The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Key moments from Jay Clayton's confirmation hearing for top intelligence post

Key moments from Jay Clayton's confirmation hearing for top intelligence post

Summary

Jay Clayton, nominated by President Donald Trump to be the director of national intelligence, appeared before a Senate committee for his confirmation hearing. The hearing focused on evaluating his qualifications and plans for the intelligence role.

Key Facts

  • Jay Clayton is President Donald Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence.
  • Clayton testified before a Senate panel as part of the confirmation process.
  • The hearing is an important step before the Senate approves him for the position.
  • The role involves overseeing national intelligence agencies.
  • Key topics discussed included Clayton’s qualifications and approach to intelligence matters.
  • This hearing was covered and summarized by CBS News.
  • The director of national intelligence coordinates intelligence across the U.S. government.
Read the Original

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

Americans react to making daylight saving time permanent

Americans react to making daylight saving time permanent

Summary

The US House of Representatives voted to make daylight saving time permanent by passing the Sunshine Protection Act with a 308-117 vote. This change would stop the twice-yearly clock changes and keep the time used from March to November all year round. The Senate may consider the bill next, but its approval is not certain.

Key Facts

  • The House passed the Sunshine Protection Act on Tuesday.
  • The bill got 308 votes in favor and 117 against.
  • The law would end changing clocks twice a year.
  • The US would stay on daylight saving time permanently.
  • This means the time would be the same as currently from March to November.
  • The Senate may review the bill soon, but it is unclear if they will pass it.
  • The BBC spoke with people in Washington DC about their opinions on this change.
  • This vote affects the entire United States.
Read the Original

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

House Homeland Security chair Garbarino vows ICE oversight after shootings

House Homeland Security chair Garbarino vows ICE oversight after shootings

Summary

Rep. Andrew Garbarino, the head of the House Homeland Security Committee, said his committee is reviewing the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) after two fatal shootings by ICE officers in the past week. Garbarino shared this information during an interview at the Hill Nation Summit.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Andrew Garbarino is the chair of the House Homeland Security Committee.
  • ICE officers fatally shot two people within one week.
  • Garbarino’s committee is conducting oversight of ICE’s actions related to these shootings.
  • The goal is to review and ensure accountability for how ICE operates.
  • Garbarino spoke about this during the Hill Nation Summit event.
  • Oversight means the committee is checking and investigating ICE procedures.
  • The shootings have raised concerns that prompted this review by Congress.
Read the Original

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

Man fleeing immigration officers in Florida struck and killed by tractor trailer, police say

Man fleeing immigration officers in Florida struck and killed by tractor trailer, police say

Summary

A man who was running from immigration agents in Florida was hit and killed by a large truck. This is the third death in a week involving U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. Authorities are investigating the incident.

Key Facts

  • The man was part of a group of four people stopped by ICE and Homeland Security agents at a gas station in St. Augustine, Florida.
  • When the group ran away on foot, the man ran across a busy road and was struck by a tractor trailer.
  • The truck driver stopped and tried to help the man after the accident.
  • This is at least the 10th death linked to ICE encounters since President Donald Trump started a large deportation campaign last year.
  • The Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation and is investigating the death of a Mexican national.
  • Other recent deaths occurred when people fleeing immigration agents were hit by vehicles in other states such as California and Virginia.
  • The Mexican government has asked U.S. officials to review deaths of migrants in ICE custody or during raids.
  • State Representative Angie Nixon described the death as a result of problems with immigration enforcement actions.
Read the Original

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

Booker grills Todd Blanche about Ghislaine Maxwell meeting, Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger

Booker grills Todd Blanche about Ghislaine Maxwell meeting, Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery merger

Summary

Senator Corey Booker questioned Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche about his meeting with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is linked to Jeffrey Epstein and has a criminal record. Booker also asked about Blanche attending a dinner hosted by the CEO of Paramount Skydance while a merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is happening.

Key Facts

  • Senator Corey Booker is from New Jersey and is a Democrat.
  • Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General.
  • Blanche met with Ghislaine Maxwell, who is a convicted criminal connected to Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Booker questioned Blanche about this meeting during a Senate panel hearing on Capitol Hill.
  • Blanche attended a dinner hosted by David Ellison, CEO of Paramount Skydance.
  • A merger between Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery is in progress.
  • CBS News is owned by Paramount Skydance.
  • These questions came during a Senate hearing, which is a government oversight meeting.
Read the Original

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

Trump rips New York, Hochul over data center freeze

Trump rips New York, Hochul over data center freeze

Summary

President Trump criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul for placing a statewide pause on building new large data centers. He said this decision was bad and suggested it was made for political reasons. Data centers are important for states and communities because they support technology and jobs.

Key Facts

  • New York has announced a freeze on new "hyperscale data centers," which are very large facilities that store and manage data.
  • This is the first time any state has placed a pause on new hyperscale data centers statewide.
  • President Trump strongly disagreed with Governor Hochul’s decision.
  • Trump shared his views on the social platform Truth Social.
  • He described data centers as beneficial to states and local areas.
  • Trump suggested the freeze was motivated by politics.
  • Governor Kathy Hochul is a Democrat leading New York State.
Read the Original

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

Senior defense officials looking at Cuba military options

Senior defense officials looking at Cuba military options

Summary

U.S. military leaders have recently reviewed possible actions against Cuba, including a large air assault by the 101st Airborne Division. However, no final decision has been made, and current military focus remains on operations against Iran.

Key Facts

  • U.S. Army planners have studied options for a military operation targeting Cuba, possibly led by the 101st Airborne Division.
  • Officials emphasized that these discussions do not mean President Trump or the Pentagon have decided to act against Cuba.
  • Most U.S. military resources are currently focused on the ongoing conflict with Iran.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio supports a diplomatic approach to encourage Cuba to move toward economic reforms.
  • The U.S. has increased financial pressure on Cuba’s military-controlled conglomerate, GAESA, limiting its ability to fund the government and security forces.
  • The Pentagon held briefings to explore possible military plans, covering troop numbers, mission steps, and risks involved.
  • President Trump has expressed frustration with how the military campaign against Iran has progressed.
  • Tensions exist between President Trump and some military leaders over the handling and pace of the Iran conflict.
Read the Original

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

Sen. Blumenthal presses Todd Blanche to meet with Epstein survivors

Sen. Blumenthal presses Todd Blanche to meet with Epstein survivors

Summary

Senator Richard Blumenthal asked Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse during Blanche’s confirmation hearing before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Blumenthal emphasized the importance of hearing directly from people affected by Epstein’s crimes.

Key Facts

  • Senator Richard Blumenthal is from Connecticut and is a member of the Democratic Party.
  • Todd Blanche is the Acting Attorney General awaiting confirmation by the Senate Judiciary Committee.
  • Blumenthal asked Blanche to meet with survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse.
  • The request took place during Blanche’s Senate confirmation hearing.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was involved in abuse cases that affected many survivors.
  • Meeting with survivors can help inform the Acting Attorney General’s understanding and approach.
  • The Senate Judiciary Committee oversees the confirmation of top legal officials.
Read the Original

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

Houston demands action after killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo: ‘ICE hunts us like animals’

Houston demands action after killing of Lorenzo Salgado Araujo: ‘ICE hunts us like animals’

Summary

More than 100 people gathered at Houston City Hall to demand answers after Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot and killed by an ICE agent. Community members and immigrant rights groups called for an independent investigation, the release of those detained with Salgado Araujo, and the identification of the ICE agents involved.

Key Facts

  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot dead by an ICE agent while driving to a job site with his construction crew.
  • The shooting happened last Tuesday in Houston, Texas.
  • ICE said Salgado Araujo was not their intended target.
  • More than 100 people attended a city council meeting and protested outside city hall demanding accountability.
  • Activists are calling for an independent investigation and the names of the ICE agents to be made public.
  • Similar fatal encounters involving ICE agents recently happened in Minnesota and Maine.
  • Local immigrant groups have been organizing safety trainings to teach people their rights when encountering ICE agents.
  • These trainings now include advice on how to safely record interactions to document potential rights violations.
Read the Original

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

Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension after Maine, Houston shootings

Trump reverses ICE traffic stop suspension after Maine, Houston shootings

Summary

President Trump said ICE should keep using traffic stops to arrest immigrants after two recent deadly shootings by ICE agents in Texas and Maine. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) had paused these stops to give officers more training, but Trump reversed that decision on social media.

Key Facts

  • DHS ordered ICE to stop using vehicle traffic stops for arrests after two fatal shootings in one week.
  • ICE agents killed Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine and Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas during enforcement operations.
  • Neither of the two people killed was the original target of the ICE operations.
  • The pause on traffic stops was meant to give ICE officers more training on how to conduct these stops safely.
  • President Trump stated on Truth Social that traffic stops are an important tool for ICE and should continue.
  • Since President Trump took office again, ICE agents have shot at people at least 22 times and killed six people, including three U.S. citizens.
  • Witnesses have questioned the official accounts of the shootings, raising concerns about how ICE conducts these operations.
  • DHS encouraged undocumented immigrants to leave the country on their own or face arrest and deportation.
Read the Original

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

"My dad had been taken away from me": Sons of man killed by ICE speak out

"My dad had been taken away from me": Sons of man killed by ICE speak out

Summary

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican immigrant who lived in the U.S. for 35 years, was shot and killed by an ICE agent in Houston on July 7. ICE says he used his van as a weapon during a traffic stop, but his family disagrees with this claim.

Key Facts

  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was killed by an ICE agent in Houston on July 7.
  • He had lived in the United States for 35 years.
  • ICE says he "weaponized" his van during a traffic stop, meaning they claim he used it to cause harm.
  • Lorenzo’s family disputes ICE’s version of events.
  • His son Ronaldo Salgado feels guilty about not being there sooner.
  • Another son, Lorenzo Jr. Salgado, says he might never accept that their father died.
  • The story was reported by CBS News with comments from the sons.
Read the Original

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

Tillis warns Trump administration against making same "mistakes that the Biden administration did"

Tillis warns Trump administration against making same "mistakes that the Biden administration did"

Summary

Senator Thom Tillis spoke at a hearing for Todd Blanche, a nominee for U.S. attorney general. He criticized how President Biden’s administration prosecuted some people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot and warned President Trump’s administration against repeating those mistakes.

Key Facts

  • Thom Tillis is a U.S. Senator.
  • He spoke during Todd Blanche’s confirmation hearing for attorney general.
  • Tillis criticized the Biden administration’s handling of January 6 riot prosecutions.
  • He described some prosecutions as mistakes.
  • Tillis advised the Trump administration not to repeat those errors.
  • Todd Blanche is being considered for the position of U.S. attorney general.
  • The January 6 riot was an attack on the U.S. Capitol by protesters.
Read the Original

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

Officers Fired After Alleged Misuse of Controversial Surveillance Tool

Officers Fired After Alleged Misuse of Controversial Surveillance Tool

Summary

Two police officers in Greer, South Carolina, were fired in June for breaking rules when using an automated license plate reader system called Flock. This technology scans license plates and is meant to help police, but concerns exist about privacy and misuse of the data.

Key Facts

  • Officers Kareem Lynch and Sebastian Echeverry were fired for violating the police department’s policy on the license plate reader system.
  • The department’s policy, started in January 2023, says this technology should only be used for public safety work.
  • An audit helped discover the misuse by reviewing patterns in the system’s use.
  • Flock Safety, the company behind the tool, said it does not work with immigration agencies like ICE.
  • The incident is part of a larger debate about privacy and data use in police surveillance tools.
  • The case is now being reviewed by the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division.
  • Similar problems happened recently in Georgia, where five officers were fired and arrested for misusing this technology.
Read the Original

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

El-Sayed releases tax return ahead of primary

El-Sayed releases tax return ahead of primary

Summary

Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed shared his 2025 federal tax returns. He did this after his primary rival, U.S. Representative Haley Stevens, asked him to be more open about his taxes.

Key Facts

  • Abdul El-Sayed is running for U.S. Senate as a Democrat.
  • He released his federal tax returns for the year 2025.
  • The release happened on a Wednesday.
  • U.S. Rep. Haley Stevens, his opponent in the primary, pushed him to release the tax information.
  • Sharing tax returns is often a way to show transparency during political campaigns.
Read the Original

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

Late-Life Reinvention Is Becoming America’s Most Surprising Workforce Shift

Late-Life Reinvention Is Becoming America’s Most Surprising Workforce Shift

Summary

More older Americans are changing careers later in life, finding new purpose and satisfaction by starting businesses or pursuing new professions. For example, Thomas Bergvik became a therapist at age 61 after decades in healthcare, showing it is possible to reinvent yourself professionally at any age.

Key Facts

  • Career changes used to be more common among younger workers, but now many older adults are making late-life career shifts.
  • Studies show that older adults who start businesses often report better quality of life.
  • Thomas Bergvik founded his counseling business at age 61, after working in healthcare and community services for many years.
  • He earned his graduate degree at 57, about 30 years after his bachelor’s degree.
  • Bergvik values listening and understanding people’s life stories without judgment, which guides his counseling practice.
  • Late-life career reinvention can be driven by personal experience, a desire for meaningful work, and difficulty finding traditional jobs.
  • Older adults bring valuable experience and knowledge that can help them succeed in new careers.
  • Bergvik’s story illustrates that it is never too late to pursue new professional goals.
Read the Original

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

Andy Burnham signals a wealth tax is off the agenda for now

Andy Burnham signals a wealth tax is off the agenda for now

Summary

Andy Burnham, soon to be the UK prime minister, said he will not raise wealth taxes right away to avoid causing division. He left open the possibility of future tax changes but emphasized fairness and a cautious approach to new taxes.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham is set to become the UK prime minister in a few days.
  • He said he does not plan to increase wealth taxes immediately.
  • Burnham wants to avoid creating divisions with new tax policies.
  • He still believes in fairness and may consider tax changes later.
  • Burnham plans to follow the current government’s borrowing rules and Labour’s 2024 manifesto.
  • The manifesto rules out raising income tax, national insurance, or VAT.
  • Burnham faces financial challenges like funding defense and public ownership of utilities.
  • Some Labour allies have suggested wealth taxes or raising capital gains tax to fund public services.
Read the Original

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

Trump rails against New York’s statewide datacenter moratorium

Trump rails against New York’s statewide datacenter moratorium

Summary

President Donald Trump criticized New York Governor Kathy Hochul for pausing the building of large datacenters, which support artificial intelligence. New York is the first US state to stop new datacenter projects for one year to create environmental rules and protect resources.

Key Facts

  • New York Governor Kathy Hochul signed an order pausing new “hyperscale” datacenter construction for one year.
  • Datacenters use a lot of resources like energy and water to support services such as artificial intelligence.
  • President Trump said the pause was a bad political decision and called for it to end immediately.
  • The pause aims to protect energy grids, reduce land and noise impact, and safeguard water supplies.
  • Trump supports fewer regulations on AI and says datacenters should pay their own costs without tax breaks.
  • Many Americans are worried about datacenters raising energy prices and hurting local environments.
  • Several states and cities, including Seattle, have also put temporary bans on datacenter construction.
  • Trump warned that restrictive policies could cause the US to lose datacenter projects and AI development to China.
Read the Original

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

Trump's Intel Pick Jay Clayton Sows Doubt Over Biden's 2020 Election Win

Trump's Intel Pick Jay Clayton Sows Doubt Over Biden's 2020 Election Win

Summary

Jay Clayton, nominated by President Donald Trump to be Director of National Intelligence (DNI), did not clearly say former President Joe Biden won the 2020 election during his Senate confirmation hearing. Senators criticized him for avoiding a direct answer as President Trump continues to claim without strong evidence that the 2020 election was stolen.

Key Facts

  • Jay Clayton was nominated by President Donald Trump to be Director of National Intelligence.
  • During his Senate hearing, Clayton declined to say Joe Biden won the 2020 presidential election.
  • Senator Jon Ossoff and Senator Angus King pressed Clayton to confirm the election outcome.
  • Clayton said Biden was certified the winner and claimed he is not an election denier but avoided a straightforward answer.
  • President Trump repeatedly alleges widespread voter fraud in the 2020 election without strong proof.
  • Clayton’s refusal to confirm the election outcome is seen as aligning with President Trump’s claims ahead of a planned speech.
  • Democrats and others criticized Clayton’s comments and his approach during the confirmation process.
  • Clayton seeks Senate confirmation where Republicans have a slim majority and only need their support to be confirmed.
Read the Original

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

WATCH: House lawmakers speak ahead of Kathy Ruemmler interview in Epstein probe

WATCH: House lawmakers speak ahead of Kathy Ruemmler interview in Epstein probe

Summary

Kathryn Ruemmler, a former White House lawyer and Goldman Sachs top lawyer, testified to Congress that working with Jeffrey Epstein was a mistake, but she denied seeing any criminal acts. She spoke to the House Oversight Committee as part of their investigation into Epstein's connections with powerful people.

Key Facts

  • Kathryn Ruemmler was White House counsel under President Obama and later a top lawyer at Goldman Sachs.
  • She told Congress it was a mistake to have dealt with Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Ruemmler said she never saw any illegal behavior by Epstein.
  • She was questioned by the House Oversight Committee investigating Epstein’s network.
  • Other witnesses in the investigation include Bill Gates and former President Bill Clinton.
  • Lawmakers want to understand how Epstein’s wealth and power may have protected him.
  • Ruemmler admitted Epstein used her and others to appear more respectable.
Read the Original

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

ICE fatally shoot two men in Maine and Texas

ICE fatally shoot two men in Maine and Texas

Summary

In one week, two men were fatally shot by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents in Maine and Texas. These deaths led to protests and calls for investigations, while President Donald Trump defended the ICE officers’ actions on social media.

Key Facts

  • Two men died after being shot by ICE agents—one in Maine and one in Texas.
  • Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian with permission to work in the U.S., was one of the men killed.
  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a Mexican worker in the U.S. for 30 years as a builder, was the other man.
  • Neither man was reportedly the primary target of the ICE agents involved.
  • Protests have taken place demanding investigations into the shootings.
  • President Trump praised ICE agents on Truth Social, urging that their methods not be changed.
  • The incidents bring attention to past ICE shootings of U.S. citizens and ongoing questions about investigations.
  • These events may influence immigration policy debates ahead of the November midterm elections.
Read the Original

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