provider taxes, and why some Senate Republicans hope to cut them

June 26, 2025

A bill proposed by congressional Republicans to cut state taxes on health care providers as part of a larger tax and spending package faced a setback. The Senate parliamentarian found that many parts of the bill do not follow budget rules, so it can't pass with just a simple majority vote. There is ongoing debate about the impact of cutting these taxes, with concerns about potential effects on Medicaid services.

Key Facts:

Republican lawmakers want to freeze or cut state taxes on health care providers.
The Senate parliamentarian said the bill doesn’t meet budget rules, meaning it can’t pass with a basic majority vote.
Some Republicans, like Sen. Josh Hawley, voiced concerns over cutting Medicaid.
Provider taxes are taxes on health care entities like hospitals and nursing homes.
These taxes help states spend more on Medicaid, triggering greater federal funding.
Eliminating provider taxes might affect health care access for millions of people.
Experts point out that provider tax revenue is crucial for supporting Medicaid in many states.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump says anti-bribery laws are crippling U.S. businesses, so he's changing the rules

June 26, 2025

President Trump stated that anti-corruption laws are making it hard for U.S. businesses to operate. His administration has reduced the number of investigators, closed some cases, and altered the regulations related to bribery.

Key Facts:

President Trump believes anti-bribery laws negatively impact U.S. businesses.
Since Trump became president, the administration cut the number of investigators working on corruption.
Some ongoing bribery cases have been stopped or closed.
The administration has changed the rules about how bribery is investigated and handled.
These actions are part of a broader change in how U.S. corruption cases are approached.

Source Information

NPR Business

Greece battles wildfire near capital as summer’s first heatwave hits

June 26, 2025

A wildfire has spread through sections of the coastline near Athens, Greece, leading to evacuations and significant firefighting efforts. Over 100 firefighters and numerous aircraft are combating the blaze, which is fueled by high winds and a heatwave. Authorities are investigating the fire's cause and have set up emergency responses including potential sea evacuations.

Key Facts:

A wildfire is affecting areas 40 kilometers south of Athens, Greece.
More than 100 firefighters and 24 firefighting aircraft are battling the fire.
High winds and nearly 40°C temperatures are worsening the fire.
Police evacuated 40 people, with evacuation orders for five areas.
Roads in the affected areas were closed as a safety measure.
Boats are ready in case evacuations by sea are necessary.
An investigation is underway to determine if arson is involved.
Greece is on high alert for wildfires due to heatwave conditions.
The country has increased its firefighting force to 18,000 this year.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Who is Lauren Sanchez? Journalist, pilot and Jeff Bezos' fiancé

June 26, 2025

Jeff Bezos is set to marry Lauren Sanchez, a well-known TV presenter and helicopter pilot. Their wedding in Venice is attracting attention, partly due to protests from activists. Sanchez has had a successful career in journalism and aviation, and she runs her own aerial film production company.

Key Facts:

Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez have been together since 2019 and are now engaged.
Activists have protested their upcoming wedding in Venice.
Lauren Sanchez was born in New Mexico and raised in California.
She had a successful career in journalism, winning an Emmy Award in 1999.
Sanchez pivoted to aviation, becoming a licensed helicopter pilot and starting her own aerial film company.
She participated in an all-female crew for a Blue Origin rocket flight in 2023.
Sanchez has three children from previous relationships.
She met Jeff Bezos while working on a project for his space company, Blue Origin.

Source Information

BBC US

As Anna Wintour shifts her focus, 'Vogue' is looking for a new U.S. editor

June 26, 2025

Anna Wintour is stepping back from her role as the editor-in-chief of U.S. Vogue to focus more on her global responsibilities at Vogue and the parent company, Condé Nast. Vogue is now looking for a new editor for its U.S. magazine.

Key Facts:

Anna Wintour is known as a major influence in global fashion.
She told her staff that someone new will lead the U.S. editorial content at Vogue.
Wintour has been editor-in-chief of Vogue since 1988.
She also oversees all Condé Nast brands worldwide, except for The New Yorker.
Wintour launched Teen Vogue in 2003 and Men's Vogue in 2005.
She inspired the character Miranda Priestly in the book and movie "The Devil Wears Prada."
Condé Nast is Vogue's parent company.

Source Information

NPR Home

US Supreme Court backs South Carolina effort to defund Planned Parenthood

June 26, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed South Carolina to block Planned Parenthood from receiving Medicaid funds. This decision may help Republican-led states limit public money for providers that offer abortions, as many states have strict abortion laws.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court ruled in favor of South Carolina removing Medicaid funds from Planned Parenthood.
The decision was a 6-3 split along ideological lines, with three liberal justices dissenting.
Medicaid is a government program that helps low-income people get healthcare.
Planned Parenthood provides various health services, including cancer screenings and contraception, and also performs abortions.
South Carolina's leaders object to funding Planned Parenthood due to its abortion services.
In 2017, South Carolina's governor aimed to remove Planned Parenthood from Medicaid.
A federal judge and the 4th Circuit Court previously ruled in favor of Planned Parenthood.
The Supreme Court's decision aligns with efforts in other states to restrict abortion after the overturning of Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Cristiano Ronaldo signs new contract at Al Nassr until 2027

June 26, 2025

Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year extension with Al Nassr, a football club in Saudi Arabia. Ronaldo, originally moved to the club in 2023, is expected to stay until 2027. This extension is considered one of the most financially rewarding contracts in football.

Key Facts:

Cristiano Ronaldo signed a two-year contract extension with Al Nassr until 2027.
His continuation with Al Nassr was confirmed via a social media post by the club.
Ronaldo first joined the Saudi club in 2023.
The contract is reported to be one of the most lucrative in world football.
He was the top scorer in the Saudi Pro League with 25 goals last season.
Al Nassr finished third in the Saudi Pro League last season without winning any trophies.
Saudi Arabia uses its wealth to attract football stars to boost its league and image.
The country is set to host the FIFA World Cup in 2034.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

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.

Source Information

NPR Home

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.

Source Information

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.

Source Information

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.

Source Information

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.

Source Information

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.

Source Information

NPR Home

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.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour