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The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Man found shot after striking crowd with car outside Los Angeles nightclub, injuring 30

Man found shot after striking crowd with car outside Los Angeles nightclub, injuring 30

Summary

A car drove into a crowd of people waiting to enter a nightclub in Los Angeles, injuring 30 people. The driver was found with a gunshot wound, and police are searching for a suspected shooter who ran away. Most of the injured were taken to hospitals, and the event is under investigation.

Key Facts

  • A car hit a crowd outside a nightclub in Los Angeles, injuring 30 people.
  • The driver had a gunshot wound and was taken to a hospital.
  • Police are looking for a suspect who supposedly shot the driver.
  • Twenty-three of the injured people were sent to hospitals.
  • Three of the victims are in critical condition.
  • The car also damaged a taco truck and a valet stand.
  • The nightclub, Vermont Hollywood, was holding a reggae/hip hop event.
  • A fight reportedly occurred outside the club just before the crash.

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Vehicle driven into crowd in Los Angeles injuring more than 20: LAFD

Vehicle driven into crowd in Los Angeles injuring more than 20: LAFD

Summary

A car hit a group of people in East Hollywood, Los Angeles, injuring over 20 people. Five people are in critical condition, and the incident took place early in the morning on Santa Monica Boulevard.

Key Facts

  • A vehicle drove into a crowd in East Hollywood, Los Angeles.
  • More than 20 people were injured in the incident.
  • Five people are in critical condition.
  • Eight to ten people have serious injuries.
  • Ten to fifteen people are in fair condition.
  • The accident happened around 2:00 a.m. local time.
  • It occurred on Santa Monica Boulevard.
  • The Los Angeles Fire Department shared information about the incident.

Source Verification

Several critically injured in LA after vehicle driven into crowd, emergency services say

Several critically injured in LA after vehicle driven into crowd, emergency services say

Summary

A car drove into a crowd on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles, injuring at least 20 people, according to the Los Angeles Fire Department. Some people are critically injured, while others are seriously hurt. The incident took place in East Hollywood at 2 a.m. local time.

Key Facts

  • A vehicle hit a crowd on Santa Monica Boulevard in Los Angeles.
  • At least 20 people were injured in the incident.
  • Up to five people are critically injured.
  • Up to ten people are in a serious condition.
  • The incident happened at 2 a.m. local time in East Hollywood.
  • Photos show a grey car on the pavement with debris around it.
  • There is a large police presence at the scene.

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DR Congo, M23 rebels sign deal in Qatar to end fighting in eastern Congo

DR Congo, M23 rebels sign deal in Qatar to end fighting in eastern Congo

Summary

The Democratic Republic of Congo and the M23 rebel group signed a declaration to end conflict in eastern Congo. The agreement was made in Qatar, aiming to stop ongoing fighting that has displaced and killed many people. This development follows previous meetings and peace deals involving neighboring countries and international parties.

Key Facts

  • The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and the M23 rebels signed a declaration in Qatar to stop fighting.
  • The fighting in eastern Congo has killed thousands and displaced hundreds of thousands this year.
  • M23 is mainly composed of ethnic Tutsi fighters and has links to events from the 1994 Rwandan genocide.
  • Qatar helped arrange a key meeting in March between Congo’s President Felix Tshisekedi and Rwanda’s President Paul Kagame.
  • The DRC had initially refused to negotiate with M23, labeling it a “terrorist group,” but later agreed to talks.
  • The US hosted talks between the DRC and Rwanda, where an agreement was signed in June with warnings from then-US President Donald Trump.
  • Congo, the United Nations, and Western countries claim Rwanda supports M23, but Rwanda denies this, stating its actions are in self-defense.
  • Several neighboring countries have troops in the area due to the ongoing conflict.

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The week when crypto won big in America

The week when crypto won big in America

Summary

The U.S. government has passed the Genius Act, its first major law related to cryptocurrencies, marking a shift in how digital currencies are viewed and regulated. This new law focuses on stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency that is considered safer since they are tied to real currencies like the U.S. dollar. Another bill, the CLARITY Act, which could change how cryptocurrencies are regulated, has also made progress in Congress.

Key Facts

  • The Genius Act is the first major cryptocurrency law passed by Congress.
  • President Trump signed the Genius Act into law on July 18, 2025.
  • The law focuses on stablecoins, a form of cryptocurrency backed by real currencies.
  • Congress passed the Genius Act and another bill called the CLARITY Act during "crypto week."
  • The CLARITY Act proposes shifting cryptocurrency regulation to a body called the Commodity Futures Trading Commission.
  • The total value of cryptocurrencies reached $4 trillion shortly after the Genius Act's approval.
  • Crypto supporters view stablecoins as a secure and efficient way to transfer money globally.

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Opinion: Farewell, equid program

Opinion: Farewell, equid program

Summary

The U.S. Army plans to reduce its Military Working Equid program, offering most of its horses, donkeys, and mules for adoption. Despite scaling back, ceremonial horses will still serve at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Army will cut back its Military Working Equid program.
  • 141 out of 236 military horses, donkeys, and mules will be available for adoption.
  • These animals are mostly used in ceremonial roles like parades, honor guards, and funerals.
  • Horses have not been used in combat since 1942 by the U.S. military.
  • The Army states these horses are an important part of military tradition and heritage.
  • Reducing the program is expected to save the Army about $2 million yearly.
  • Ceremonial animals will continue their roles at Arlington National Cemetery and Joint Base San Antonio.

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An NPR member station manager assesses the future after Congress cuts federal funding

Summary

A general manager from North Country Public Radio discusses the implications of recent federal funding cuts to public media with NPR's Scott Simon. The conversation focuses on how these cuts will affect the radio station's operations.

Key Facts

  • Congress recently decided to reduce federal funding for public media.
  • Mitch Teich is the General Manager at North Country Public Radio.
  • Teich spoke with NPR's Scott Simon about the funding cuts.
  • The discussion was aired on the Weekend Edition Saturday program.
  • The conversation explored the future impact on the radio station.
  • Federal funding is a financial source for public radio stations like NPR.

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Here's why is it's so hard to have good cell service in certain areas of the U.S.

Summary

Some areas in the U.S. struggle with poor cell phone service, especially in rural regions. After recent floods in Texas, Curtis Knobloch discusses the difficulties of providing coverage in these places and potential ways to improve it.

Key Facts

  • Cell phone service is often poor in rural areas of the U.S.
  • Recent flooding in Texas highlighted these service issues.
  • Curtis Knobloch from the National Rural Telecommunications Cooperative was interviewed.
  • The discussion focused on problems with rural cell coverage.
  • Possible solutions to improve coverage were also talked about.
  • Interviews about these issues aired on NPR's Weekend Edition Saturday.

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Central Texans look to rebuild but face challenges, as many did not have flood insurance

Summary

Many people in Central Texas are starting to rebuild after flooding, but they are having a hard time because many do not have flood insurance. Only a small number of Texans have flood insurance from the government to help them recover financially.

Key Facts

  • Central Texans are working on rebuilding after flooding.
  • Many people face challenges because they lack flood insurance.
  • Only 7 percent of Texas homeowners have government-provided flood insurance.
  • Without flood insurance, people have fewer financial resources to rebuild.
  • Flood insurance is meant to help cover damage costs after floods.

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Trump administration ends 988 Lifeline's special service for LGBTQ+ young people

Trump administration ends 988 Lifeline's special service for LGBTQ+ young people

Summary

The Trump administration has stopped a special service for LGBTQ+ youth on the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, which allowed them to connect with counselors trained to help with their issues. This change occurred right after the Lifeline's third anniversary.

Key Facts

  • The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline was launched three years ago and has handled over 16 million calls, texts, and chats.
  • Nearly 10% of these contacts came from gay and transgender young people.
  • LGBTQ+ youth had a "Press 3" option to reach counselors familiar with their mental health needs.
  • The funding specifically for LGBTQ+ services ran out after being allocated more than $33 million for 2025.
  • Total funding for all 988 services in 2025 was nearly $520 million.
  • LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to feel persistent sadness or attempt suicide compared to peers, according to the CDC.
  • The veteran support option on the 988 Lifeline remains available by pressing 1.
  • Demand for the specialized LGBTQ+ service grew from 2,000 contacts per month to nearly 70,000.

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Muddy boots and AI are helping this threatened frog to make a comeback

Muddy boots and AI are helping this threatened frog to make a comeback

Summary

Researchers are working to bring back the California red-legged frog, which is considered threatened. They used artificial intelligence (AI) to listen for the frogs' calls, and this year, they finally heard the frogs in the wild in San Diego County for the first time in 25 years.

Key Facts

  • The California red-legged frog is the largest native frog species west of the Rocky Mountains.
  • It is listed as threatened under the Endangered Species Act.
  • Frog eggs were moved from Baja California in Mexico to Southern California to reintroduce the species.
  • Over five years, 87 egg masses were moved to help the frogs return to their historic range.
  • AI technology helped researchers detect the frogs by analyzing audio recordings.
  • The frogs were heard in the wild in San Diego County for the first time in 25 years.
  • The frogs were once a common food source and were mentioned in a famous story by Mark Twain.

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New Texas law aims to save lives by clarifying the state abortion ban. Will it work?

New Texas law aims to save lives by clarifying the state abortion ban. Will it work?

Summary

The new Texas law called the Life of the Mother Act aims to make it clearer when abortions are allowed in emergencies by explaining the current abortion ban's exceptions. This law seeks to help doctors understand what situations qualify as emergencies without fear of severe penalties and to ensure that doctors receive the right training.

Key Facts

  • Texas passed a law called the Life of the Mother Act to clarify its abortion ban's emergency exceptions.
  • The law aims to specify when abortions are allowed if they can save a woman's life or prevent major health issues.
  • Currently, doctors risk facing up to 99 years in prison if they perform an abortion outside the allowed situations.
  • Many new doctors avoid training in Texas due to the unclear abortion rules, affecting their education and future family planning.
  • The law was a result of efforts by doctors, patients, and coalition groups that include both medical and anti-abortion communities.
  • It clarifies that a woman's death or health issue does not need to be immediate to qualify for an emergency abortion.
  • Doctors can discuss abortion openly to determine if it's the best treatment.
  • The law requires the state to prove if a doctor is accused of breaking the law.

Source Verification

The USDA wants states to hand over food stamp data by the end of July

The USDA wants states to hand over food stamp data by the end of July

Summary

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has asked states to provide personal data about millions of people who receive food assistance known as SNAP by July 30. A lawsuit has been filed to delay this demand, arguing it may not comply with privacy laws. Some U.S. senators have expressed concerns that this could be misused for surveillance.

Key Facts

  • The USDA wants states to share data on SNAP beneficiaries by July 30.
  • This data includes names, birth dates, addresses, Social Security numbers, and benefit amounts.
  • Over 40 million people use SNAP benefits each month.
  • A federal lawsuit has been filed to postpone the data collection, with a hearing set for July 23.
  • Some senators wrote a letter to the USDA expressing worries about privacy and potential legal violations.
  • The USDA’s notice about this data collection is open for public comments until July 23.
  • The Trump administration is linking personal data for uses such as immigration enforcement.
  • A recent federal agreement lets Immigration and Customs Enforcement access Medicaid data for locating immigrants.

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US restricts visas for Brazilian officials over Bolsonaro ‘witch-hunt’

US restricts visas for Brazilian officials over Bolsonaro ‘witch-hunt’

Summary

The United States will restrict travel visas for some Brazilian judicial officials and their families due to actions against former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro. This follows accusations that a Brazilian Supreme Court justice is unfairly targeting Bolsonaro, who faces legal action over his alleged attempts to overturn the current president's election victory.

Key Facts

  • The US is limiting travel visas for Brazilian judicial officials and their families.
  • US Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced this decision, criticizing the Brazilian court.
  • Brazilian Supreme Court Justice Alexandre de Moraes is accused of unfair actions against Bolsonaro.
  • Bolsonaro is accused of attempting to overturn a presidential election result.
  • If convicted of coup charges, Bolsonaro faces a 12-year sentence.
  • Bolsonaro must wear an ankle monitor and is banned from contacting foreign officials.
  • The US has reportedly revoked visas for seven Brazilian Supreme Court justices.
  • Bolsonaro and former US President Donald Trump maintain friendly relations.

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At least 9 killed, many abducted in ‘bandit’ gang attack in Nigeria

At least 9 killed, many abducted in ‘bandit’ gang attack in Nigeria

Summary

At least nine people were killed and many others abducted during an attack in the Jangebe village of Zamfara state, Nigeria. This violence is part of ongoing attacks by armed groups known locally as bandits, who have been causing unrest in the region.

Key Facts

  • The attack happened in Zamfara state, located in northwest Nigeria.
  • At least nine people were confirmed dead, and at least 15 people were abducted.
  • The assailants are part of armed groups locally referred to as bandits.
  • These bandits have historically kidnapped thousands and made local travel dangerous.
  • Zamfara state is known for frequent attacks and high tension between these groups and local farmers.
  • Nigerian authorities and local vigilante groups are working together to fight these bandit groups.
  • A past significant incident in Jangebe involved almost 300 schoolgirls being kidnapped in 2021.
  • The attack lasted nearly two hours, causing many villagers to flee their homes.

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Trump sues Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch for $10bn over Epstein story

Trump sues Wall Street Journal, Rupert Murdoch for $10bn over Epstein story

Summary

United States President Donald Trump has filed a defamation lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal and its owner Rupert Murdoch. Trump seeks $10 billion in damages over an article about his past connection to Jeffrey Epstein, a known sex offender. He also wants to unseal court transcripts related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell's legal cases.

Key Facts

  • Donald Trump is suing The Wall Street Journal and Rupert Murdoch for defamation.
  • Trump wants at least $10 billion in damages.
  • The lawsuit claims the article harmed Trump's reputation and finances.
  • Trump filed the lawsuit in federal court in the Southern District of Florida.
  • Trump has instructed the US Justice Department to unseal court transcripts involving Epstein and Maxwell.
  • The Wall Street Journal reported a letter credited to Trump with a lewd message to Epstein, which Trump denies sending.
  • Epstein was a controversial figure who died by suicide in 2019 while in jail.
  • Some Trump supporters believe there is a cover-up regarding Epstein’s ties to powerful people.

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Trump says newly signed crypto law will establish ‘American dominance’

Trump says newly signed crypto law will establish ‘American dominance’

Summary

President Donald Trump has signed the GENIUS Act into law, creating new rules and consumer protections for stablecoins, a type of cryptocurrency linked to a fixed currency. This is part of several proposed cryptocurrency regulations, but only the stablecoin bill has been made law. Some people praised the move for boosting crypto in the U.S., while others raised concerns about potential risks and conflicts of interest.

Key Facts

  • President Trump signed the GENIUS Act, focusing on stablecoin regulations.
  • Stablecoins are cryptocurrencies linked to fixed currencies or commodities.
  • The GENIUS Act is part of a larger effort to regulate cryptocurrencies in the U.S.
  • Two other cryptocurrency bills have not yet been voted on by the Senate.
  • Critics are concerned about the Trump family’s potential conflicts of interest in the crypto industry.
  • Democrats argue the new law may not fully address long-term financial risks.
  • Trump plans to continue supporting the crypto industry with initiatives like a national "crypto reserve."
  • Trump claims his administration is moving away from Biden-era policies by ending certain cryptocurrency investigations.

Source Verification

Sylvanian Families' legal battle over TikTok drama

Sylvanian Families' legal battle over TikTok drama

Summary

Sylvanian Families, a toy brand from Japan, is in a legal dispute with a TikTok creator. The creator makes popular videos featuring the toys in adult-themed storylines. The toy maker claims these videos harm its image and has filed a lawsuit in the US for copyright infringement.

Key Facts

  • Sylvanian Families toys were launched in 1985 and are popular children's toys.
  • The TikTok account, named Sylvanian Drama, uses these toys in adult-themed sketches.
  • Epoch Company Ltd, the maker of Sylvanian Families, has filed a copyright case in the US.
  • The TikTok creator, Thea Von Engelbrechten, claims her videos are "parody" in response.
  • Sylvanian Drama has 2.5 million followers on TikTok and 68 million likes.
  • The account also partners with brands like Marc Jacobs and Netflix for ads.
  • Legal teams will meet on 14 August to discuss settlement or trial preparations.
  • Neither party has provided comments to the BBC about the case.

Source Verification

Trump sues Murdoch for libel over Jeffrey Epstein letter story

Trump sues Murdoch for libel over Jeffrey Epstein letter story

Summary

Donald Trump has filed a lawsuit against the Wall Street Journal's parent company, its owner Rupert Murdoch, and two reporters. The lawsuit claims they published false information about a note Trump allegedly wrote to Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Trump denies writing the note and wants Rupert Murdoch to testify in court.

Key Facts

  • Trump filed the lawsuit in Miami against Dow Jones, News Corp, and Rupert Murdoch.
  • The lawsuit claims the Wall Street Journal's story is false and damaging.
  • Trump denies writing a note to Jeffrey Epstein and says the note is fake.
  • The note reportedly included a drawing and a joking message, but Trump disputes its authenticity.
  • Trump tried to stop the publication of the article before it came out.
  • The lawsuit also names the two reporters, Khadeeja Safdar and Joseph Palazzolo.
  • Trump has asked for certain government documents to be released, which could be a detailed legal process.

Source Verification

Venezuela frees 10 Americans in swap for deported migrants in El Salvador

Venezuela frees 10 Americans in swap for deported migrants in El Salvador

Summary

A deal allowed Venezuelans deported from the US and held in El Salvador to return home in exchange for the release of American citizens and political prisoners in Venezuela. Ten Americans were freed as part of the agreement, and 252 Venezuelan citizens returned from El Salvador. The operation was the result of months of negotiations involving the US, Venezuela, and El Salvador.

Key Facts

  • An international deal facilitated the return of Venezuelans from El Salvador to Venezuela.
  • In exchange, Venezuela released ten American citizens and several political prisoners.
  • The US Secretary of State confirmed the Americans' release.
  • El Salvador's President stated that the Venezuelans detained in his country were handed back to Venezuela.
  • Venezuelan authorities reported receiving 252 deported citizens and seven children separated during deportation.
  • The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 was invoked by the US for these deportations, attracting legal challenges.
  • Venezuela expressed concerns over deportations to El Salvador's prison system, citing human rights issues.
  • The deported Venezuelans were accused of gang affiliations, though some had no criminal records.

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