The Actual News

Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.

Latest News

Recent developments and breaking news

Nancy Mace endorses Ralph Norman for Senate over Trump’s pick to replace Graham

Nancy Mace endorses Ralph Norman for Senate over Trump’s pick to replace Graham

Summary

Rep. Nancy Mace from South Carolina endorsed Rep. Ralph Norman to fill the Senate seat left vacant by the late Sen. Lindsey Graham. This endorsement goes against President Donald Trump’s choice for the position.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Mace is a Republican representative from South Carolina.
  • She endorsed Ralph Norman, also a Republican representative from South Carolina.
  • The endorsement is for the Senate seat after Senator Lindsey Graham’s death.
  • Mace described Norman as a strong conservative who stands firm on his beliefs.
  • President Donald Trump has a different preferred candidate for the Senate seat.
  • Mace and Norman appeared together publicly to announce the endorsement.
  • This event highlights a division within the South Carolina Republican Party.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

U.S. soldier killed in Iraq was 30-year-old father from North Carolina

U.S. soldier killed in Iraq was 30-year-old father from North Carolina

Summary

A U.S. soldier named Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton, aged 30 and a father of two from North Carolina, was killed in Iraq during a controlled explosion involving an Iranian drone. The Army is investigating his death, which comes amid ongoing fighting between the U.S. and Iran in the Middle East.

Key Facts

  • Sgt. Michael Emmanuel Swinton died in Irbil, Iraq, during a controlled detonation of an Iranian drone.
  • He had served in the Army since 2017 and was part of the 55th Air Defense Artillery Regiment.
  • Swinton's family includes his wife, Mia Gonzalez-Swinton, and two children aged 6 and 4.
  • He will be awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Action Badge, and posthumously promoted to staff sergeant.
  • Two other U.S. soldiers were recently killed in Jordan during attacks involving Iranian ballistic missiles and drones.
  • The conflict between the U.S. and Iran has been ongoing for 10 days, including strikes that have affected civilians and infrastructure.
  • U.S. President Donald Trump has said the military action aims to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.
  • The U.S. State Department warned Americans about possible Iranian attacks worldwide.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Senior home wealth just hit a record high. Here's how to borrow from it now.

Senior home wealth just hit a record high. Here's how to borrow from it now.

Summary

Home values owned by seniors aged 62 and older reached a record high of $14.92 trillion in early 2026. Seniors can borrow against this home equity using options like reverse mortgages, home equity loans, or home equity lines of credit.

Key Facts

  • Senior home wealth rose by $314.8 billion (1.8%) in the first quarter of 2026 after previous declines.
  • Total home equity for seniors aged 62+ is now $14.92 trillion.
  • Reverse mortgages allow seniors to borrow without monthly repayments until death or sale of the home.
  • Home equity loans have average interest rates around 7%, lower than personal loans or credit cards.
  • A home equity line of credit (HELOC) offers a revolving credit line with variable rates and payments starting after an initial period.
  • Both home equity loans and HELOCs use the home as collateral, meaning borrowers could risk losing their home if payments are missed.
  • Reverse mortgages reduce home value and may affect inheritance plans.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

'The museum does not take sides': Smithsonian official says amid Trump criticism

'The museum does not take sides': Smithsonian official says amid Trump criticism

Summary

The director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History, Dr. Anthea Hartig, defended the museum during a congressional hearing after the White House criticized it for political bias. She said the museum follows strict standards to provide accurate and impartial information about American history, allowing visitors to form their own opinions.

Key Facts

  • Dr. Anthea Hartig is the director of the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History.
  • The White House released a report accusing the museum of "radical political activism."
  • The report claims the museum presents a biased and negative view of American history.
  • The museum’s leadership denies these accusations and says they follow standards of scholarship and nonpartisanship.
  • President Donald Trump issued an executive order in 2025 directing removal of "improper ideology" from Smithsonian institutions.
  • The White House investigation targeted content it considers "anti-White," "illegal alien," and "transgender activism."
  • Dr. Hartig testified before a House subcommittee to address the White House’s concerns.
  • The Smithsonian organization includes 21 museums, galleries, and the national zoo.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

NFL pundit Ryan Clark informed of ESPN firing mid-show amid wider layoffs

NFL pundit Ryan Clark informed of ESPN firing mid-show amid wider layoffs

Summary

ESPN is laying off many employees for the first time in three years after buying NFL Network and other NFL digital assets last year. Some on-air personalities, including NFL analyst Ryan Clark, were informed of their layoffs during live broadcasts. The cuts also affect staff across other parts of ESPN and are part of wider job reductions at the Walt Disney Company.

Key Facts

  • ESPN acquired NFL Network, NFL Fantasy, and RedZone rights last year, giving the NFL a 10% ownership stake in ESPN.
  • The NFL Network employees officially joined ESPN on April 1, following government approval in January.
  • ESPN’s chairman said the layoffs are mostly related to integrating the NFL assets and restructuring the company for the future.
  • Ryan Clark learned about his layoff while appearing live on the show NFL Live.
  • Other ESPN on-air staff affected include Karl Ravech, Tom Pelissero, and reportedly Cam Newton.
  • Ian Rapoport and Adam Schefter, NFL insiders, recently received contract extensions and were not laid off.
  • The layoffs are part of a broader reduction in staff across the Walt Disney Company this week.
  • ESPN has not previously had such a large round of layoffs in the past three years.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

India's youth-led Cockroach movement vows to continue protest after police crackdown

India's youth-led Cockroach movement vows to continue protest after police crackdown

Summary

Thousands of young people and supporters in India are protesting for changes in the education system and government responsibility. Police used tear gas and force to stop the march near Parliament, but many protesters, including professionals and families, continue to demonstrate in New Delhi asking for the resignation of the Education Minister.

Key Facts

  • The Cockroach movement started two months ago after a Supreme Court judge called India’s youth "cockroaches."
  • Thousands marched toward Parliament and faced police tear gas and beatings.
  • Protesters are camping at Jantar Mantar, a designated protest site, demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resign.
  • Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi and Congress lawmakers supported the protests with a sit-in outside Prime Minister Modi’s home but were removed by police.
  • Hundreds of people were injured, including protesters and security personnel.
  • The government held talks with protest leaders, but no agreement was reached.
  • The movement gained more support after police forcibly hospitalized activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had been on a hunger strike.
  • Amnesty International criticized the police actions, saying peaceful protests are being suppressed in India.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

No ads. Just the news.

It's free for everyone. If it's useful, support us at a price that feels right.

Watch live: Hegseth, Caine testify before Senate on Iran supplemental funding

Watch live: Hegseth, Caine testify before Senate on Iran supplemental funding

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine will speak to the Senate Appropriations Committee about a new request from the White House for $87.6 billion in extra funding. This money is planned to support military actions related to Iran, fight the Ebola outbreak, and help U.S. farmers, among other needs.

Key Facts

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine are testifying before the Senate Appropriations Committee.
  • The White House has requested $87.6 billion in supplemental funding.
  • The funding aims to support military efforts connected to Iran.
  • Part of the money will help address the Ebola outbreak.
  • The request also includes aid for U.S. farmers.
  • The hearing will take place on a Tuesday afternoon.
  • The funding request comes from President Donald Trump’s administration.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

"Godzilla vs. Kong" actress dies in Maryland car crash

"Godzilla vs. Kong" actress dies in Maryland car crash

Summary

Kaylee Hottle, an 18-year-old actress known for her role in the Godzilla movies, died after a car crash in Frederick County, Maryland. The crash involved a 1995 Honda Accord that left the road and hit a culvert, with speed believed to be a factor.

Key Facts

  • The accident happened around 2:52 a.m. on Windsor Road in Ijamsville, Maryland.
  • Kaylee Hottle was a passenger in the car, which was driven by a 19-year-old man from Frederick.
  • The driver survived with non-life-threatening injuries and another passenger declined medical help.
  • Hottle was taken to a trauma center where she was later pronounced dead.
  • The 1995 Honda Accord left the right side of the road and struck a culvert, a structure used to allow water to pass under the road.
  • Investigators think the car was going too fast before it crashed.
  • Kaylee Hottle was originally from Atlanta and recently lived in Kyle, Texas.
  • She was known for playing the character Jia in "Godzilla vs. Kong" and "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire" and used American Sign Language in her acting career.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Fiscal hawk or big spender – what kind of chancellor will John Healey be?

Fiscal hawk or big spender – what kind of chancellor will John Healey be?

Summary

John Healey has been appointed chancellor by Prime Minister Andy Burnham. Healey is seen as a hardworking and unifying figure who supports re-industrialisation and devolution. He will manage the government’s budget while working within limits on taxes and borrowing set by the previous government.

Key Facts

  • John Healey was chosen as chancellor by new Prime Minister Andy Burnham on his first day in office.
  • Healey has a reputation for hard work and a strong connection to the military.
  • He supports policies like re-industrialisation (bringing back manufacturing) and giving more powers to local regions (devolution).
  • Burnham promised not to raise income tax, VAT, or national insurance and to stick to previous borrowing rules.
  • Healey has experience working in Treasury and can appeal to different parts of the Labour party.
  • Some officials see Healey as ideologically motivated, not just a follower of the prime minister.
  • Healey has a personal style of involving junior staff in discussions and remembering details about people.
  • His role will include funding promises like higher defence spending, public control of utilities, and lowering living costs for voters.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

The Houthis may soon discover the limits of Saudi strategic patience

The Houthis may soon discover the limits of Saudi strategic patience

Summary

The Houthis have announced plans to block Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, reflecting Iran’s strategy to pressure Saudi Arabia using regional allies. Saudi Arabia has responded with military strikes to prevent Iran from strengthening its support for the Houthis, while maintaining a strong, integrated defense force to protect its economic interests and regional stability.

Key Facts

  • The Houthis plan to block Saudi ships in the Red Sea, targeting Saudi ports.
  • Iran supports the Houthis as part of its effort to challenge Saudi Arabia indirectly.
  • Saudi Arabia has avoided a wider regional war for nearly ten years as a strategic choice.
  • The Iranian aim is to disrupt Saudi Arabia’s economy, especially its oil exports.
  • Saudi Arabia is the world’s largest oil exporter and holds spare capacity to stabilize global markets.
  • Iran tried to reopen an air route between Tehran and Sana’a for military support to the Houthis.
  • Saudi airstrikes targeted Sana’a airport to stop Iran from establishing this military supply line.
  • Saudi-led Joint Forces Command now includes over 650,000 personnel from Saudi Arabia and allied countries, operating with integrated military technologies and coordination.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Trump administration will lose legal battle with NY Times: Mulvaney

Trump administration will lose legal battle with NY Times: Mulvaney

Summary

Mick Mulvaney, who used to be President Trump’s chief of staff, said he believes the Trump administration will lose a court case against The New York Times. The case involves journalists who wrote about President Trump’s new Air Force One airplane.

Key Facts

  • Mick Mulvaney is a former White House chief of staff under President Trump.
  • The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against The New York Times.
  • The lawsuit is about articles written about President Trump’s new Air Force One plane.
  • Mulvaney said he thinks the administration will probably lose the legal battle.
  • He expressed doubt about the legal grounds for the lawsuit.
  • The New York Times journalists reported on details of the new plane used by President Trump.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Bystander injured in shooting near White House pursuing legal claim against Secret Service

Bystander injured in shooting near White House pursuing legal claim against Secret Service

Summary

A man from Kansas, Benjamin Del Real, Jr., was hurt in a shooting near the White House involving Secret Service agents and another armed person. He is now planning to take legal steps against the Secret Service, saying the agency was careless.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened near the White House in spring.
  • Benjamin Del Real, Jr. is 25 years old.
  • He was injured during a shootout involving Secret Service agents and another armed individual.
  • He is accusing the Secret Service of negligence, meaning he says they did not act carefully.
  • His lawyers announced plans to file an administrative claim against the agency.
  • The claim was announced at a press conference held on Tuesday.
  • The legal action seeks to hold the Secret Service responsible for the injuries he sustained.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

Pay what you want

We're reader-funded instead of ad-funded. You decide what no-spin news is worth.

Deposed leader of Turkish opposition announces new party to challenge Erdogan

Deposed leader of Turkish opposition announces new party to challenge Erdogan

Summary

The former leader of Turkey’s main opposition party, Ozgur Ozel, announced plans to start a new political party to challenge President Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Ozel was removed as leader of the Republican People's Party (CHP) by a court decision, which critics say was meant to weaken the opposition.

Key Facts

  • Ozgur Ozel was removed as CHP leader by a court order that canceled a party vote.
  • The court reinstated the previous leader, Kemal Kilicdaroglu, who is unpopular with many CHP supporters.
  • Ozel plans to launch a new party called Yeni Parti (New Party) later this week.
  • Many CHP lawmakers are expected to leave the party to join Ozel’s new party.
  • The CHP has faced many criminal investigations, mainly alleging corruption in areas it governs.
  • Istanbul’s mayor, Ekrem Imamoglu, a top Erdogan challenger, has been imprisoned since March 2023.
  • The government says courts are independent and denies political interference.
  • Under Ozel, CHP gained important cities in the 2024 municipal elections, challenging Erdogan’s party.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

GLP-1s are linked to a 17% drop in worker sick leave, new study finds

GLP-1s are linked to a 17% drop in worker sick leave, new study finds

Summary

A new study shows that GLP-1 drugs, like Ozempic and Wegovy, help reduce long-term sick leave by 17% among workers. This decrease could save money for workers, employers, and the government by lowering time off due to illness.

Key Facts

  • GLP-1 drugs are prescribed for diabetes and obesity and improve health by lowering risks of heart attacks and strokes.
  • The study found users of GLP-1 drugs took 17% less sick leave lasting over 30 days than non-users.
  • Reduced sick leave can save up to 1.5% of an individual’s salary, about $866 on average.
  • The research used data from Denmark, where employers pay full salary for up to 30 days of sick leave, and the government pays after that.
  • Short-term sick leave reductions save employers money, while long-term reductions save the government money in Denmark.
  • In the U.S., sick leave policies are less generous, so reduced sick leave might improve worker productivity and benefit companies.
  • The study suggests that fewer sick days and less “presenteeism” (working while sick and less effective) could lead to better job performance and career opportunities.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

RFK Jr says cyclospora outbreak is ‘under control’ after FDA recall reversal

RFK Jr says cyclospora outbreak is ‘under control’ after FDA recall reversal

Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the outbreak of cyclosporiasis, caused by the cyclospora parasite, is under control after the FDA reversed a large lettuce recall. The outbreak has affected many states, especially in the Midwest, with thousands of reported cases this summer.

Key Facts

  • Cyclospora causes diarrhea and spreads through contaminated food or water.
  • The outbreak has been reported in 34 states, with over 1,600 confirmed cases nationally and more than 6,500 cases in Michigan alone.
  • The FDA initially recalled shredded iceberg lettuce from 27 states but later said the recall was a false alarm.
  • Kennedy said the source was identified and companies involved have issued recalls.
  • The CDC expects the outbreak to continue through August due to the parasite’s long incubation period.
  • The Trump administration reduced funding and staffing for food safety and outbreak response programs, which experts say slowed the response.
  • Cyclospora outbreaks happen every summer and tend to increase in warm weather.
  • Kennedy emphasized that knowing the source will help people make better food choices.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

US civil rights agency moves to end demographic data collection after 60 years

US civil rights agency moves to end demographic data collection after 60 years

Summary

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) voted to end a 60-year-old rule that requires many private companies to report the race, gender, and job roles of their workers annually. This change stops the collection of data used to track workplace discrimination and diversity, following a move by President Donald Trump’s administration.

Key Facts

  • Since 1966, companies with at least 100 employees must submit demographic reports to the EEOC each year.
  • The reports include information about workers’ gender, race, ethnicity, and job categories.
  • The EEOC’s Republican majority approved ending this reporting rule with a 2-1 vote.
  • EEOC Chair Andrea Lucas supports ending the requirement, saying it could promote racial stereotyping and discrimination.
  • Critics say stopping the data collection removes an important tool for discovering discrimination and monitoring equality in workplaces.
  • The EEOC gets over 88,000 worker complaints yearly and has used the data to guide investigations and enforcement.
  • Commissioner Kalpana Kotagal, the only Democrat on the commission, opposed ending the rule.
  • The rule change is part of broader civil rights policy shifts under President Donald Trump’s administration.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Appeals court upholds White House adviser Peter Navarro’s contempt of Congress convictions

Appeals court upholds White House adviser Peter Navarro’s contempt of Congress convictions

Summary

A federal appeals court has upheld White House adviser Peter Navarro’s convictions for refusing to comply with a subpoena from the House committee investigating the January 6 Capitol attack. The court ruled Navarro failed to prove that President Trump had legally protected him from providing the requested information.

Key Facts

  • Peter Navarro, a White House adviser, was convicted of contempt of Congress for ignoring a subpoena from the January 6 committee.
  • The subpoena requested records and testimony related to the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
  • Navarro claimed President Trump had invoked executive privilege to shield him, but the court rejected this claim.
  • Navarro served a four-month prison sentence for these convictions.
  • After prison, Navarro spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention.
  • Navarro’s appeal was heard by a three-judge panel from the D.C. Circuit Court, which ruled unanimously against him.
  • The judges on the panel were appointed by former Presidents Obama and Biden.
  • Navarro previously worked as a White House trade adviser under President Trump’s first term and continues in a similar role during his second term.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Weeklong rainstorms in Chile blamed on El Nino kill at least 10 and trigger flash floods

Weeklong rainstorms in Chile blamed on El Nino kill at least 10 and trigger flash floods

Summary

Heavy rainstorms linked to El Nino have caused severe flooding in northern Chile, killing at least 10 people and leaving over 100,000 stranded. The storms damaged thousands of homes, cut electricity and water supplies, and led the government to declare a state of emergency.

Key Facts

  • At least 10 people have died due to weeklong rainstorms in northern Chile.
  • The government declared a state of emergency in the Atacama and Coquimbo regions.
  • Over 100,000 people are trapped by flash floods caused by the heavy rain.
  • More than 4,000 people have been displaced, with over 1,000 staying in emergency shelters.
  • The storms destroyed 81 homes and damaged over 20,000 properties.
  • Thousands have lost electricity and access to drinking water.
  • The national disaster agency sent evacuation warnings to 10 out of 16 regions.
  • Meteorologists say the extreme weather is due to the return of El Nino, which causes heavier rainfall in southern South America.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

From us

Support no-spin news

The site stays free. If The Actual News is worth something to you, chip in.

Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

Appeals court reverses decision that freed pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

Summary

A federal appeals court in New York reversed a lower court decision that had ordered the release of pro-Palestinian activist Mohsen Mahdawi, allowing his possible re-arrest as he faces deportation. Mahdawi is challenging the Trump administration’s efforts to expel him, but the appeals court said he must first go through the immigration court process before federal judges can review his claims.

Key Facts

  • The 2nd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals overturned a Vermont judge’s order to release Mohsen Mahdawi.
  • The Vermont judge compared the government’s actions to McCarthy-era repression.
  • The appeals court ruled the lower judge acted outside his authority by intervening too early.
  • Mahdawi is fighting deportation under the Trump administration, accused of criticism against Israel.
  • He became a U.S. legal permanent resident in 2015 and was arrested during a citizenship interview in April 2025.
  • The court decided not to rule on whether Mahdawi’s constitutional rights were violated, saying he must exhaust immigration court appeals first.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union represents Mahdawi and opposes his detention and deportation during appeals.
  • A similar appeals ruling happened earlier this year involving another pro-Palestinian activist, Mahmoud Khalil.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Trump administration pushes ahead with plans to reopen the US embassy in Libya

Trump administration pushes ahead with plans to reopen the US embassy in Libya

Summary

The U.S. State Department plans to spend nearly $41 million to reopen the U.S. Embassy in Libya after closing it in 2014 due to conflict. This step aims to restore diplomatic presence and support U.S. security interests in the region, which faces challenges from rival countries like Russia.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. Embassy in Libya was closed in July 2014 because of ongoing conflict in the country.
  • The State Department informed Congress of a $41 million plan to help reestablish the embassy.
  • Funding will improve security at a smaller U.S. office in Tripoli and prepare for a full embassy reopening.
  • Libya is important to the U.S. because of its location by the Mediterranean and its influence on regional security, energy, and migration.
  • Russia has increased its involvement in Libya, challenging U.S. interests in North Africa.
  • Libyan leaders from both the western and eastern parts of the country have recently met with U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
  • U.S. diplomats have been working from nearby countries Tunisia and Malta since the embassy closed.
  • The reopening is part of a broader U.S. effort under President Trump to restore embassies in regions with strategic importance, including Venezuela and Syria.
Read the Original

Want the full story? Tap a source to open the original article.

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account