The Actual News

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

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

WHCA scholarship recipients discuss dinner shooting: "I started just praying for everyone's safety"

WHCA scholarship recipients discuss dinner shooting: "I started just praying for everyone's safety"

Summary

The White House Correspondents' Dinner is an event that honors freedom of the press and raises money for journalism scholarships. This year, the White House Correspondents' Association gave $156,000 to 30 college students, two of whom talked about a shooting that happened at the dinner.

Key Facts

  • The White House Correspondents' Dinner has been held for over 100 years.
  • It celebrates the First Amendment and freedom of the press.
  • The event raises funds for scholarships in journalism.
  • In 2024, the association awarded $156,000 in scholarships.
  • Thirty college students received the scholarship grants this year.
  • Two scholarship recipients, Kaitlin Bender-Thomas and Madison Maynard, spoke about a shooting at the dinner.
  • They described their reaction as praying for everyone's safety during the shooting.
Read the Original

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

Judge blocks Trump administration from ending TPS for Yemeni nationals

Judge blocks Trump administration from ending TPS for Yemeni nationals

Summary

A judge in New York blocked President Donald Trump’s administration from ending Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Yemeni nationals. This decision came shortly after the Supreme Court heard arguments on ending TPS for Haitians and Syrians. The judge ruled that the Department of Homeland Security did not follow proper procedures when trying to end TPS for Yemen.

Key Facts

  • TPS allows people from dangerous countries to live temporarily in the U.S. to avoid harm.
  • Yemeni nationals have had TPS since 2015 due to civil war and unsafe conditions in Yemen.
  • The Trump administration planned to end TPS for Yemen on May 4, 2026.
  • A federal judge stopped this plan after 16 Yemeni individuals sued, saying the government skipped required steps.
  • The judge referred to previous cases where courts blocked similar TPS terminations for other countries.
  • The Department of Homeland Security said Yemen no longer meets TPS requirements and ending TPS protects U.S. national interests.
  • TPS has been renewed six times for Yemen before this attempt to end it.
  • The legal fight over TPS for Haitians and Syrians is also ongoing at the Supreme Court.
Read the Original

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

Advocates Bash 'Junk Science' As Appeals Court Blocks Abortion Pill by Mail

Advocates Bash 'Junk Science' As Appeals Court Blocks Abortion Pill by Mail

Summary

A federal appeals court in New Orleans blocked a rule that allowed the abortion pill mifepristone to be delivered through the mail. The court’s decision is temporary and ongoing as the FDA reviews the medication’s safety, while pro-choice advocates warn this could limit abortion access.

Key Facts

  • A three-judge panel in New Orleans stopped the mailing of mifepristone, an abortion drug, under a 2023 federal rule.
  • The court said the FDA did not provide enough scientific evidence to remove a rule requiring in-person dispensing of the drug.
  • Louisiana challenged the 2023 rule in an effort seen by some as a way to limit abortion access.
  • The ruling is temporary and will remain until the court fully decides on the case, which may take months.
  • The FDA is reviewing the safety of mifepristone, with a decision expected after the November midterm elections.
  • Pro-choice groups describe mifepristone as safe, effective, and necessary for accessible abortion care.
  • They also say restricting mail distribution blocks telehealth access, which is often essential for those with limited options.
  • The case may go to the U.S. Supreme Court as advocates and officials prepare for further legal battles.
Read the Original

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

Federal government accused of watering down proposal to protect Australia’s threatened species and ecosystems

Federal government accused of watering down proposal to protect Australia’s threatened species and ecosystems

Summary

The Australian government has proposed national environmental standards to protect threatened species and ecosystems. Some environmental groups say the latest draft weakens protections by focusing more on processes than on achieving clear environmental results.

Key Facts

  • Australia passed new nature laws in November aimed at protecting species and ecosystems.
  • The government drafted national standards for projects affecting important environmental sites like endangered wildlife and the Great Barrier Reef.
  • Recent draft changes allow developers to meet standards by following certain processes instead of proving environmental goals are met.
  • Environmental groups say this weakens protections and could harm efforts to stop species decline and habitat destruction.
  • The standards were based on a 2020 review that recommended clear, measurable environmental outcomes instead of process-based rules.
  • The government plans to give states more power to approve projects under these standards, aiming to speed up decisions.
  • Federal Environment Minister Murray Watt supports the draft and hopes to finalize standards by mid-year.
  • Critics argue the draft does not prevent environmental harm and only rewards developers for effort, not actual results.
Read the Original

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

EastEnders star on the mental health story 'for everyone'

EastEnders star on the mental health story 'for everyone'

Summary

Actor Aaron Thiara plays Ravi Gulati in the TV show EastEnders, where his character deals with Complex PTSD, a mental health condition caused by long-term trauma. The show aims to raise awareness about mental health issues in South Asian communities and beyond, showing how mental illness can affect anyone.

Key Facts

  • Aaron Thiara plays the character Ravi Gulati on EastEnders.
  • Ravi has been diagnosed with Complex PTSD, which can result from prolonged trauma like child abuse.
  • Symptoms shown include risk-taking, feeling empty, and suicidal thoughts.
  • The story highlights mental health stigma in South Asian communities.
  • EastEnders worked with mental health charities to portray the topic carefully.
  • The show combined sensitivity with storytelling to keep viewers interested.
  • Ravi’s character also has a troubled past involving crime and trauma.
  • The actor prepared by experiencing the character's confusion, avoiding too much pre-study of the illness.
Read the Original

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

Videos raise new questions about D.C. dinner shooting

Videos raise new questions about D.C. dinner shooting

Summary

New videos have been released about the shooting at the White House Correspondents' Dinner in Washington, D.C. The footage shows the suspect’s actions before the shooting and a clearer look at the confrontation between police and the suspect.

Key Facts

  • The videos involve the suspect from the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting.
  • One video shows where the suspect was and what he did before the attack.
  • Another video gives a clearer view of the moment police confronted the suspect.
  • The incident took place in Washington, D.C.
  • CBS News reported these new videos and provided more details about the situation.
  • The videos aim to provide more information about how the event unfolded.
  • Law enforcement was directly involved in stopping the suspect.
  • The White House Correspondents' Dinner is a notable event attended by journalists and officials.
Read the Original

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

From us

Want tomorrow morning in your inbox?

The site stays free. Support us and the daily digest comes to you — read it with coffee, or on the train.

Watch: May Day protests take place across major US cities

Watch: May Day protests take place across major US cities

Summary

May Day protests happened in many big U.S. cities such as Seattle, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, and Washington DC. In Los Angeles, over a thousand people marched for workers’ rights, and in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani spoke in favor of stronger protections for workers at a rally.

Key Facts

  • May Day protests took place across major cities in the United States.
  • Cities involved included Seattle, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Chicago, Washington DC, Los Angeles, and New York City.
  • More than 1,000 people marched in downtown Los Angeles supporting workers' rights.
  • New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani praised labor unions during his speech at a rally.
  • The events focused on advocating for better protections and rights for workers.
  • May Day is a traditional day for labor and workers’ rights demonstrations.
Read the Original

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

May Day ralliers protest outside ICE detention facility in downtown Los Angeles

May Day ralliers protest outside ICE detention facility in downtown Los Angeles

Summary

Thousands of people gathered in downtown Los Angeles on May Day to protest outside an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center. The event focused on workers' rights and immigration issues.

Key Facts

  • The protest took place on May Day, a day known for supporting workers' rights.
  • The location was outside an ICE detention facility in downtown Los Angeles.
  • Thousands of people joined the rally.
  • The protest highlighted concerns about workers' rights.
  • Immigration enforcement and detention were key topics at the event.
  • CBS News Los Angeles covered the protest with reporter Luzdelia Caballero.
  • The event reflects ongoing activism related to labor and immigration policies.
Read the Original

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

Deaths in ICE custody set to hit new record this year

Deaths in ICE custody set to hit new record this year

Summary

This year, 18 people have died while in the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). This number is the highest on record for deaths in ICE custody within a single year.

Key Facts

  • ICE reported the death of another detainee, raising the total deaths this year to 18.
  • The total deaths in ICE custody this year set a new record.
  • ICE holds people who are detained for immigration reasons.
  • The report came from CBS News and was covered by correspondent Camilo Montoya-Galvez.
  • Deaths in custody have raised concerns about detainee safety.
  • The report does not specify the causes of these deaths.
  • ICE is a government agency responsible for immigration enforcement.
Read the Original

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

Donors pitch in to help Nebraska ranchers who lost everything

Donors pitch in to help Nebraska ranchers who lost everything

Summary

A huge wildfire in Nebraska destroyed about 1,000 square miles of ranchland, including the entire 11,000-acre ranch owned by the Wintz family. Many ranchers faced losing their work and homes, and thousands of people across the United States donated money to help them recover.

Key Facts

  • The wildfire was the largest in Nebraska's history.
  • It burned about 1,000 square miles of ranchland.
  • The Wintz family lost their entire 11,000-acre ranch to the fire.
  • Many ranchers in the area were in danger of losing their livelihoods.
  • Thousands of donors from all over the U.S. gave money to support the affected ranchers.
  • The donations aim to help ranchers rebuild and recover from the fire damage.
Read the Original

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

Missing Florida doctoral student's body found

Missing Florida doctoral student's body found

Summary

Authorities in Florida found a body in Tampa Bay that belongs to a missing student from the University of South Florida. This student is the second one who disappeared, and the sheriff described the killings as very serious crimes.

Key Facts

  • A body was found in Tampa Bay, Florida.
  • The body has been identified as a missing University of South Florida student.
  • This student is the second missing student connected to this case.
  • The local sheriff called the killings "monstrous crimes."
  • The case involves two students from the same university.
  • Authorities are investigating the circumstances of their deaths.
  • The news was reported by CBS News correspondent Cristian Benavides.
Read the Original

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

New video shows correspondents' dinner suspect before shooting

New video shows correspondents' dinner suspect before shooting

Summary

New video footage shows the suspect inside the Washington D.C. Hilton before a shooting that targeted President Donald Trump and his Cabinet. Investigators say the gunman was waiting for a chance to attack during the Correspondents' Dinner event.

Key Facts

  • The suspect was inside the D.C. Hilton hotel last Friday.
  • The attack aimed at President Donald Trump and members of his Cabinet.
  • Investigators confirmed the suspect’s intent to assassinate.
  • New video provides the clearest view of the suspect before the shooting.
  • The event targeted was the Correspondents' Dinner.
  • CBS News reported the new video and details of the case.
Read the Original

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

From us

The news is free. Support if you want.

Supporters get the day's brief in their inbox every morning at 7am. Pay what it's worth — most people choose $3.99/month.

US court limits mail-order access to abortion pill mifepristone

US court limits mail-order access to abortion pill mifepristone

Summary

A US appeals court has temporarily blocked the rule that allowed abortion pills, specifically mifepristone, to be sent by mail or picked up at pharmacies without an in-person visit. This decision reinstates the requirement that patients must get these pills in person, affecting access especially in states that ban abortion.

Key Facts

  • The Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals issued the order on Friday.
  • The ruling pauses a 2023 FDA regulation that let doctors send abortion pills by mail without seeing patients face-to-face.
  • This limits access to medication abortion, which is the most common way to end a pregnancy in the US.
  • The case was brought by the state of Louisiana.
  • The FDA had first lifted the in-person requirement temporarily during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2021.
  • In 2023, the FDA made the mailing option permanent before the court's ruling.
  • A lower court had earlier paused the case while the Trump administration reviewed the FDA rules.
  • Access to abortion pills by mail is important for people in rural areas, those with disabilities, or experiencing partner violence.
Read the Original

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

ActBlue sues Ken Paxton for ‘retaliation’ over donation vetting lawsuit

ActBlue sues Ken Paxton for ‘retaliation’ over donation vetting lawsuit

Summary

ActBlue filed a lawsuit against Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, claiming that his investigation and a lawsuit against them are politically motivated. ActBlue is a fundraising platform that helps raise money for Democratic candidates and causes.

Key Facts

  • ActBlue is a fundraising platform supporting Democratic candidates and causes.
  • Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton is investigating ActBlue.
  • Paxton also filed a separate lawsuit against ActBlue.
  • ActBlue’s lawyers say these actions are political retaliation.
  • The lawsuit was filed in a federal court in Massachusetts.
  • ActBlue wants the court to stop Paxton from continuing his investigation and lawsuit.
Read the Original

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

Trump says Iran hostilities are over despite continued military presence, blockade

Trump says Iran hostilities are over despite continued military presence, blockade

Summary

President Donald Trump said in a letter that hostilities with Iran that started in late February have ended. This statement came even though more than 50,000 U.S. troops remain in the Middle East and a naval blockade continues to affect Iran's economy.

Key Facts

  • President Trump wrote a letter to lawmakers saying the hostilities with Iran have stopped.
  • These hostilities began in late February.
  • Over 50,000 U.S. military personnel are still deployed in the Middle East.
  • A naval blockade is ongoing, affecting Iran’s economy.
  • The blockade aims to restrict Iran's trade and economic activities.
  • The military presence and blockade continue despite the President’s statement about the end of hostilities.
  • The situation involves U.S. military and diplomatic efforts in the Middle East.
  • The news was reported by CBS News and includes updates from their correspondent Ed O'Keefe.
Read the Original

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

Appeals court blocks mailing of abortion pill mifepristone in U.S.

Appeals court blocks mailing of abortion pill mifepristone in U.S.

Summary

A federal appeals court blocked mailing of the abortion pill mifepristone, requiring it to be given only in person in clinics. This ruling affects access to the pill in Louisiana and may lead to an appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Key Facts

  • The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that mifepristone pills must be distributed in person, not by mail.
  • The court said mailing mifepristone conflicts with Louisiana’s ban on medical abortions.
  • FDA officials under President Trump are reviewing the safety of mifepristone but have not set a date to finish.
  • During COVID-19, FDA rules changed to allow mailing and telemedicine prescriptions of mifepristone, based on safety studies.
  • Louisiana’s attorney general and a woman filed a case to reverse those FDA rules and require in-person dispensing.
  • The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, allowing states to ban abortions, making mail prescriptions more important in restrictive states.
  • The conservative-majority Supreme Court has so far allowed access to mifepristone but avoided full decisions on related legal challenges.
  • The ruling could affect people in rural areas and others who rely on mail or telemedicine for abortion access.
Read the Original

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

Investigators believe stolen vape pen caused Washington state high school stabbings

Investigators believe stolen vape pen caused Washington state high school stabbings

Summary

Five people, including the suspect, were hurt in several stabbings at a high school in Tacoma, Washington. Authorities think the violence began after a vape pen was stolen. A student now faces multiple assault charges.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened at a high school in Tacoma, Washington.
  • Multiple stabbings occurred on a Thursday.
  • Five people were injured, including the person accused.
  • Investigators believe the fight started because a vape pen was stolen.
  • A student is charged with multiple counts of assault.
  • The case is still under investigation by local authorities.
  • No further details about the suspect or victims were immediately released.
Read the Original

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

US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany

US to withdraw 5,000 troops from Germany

Summary

The U.S. Department of Defense announced it will withdraw about 5,000 troops from Germany over the next six to twelve months. This decision follows a review of military needs in Europe and current conditions there.

Key Facts

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth ordered the troop withdrawal.
  • Approximately 5,000 U.S. troops will leave Germany.
  • The withdrawal is expected to finish within six to twelve months.
  • The decision was made after reviewing the U.S. military's force setup in Europe.
  • About 38,000 U.S. troops are currently stationed in Germany.
  • The Pentagon described the decision as based on requirements and conditions on the ground.
  • President Donald Trump’s administration made the announcement.
  • This is an ongoing story with updates expected.
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 — and get the daily digest by email.

New York Times pushes for release of purported Epstein suicide note

New York Times pushes for release of purported Epstein suicide note

Summary

The New York Times has asked a New York court to make public a note that Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender, supposedly wrote before his death in 2019. Epstein's cellmate said he found the note one month before Epstein died.

Key Facts

  • Jeffrey Epstein was a convicted sex offender who died in 2019.
  • The New York Times wants a suicide note, allegedly written by Epstein, to be released.
  • Epstein’s cellmate, Nicholas Tartaglione, said he found the note in July 2019.
  • Epstein died one month after the note was found.
  • A judge in a New York courthouse is being asked to make the note public.
  • The note is currently sealed or kept private by the court.
  • The request aims to provide more information about Epstein’s death.
Read the Original

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

Trump rejects Iran's latest proposal as he reviews new military options to relaunch war

Trump rejects Iran's latest proposal as he reviews new military options to relaunch war

Summary

President Donald Trump’s administration said it does not need Congress’s permission to continue military actions concerning the Iran conflict, claiming the current ceasefire ended the war. This statement came as the 60-day legal deadline to seek congressional approval approaches.

Key Facts

  • The Iran war began 60 days ago.
  • By law, the administration must get Congress’s approval by the 60-day mark to keep fighting.
  • The deadline falls on Friday.
  • The White House told Congress it does not need approval.
  • They say the war ended during the current ceasefire.
  • President Trump is reviewing new military options.
  • Iran recently made a proposal that President Trump rejected.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account