The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Stop the Squeal

Stop the Squeal

Summary

President Donald Trump gave a prime-time speech about election security, sharing new intelligence that China might have accessed American voter data in 2020. Some Democratic leaders warned that Trump’s focus on election fraud could lead to federal officials interfering with voting in the upcoming midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke about concerns over election integrity and introduced new intelligence about potential Chinese access to U.S. voter data.
  • Democrats, including Rep. Jim Himes and Senators Mark Warner and Jon Ossoff, warned that Trump’s rhetoric could threaten fair elections.
  • The 2020 Fulton County election office in Georgia was raided by federal agents, with involvement from the national intelligence director.
  • Democrats have created much of the legislation needed to improve election security but are concerned Trump is dominating the issue with his claims.
  • Trump pushed for the SAVE America Act, a bill focused on election security that passed the House but stalled in the Senate due to filibuster rules.
  • The released intelligence documents did not prove that a foreign country changed vote counts in the 2020 election.
  • Democrats want to shift focus from alarm and rhetoric to practical election policy that voters can support.
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100 million Americans across 14 states impacted by heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires

100 million Americans across 14 states impacted by heavy smoke from Canadian wildfires

Summary

Smoke from wildfires in Canada is causing poor air quality for about 100 million people across 14 U.S. states. This smoke makes the air unhealthy to breathe in many areas.

Key Facts

  • Wildfires in Canada are producing large amounts of smoke.
  • Approximately 100 million Americans are affected by this smoke.
  • The smoke impacts 14 states in the United States.
  • The air quality in these states is considered dangerous.
  • The smoke is traveling far from Canadian wildfires into the U.S.
  • Health officials warn people to take precautions due to poor air quality.
  • The situation is ongoing and being monitored by news and authorities.
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White House teleprompter operator allegedly made over $100K betting on Trump's speeches

White House teleprompter operator allegedly made over $100K betting on Trump's speeches

Summary

A White House teleprompter operator is accused of making over $100,000 by betting on which words President Donald Trump would say in his speeches. The trading happened on a prediction market called Kalshi, which allows users to bet on future events.

Key Facts

  • The person accused worked as a teleprompter operator at the White House.
  • They allegedly earned more than $100,000 by betting on President Trump's speech content.
  • The bets were placed through Kalshi, a platform where users predict outcomes of events.
  • Kalshi focuses on financial trading based on future events, here specifically on speech words.
  • This information was reported by CBS News correspondent Jo Ling Kent.
  • The activity raises questions about ethics and insider information.
  • No official outcome or investigation result was mentioned in the report.
  • The news relates to the 2024 term of President Donald Trump.
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Warner labels Trump election fraud claim ‘completely false’

Warner labels Trump election fraud claim ‘completely false’

Summary

Senator Mark Warner spoke against President Donald Trump’s claim that China interfered in the 2020 presidential election. Warner said the claim is completely false and worries it could damage trust in future elections.

Key Facts

  • Senator Mark Warner is a Democrat from Virginia.
  • President Trump claimed China meddled in the 2020 election.
  • Warner called this claim “completely false.”
  • Warner made these remarks shortly after Trump’s primetime speech.
  • Warner is concerned that false claims could hurt confidence in elections.
  • Warner questioned why intelligence officials have not confirmed Trump’s claim.
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Woman With Dwarfism Opens Up About Dating—and the Behavior She Can’t Ignore

Woman With Dwarfism Opens Up About Dating—and the Behavior She Can’t Ignore

Summary

Ivy Angst, a woman with dwarfism from Miami, shares her experiences with dating, including challenges and positive moments. She talks about facing judgment from others but remains open and honest in relationships while using social media to raise awareness.

Key Facts

  • Ivy Angst was born with achondroplasia, a common type of dwarfism causing short limbs.
  • She is about 42 to 56 inches tall as an adult due to her condition.
  • Angst has fully accepted her dwarfism and adapts to daily life challenges.
  • She is honest about her dwarfism when dating and looks for emotional and physical attraction.
  • Some men’s friends or families have reacted negatively to her dwarfism, causing relationship problems.
  • Angst warns of people interested only in physical experiences rather than real connection.
  • She learned to identify sincere potential partners and set clear dating expectations.
  • Angst uses TikTok and Instagram to share her story and promote respectful conversations about differences.
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CDC and FDA link lettuce at Taco Bell in five states to cyclospora outbreak

CDC and FDA link lettuce at Taco Bell in five states to cyclospora outbreak

Summary

Federal health officials found that shredded iceberg lettuce served at Taco Bell restaurants in five US states came from Mexico and caused an outbreak of the parasite cyclospora, which causes diarrhea. The CDC and FDA are working with the lettuce supplier to remove any contaminated products, and Taco Bell has stopped using lettuce from that supplier.

Key Facts

  • The outbreak involves cyclospora, a parasite that causes diarrhea.
  • Lettuce from Mexico served at Taco Bell in Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Ohio, and West Virginia is linked to the outbreak.
  • The CDC and FDA have identified one lettuce supplier but did not name the company publicly.
  • Taco Bell has voluntarily stopped using lettuce from this supplier and removed some ingredients as a precaution.
  • More than 30 states have reported cyclospora infections this year, with more cases than the previous US record in 2019.
  • Cyclospora spreads through feces and contaminates food via water or contact with feces.
  • The illness usually is not life-threatening and can be treated with antibiotics.
  • The number of cyclospora cases has increased partly due to climate change and improved testing methods.
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It’s time to retire ‘rigged system’ populism

It’s time to retire ‘rigged system’ populism

Summary

The article argues that populist political approaches, which focus on dramatic gestures rather than cooperation and solving problems, have become unhelpful. It suggests that relying on such tactics leads to avoidance of real political work.

Key Facts

  • Populism often uses dramatic or theatrical methods in politics.
  • These methods can separate politicians from practical tasks.
  • Consensus-building means working together to agree on solutions.
  • Problem-solving focuses on addressing actual issues.
  • The article warns that populism can turn into political escapism.
  • Political escapism means avoiding serious political responsibilities.
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Fact-checking Trump's claims about election security during his primetime speech

Fact-checking Trump's claims about election security during his primetime speech

Summary

During a primetime speech, President Donald Trump said China was trying to collect voter information and repeated claims about noncitizens voting that have been proven false. CBS News reporters reviewed and checked the accuracy of these statements.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke about election security during a primetime address.
  • He claimed that China was trying to collect data on American voters.
  • He repeated claims that noncitizens voted in U.S. elections.
  • These claims about noncitizen voting have been proven incorrect.
  • CBS News reporters, including election law expert David Becker, fact-checked the president’s statements.
  • The fact-checking aimed to clarify the truth behind the president’s election security claims.
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Acting Navy secretary on Blue Angels flyover at Florida beach: ‘No problem’

Acting Navy secretary on Blue Angels flyover at Florida beach: ‘No problem’

Summary

The Navy’s Acting Secretary Hung Cao responded to concerns about a low Blue Angels flyover at Pensacola Beach, Florida, saying the event caused no problems and there will be no punishments. The Navy held a flight review after the incident, which disturbed tents and umbrellas during a public event.

Key Facts

  • The Blue Angels performed a low flyover at Pensacola Beach in Florida.
  • The flyover caused tents and umbrellas to blow away.
  • The event took place during an annual public gathering called the “Breakfast.”
  • Acting Navy Secretary Hung Cao addressed the criticism about the flyover.
  • He stated the Navy completed a flight debrief looking at what happened.
  • Cao confirmed there will be no disciplinary action related to the incident.
  • The Navy’s top civilian official was the source of these statements.
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Video shows plainclothes ICE officers attempt to detain man at Las Vegas airport

Video shows plainclothes ICE officers attempt to detain man at Las Vegas airport

Summary

Plainclothes ICE officers at the Harry Reid Airport in Las Vegas tried to detain a man who they said stayed in the U.S. longer than allowed by his visa. Other travelers stopped the officers, who left the man with one hand cuffed. The man was taken into custody the next day in Los Angeles.

Key Facts

  • ICE officers wore plain clothes at the Las Vegas airport.
  • They tried to arrest a man for overstaying his visa.
  • Other travelers intervened to stop the detention.
  • The officers left the man with one wrist handcuffed.
  • The man was arrested the following day in Los Angeles.
  • The incident was recorded on video.
  • The report was made by Nicole Sganga for CBS News.
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Trump drops BBC's commercial arm from Panorama lawsuit, but main case remains

Trump drops BBC's commercial arm from Panorama lawsuit, but main case remains

Summary

President Donald Trump is continuing his defamation lawsuit against the BBC over a Panorama episode that edited his January 6, 2021, speech. Although he has dropped the BBC’s commercial arms from the case, he is still suing the main BBC organization for up to $10 billion.

Key Facts

  • President Trump sued the BBC and its subsidiaries over a 2024 Panorama episode that edited his Capitol speech.
  • Trump dropped the commercial arms, BBC Studios Productions and BBC Studios Distribution, from the lawsuit.
  • The lawsuit accuses the BBC of misleadingly editing the speech to suggest he called for violence.
  • The BBC apologized for the editing error but wants the lawsuit dismissed, arguing it does not meet defamation rules and was not shown in the US.
  • Trump’s lawyers disputed the BBC’s claim, saying the program was accessible in the US despite geo-blocking.
  • The US government is considering joining the case after the BBC subpoenaed federal agencies.
  • A trial date is set for February 2027 if the case continues.
  • The editing controversy led to the resignations of the BBC’s director general and head of news.
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Did China steal 2020 US election data, as Trump claims?

Did China steal 2020 US election data, as Trump claims?

Summary

President Donald Trump claimed that China stole US voter data and influenced the 2020 election to harm his chances of winning. These claims are based on newly released documents but contradict earlier US intelligence reports that found no evidence of China trying to change the election outcome.

Key Facts

  • President Trump said China took 220 million US voter files over several years.
  • He accused China of trying to damage his re-election in 2020 and the 2018 midterm elections.
  • The files reportedly included voter names and addresses, which are usually public information.
  • A 2021 US intelligence report found China collected voter data but did not try to influence the 2020 election.
  • The intelligence report was led by John Ratcliffe, Trump’s former Director of National Intelligence.
  • Some intelligence officials suspected China tried online influence efforts, but with low confidence and no strong proof.
  • Trump’s administration released hundreds of previously classified documents to support his claims.
  • Trump is scheduled to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping in September after tense trade relations between the countries.
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How the UAW abandoned auto-workers to back radicals

How the UAW abandoned auto-workers to back radicals

Summary

The United Auto Workers (UAW) union recently supported Abdul El-Sayed, a progressive candidate, in the Democratic primary for Michigan's Senate seat. This choice is unusual because the UAW has historically been close to establishment Democrats like President Biden and may upset its regular members.

Key Facts

  • The UAW is a major labor union representing auto workers.
  • The union endorsed Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s Democratic Senate primary.
  • El-Sayed is considered a progressive, meaning he supports more left-leaning policies.
  • The UAW usually backs established Democrats like President Biden.
  • This endorsement marks a shift away from the union’s traditional political allies.
  • The move might upset many union members who prefer more traditional candidates.
  • Michigan’s Senate seat is currently open, meaning no incumbent is running.
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The White House’s guide to manhood: pop some T, restart a war and do WHAT with a corn dog? | Marina Hyde

The White House’s guide to manhood: pop some T, restart a war and do WHAT with a corn dog? | Marina Hyde

Summary

The article discusses recent actions and comments from members of President Donald Trump’s administration, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's new policy for testosterone checks in military personnel and a White House staffer accused of betting on words in Trump’s speeches. It also covers media reactions and remarks by political figures like JD Vance about President Joe Biden.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. is preparing to restart conflict-related actions against Iran.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced mandatory testosterone testing for military members aged 30 and older.
  • A White House teleprompter operator allegedly made $100,000 betting on words appearing in President Trump’s speeches and is on unpaid leave.
  • Hegseth’s testosterone testing video focused only on male troops, excluding 231,000 active-duty women.
  • Fox News host Jesse Watters commented on the testosterone policy, warning women about potentially wild behavior from boosted men.
  • JD Vance discussed President Joe Biden’s unusual way of eating ice cream during an interview on Joe Rogan’s show.
  • Vance also made a lighthearted remark about his own food preferences, mentioning he would avoid eating a corn dog.
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An elegy for human dignity: Why Vancenomics won’t serve America

An elegy for human dignity: Why Vancenomics won’t serve America

Summary

The article argues that Americans will regain human dignity and cultural renewal by being allowed to innovate and compete freely. It suggests that avoiding federal government interference will help people succeed in the economy and society.

Key Facts

  • Human dignity is linked to economic and cultural renewal.
  • Americans should be empowered to innovate and compete.
  • A free economy and civil society are important for success.
  • The article calls for less interference from federal government officials.
  • It emphasizes individual freedom as key to flourishing.
  • The approach counters extensive government regulation or control.
  • The message focuses on the benefits of personal and economic liberty.
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Who Is Juan Jairo Coronilla Duran? Mexican National Dies in Florida ICE Incident

Who Is Juan Jairo Coronilla Duran? Mexican National Dies in Florida ICE Incident

Summary

A 28-year-old Mexican man named Juan Jairo Coronilla Duran died in Florida after he ran from U.S. immigration agents and was hit by a tractor-trailer. This is the third death linked to U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in less than a week, raising concerns about the safety of immigration enforcement actions.

Key Facts

  • Juan Jairo Coronilla Duran died on July 14 in St. Augustine, Florida, after fleeing ICE agents.
  • He was struck by a semi-truck while running across a highway.
  • The truck driver stopped to help, but Coronilla Duran died at the scene.
  • DHS confirmed a Mexican national died but had not publicly named him immediately.
  • This incident is the third ICE-related death in under a week, following two fatal shootings by ICE agents in Texas and Maine.
  • In Texas, an ICE agent shot Lorenzo Salgado Araujo after the man allegedly threatened officers with his vehicle.
  • In Maine, a Colombian man was shot by an ICE agent while trying to flee, leading to protests and calls for investigations.
  • Some officials and activists criticize ICE’s enforcement tactics as dangerous and call for changes to immigration enforcement.
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New Medicare Rules Could Save Money for Seniors—Here's How

New Medicare Rules Could Save Money for Seniors—Here's How

Summary

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has proposed new rules that could lower health care costs for some seniors starting in 2027. The changes would allow certain Medicare groups to reduce or remove fees for specific services to encourage better care coordination and disease management.

Key Facts

  • CMS plans to change Medicare rules to cut or remove some costs for seniors in approved accountable care organizations (ACOs).
  • These changes target Medicare Part B services, which cover doctor's visits and outpatient care.
  • The goal is to reward health providers for better care coordination instead of paying by the number of services given.
  • About 70 million Americans are covered under Original Medicare, which the changes aim to improve.
  • CMS links this plan to the "Make America Healthy Again" initiative focused on chronic disease prevention.
  • The proposal may reduce payments for large hospitals that bill higher fees for outpatient services.
  • Some hospital groups warn that cutting facility fees could impact emergency services and jobs.
  • CMS is also exploring ways to pay for advanced health technology, including artificial intelligence, to improve care.
  • The public can comment on the proposed rules until September 14.
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First Thing: Trump launches wide-ranging and unverified attack on integrity of US electoral system

First Thing: Trump launches wide-ranging and unverified attack on integrity of US electoral system

Summary

President Donald Trump accused China of interfering in the 2020 election and questioned the fairness of the US voting system in a televised speech. His claims were not proven, and some top officials held a meeting to discuss left-wing political violence, focusing only on threats from the left and not mentioning right-wing attacks.

Key Facts

  • President Trump claimed China interfered in the 2020 US election, but did not provide proof.
  • He said the US election system lacks fairness and is open to foreign interference.
  • Democrats said Trump’s speech aimed to confuse voters and weaken trust before the midterm elections.
  • Some US TV networks aired the speech live, while others did not.
  • Top Trump officials hosted a meeting with 66 countries to discuss left-wing political violence.
  • They described left-wing groups as threats but did not address right-wing violence, like the January 6 Capitol riot.
  • US forces boarded a ship in the Gulf of Oman as part of a blockade linked to tensions with Iran.
  • Iran responded with threats to block oil routes and attack Saudi targets if conflict escalates.
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Lindsey Graham’s death leaves South Carolina confronting complex legacy: ‘You loved him and you hated him’

Lindsey Graham’s death leaves South Carolina confronting complex legacy: ‘You loved him and you hated him’

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham from South Carolina, who recently passed away at age 71, was a complex political figure known for shifting his positions over time. He was elected four times and had a strong connection to his home state, which shaped much of his life and career.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham died last Saturday at the age of 71.
  • He was elected as a U.S. senator from South Carolina four times.
  • Graham was known for changing his political views, moving from a traditional Republican to closely supporting President Donald Trump.
  • He grew up in a small-town bar owned by his parents where his family lived in one room.
  • Early in his career, Graham worked across political parties and focused on policies to help ordinary people.
  • South Carolina must hold a primary within one month to select a candidate to replace Graham for the November midterm election.
  • Graham was a lifelong bachelor and took care of his younger sister.
  • He was involved in immigration reform and had a strong interest in foreign policy.
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One government program that will actually help your kid

One government program that will actually help your kid

Summary

A parent shares their experience opening a savings account for their 11-month-old child, which came with a free $1,000 starter deposit. The article discusses how this government program is designed to help children save money for the future.

Key Facts

  • The author opened a savings account for their 11-month-old son.
  • The child’s account received a free $1,000 initial deposit from the government.
  • The author is a statistician who often finds government programs complicated or ineffective.
  • This program is presented as an exception that works well.
  • The account encourages saving money for children early in life.
  • The author emphasizes that this government program provides real benefits.
  • The article implies government incentives can sometimes be hard to access or poorly designed, but this one is helpful.
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