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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

Pre Civil-War Wisconsin law does not ban abortion, says state Supreme Court

July 02, 2025 • NPR National

Summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court decided that a law from 1849 does not prevent abortion in the state. This means abortion is not banned under this old law.

Key Facts

  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court made a decision about a law from 1849.
  • This 1849 law was created before the American Civil War.
  • The court decided that this old law does not ban abortion in Wisconsin.
  • The decision was announced on a Wednesday.
  • The news was shared through programs like "All Things Considered."

Source Verification

NPR National

Proposed Medicaid cuts threaten the future of Kentucky health clinics

July 02, 2025 • NPR National

Summary

Proposed cuts to Medicaid in Congress could make it harder for rural health clinics in Kentucky to provide care. This may impact how health clinics across the state can support people who rely on Medicaid.

Key Facts

  • Medicaid is a government program that helps cover health care costs for people with low incomes.
  • Congress is considering reducing the amount of money given to Medicaid.
  • Rural health clinics in Kentucky might struggle to provide services if these cuts happen.
  • Many people in Kentucky depend on Medicaid to access health care.
  • If Medicaid funding is cut, other health clinics besides those in Kentucky could also be affected.
  • The article highlights the importance of Medicaid funding for clinics that serve rural communities.

Source Verification

NPR National

The Senate bill and the social safety net

July 02, 2025 • NPR National

Summary

President Trump's budget bill recently passed in the Senate. It reduces taxes by trillions of dollars and makes significant cuts to the social safety net, including programs like food aid.

Key Facts

  • The Senate passed President Trump's budget bill.
  • The bill aims to cut taxes by trillions of dollars.
  • It includes large cuts to the social safety net.
  • The social safety net supports programs like food aid.
  • These are the biggest cuts to such programs in decades.

Source Verification

NPR National

What the rollback of California's landmark environmental law could mean

July 02, 2025 • NPR National

Summary

California lawmakers have changed an important environmental law to make it easier to build affordable housing. The new changes aim to reduce the regulations that typically slow down housing projects.

Key Facts

  • California lawmakers passed new legislation this week.
  • The changes affect a major environmental law in California.
  • The goal is to make it easier to build affordable housing.
  • The new law reduces some of the rules that slow down building projects.
  • This change is part of an effort to address housing shortages in the state.

Source Verification

NPR National

The deadly risk of trying to reach food in Gaza

July 02, 2025 • NPR Middle East

Summary

A journalist in Gaza shared their experience trying to get food from a location managed by American contractors. The effort involved dealing with Israeli military fire, large groups of people competing for food, and thieves wearing masks.

Key Facts

  • A journalist in Gaza reported on the challenges of obtaining food from a specific site.
  • This food site is operated by private American contractors.
  • The journalist faced danger from Israeli military gunfire while trying to reach the food.
  • There were large crowds of people competing for the food rations.
  • Thieves with masks were also present, adding to the chaos and danger.

Source Verification

NPR Middle East
How Trump’s big bill could affect women, children and LGBTQ+ Americans

How Trump’s big bill could affect women, children and LGBTQ+ Americans

July 02, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The U.S. Senate has passed a package of tax cuts that mainly benefits wealthier people and includes cuts to government health insurance and food programs for lower-income Americans. The Congressional Budget Office estimates this plan will increase the national deficit by $3.3 trillion over ten years and may result in nearly 12 million Americans losing health care coverage. The bill will go back to the House for approval.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Senate passed a tax cut package after more than 24 hours of discussion.
  • The plan benefits wealthier Americans and includes cuts to programs for lower-income people.
  • The Congressional Budget Office predicts the bill will increase the national deficit by $3.3 trillion over ten years.
  • Nearly 12 million Americans could lose health insurance under this plan.
  • The largest cuts affect Medicaid, the government health insurance for over 70 million lower-income people.
  • The bill must return to the House for approval again since they passed a different version earlier.
  • Some Republican senators initially objected to Medicaid cuts but eventually agreed to support the Senate version.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour

How curtailing clean energy tax credits could impact one Georgia community

July 02, 2025 • NPR Business

Summary

A small town in Georgia was expecting new jobs from a solar glass plant, but the project is now paused because of possible cuts to federal clean energy tax credits.

Key Facts

  • A solar glass plant was planned to bring new jobs to a small town in Georgia.
  • The project is currently on hold.
  • The delay is due to potential cuts in federal clean energy tax credits.
  • Clean energy tax credits are government incentives that reduce costs for companies investing in renewable energy.
  • These tax credits are part of the federal budget plans being reviewed for potential cuts.

Source Verification

NPR Business

Seeing America from abroad

July 02, 2025 • NPR World

Summary

Digital nomads from the U.S. who travel the world notice and value certain parts of American life and identity while living abroad.

Key Facts

  • Digital nomads are people who can work from anywhere due to technology.
  • Some Americans choose to live and work in different countries around the world.
  • These travelers often see differences between life in the U.S. and other places.
  • Being abroad helps them appreciate certain privileges of being American.
  • The article discusses how this experience changes their view of American identity.

Source Verification

NPR World
CBS is the latest news giant to bend to Trump's power

CBS is the latest news giant to bend to Trump's power

July 02, 2025 • NPR Home

Summary

CBS's parent company, Paramount Global, agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit with former President Trump over a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris. The settlement helps Paramount seek approval from the Federal Communications Commission to sell the company.

Key Facts

  • Paramount Global is CBS's parent company.
  • The $16 million settlement was made to resolve a lawsuit filed by former President Trump.
  • The lawsuit was about a 60 Minutes interview with Kamala Harris related to questions about Israel and Hamas.
  • Trump's legal team alleged CBS edited the interview in a way that caused him emotional harm.
  • The settlement aids Paramount in getting approval from the Federal Communications Commission.
  • The approval is needed to sell CBS to Skydance Media.
  • Legal experts generally believe Trump's claims were not strong in legal terms.
  • CBS executives mentioned that settling prevents costly and lengthy legal battles.

Source Verification

NPR Home
'Diddy' cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering, convicted on two other charges

'Diddy' cleared of sex trafficking and racketeering, convicted on two other charges

July 02, 2025 • BBC World

Summary

Music producer Sean "Diddy" Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges but was convicted of transporting someone for prostitution in a federal trial in New York City. The jury, after 13 hours of deliberation, couldn't decide on the racketeering charge, the most serious. Testimonies and videos played a significant role in the trial, which involved accusations of Combs coercing women into sexual acts.

Key Facts

  • Sean "Diddy" Combs was on trial in New York City for serious charges, including racketeering and sex trafficking.
  • He was found not guilty of the racketeering and sex-trafficking charges but guilty of transporting for prostitution.
  • A jury deliberated for 13 hours but couldn't reach a verdict on the racketeering charge.
  • Prosecutors claimed Combs used his fame and business ties to run a criminal enterprise.
  • More than 30 witnesses testified, including former girlfriend Casandra Ventura and rapper Kid Cudi.
  • Ventura testified that Combs pressured her into sexual acts and threatened her with video tapes.
  • There was video evidence showing Combs physically abusing Ventura.
  • Combs admitted to being violent but denied running a criminal operation, blaming drugs and jealousy.

Source Verification

BBC World
Who testified in the Diddy trial?

Who testified in the Diddy trial?

July 02, 2025 • BBC US

Summary

Sean "Diddy" Combs was found not guilty of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges but guilty of transporting individuals for prostitution after a federal trial in New York City. The jury, after 13 hours of deliberation, acquitted him of the most serious charges, with 34 witnesses testifying in the case, including ex-girlfriends and employees.

Key Facts

  • Sean "Diddy" Combs was not guilty of racketeering and sex-trafficking charges.
  • Combs was found guilty of transportation for prostitution.
  • The trial lasted nearly two months in New York City.
  • A jury of 12 deliberated for 13 hours.
  • Prosecutors accused Combs of using his fame to commit crimes.
  • Cassie Ventura, an ex-girlfriend, was a key witness and alleged forced involvement in "freak offs."
  • "Jane," another ex-girlfriend, gave testimony about "hotel nights" and receiving financial support from Combs.
  • Combs' defense argued that the encounters were consensual.

Source Verification

BBC US
Tesla deliveries fall for second quarter in a row

Tesla deliveries fall for second quarter in a row

July 02, 2025 • BBC Tech

Summary

Tesla reported a 14% drop in the number of vehicles delivered in the second quarter of the year. This marks the second quarter in a row that Tesla's deliveries have decreased. The company faces competition from other electric car makers and challenges related to government policies.

Key Facts

  • Tesla delivered just over 384,000 vehicles from April to June.
  • This marks the second consecutive quarterly drop in vehicle deliveries.
  • Tesla faces increased competition, including from Chinese company BYD.
  • Elon Musk, Tesla's CEO, had disputes with former President Donald Trump over a spending bill.
  • Trump suggested cutting government subsidies to Musk's companies.
  • Tesla's delivery numbers are closely watched by investors.
  • There is uncertainty about US electric vehicle tax credits affecting sales.
  • Tesla has started testing robotaxis in Austin, Texas as a potential future market.

Source Verification

BBC Tech
Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to murder after admitting to brutal stabbing deaths of 4 Idaho students

Bryan Kohberger pleads guilty to murder after admitting to brutal stabbing deaths of 4 Idaho students

July 02, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Bryan Kohberger admitted to killing four University of Idaho students in November 2022. He pleaded guilty in a deal to avoid the death penalty, agreeing to serve four life sentences. The sentencing is set for July 23, and no motive for the killings has been identified.

Key Facts

  • Bryan Kohberger pleaded guilty to killing four students from the University of Idaho.
  • The incident occurred on November 13, 2022, in Moscow, Idaho.
  • Kohberger was a criminal justice student at Washington State University.
  • He entered a guilty plea to avoid the death penalty and agreed to serve life sentences.
  • The victims, Kaylee Goncalves, Ethan Chapin, Xana Kernodle, and Madison Mogen, were found stabbed in a rental home.
  • DNA evidence linked Kohberger to the crime scene.
  • Police used surveillance and cellphone data to track Kohberger's movements.
  • Kohberger's sentencing is scheduled for July 23, 2023.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
'Love Island' and modern dating: why romance is dead

'Love Island' and modern dating: why romance is dead

July 02, 2025 • NPR News

Summary

A recent season of the dating reality show "Love Island USA" is not resonating with viewers due to a lack of genuine romance among contestants. This season is compared to real-life dating issues, and viewers miss the emotional connections seen in previous seasons.

Key Facts

  • "Love Island USA" is a dating reality TV show.
  • This season lacks real romance and vulnerability between contestants.
  • A past season was popular for its genuine romantic connections.
  • Viewers are comparing the current season to real-life dating problems.
  • Contestants in a challenge were asked to rate kisses while blindfolded.
  • The show aimed for drama but lost viewers' interest without real love stories.
  • Sociological studies suggest people watch reality TV to discuss their own social experiences.

Source Verification

NPR News
Benson Boone and Karol G can't displace Morgan Wallen on the charts

Benson Boone and Karol G can't displace Morgan Wallen on the charts

July 02, 2025 • NPR News

Summary

Benson Boone's new album "American Heart" debuted at No. 2 on the Billboard 200 albums chart, but it didn't surpass Morgan Wallen's "I'm the Problem," which remains No. 1 for the sixth week. On the singles chart, Alex Warren's "Ordinary" continues to hold the top spot.

Key Facts

  • Morgan Wallen’s album "I'm the Problem" stays No. 1 on Billboard 200 for six weeks.
  • Benson Boone's "American Heart" debuts at No. 2 on the Billboard 200.
  • Karol G's "Tropicoqueta" reaches No. 3, her highest position on the chart so far.
  • Alex Warren’s song "Ordinary" is No. 1 on the Hot 100 singles chart for the fourth week.
  • Cardi B’s new song "Outside" debuts in the top 10, indicating plans to impact the charts.
  • The soundtrack for Netflix’s "KPop Demon Hunters" debuts at No. 8, driven by streaming.
  • Morgan Wallen has three songs in the top 10 of the Hot 100 singles chart.

Source Verification

NPR News
The GOP's massive bill would add trillions of dollars to the country's debt

The GOP's massive bill would add trillions of dollars to the country's debt

July 02, 2025 • NPR Home

Summary

The U.S. Senate passed a tax and spending bill that is projected to increase the federal debt by trillions of dollars in the next decade. It extends tax cuts from 2017 and reduces spending on Medicaid and food assistance. The bill now returns to the House for final approval.

Key Facts

  • The bill is expected to add between $3 trillion and $4 trillion to the federal debt over ten years.
  • It extends the tax cuts originally introduced in 2017.
  • The bill cuts spending on Medicaid and food stamps.
  • The bill increases spending on defense and immigration enforcement.
  • Economic benefits from the bill are predicted to be minor compared to higher costs from interest payments.
  • People earning less than $55,000 a year are projected to lose out financially due to benefit cuts.
  • Middle-income earners could save between $500 and $1,000 annually.
  • High-income earners, the top 10%, might gain around $12,000 from the tax cuts.

Source Verification

NPR Home
Trump says the Republican mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not

Trump says the Republican mega bill will eliminate taxes on Social Security. It does not

July 02, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Trump has claimed that current legislative proposals would remove taxes on Social Security benefits. However, the proposals in Congress only offer a temporary tax deduction for seniors aged 65 and older, rather than eliminating the tax altogether. This deduction affects different income levels and does not apply to everyone receiving Social Security.

Key Facts

  • The proposed legislation includes a temporary tax deduction for seniors over 65, not a complete removal of the tax on Social Security benefits.
  • The deduction applies to all income types, not solely Social Security income.
  • The Senate and House proposals suggest deductions of $6,000 and $4,000, respectively.
  • The Senate proposal would eliminate taxes on Social Security for individuals earning $75,000 or less, or $150,000 or less for married couples filing jointly.
  • The tax deduction would be in effect from 2025 to 2029.
  • The White House reports that 88% of seniors receiving Social Security would not pay taxes on benefits under the Senate proposal.
  • The Penn Wharton Budget Model projects that completely removing Social Security taxes would decrease revenues by $1.5 trillion over 10 years.
  • The Congressional Budget Office predicts the Senate bill would increase federal deficits by nearly $3.3 trillion over the next decade.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
USAID officially closes, attracting condemnation from Obama and Bush

USAID officially closes, attracting condemnation from Obama and Bush

July 02, 2025 • BBC US

Summary

The US Agency for International Development (USAID) has officially closed and its responsibilities have been transferred to the State Department. This decision follows significant cuts to the agency's programs, and it has drawn criticism from former Presidents Barack Obama and George W. Bush, as well as other global leaders.

Key Facts

  • USAID, founded in 1961, was the US government's main agency for providing foreign aid.
  • Over 80% of USAID's programs were canceled before the agency officially closed.
  • The State Department has absorbed the remaining programs.
  • President Donald Trump and his administration aimed to reduce overseas spending and align it with "America First" policies.
  • Researchers from the Lancet medical journal warned that aid cuts could result in over 14 million additional deaths by 2030, many of whom would be children.
  • A State Department representative claimed the study made "incorrect assumptions" and promised more efficient aid administration.
  • The decision to close USAID received global criticism, including from humanitarian organizations.
  • Former Presidents Obama and Bush, along with U2 singer Bono, criticized the closure, highlighting the aid impact, especially on HIV/AIDS programs.

Source Verification

BBC US
Wisconsin’s 176-year-old abortion ban struck down by state Supreme Court

Wisconsin’s 176-year-old abortion ban struck down by state Supreme Court

July 02, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The Wisconsin Supreme Court decided that the state's 1849 abortion ban is no longer valid because newer laws have replaced it. The court's decision means abortions will continue to be legal in Wisconsin under the current state laws.

Key Facts

  • The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled 4-3 that an old abortion ban from 1849 does not apply anymore.
  • This decision was influenced by newer laws that regulate abortions, such as those involving abortions after the fetus can survive outside the womb.
  • The 1849 law made it a crime to perform an abortion unless it was a medical emergency.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court's decision in 1973's Roe v. Wade made abortions legal, nullifying the 1849 ban.
  • When Roe was overturned in 2022, some argued the 1849 ban should be reactivated.
  • Wisconsin's Attorney General argued that newer state laws effectively replaced the old ban.
  • The recent Supreme Court ruling provides clarity and ensures that abortion remains legal in Wisconsin.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
Fact-checking Trump’s remarks at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ on immigration and Medicaid

Fact-checking Trump’s remarks at ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ on immigration and Medicaid

July 02, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump visited a new migrant detention facility in Florida called "Alligator Alcatraz." The facility is set to house migrant detainees and is part of Trump's efforts to address illegal immigration. Trump also discussed his immigration cost estimates and funding plans during his visit.

Key Facts

  • Trump visited the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention facility in Florida.
  • The facility is built on an old landing strip and can hold up to 5,000 detainees.
  • It is expected to open after Trump’s visit, according to state officials.
  • The facility will cost $450 million to run for one year, funded by a federal program.
  • Trump mentioned a lifetime cost estimate for immigrants, sourced from a group advocating for low immigration, which others have challenged.
  • The Congressional Budget Office found that the increase in migrants boosts the U.S. economy and reduces federal deficits over time.
  • Trump’s tax and spending plan, called the One Big Beautiful Bill, includes $150 billion for deportation over four years.
  • During his visit, Trump also addressed other topics like Medicaid and showerhead regulations.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour