The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump says Reflecting Pool to be completed ‘today’

Trump says Reflecting Pool to be completed ‘today’

Summary

President Donald Trump announced that renovations to the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool were finished on Wednesday. The pool was cleaned and painted with a blue color inspired by the American flag, and the last protective coat was scheduled to be applied at 4 P.M. that day.

Key Facts

  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recently underwent renovations.
  • The pool was cleaned and painted blue, similar to the shade of the American flag.
  • President Trump made the announcement on Truth Social, his social media platform.
  • The final protective layer was set to be completed by 4 P.M. on the day of the announcement.
  • The Reflecting Pool is located between the Washington Monument and the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, D.C.
  • The renovation project aimed to restore and protect this important landmark.
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Trump expected to announce $700M boost for coal

Trump expected to announce $700M boost for coal

Summary

President Trump plans to announce a $700 million investment to support the coal industry. This includes $425 million to 13 coal plants and $75 million for a coal export terminal in California, using wartime powers under the Defense Production Act.

Key Facts

  • President Trump will invest about $700 million to support coal.
  • $425 million will go to 13 existing coal plants.
  • $75 million will fund a coal export terminal in California.
  • The funds come from the Defense Production Act, a law that allows special powers during emergencies.
  • The goal is to strengthen coal production and exports.
  • The announcement is part of the current administration’s energy plans.
  • The investment aims to boost coal jobs and energy supply.
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US House votes to halt Iran war, in rebuke to Trump

US House votes to halt Iran war, in rebuke to Trump

Summary

The US House of Representatives voted 215-208 to limit President Donald Trump’s ability to take military action against Iran. This measure aims to stop further conflict without Congress’s approval but still needs to pass the Senate and face possible presidential veto.

Key Facts

  • The House vote included four Republicans joining all Democrats to pass the measure.
  • This is the fourth time the House has tried to restrict President Trump’s war powers on Iran.
  • A ceasefire between the US and Iran is in place, but both sides have exchanged attacks recently.
  • President Trump said talks to end the conflict are going well and may finish soon.
  • The Republican-controlled Senate must approve the House’s resolution next.
  • The Senate approved a similar measure in May but has not acted on this new one yet.
  • Even if the Senate agrees, the measure might not completely stop military actions against Iran.
  • President Trump could veto the resolution, which would require a two-thirds majority in both houses to override.
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Pentagon sued over Stars and Stripes restrictions

Pentagon sued over Stars and Stripes restrictions

Summary

Two advisory board members of the Stars and Stripes military newspaper have filed a lawsuit against the Pentagon. They claim that recent changes by the Defense Department are limiting the newspaper’s ability to operate independently and report freely.

Key Facts

  • The lawsuit was filed by two members of the Stars and Stripes advisory board.
  • They argue that the Defense Department’s changes harm the newspaper’s editorial independence.
  • The suit asks a federal judge to stop the Pentagon from increasing its control over Stars and Stripes.
  • Stars and Stripes is a military newspaper serving U.S. armed forces.
  • The Pentagon recently overhauled how the newspaper operates.
  • The plaintiffs say the Pentagon’s actions represent an unusual and heavy-handed level of control.
  • The case is ongoing and pending court review.
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'60 Minutes' in turmoil after longtime correspondent Scott Pelley is fired

'60 Minutes' in turmoil after longtime correspondent Scott Pelley is fired

Summary

CBS News fired Scott Pelley, a longtime correspondent for the program "60 Minutes," after a heated meeting with new leaders at the news show. The meeting involved arguments between Pelley and the new executive producer, Nick Bilton, and criticism of the editor-in-chief, Bari Weiss.

Key Facts

  • Scott Pelley was a longtime correspondent for "60 Minutes."
  • CBS News fired Scott Pelley following a tense staff meeting.
  • During the meeting, Pelley clashed with new Executive Producer Nick Bilton.
  • Pelley accused Editor-in-Chief Bari Weiss of harming the reputation of "60 Minutes."
  • This firing is part of ongoing changes and upheaval at CBS News.
  • Steve Kroft, a former "60 Minutes" correspondent who worked there for 30 seasons, commented on the situation with Geoff Bennett.
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Trump administration dismantles ambitious ocean monitoring program

Trump administration dismantles ambitious ocean monitoring program

Summary

The Trump administration is removing over 900 deep-sea ocean sensors from several coastal areas, including parts of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans. Scientists say these sensors are important for studying changes in the ocean and the environment.

Key Facts

  • More than 900 deep-sea ocean sensors will be taken out.
  • The sensors are located near Washington, Oregon, Alaska, North Carolina, and Greenland.
  • These sensors help monitor and understand ocean conditions.
  • Scientists are concerned about losing these tools.
  • The program being ended was part of the government's ocean monitoring efforts.
  • This action is happening under President Donald Trump's administration.
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6/3: CBS Evening News

6/3: CBS Evening News

Summary

The FBI ended a 15-hour standoff in California by killing a hostage-taker. President Donald Trump did not say if he will stop plans related to an "anti-weaponization" fund.

Key Facts

  • A hostage situation in California lasted 15 hours.
  • The FBI killed the person holding hostages.
  • President Donald Trump was asked about an "anti-weaponization" fund.
  • He did not confirm whether he will cancel those fund plans.
  • The events were reported on CBS Evening News on June 3.
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Major takeaways from primaries in California, Iowa

Major takeaways from primaries in California, Iowa

Summary

Votes are still being counted in California’s primary election. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass will face a runoff to keep her job. In Iowa, a governor candidate supported by President Donald Trump lost, giving Democrats hope to win the seat in November.

Key Facts

  • California primary vote counting is ongoing.
  • Karen Bass, mayor of Los Angeles, will enter a runoff election.
  • The runoff is for her to try to keep her position as mayor.
  • In Iowa, a candidate backed by President Donald Trump ran for governor.
  • That Trump-supported candidate lost the primary race.
  • Democrats see this result as a chance to win the governor’s office in the general election in November.
  • The news report is from CBS News political correspondent Zak Hudak.
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What to know as House passes war powers resolution to limit Trump's authority on Iran

What to know as House passes war powers resolution to limit Trump's authority on Iran

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution to stop President Trump from ordering additional military strikes against Iran without congressional approval. This action is an attempt to limit the president’s authority over military decisions involving Iran.

Key Facts

  • The House passed a war powers resolution on Wednesday.
  • The resolution aims to block President Trump from ordering more military strikes on Iran.
  • This measure is meant to restrict the president’s power to act without Congress’s consent.
  • The resolution is part of ongoing debates about war powers between the executive branch and Congress.
  • The goal is to ensure that major military actions receive prior approval from elected representatives.
  • Congress wants to play a bigger role in decisions about military conflict with Iran.
  • CBS News correspondent Nikole Killion reported on the development.
  • The issue is part of a larger discussion on U.S. military engagement in the Middle East.
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Companies that sold gender-reveal fireworks which ignited California wildfire agree to $4m settlement

Companies that sold gender-reveal fireworks which ignited California wildfire agree to $4m settlement

Summary

Two companies that sold the fireworks used in a gender-reveal event that started a deadly California wildfire have agreed to pay more than $4 million in a settlement. The fire burned over 22,000 acres, killed a firefighter, and caused millions of dollars in damage.

Key Facts

  • Wholesale Fireworks Corp and American Fireworks Wholesale LLC agreed to pay over $4 million.
  • Pink or Blue Gender Team Inc agreed to pay $50,000.
  • The fire occurred in September 2020 at El Dorado Ranch park in southern California.
  • The blaze burned 22,744 acres and destroyed several buildings.
  • Charles Morton, a Forest Service firefighter, died fighting the fire.
  • The fireworks used were illegal in California and lacked proper safety warnings.
  • The couple who started the fire pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and other charges, with one sentenced to jail and ordered to pay $1.8 million in restitution.
  • Gender-reveal events using dangerous stunts have caused other accidents and deaths in the past.
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Elections Republicans May Be Less Likely to Win After Primaries

Elections Republicans May Be Less Likely to Win After Primaries

Summary

Recent primary election results have made some U.S. Senate races more competitive for Republicans in states like Iowa and Texas. Election experts note that Republican voters often choose candidates they truly support, even if those candidates may be harder to win with in the general election. This shift is causing the Republican Party to face tougher contests in areas they once expected to win easily.

Key Facts

  • Iowa’s Senate race changed from “Likely Republican” to “Lean Republican” after Democrat Josh Turek won the nomination.
  • In Texas, concerns have grown that Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton may face a stronger challenge from Democrat James Talarico.
  • Republicans currently have a 53-47 majority in the U.S. Senate.
  • Democrats need to gain four Senate seats to control the Senate or three seats to tie it, where the Vice President breaks ties.
  • Political science experts say Republican primary voters are choosing candidates sincerely instead of strategically, which may hurt GOP chances.
  • President Donald Trump has successfully backed some primary winners, while some incumbents he opposed lost their primaries.
  • Iowa hasn’t elected a Democratic senator in 18 years, and Trump won Iowa by a large margin in 2024.
  • Rising prices and trade issues are influencing voter attitudes and helping Democrats in some areas.
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Noteworthy speeches from recent college graduations

Noteworthy speeches from recent college graduations

Summary

College seniors recently graduated and are entering a changing world with new challenges. Graduation speakers shared advice to help students prepare for jobs affected by technology and global issues.

Key Facts

  • College seniors wore caps and gowns for their graduation ceremonies.
  • The job market is changing quickly due to technology like artificial intelligence (AI).
  • Global problems and uncertainty also affect future job opportunities.
  • Graduation speakers gave advice to help students face these challenges.
  • The speeches aimed to inspire students as they start the next phase of life.
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Rep. Joyce Beatty lauds passage of Iran war powers resolution, judge's order on Kennedy Center name

Rep. Joyce Beatty lauds passage of Iran war powers resolution, judge's order on Kennedy Center name

Summary

A federal judge ordered that President Donald Trump's name be removed from the Kennedy Center and stopped the center from closing for renovations. Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio, who sued over this issue and serves on the center’s board, also spoke about the House passing a resolution related to war powers in Iran.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge ordered the removal of President Trump's name from the Kennedy Center.
  • The judge stopped the Kennedy Center from closing its doors for planned renovations.
  • Representative Joyce Beatty of Ohio filed the lawsuit about the Kennedy Center name.
  • Joyce Beatty is a member of the Kennedy Center’s board of trustees.
  • The U.S. House of Representatives passed a resolution concerning war powers related to Iran.
  • Rep. Beatty discussed both the judge’s order and the Iran war powers resolution publicly.
  • The Kennedy Center is a major performing arts venue in the United States.
  • The resolution relates to the U.S. government’s authority over military actions involving Iran.
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US House of Representatives passes war powers resolution in rebuke to Trump

US House of Representatives passes war powers resolution in rebuke to Trump

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives voted 215 to 208 to pass a resolution limiting President Donald Trump’s ability to attack Iran without approval from Congress. This vote shows concern over Trump’s military actions in Iran, which began without congressional consent, even though the resolution is unlikely to become law.

Key Facts

  • The House passed the resolution to limit Trump’s war powers regarding Iran.
  • Four Republicans joined Democrats to approve the resolution.
  • Trump ordered military action against Iran on February 28 without Congress’s approval.
  • This is the fourth time the House voted on a war powers resolution against Trump this year.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson delayed a previous vote expected to pass the resolution.
  • The resolution’s passage is a rare sign of opposition to Trump within the Republican Party.
  • President Trump views the conflict in Iran as a “skirmish” or “short-term excursion.”
  • The U.S. military spending on the war in Iran is estimated at $29 billion, but experts think the actual cost could be much higher.
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What to make of Tuesday's primaries in California and Iowa

What to make of Tuesday's primaries in California and Iowa

Summary

The article reports on the results and significance of recent primary elections in Iowa and California. CBS News journalists discuss key races that could impact future political developments in both states.

Key Facts

  • Primary elections took place recently in Iowa and California.
  • These elections are important in choosing candidates for upcoming general elections.
  • CBS News reporters Julie Watts, Lana Zak, and Anthony Salvanto provided coverage and analysis.
  • The article highlights some races that received less attention but are still important.
  • Results in Iowa are finalized, while results in California are still coming in.
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Trump says UFC arena outside White House could be permanent

Trump says UFC arena outside White House could be permanent

Summary

President Donald Trump said that the UFC arena being built on the White House South Lawn might stay there permanently. He made this statement in a video shared on his official TikTok account.

Key Facts

  • The UFC arena is under construction on the South Lawn of the White House.
  • President Trump suggested the arena might never be removed.
  • He spoke about this on his official TikTok account.
  • The arena is related to UFC, which is a mixed martial arts organization.
  • The idea for the arena was directed by President Trump.
  • This is a new type of structure being added to the White House grounds.
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WATCH: Bessent recalls telling acting intelligence director Pulte he was 'going to kick his ass'

WATCH: Bessent recalls telling acting intelligence director Pulte he was 'going to kick his ass'

Summary

During a Senate hearing, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he told Bill Pulte, the new acting director of national intelligence, that he was "going to kick his ass," not that he would punch him. President Donald Trump recently appointed Bill Pulte to lead the intelligence agency temporarily.

Key Facts

  • Senator Thom Tillis asked Scott Bessent about a heated comment made to Bill Pulte.
  • Bessent said he told Pulte he would "kick his ass," not punch him.
  • The comment happened in the summer of 2025.
  • Bill Pulte is the new acting director of national intelligence.
  • President Donald Trump appointed Pulte to this position this week.
  • The discussion took place during a Senate committee hearing.
  • Senator Tillis said he understood the strong feelings behind Bessent’s comment.
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Who is Adam Hamawy? Doctor who served in Gaza is on the path to US Congress

Who is Adam Hamawy? Doctor who served in Gaza is on the path to US Congress

Summary

Adam Hamawy, a plastic surgeon and army veteran, won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District and will compete in the November midterm election. He has firsthand experience providing medical help in Gaza and wants to use his role in Congress to influence U.S. policy on the conflict and military aid to Israel.

Key Facts

  • Adam Hamawy is a plastic surgeon and army veteran originally from Egypt.
  • He won the Democratic primary for New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, a solidly Democratic area.
  • Hamawy will face Republican Gregg Mele in the November 3 midterm election.
  • He worked on medical missions in Gaza and other conflict zones like Bosnia, Sudan, Haiti, Lebanon, and Syria.
  • Hamawy spoke to lawmakers about the Gaza conflict based on his personal experience.
  • Some lawmakers reacted by opposing the war, while others avoided meeting him or stayed silent.
  • The U.S. Congress controls military aid given to Israel, which affects Palestinians in Gaza.
  • No sitting member of Congress has visited Gaza in recent years, largely due to access restrictions.
  • Since 2020, U.S. support for Palestinian aid groups like UNRWA and USAID has been reduced.
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VA Benefits Change Impacts Thousands of Veterans Expecting Prosthetic Limbs

VA Benefits Change Impacts Thousands of Veterans Expecting Prosthetic Limbs

Summary

The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) has changed how it buys prosthetic limbs to speed up delivery for veterans. This new policy removes many approval steps, cutting wait times by almost half, helping veterans get their prosthetic devices faster.

Key Facts

  • The VA’s new process removes most contracting officer reviews for prosthetic limb orders, speeding up delivery.
  • Wait times have already dropped by 10 days, with an expected 42% overall reduction to about 54 days from 94 days.
  • Only the most expensive prosthetic devices still require special approval.
  • Local VA agents can now buy prosthetics directly from suppliers with prices set by Medicare, reducing negotiation delays.
  • Delays in prosthetic delivery can cause physical problems like muscle loss and joint issues, as well as mental health impacts such as depression.
  • More than half of veterans enrolled in VA health care use some form of prosthetic or sensory aid each year.
  • Between 45,000 and 100,000 veterans get major limb care annually through the VA.
  • To get prosthetics, veterans must be enrolled in VA health care and referred by a physical medicine and rehabilitation doctor.
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Trump formalizes move of career federal workers into ‘at will’ roles

Trump formalizes move of career federal workers into ‘at will’ roles

Summary

President Donald Trump signed an executive order to change how certain federal government workers are classified. This change makes it easier to fire employees who hold policy-related jobs by putting them into a new job category with fewer protections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump signed an executive order related to federal workers.
  • The order targets employees in policy-related positions within the federal government.
  • About 8,000 federal workers are affected by this change.
  • These workers are moved into a new employment category called Schedule Policy/Career (P/C).
  • This new classification aims to make it easier to fire these workers.
  • Critics say this category is similar to political jobs, which have fewer job protections.
  • The effort started during President Trump’s first term as Schedule F.
  • The move is part of the administration's plan to modify personnel rules in the federal workforce.
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