The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

US House passes $1.15tn defense policy bill in near party-line vote

US House passes $1.15tn defense policy bill in near party-line vote

July 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The US House of Representatives passed a $1.15 trillion defense policy bill called the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) in a close vote mostly along party lines. The bill now moves to the Senate. Democrats mostly opposed it because of the war with Iran, new voting restrictions supported by President Trump included in the bill, and concerns about its high cost.

Key Facts

  • The NDAA authorizes $1.15 trillion for military spending in fiscal year 2027.
  • The House vote was 216 in favor and 212 against, with most Democrats opposing.
  • Democrats opposed the bill partly due to the ongoing war with Iran and lack of Congress approval for attacks.
  • The bill includes the Save America Act, a Trump-backed law proposal to ban mail-in ballots and add voter ID rules.
  • Some Democrats criticized the bill’s high cost and cuts to other government programs.
  • The bill also includes provisions to increase US-Israel defense cooperation.
  • Several amendments were debated; two notable votes included rejecting a halt to aid for Ukraine and rejecting a ban on transgender military service.
  • The House Republicans plan to approve an additional $60 billion in military spending related to the Iran conflict.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
House narrowly passes massive annual defense policy bill

House narrowly passes massive annual defense policy bill

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The House of Representatives passed a large defense policy bill worth about $1.15 trillion. The vote was close, with some members crossing party lines, as the bill aims to increase U.S. military production and address concerns about conflicts like the war in Iran.

Key Facts

  • The House passed the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) with a 216-212 vote.
  • Six Democrats voted in favor, while seven Republicans voted against the bill.
  • The bill authorizes nearly $1.15 trillion in defense spending for the year.
  • It includes measures to expand U.S. defense production capacity.
  • The legislation comes amid rising concerns about military spending and the war in Iran.
  • The NDAA is an annual bill that sets policy and budget priorities for the U.S. military.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
US regulators to weigh controversial peptides backed by RFK Jr

US regulators to weigh controversial peptides backed by RFK Jr

July 22, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

U.S. health regulators will review seven peptides to decide if they should be allowed to be made by licensed pharmacies with prescriptions. These peptides are marketed for various health issues, but the FDA says there is little evidence they are safe or effective. The decision comes amid growing public interest and some controversy about the ties of advisory committee members to the peptide industry.

Key Facts

  • Peptides are short chains of amino acids naturally found in the body and help control many biological functions.
  • The FDA’s Pharmacy Compounding Advisory Committee will meet to discuss whether seven specific peptides can be legally compounded by pharmacies for patients.
  • The seven peptides reviewed include BPC-157, TB-500, and KPV, promoted for conditions like ulcers, wound healing, obesity, migraines, pain, insomnia, and opioid withdrawal.
  • Peptides have grown popular due to social media, beauty trends called “looksmaxxing,” and endorsements from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • The FDA expresses concern over lack of strong scientific evidence, poor quality controls, and limited human testing on these peptides.
  • Some advisory committee members have connections to businesses that sell or promote peptide therapies, raising questions about conflicts of interest.
  • Industry groups argue legal approval would improve safety through regulation and better quality standards.
  • The panel’s recommendations will guide the FDA’s final decision but are not legally binding.
Read the Original

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

Al Jazeera
White House expands data center electricity cost pledge to utilities, states

White House expands data center electricity cost pledge to utilities, states

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The White House is expanding a voluntary agreement to reduce the impact of data centers on electricity costs. President Donald Trump will announce that big utility companies like Nextera and Duke Energy are joining this pledge.

Key Facts

  • The White House created a voluntary pledge to help manage electricity costs caused by data centers.
  • The goal is to reduce financial impacts on utilities and states.
  • President Donald Trump will make the announcement about expanding the pledge on Thursday.
  • Major utility companies Nextera and Duke Energy are joining the pledge.
  • The initiative involves cooperation between the federal government, utilities, and state leaders.
  • Data centers are large facilities that use a lot of electricity to store and process data.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Support for Iran war among Trump voters plummets: Poll

Support for Iran war among Trump voters plummets: Poll

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A recent poll shows that fewer voters who supported President Trump now back the U.S. and Israel's conflict involving Iran. Support among these voters dropped by 13 percentage points as concerns about the war's costs grew.

Key Facts

  • The poll focused on voters who supported President Trump in the last election.
  • These voters showed less support for the U.S.-Israeli conflict related to Iran.
  • Support among Trump voters declined by 13 points.
  • The poll was released by Politico on a Wednesday.
  • The poll asked if the war should continue even if it leads to higher costs.
  • Concerns about the financial and other costs of the conflict influenced opinions.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Trump speaks at Georgia high school after attending dignified transfer

Trump speaks at Georgia high school after attending dignified transfer

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Donald Trump spoke at a high school in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday. His visit followed his attendance at a dignified transfer ceremony for four U.S. troops who were killed in the Middle East.

Key Facts

  • President Trump visited a high school in Marietta, Georgia, on Wednesday.
  • He spoke to people there after attending a dignified transfer ceremony.
  • The dignified transfer honored four U.S. troops who died in the Middle East.
  • A dignified transfer is a respectful handover of fallen soldiers’ remains to their country.
  • The event was covered by CBS News and reported by congressional reporter Taurean Small.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
Senate panel advances legislation capping private insurance insulin at $35

Senate panel advances legislation capping private insurance insulin at $35

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A Senate committee approved a bill to limit the cost of insulin to $35 for people with private health insurance. The vote was bipartisan, with support from both Democrats and some Republicans, but it is not yet clear if the full Senate will pass the measure.

Key Facts

  • The bill sets a maximum price of $35 for insulin for privately insured patients.
  • The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Committee voted 17-5 in favor.
  • Six Republicans supported the bill alongside all Democrats on the committee.
  • The goal is to make insulin more affordable for people who rely on it to manage diabetes.
  • The bill still needs approval from the full Senate before it can become law.
  • Insulin costs have been a concern due to their high prices for many Americans.
  • The legislation represents a bipartisan effort to address healthcare costs.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Moment research team gets first look at Pan Am plane wreckage after 74 years

Moment research team gets first look at Pan Am plane wreckage after 74 years

July 22, 2026 • BBC US

Summary

A research team has found and taken the first images of a Pan American Airways plane wreckage that sank 74 years ago off the coast of Puerto Rico. The plane, called the Clipper Endeavor, crashed in 1952 due to engine failure, killing most of the 69 people onboard.

Key Facts

  • The Pan Am plane went down on April 11, 1952, shortly after takeoff because of engine problems.
  • The crash happened 2,000 feet (610 meters) under the Atlantic Ocean near Puerto Rico.
  • Of 69 passengers and crew, only 17 survived the crash.
  • Survivors had trouble finding life vests and rafts as the plane sank fast.
  • The disaster led to important changes in airline safety, like requiring safety briefings before all flights.
  • A sonar-equipped underwater drone helped find the wreckage.
  • The discovery was a team effort by Air/Sea Heritage, Deep Sea Vision, and Discovery's Expedition Unknown.
Read the Original

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

BBC US
Democratic socialist leads Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial field: Poll

Democratic socialist leads Wisconsin Democratic gubernatorial field: Poll

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

A recent poll shows Francesca Hong, a Democratic socialist and state assembly member, leading the Democratic race for governor in Wisconsin. However, many voters in the poll have not yet decided whom they will support.

Key Facts

  • The poll was done by Marquette Law School between July 8 and 16.
  • 430 registered Democrats in Wisconsin participated in the poll.
  • Francesca Hong received 26% support among those polled.
  • Hong is a member of the Wisconsin State Assembly since 2021.
  • Other candidates, including a former lieutenant governor, are also in the race.
  • A large portion of respondents remain undecided about their choice.
  • The poll measures preferences for the Democratic gubernatorial primary.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Trump administration to shift R&D funding from academia to individual scientists

Trump administration to shift R&D funding from academia to individual scientists

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The Trump administration announced a plan to change how it gives money for research and development. Instead of mostly funding universities and colleges, it will now focus more on supporting individual scientists.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. spends about $200 billion each year on research and development.
  • The Trump administration wants to reduce funding directed at academic institutions.
  • More money will be given directly to individual scientists.
  • Michael Kratisos, director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, released a memo about this change.
  • The current system was created after World War II.
  • The shift aims to improve how research funding is distributed in the U.S.
  • The policy change is part of the administration’s efforts to update research funding strategies.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Map Shows Area Trump Wants to Take From Catholic Church for Border Wall

Map Shows Area Trump Wants to Take From Catholic Church for Border Wall

July 22, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Trump administration is trying to take over more than 14 acres of land owned by the Catholic Diocese of Las Cruces near the U.S.-Mexico border to build and expand border security. The church argues this would hurt religious activities at a pilgrimage site on Mount Cristo Rey, while the government says the land is needed for border safety.

Key Facts

  • The land in question is around 14.26 acres near Mount Cristo Rey in Sunland Park, New Mexico.
  • Mount Cristo Rey is a Catholic pilgrimage site with a large statue of Jesus visited by thousands each year.
  • The federal government filed a lawsuit to take this land using eminent domain, a legal power to seize private property for public use.
  • The government wants to build border wall infrastructure including roads, fencing, cameras, and sensors on the land.
  • The Diocese of Las Cruces argues that building on this land would interfere with religious freedom and activities at the sacred site.
  • The court has allowed the government to take ownership of the land for now but has not allowed construction to start.
  • Defense attorneys say the government’s claim ignores protections for religious freedom under the First Amendment and a law called the Religious Freedom Restoration Act.
  • A U.S. Representative has introduced a bill to stop federal funds from being used to seize church land in this case.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
Trump: Iran will ‘pay a big price’ for US troop deaths

Trump: Iran will ‘pay a big price’ for US troop deaths

July 22, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump said Iran will face serious consequences after the deaths of four US troops. He made this statement just before attending a ceremony honoring the fallen soldiers.

Key Facts

  • Four US troops were recently killed in action.
  • President Trump attended a ceremony called a dignified transfer to honor these troops.
  • Before the ceremony, President Trump warned that Iran will pay a big price for the deaths.
  • The statement connects Iran to the deaths of the US soldiers.
  • The dignified transfer ceremony is a formal event where fallen soldiers are respectfully returned home.
  • President Trump’s warning suggests possible US action in response.
Read the Original

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

Al Jazeera
Waltz clashes with Rep. Jackson over Cuba question: "Absolute propaganda"

Waltz clashes with Rep. Jackson over Cuba question: "Absolute propaganda"

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz testified before the House Foreign Affairs Committee. During the session, he and Representative Jonathan L. Jackson disagreed strongly about the situation between the United States and Cuba.

Key Facts

  • Mike Waltz is the U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations.
  • He testified on Wednesday before the House Foreign Affairs Committee.
  • Representative Jonathan L. Jackson also participated in the hearing.
  • Waltz and Jackson had a heated exchange about U.S.-Cuba relations.
  • The disagreement involved claims about the accuracy of information regarding Cuba.
  • The U.S. is currently engaged in discussions about its policy and actions related to Cuba.
  • The hearing was covered by CBS News.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts

What Trump's generic drug tariffs could mean, according to experts

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

President Trump announced tariffs of up to 200% on imported generic drugs starting in 2028 to encourage companies to move production back to the U.S. Experts say the tariffs alone may not be enough to convince manufacturers to reshore due to high costs and complex production needs. The tariffs could lead to modest price increases for consumers because generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

Key Facts

  • Tariffs on imported generic drugs will start at 100% in August 2028 and rise to 200% after one year.
  • The goal is to bring generic drug manufacturing back to the U.S. (reshoring).
  • Generic drugs make up about 90% of prescriptions filled in the U.S.
  • Over half of generic drugs are currently supplied from India, with significant imports from China for drugs like ibuprofen and acetaminophen.
  • Experts say moving production to the U.S. is expensive and may not happen quickly due to required specialized facilities.
  • Higher tariffs might increase drug prices slightly but generic drug prices are generally low to begin with.
  • The administration offers other policies to support reshoring, like full equipment expensing.
  • Major generic drug companies have not confirmed plans to expand U.S. manufacturing yet.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
Details from Nolan Wells' independent autopsy

Details from Nolan Wells' independent autopsy

July 22, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

An independent autopsy report has been released for Nolan Wells, a teenager from Mississippi who died after a boat party on July Fourth. The report was shared by CBS News and provides details about the cause of his death.

Key Facts

  • Nolan Wells was a teenager from Mississippi.
  • He was found dead following a boat party on July Fourth.
  • An independent autopsy was conducted to determine the cause of death.
  • The autopsy report has now been made public.
  • CBS News reported on the details of the autopsy.
  • The report helps provide more information about what happened to Nolan Wells.
  • The situation involves a recent and local event in the United States.
Read the Original

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

CBS News
Democrat-backed candidate flips Chandler mayor’s office in Arizona

Democrat-backed candidate flips Chandler mayor’s office in Arizona

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The city of Chandler, Arizona, held its first mayoral election in eight years. Independent candidate Matt Orlando won the election, defeating Arizona House legislator Jeff Weninger by 17 points.

Key Facts

  • Chandler, Arizona, had its first mayoral election in eight years.
  • Matt Orlando, an independent candidate, won the mayor’s race.
  • Orlando defeated Jeff Weninger, who is an Arizona House legislator.
  • Orlando won by a margin of 17 percentage points.
  • The election was nonpartisan, meaning candidates were not officially representing political parties.
  • Orlando is supported by Legislative District 13.
  • The mayor’s office changed hands with this election result.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
US trade chief defends tariffs as Democrats say Trump ‘in denial’ over price hikes

US trade chief defends tariffs as Democrats say Trump ‘in denial’ over price hikes

July 22, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told senators that President Trump's tariffs have not caused price increases for American families. Democratic senators disagreed, saying studies show tariffs have raised costs and contributed to higher prices, especially with inflation already increasing.

Key Facts

  • Senator Elizabeth Warren asked if tariffs raised prices for US families; Greer said no.
  • Core inflation (not including food and energy) fell to 2.6% year-over-year, according to Greer.
  • Democrats estimate families pay about $1,700 more in costs due to tariffs since President Trump returned to office.
  • The US Supreme Court ruled many Trump tariffs illegal in February.
  • The US replaced those tariffs with a 10% tariff on many imports, which is set to expire soon.
  • Trump officials plan to put new tariffs in place after the current ones expire.
  • Senator Raphael Warnock said tariffs made life more expensive before recent energy price rises.
  • Greer has not provided peer-reviewed studies disproving that tariffs increased inflation.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
Top Democrat erupts at Waltz over troop deaths in Iran: ‘You should resign’

Top Democrat erupts at Waltz over troop deaths in Iran: ‘You should resign’

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Representative Ted Lieu criticized Ambassador Mike Waltz during a House Committee hearing. Lieu blamed Waltz for the deaths of U.S. troops linked to Iranian attacks and said Waltz should resign.

Key Facts

  • Rep. Ted Lieu is a Democrat from California.
  • Mike Waltz is the United States Ambassador to the United Nations.
  • The criticism happened during a House Committee on Foreign Affairs hearing.
  • Lieu questioned Waltz about the deaths of U.S. service members in Iran.
  • The deaths are connected to Iranian attacks on U.S. bases in Jordan.
  • Lieu told Waltz that he should resign over the issue.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Sharpton: Democrats should keep South Carolina as first 2028 primary

Sharpton: Democrats should keep South Carolina as first 2028 primary

July 22, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Rev. Al Sharpton urged that South Carolina stay as the first state to hold a Democratic presidential primary in 2028. He highlighted the strong support Black voters have given the Democratic Party in this state.

Key Facts

  • Rev. Al Sharpton made his statement on Wednesday.
  • He supports South Carolina remaining the first primary state for Democrats in 2028.
  • Sharpton emphasized the importance of Black voters in South Carolina.
  • South Carolina has a record of high voter turnout for Democrats.
  • The statement was made through a South Carolina Democratic Primary press release.
  • Holding the first primary in South Carolina impacts the Democratic nomination process.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
House passes temporary government funding bill months early

House passes temporary government funding bill months early

July 22, 2026 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives passed a temporary government funding bill to avoid a shutdown before the midterm elections this fall. The bill would keep the government funded until December 4, more than two months after the current deadline of September 30.

Key Facts

  • The House passed the funding bill on a mostly party-line vote of 220-205.
  • The bill funds the federal government through December 4.
  • The current funding deadline is September 30.
  • House GOP leaders want to prevent a government shutdown before the midterm elections.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson challenged Democrats to oppose the bill, saying they would be responsible if a shutdown happens.
  • The funding bill aims to avoid disrupting voters’ moods before the elections.
  • The vote took place in Washington, D.C.
  • The bill is a temporary measure, not a long-term funding solution.
Read the Original

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

PBS NewsHour