The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

RFK Jr’s advisory panel overhaul stalled update on helping kids quit tobacco

RFK Jr’s advisory panel overhaul stalled update on helping kids quit tobacco

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Trump administration has paused all meetings of the US Preventive Services Task Force since March 2025, delaying important health recommendations related to children quitting tobacco and other medical screenings. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr’s changes to the group and the firing of leaders have caused further disruption at this federal advisory panel.

Key Facts

  • The US Preventive Services Task Force has not met since March 2025, stopping updates on 14 health topics.
  • The stalled topics include tobacco cessation for children, cervical cancer screening, perinatal depression, and autism screening.
  • The taskforce's recommendations link to insurance coverage for preventive services under the Affordable Care Act.
  • Dr. Michael Silverstein, a former task force member, said new evidence could help children stop using tobacco.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr removed two taskforce leaders and criticized members for past negligence.
  • The Trump administration has cut several anti-smoking programs, including the CDC’s office on smoking and a major anti-smoking ad campaign.
  • FDA leadership related to tobacco regulation was changed, and new policies now allow sale of flavored vapes.
  • The Supreme Court ruled Kennedy has the authority to appoint and fire taskforce members after a dispute involving HIV prevention drug coverage.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
Democrats Must Reject Extremism on the Left as Firm as the Right | Opinion

Democrats Must Reject Extremism on the Left as Firm as the Right | Opinion

July 14, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The article discusses candidates from the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) who recently won Democratic primaries and whose views challenge traditional American values. It compares their strategies and rhetoric to those used by President Donald Trump to gain influence within the Republican Party.

Key Facts

  • Some DSA candidates promote ending capitalism and replacing it with social ownership.
  • The DSA supports reducing the U.S. military budget, closing overseas bases, and withdrawing from NATO.
  • The group calls for defunding the police and reducing incarceration.
  • The DSA’s leadership openly criticizes the U.S. as an imperialist power.
  • DSA uses the Democratic Party’s ballot line while aiming to form an independent political party in the future.
  • Their tactics are compared to President Trump’s use of racial and political issues to gain control of the Republican Party.
  • One DSA nominee, Darializa Avila Chevalier, has publicly supported abolishing police and prisons and expressed admiration for controversial historical figures.
  • The DSA’s political positions and candidate statements have sparked concern about extremism within the Democratic Party.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
Investing in Trump securities involves the risk of (huge) loss

Investing in Trump securities involves the risk of (huge) loss

July 14, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

President Donald Trump and his family have earned $2.2 billion from financial deals since he took office. Meanwhile, many investors have lost millions and some have filed lawsuits claiming fraud and broken contracts.

Key Facts

  • President Trump and his family made $2.2 billion from financial schemes while he has been president.
  • Investors who put money into these deals lost millions of dollars.
  • Some investors are suing for fraud, which means they accuse the Trumps of lying or cheating.
  • Other lawsuits claim breach of contract, meaning the agreements were not kept.
  • These issues suggest risks for anyone investing in Trump-related securities.
  • The financial losses affected many individual investors.
  • The article implies a pattern of earnings for the Trump family alongside investor losses.
  • Lawsuits highlight legal disputes over these financial activities.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
Tories deny purge as Lord Barwell hits back after losing party whip

Tories deny purge as Lord Barwell hits back after losing party whip

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Conservative Lord Gavin Barwell lost the party whip after criticizing Tory leader Kemi Badenoch's stance on centrist policies like net zero targets. The Conservative Party says Barwell was removed for conduct reasons, not because of political beliefs.

Key Facts

  • Lord Gavin Barwell, a former MP and chief of staff to Theresa May, lost the Conservative party whip.
  • Barwell criticized Kemi Badenoch for rejecting supporters of net zero climate targets and Europe-related human rights rules.
  • Badenoch wants to move the Conservative Party more to the right on policy.
  • Barwell learned about losing the whip from a news article, not directly from the party.
  • Conservative officials said Barwell’s removal was due to his conduct and lack of compliance with party rules, not just politics.
  • Barwell was asked to meet the Conservative chief whip in the House of Lords but did not do so.
  • He had made public statements against the opposition leader and his own party, which the party said undermined discipline.
  • Party members say debate is allowed, but actions that damage respect and order are not tolerated.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World
Can Tire Tracks Be Seen on Bottom of Lincoln Reflecting Pool?

Can Tire Tracks Be Seen on Bottom of Lincoln Reflecting Pool?

July 14, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool has been drained again for repairs after a recent renovation faced problems like peeling coating and algae growth. Photos show tracks on the pool's bottom, but it is unclear what caused them or if they relate to President Donald Trump's motorcade driving across the drained pool during an inspection.

Key Facts

  • The Reflecting Pool at the Lincoln Memorial was recently renovated and declared finished.
  • Issues like algae blooms and peeling blue coating appeared soon after reopening.
  • The pool was drained again to fix these problems.
  • Photos show parallel marks that look like tire tracks on the pool floor.
  • It is unknown when or how these marks were made or if they are connected to the repairs.
  • President Trump drove his motorcade across the drained pool during a site visit on May 7.
  • Trump claims vandals cut the pool's liner, causing damage that requires repair.
  • National Park Service officials have not confirmed the exact cause of the pool's damage.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
Dependence day: As of July 4, abortion businesses are getting your tax dollars again

Dependence day: As of July 4, abortion businesses are getting your tax dollars again

July 14, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

On July 4, abortion providers started receiving federal tax money again. This change is related to a political bill called reconciliation 3.0, which Republicans are being pressured to support.

Key Facts

  • Abortion businesses are now getting money from taxpayers starting July 4.
  • The change happened because of a new government action or law.
  • Republicans face political consequences if they do not pass the reconciliation 3.0 bill.
  • The reconciliation 3.0 bill is a political measure involving government spending or policies.
  • The situation indicates ongoing debates about abortion funding in U.S. politics.
Read the Original

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

The Hill
PPE failures left NHS staff poorly protected and wasted £10bn, Covid inquiry finds

PPE failures left NHS staff poorly protected and wasted £10bn, Covid inquiry finds

July 14, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A UK Covid inquiry found that the government spent nearly £15 billion on personal protective equipment (PPE) during the pandemic, but wasted almost £10 billion due to poor planning and shortages. The UK was unprepared, relying too much on China for supplies, which left healthcare workers at risk and damaged public trust.

Key Facts

  • The UK and devolved governments spent about £14.9 billion on PPE from January 2020 to June 2022.
  • Nearly two thirds of this money—around £10 billion—was wasted due to inadequate stock and procurement problems.
  • The UK started the pandemic with a PPE stockpile that was mostly unusable and ran out quickly as demand rose.
  • Care homes, GP surgeries, and pharmacies had to find their own PPE, causing major failures in planning.
  • A "VIP lane" system prioritized some suppliers for PPE contracts based on political connections, which hurt trust.
  • The inquiry found no clear evidence of corruption but said the VIP lane was unfair and should not be used again.
  • Including other medical supplies like ventilators, the total government spending exceeded £42 billion.
  • The report criticized the government for not testing emergency plans and making procurement more costly and slower.
Read the Original

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

BBC Top Stories BBC Business
People Told To Cook Food, Make Pies To Avoid 'Explosive' Diarrhea Outbreak

People Told To Cook Food, Make Pies To Avoid 'Explosive' Diarrhea Outbreak

July 14, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Michigan’s health department has warned about a rise in Cyclosporiasis, a parasitic infection that causes severe diarrhea. They recommend cooking certain foods like leafy greens and raspberries or thoroughly washing them to help prevent the illness, which has seen a big increase in cases this year.

Key Facts

  • Michigan reported 2,640 cases of Cyclosporiasis as of July 13, up from an average of 50 cases per year.
  • The parasite causes symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea, and fatigue.
  • The Michigan Department of Health advises cooking leafy greens, cilantro, basil, green onions, snow peas, and raspberries or washing them very well.
  • Raspberries are hard to clean because the parasite can hide in their bumpy surface; cooking into pies or jams is suggested.
  • Lettuce should be bought whole and outer leaves removed before washing the inner leaves.
  • The CDC has confirmed 843 cases nationally since May 1, with more than 1,500 additional cases awaiting confirmation.
  • Other states reporting cases include New York, Ohio, North Carolina, Illinois, and Texas.
  • Health experts recommend washing produce thoroughly and avoiding cross-contamination between raw and cooked foods.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
Fatal ICE shooting in Maine comes just days after similar incident in Texas – US politics live

Fatal ICE shooting in Maine comes just days after similar incident in Texas – US politics live

July 14, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

A US immigration officer shot and killed a Colombian man in Biddeford, Maine, marking the second fatal shooting by federal agents within a week. The incident occurred during an attempt to stop a vehicle linked to a deportation order, sparking protests and calls for investigations into Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) practices.

Key Facts

  • The shooting happened in Biddeford, Maine, a town with about 22,000 people.
  • The victim was identified as Joan Sebastian Guerrero, a 26-year-old Colombian who lived in Biddeford with his wife and daughter.
  • ICE officers tried to stop a vehicle connected to a person with a deportation order at around 7:20 a.m.
  • When the vehicle tried to flee, an ICE officer fired, striking the driver who later died from the injury.
  • This is the second fatal shooting involving ICE agents in less than a week, with a similar case in Texas.
  • Since January 2025, seven people have died during immigration enforcement operations under President Trump’s administration.
  • Demonstrators in Biddeford protested against ICE and criticized Senator Susan Collins for supporting the agency.
  • Senator Angus King called for state and local involvement in the FBI investigation and raised concerns about ICE agents not wearing body cameras.
Read the Original

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

Guardian US
Victims of Trump purge call supreme court ruling a ‘dagger in heart’ to civil service

Victims of Trump purge call supreme court ruling a ‘dagger in heart’ to civil service

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The U.S. Supreme Court recently ruled in a case allowing President Trump to remove members from independent federal agencies more easily. This decision reverses a 1935 rule that protected these officials from being fired without cause, raising concerns about increased political influence over federal agencies.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has fired over 50 officials from independent federal agencies since taking office in January 2025.
  • The case, Trump v. Slaughter, involved the removal of Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).
  • The Supreme Court ruled 6 to 3 to give the president more power to dismiss members of independent agencies.
  • The previous 1935 ruling, Humphrey’s Executor, limited the president’s ability to remove these officials.
  • Slaughter and former commissioner Alvaro Bedoya sued to challenge their firings, but the court allowed the removals during the case.
  • Critics say the ruling threatens the independence of federal agencies and could increase corruption and political influence in government.
  • Supporters of the ruling argue it gives the president necessary control over the executive branch.
  • The decision may impact protections for government employees and how agencies enforce laws affecting businesses.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US Guardian Business
‘Misuse’ of crowd control weapons on ICE protesters led to blindings and traumatic brain injuries, report finds

‘Misuse’ of crowd control weapons on ICE protesters led to blindings and traumatic brain injuries, report finds

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A new report by Physicians for Human Rights and the University of California, Berkeley documents 412 cases where law enforcement used crowd control weapons in ways that caused serious injuries during protests against immigration enforcement in the U.S. These protests often happened outside ICE detention centers, and the report shows many people suffered blindness, brain injuries, and other harm.

Key Facts

  • The report covers incidents from June 2025 to May 2026 involving crowd control weapons like teargas, rubber bullets, and pepper spray.
  • 412 verified cases of misuse of these weapons were recorded during anti-immigration protests.
  • 203 injuries were confirmed, including blindness, traumatic brain injuries, cuts, broken bones, and bruises.
  • The real number of injuries is likely higher because some effects, like chemical injury or hearing loss, are hard to confirm visually.
  • Protests have happened nationwide, with a notable event outside Delaney Hall detention center in Newark, New Jersey.
  • Local, state, and federal officers, including ICE agents, frequently used these weapons at protests.
  • The weapons used include chemical irritants (teargas, pepper spray), rubber bullets, stun grenades, water cannons, and improvised tools like riot shields and horses.
  • The Department of Homeland Security did not comment on the report before it was published.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is dead. How long will ICE be allowed to hide its face?

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo is dead. How long will ICE be allowed to hide its face?

July 14, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Lorenzo Salgado Araujo, a longtime U.S. resident, was fatally shot by ICE agents in Houston after they mistook him for someone else. The agents wore no body cameras and drove unmarked vehicles, raising concerns about government transparency and accountability.

Key Facts

  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was 52 years old, married, and father to three American-born sons.
  • He lived in the U.S. for 35 years and worked in construction, building homes and running a business.
  • Salgado Araujo had applied to work legally by submitting fingerprints more than a year before his death.
  • ICE agents in unmarked vehicles shot him after mistaking him for another person.
  • The agents were not wearing body cameras at the time.
  • The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) claimed Salgado Araujo rammed an ICE vehicle and tried to run over an agent in self-defense.
  • Witnesses dispute the official story, saying shots came through the passenger side of the van.
  • ICE’s acting director promised to equip all field officers with body cameras by the end of July after this incident.
Read the Original

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

Guardian US
Kicking Out the Boomers Won’t Fix Congress

Kicking Out the Boomers Won’t Fix Congress

July 14, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham, 71, died after a medical emergency while promoting a sanctions package related to Ukraine. His death and Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell’s recent absence due to health concerns have raised questions about the age and effectiveness of Congress, with many supporting term limits and age caps for lawmakers.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham died from a tear in his aorta at age 71 after visiting Kyiv to promote sanctions.
  • Graham was known as a key supporter of President Donald Trump’s policies on Ukraine.
  • Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, 84, is recovering from a fall and mild pneumonia and remains absent from the Senate.
  • Some politicians and the public argue that Congress is too old and not productive enough.
  • Senator Dave McCormick proposes term limits: two terms for senators and six terms for representatives.
  • A 2026 poll found 83% of Americans support congressional term limits, and 80% support age limits for candidates.
  • The average age of members of Congress has increased significantly since 1981.
  • Despite aging, recent data shows a slight decline in the median age of House and Senate members.
Read the Original

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

Newsweek
Government failing Farage over security, says Jenrick

Government failing Farage over security, says Jenrick

July 14, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Robert Jenrick, spokesperson for Reform UK, said the UK government reduced Nigel Farage’s taxpayer-funded security after he was elected to Parliament. Farage had declined a government security offer last year, and discussions with the Home Office are planned to review his protection following concerns about politician safety.

Key Facts

  • Nigel Farage’s government-funded security was cut by 75% after he became an MP.
  • Reform UK says Farage declined the reduced security offer as it did not meet his safety needs.
  • A meeting between Farage and the Home Office is scheduled to discuss his security arrangements.
  • The Home Office and other government departments manage security for high-profile political figures.
  • The issue of politician safety gained attention after the murders of MPs David Amess (2021) and Jo Cox (2016).
  • The government announced £31 million in May 2024 to improve MP security.
  • Former Justice Secretary Sir Robert Buckland has called for a closer look at the security of all MPs, not just senior ones.
  • Reform UK and its spokesman have expressed concern over inconsistencies and possible political bias in security decisions.
Read the Original

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

BBC Top Stories
Schumer slams Trump over Iran war

Schumer slams Trump over Iran war

July 14, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer criticized President Donald Trump's approach to the conflict with Iran. Schumer said Trump's actions repeat past errors and lack a clear plan.

Key Facts

  • Chuck Schumer is the Senate Democratic Leader.
  • He spoke out against President Trump's handling of the Iran war.
  • Schumer described Trump's strategy as a "recipe for utter disaster."
  • He believes Trump is repeating mistakes made in the past.
  • Schumer says there is no clear strategy from President Trump on this issue.
Read the Original

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

Al Jazeera
More than 125 million Americans under dangerous heat coast to coast

More than 125 million Americans under dangerous heat coast to coast

July 14, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Over 125 million people across the United States are experiencing dangerous heat from coast to coast. Many cities in the northern Plains, upper Midwest, and Northeast are seeing record-high temperatures and heat warnings through the week.

Key Facts

  • More than 125 million Americans are under heat alerts across the country.
  • Daily high temperature records were set or tied in places like Bismarck (105°F), International Falls (97°F), Hibbing (93°F), Rapid City (102°F), and Dickinson (103°F).
  • Extreme heat warnings are in place for areas including Minneapolis, Utah, and the upper peninsula of Michigan.
  • Heat indices — how hot it feels when humidity is included — are expected to reach 100 to 107 in parts of the Midwest and Northeast.
  • The Northeast will see a heat wave with three or more days above 90 degrees, lasting into Saturday.
  • Southern California is under heat alerts with temps reaching 110°F in some interior valleys.
  • Temperatures are forecast to be less extreme next week.
  • South-Central Texas faces a flood threat for the next three days due to heavy rain and river flooding.
Read the Original

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

ABC News
Wimbledon school crash driver's trial set for 2027

Wimbledon school crash driver's trial set for 2027

July 14, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

The driver, Claire Freemantle, will face trial in September 2027 for crashing into a school event in Wimbledon that killed two eight-year-old girls. She faces charges of causing death by dangerous driving and causing serious injuries to several others.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened on July 6, 2023, at The Study Preparatory School in south-west London.
  • Two girls, Nuria Sajjad and Selena Lau, both eight years old, died in the crash.
  • Claire Freemantle, 49, is charged with causing death by dangerous driving.
  • She also faces seven charges of causing serious injury.
  • Injured include parents and children, such as Nuria's mother and others present at the tea party.
  • Freemantle confirmed her identity at a court hearing but did not enter a plea.
  • The trial is scheduled for September 6, 2027.
  • The incident happened during an end-of-term tea party on the school lawn.
Read the Original

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

BBC Top Stories
Lindsey Graham autobiography sheds light on record on race

Lindsey Graham autobiography sheds light on record on race

July 14, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Lindsey Graham’s 2015 autobiography reveals his complex history with race issues in South Carolina. Throughout his political career, Graham has made statements denying systemic racism and faced criticism from Black leaders while also supporting some Black candidates.

Key Facts

  • Lindsey Graham grew up in a segregated town in South Carolina where racial tensions remained high.
  • His parents initially did not serve Black customers inside their cafe, only through a take-out window.
  • Graham took over Strom Thurmond’s Senate seat in 2003; Thurmond was known for his segregationist views.
  • Graham has denied systemic racism in the U.S., saying minorities just need to be conservative to succeed in South Carolina.
  • He cited Barack Obama’s election as proof systemic racism does not exist.
  • Graham supported Black South Carolina judge J Michelle Childs for the Supreme Court, rejecting claims it was affirmative action.
  • Congressman James Clyburn criticized Graham for calling Covid aid to Black farmers “reparations.”
  • After Graham’s recent death, Clyburn praised his long service and mutual respect despite political differences.
Read the Original

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

Guardian World Guardian US
Hunter Biden says ‘rule of law prevailed’ in defamation lawsuit netting him $1.7m

Hunter Biden says ‘rule of law prevailed’ in defamation lawsuit netting him $1.7m

July 14, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Hunter Biden won a defamation lawsuit against Patrick Byrne, former CEO of Overstock.com, and was awarded $1.7 million in punitive damages. A federal judge ruled that Byrne made false statements about Biden trying to bribe Iran’s government and found Byrne’s claims lacked evidence.

Key Facts

  • Hunter Biden sued Patrick Byrne in 2023 for defamation related to false bribery claims involving Iran.
  • Byrne claimed Biden offered Iran $800 million in exchange for favorable U.S. government actions during nuclear talks.
  • U.S. District Judge Stephen Wilson found Byrne’s statements were false and lacked proof.
  • Byrne did not attend the scheduled trial and dismissed his lead attorney, leading to a default judgment.
  • The court awarded Biden $1 in nominal damages and $1.7 million in punitive damages, plus $35,000 in sanctions against Byrne.
  • Hunter Biden expressed gratitude that “the rule of law prevailed” following the ruling.
  • Byrne is an ally of President Donald Trump and supported efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
  • Biden’s lawsuit and judgment occurred shortly after President Joe Biden pardoned Hunter Biden for previous federal charges.
Read the Original

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

Guardian US
With New York Times subpoenas, Trump is brazenly escalating his attacks on the press | Margaret Sullivan

With New York Times subpoenas, Trump is brazenly escalating his attacks on the press | Margaret Sullivan

July 14, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The Justice Department under President Donald Trump issued subpoenas to New York Times reporters, seeking testimony related to their reporting on a donated Boeing 747 intended as a new presidential plane. The subpoenas raised concerns about press freedom and source confidentiality, as journalists fear their ability to report freely could be harmed if they are forced to testify.

Key Facts

  • The Trump-controlled Justice Department delivered subpoenas to several New York Times reporters at their homes.
  • The subpoenas request testimony about Times reporting on a Boeing 747 jet donated by Qatar for President Trump’s use.
  • The Times reported security concerns that led the Secret Service to advise against using the new plane.
  • Sources who provided information to the Times did so anonymously, risking exposure if reporters are forced to testify.
  • The Times editor called the subpoenas an attempt to intimidate reporters and harm press freedom.
  • The administration launched a leak investigation after the story was published, despite requests to withhold it.
  • This legal action follows similar actions in earlier investigations involving reporters from other news outlets.
  • Press rights are protected under the First Amendment, meant to allow journalists to report on matters of public interest without fear of government retaliation.
Read the Original

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

Guardian US