The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Court expected to hear key recorded statement at Charlie Kirk murder hearing

Court expected to hear key recorded statement at Charlie Kirk murder hearing

Summary

Tyler Robinson is facing a preliminary court hearing in Utah for the alleged murder of Charlie Kirk. The court is expected to listen to a recorded statement that may be important in the case.

Key Facts

  • Tyler Robinson is accused of killing Charlie Kirk.
  • The hearing is taking place in Utah.
  • It is a preliminary hearing, which means the court is deciding if there is enough evidence to proceed to trial.
  • A recorded statement related to the case will be played in court.
  • The statement is considered a key piece of evidence in the hearing.
  • CBS News reporter Katrina Kaufman is covering the story.
Read the Original

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

New footage shown at Kirk hearing shows man on rooftop near shooting scene

New footage shown at Kirk hearing shows man on rooftop near shooting scene

Summary

New video shown in court appears to show Tyler Robinson on a rooftop near the place where Charlie Kirk was fatally shot at Utah Valley University. Robinson faces charges including aggravated murder, and the court is deciding if there is enough evidence for a trial.

Key Facts

  • Tyler Robinson, 23, is accused of killing Charlie Kirk on 10 September 2025.
  • Kirk was shot while speaking at an event on a university campus in Utah.
  • Surveillance footage shows a man believed to be Robinson on a rooftop near the shooting scene.
  • The video shows the suspect changing clothes and moving with a limp before the shooting.
  • Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty against Robinson.
  • Robinson’s defense has challenged much of the video evidence and wants the death penalty removed.
  • The judge is currently hearing evidence to decide if the case should go to trial.
  • Kirk’s widow was present in court and met the accused for the first time during the hearing.
Read the Original

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

Sen. Bernie Sanders says he told Graham Platner to end his campaign after sexual assault allegation

Sen. Bernie Sanders says he told Graham Platner to end his campaign after sexual assault allegation

Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders said he told Graham Platner to end his campaign for the U.S. Senate in Maine after a woman accused Platner of sexual assault. Sanders made this statement during a CBS News report.

Key Facts

  • Senator Bernie Sanders spoke about Graham Platner’s campaign.
  • Sanders urged Platner to drop out of the Senate race in Maine.
  • The reason was a sexual assault allegation made against Platner by a woman.
  • The details were shared during a CBS News interview.
  • Graham Platner was running for the U.S. Senate seat representing Maine.
  • Sanders’ involvement came after the allegation became public.
  • No further details about the allegation or investigation were mentioned in the report.
Read the Original

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

Cooper says campaign finance ruling will affect his race more than others

Cooper says campaign finance ruling will affect his race more than others

Summary

Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said the Supreme Court’s recent campaign finance ruling could affect his Senate race more than other elections. He is running against Michael Whatley, a former Republican National Committee Chair, and expressed concern about the impact of the ruling on the race.

Key Facts

  • Roy Cooper is a former governor of North Carolina and a Democrat.
  • He is running for the U.S. Senate against Michael Whatley, a Republican.
  • The Supreme Court made a recent decision related to campaign finance rules.
  • Cooper believes this ruling could have a bigger effect on his race compared to others.
  • Cooper criticized the Supreme Court’s ruling as very harmful to campaign finance regulations.
  • The article does not provide specific details of the ruling or how it affects the campaigns.
  • Michael Whatley is the former chair of the Republican National Committee in North Carolina.
Read the Original

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

Former Bucknell University football coach charged in hazing death of player

Former Bucknell University football coach charged in hazing death of player

Summary

A former Bucknell University football coach, Mark Kulbis, has been charged with felony aggravated hazing and other crimes after a player, Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., died during practice. Dickey, who had a medical condition called Sickle Cell trait, was forced to do extreme physical drills despite warnings, which led to his collapse and death.

Key Facts

  • Mark Kulbis was the strength and conditioning coach at Bucknell University.
  • Kulbis is charged with felony aggravated hazing and involuntary manslaughter.
  • Player Calvin "CJ" Dickey Jr., aged 18, collapsed during practice and died two days later.
  • Dickey had Sickle Cell trait, a blood disorder making strenuous exercise risky.
  • Kulbis made Dickey and others do 100 "up-downs" and plank drills in extreme heat.
  • The death was ruled caused by physical exertion combined with Sickle Cell trait and muscle breakdown.
  • Prosecutors say Kulbis ignored warnings about Dickey's condition and NCAA anti-hazing rules.
  • Dickey’s family filed a wrongful death lawsuit against Bucknell and coaches, saying the death was avoidable.
Read the Original

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

More Democrats are abandoning America and her values

More Democrats are abandoning America and her values

Summary

In 2001, most Republicans and Democrats said they were proud to be American. Today, fewer Democrats feel this way, showing a change in how people in that party view their country.

Key Facts

  • In January 2001, 92% of Republicans said they were proud to be American.
  • In the same year, 87% of Democrats said they were proud to be American.
  • At that time, both parties showed strong feelings of national pride.
  • The article suggests that over time, Democrats have become less likely to say they are proud of America.
  • This change points to shifts in attitudes within the Democratic Party regarding the country and its values.
Read the Original

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

State lawmakers to explore banning foreign nationals from using Texas surrogates

State lawmakers to explore banning foreign nationals from using Texas surrogates

Summary

Texas lawmakers are considering a ban on foreign nationals using Texas surrogates to have children. This topic is part of a wider discussion on immigration and birthright citizenship, with the Texas Senate health committee set to hear testimony soon.

Key Facts

  • The Texas Senate health committee will discuss a possible ban on foreign nationals contracting with Texas surrogates.
  • Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick set this issue as a priority before the upcoming legislative session.
  • The Texas GOP recently approved a platform plank banning commercial surrogacy for foreign nationals.
  • Surrogacy involves a woman carrying a child for another party, usually through in vitro fertilization (IVF).
  • Surrogacy contracts are private, so exact numbers of foreign surrogacy cases in Texas are unknown.
  • Some worry this ban could lead to wider restrictions or a full ban on surrogacy in Texas.
  • The Texas GOP also supports banning public funding for IVF, which limits surrogacy options.
  • Other states like Florida have passed similar laws focusing on surrogacy cases involving certain foreign nationals.
  • There have been reports of Chinese nationals using American surrogates, raising national security concerns.
Read the Original

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

Democrats’ Project 2029 Takes Shape With Online Safety and Junk Fees

Democrats’ Project 2029 Takes Shape With Online Safety and Junk Fees

Summary

A group of Democrats has started Project 2029 to plan policies for when the party might retake the White House in 2028. Their agenda focuses on issues like online child safety, reducing annoying fees, and regulating tech companies, aiming to offer a clear alternative to current policies under President Donald Trump’s administration.

Key Facts

  • Project 2029 is a Democratic initiative preparing policies for a possible post-Trump White House in 2029.
  • The group aims to present actionable reforms from day one after taking office.
  • They see their plan as a response to Project 2025, a conservative agenda linked to President Trump’s 2024 win.
  • Project 2029’s policies include online child safety rules, such as limits on social media use for under-16s and banning phones during school hours.
  • The group wants stricter limits on collecting children’s data and rules against AI companies using personal data without permission.
  • They call for changes to Section 230 laws to hold tech firms accountable for AI content, paid ads, and illegal activities on their platforms.
  • New rules for AI chatbots are proposed to protect users’ privacy better.
  • A second policy targets reducing “annoyance economy” costs, such as fees and delays, in industries like health insurance and airlines.
Read the Original

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

Sen. Dick Durbin reacts to Trump's plan to lift Turkey sanctions

Sen. Dick Durbin reacts to Trump's plan to lift Turkey sanctions

Summary

Senator Dick Durbin spoke about President Trump’s plan to remove U.S. sanctions on Turkey. The discussion happened after President Trump announced this decision at a NATO meeting.

Key Facts

  • President Trump announced he will lift U.S. sanctions on Turkey.
  • The announcement was made during a NATO summit.
  • Senator Dick Durbin from Illinois discussed this plan on CBS News.
  • The sanctions are related to actions Turkey took that previously led the U.S. to impose restrictions.
  • The news was covered by CBS News 24/7 and is available on the CBS News app.
Read the Original

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

Sen. Bernie Sanders says he encouraged Graham Platner to step aside

Sen. Bernie Sanders says he encouraged Graham Platner to step aside

Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders spoke with Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner and suggested that Platner leave the race following a report accusing Platner of sexual assault, which Platner denied. Several Democrats have withdrawn their support for Platner, and major Senate Democratic groups are pulling funds from his campaign, limiting his chances in the upcoming election.

Key Facts

  • Bernie Sanders recommended Graham Platner step down from the Senate race after a sexual assault allegation.
  • The allegation involves a Maine woman claiming Platner entered her home without permission in 2021 and forced himself on her.
  • Platner denies the allegation and calls it "categorically false."
  • Multiple Democrats have withdrawn endorsements or urged Platner to quit the race.
  • The Senate Democrats' campaign arm and Senate Majority PAC are pulling financial support from Platner's campaign.
  • Platner won the Democratic primary to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins.
  • Maine law allows candidates to be replaced after withdrawal by mid-July, with parties having two weeks to name a new candidate.
  • Sanders’ opinion is important because he had been a key supporter of Platner.
Read the Original

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

Graham Platner Rape Allegation Leaves Progressives Holding the Bag

Graham Platner Rape Allegation Leaves Progressives Holding the Bag

Summary

Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate in Maine, was accused of sexual assault by a woman who said he forced her to have sex in 2021. After the allegation, many Democratic leaders withdrew their support, and Senator Bernie Sanders advised Platner to drop out of the race. Platner denied the accusation, but the controversy has severely damaged his campaign.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate aiming to challenge Republican Susan Collins in Maine.
  • A woman named Jenny Racicot accused Platner of sexual assault occurring in 2021.
  • Platner denied the allegations, calling them false and serious.
  • Prominent Democrats, including Ro Khanna, Elizabeth Warren, and Ruben Gallego, withdrew their endorsements after the allegation.
  • Senate leaders Chuck Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand said Democrats will not fund Platner’s campaign unless he leaves the race.
  • Senator Bernie Sanders, who originally supported Platner, recommended he step aside after hearing about the allegations.
  • Platner faced earlier controversies, including offensive online posts, a tattoo linked to Nazi symbols, and previous allegations of troubling behavior from former girlfriends.
  • Despite past issues, Platner had continued to receive support from progressives until this latest serious accusation.
Read the Original

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

Mamdani says NYC building at risk of collapse has buckled columns, cracks and sagging floors

Mamdani says NYC building at risk of collapse has buckled columns, cracks and sagging floors

Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani reported that a building in the city is at risk of collapsing due to damaged support columns, cracks, and sagging floors. Firefighters responded to the construction site, and nearby buildings have been evacuated as a safety precaution.

Key Facts

  • A building in New York City shows signs of serious structural damage.
  • The damage includes bent support columns, visible cracks, and floors that are sagging.
  • Firefighters went to the construction site to check the situation.
  • Several buildings close to the damaged building have been evacuated.
  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave updates on the condition and safety measures.
  • Authorities are closely monitoring the site to prevent any accidents.
  • The evacuation is a precaution to protect people in the area.
Read the Original

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

Pratt knocks ‘vile, commie’ Mamdani

Pratt knocks ‘vile, commie’ Mamdani

Summary

Spencer Pratt, a former reality TV star, criticized New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani for a speech he gave before the 250th anniversary of the United States. Pratt called Mamdani a “vile, commie” in a video he shared on social media.

Key Facts

  • Spencer Pratt is a former reality TV star and ran for mayor of Los Angeles earlier in 2024.
  • Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City and a member of the Democratic Party.
  • Pratt made his remarks on social media on the day before the 250th anniversary of the U.S. founding.
  • Pratt described Mayor Mamdani using the phrase “vile, commie.”
  • The controversy arose in the context of Pratt’s video response to Mamdani’s speech.
  • The article focuses on a political disagreement involving a public figure and a city mayor.
Read the Original

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

NYC high-rise ‘unstable’ after columns buckle, bricks fall, officials say

NYC high-rise ‘unstable’ after columns buckle, bricks fall, officials say

Summary

A building under construction in Midtown New York City became unstable after two support columns bent and five floors collapsed. The New York City Fire Department responded with a large emergency operation on Tuesday morning.

Key Facts

  • The incident happened in Midtown, New York City.
  • Two structural columns in the building bent or buckled.
  • Five floors of the building gave way and collapsed.
  • The building was still under construction at the time.
  • The New York City Fire Department launched a major emergency response.
  • The event occurred on Tuesday morning.
Read the Original

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

Bernie Sanders Breaks Silence on Graham Platner Rape Allegation

Bernie Sanders Breaks Silence on Graham Platner Rape Allegation

Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders asked Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner to leave the race after new sexual assault allegations surfaced. Platner denies the claims, while some Democrats have withdrawn their support, which may affect efforts to gain a Senate majority.

Key Facts

  • Bernie Sanders recommended Graham Platner step aside following serious sexual assault allegations.
  • Platner is a progressive Democrat running against Republican Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate race.
  • A woman named Jenny Racicot accused Platner of forcing sex on her in 2021 while she objected.
  • Platner denies the allegation and calls it false.
  • Other Democrats, including Rep. Ro Khanna, have withdrawn endorsements of Platner after the allegations.
  • The controversy could hurt Democrats’ chances of winning this key Senate seat in 2026.
  • Maine was seen as an opportunity to defeat Susan Collins, who is popular but vulnerable in a strong anti-Trump environment.
  • Sanders had previously supported Platner and campaigned with him despite past controversies.
Read the Original

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

Federal laws need massive rewrites to match medical cannabis rescheduling

Federal laws need massive rewrites to match medical cannabis rescheduling

Summary

Federal laws on medical cannabis need major changes to align with new rules about the drug's classification. Without clear guidance, patients may face problems and rely on court decisions to protect their rights.

Key Facts

  • Medical cannabis laws at the federal level are outdated.
  • Changes are needed to match the updated drug classification.
  • Lack of clear rules causes difficulties for medical cannabis patients.
  • Courts may have to intervene when patients face legal issues.
  • Coordinated guidance from the government is necessary to prevent ongoing problems.
  • Patients currently face inconsistencies in access and legal protections.
  • The article stresses the importance of updating federal laws to reflect new cannabis policies.
Read the Original

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

Video shows terrifying moment store roof crashed down as storm drenched New Jersey

Video shows terrifying moment store roof crashed down as storm drenched New Jersey

Summary

A strong storm hit New Jersey, causing heavy rain, strong wind, and flooding. A store roof at BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township collapsed, but no one inside was hurt.

Key Facts

  • A severe storm brought heavy rain and strong winds to New Jersey.
  • The storm caused flooding and knocked down trees in the area.
  • The roof at a BJ's Wholesale Club in Ocean Township, New Jersey, collapsed during the storm.
  • No injuries were reported inside the store when the roof fell.
  • News reporters Meg Oliver and Rob Marciano covered the event.
Read the Original

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

Congressional committee on China asks Wizards and Capitals owner to cut ties with Alibaba

Congressional committee on China asks Wizards and Capitals owner to cut ties with Alibaba

Summary

A U.S. House committee asked Ted Leonsis, owner of the Washington Wizards and Capitals, to end business ties with Alibaba. This request follows the Pentagon labeling Alibaba as a “Chinese military company,” a decision Alibaba is legally challenging.

Key Facts

  • Ted Leonsis owns Monumental Sports & Entertainment, which includes the NBA team Wizards and NHL team Capitals.
  • Rep. John Moolenaar, chair of the House Select Committee on China, sent Leonsis a letter asking to confirm that Alibaba ties are cut.
  • The Pentagon designated Alibaba as a Chinese military company because it may support China’s military through business activities.
  • Alibaba sued to be removed from the Pentagon’s list of companies linked to the Chinese military.
  • The Committee set a July 15 deadline for ending these business links.
  • Joseph Tsai, co-founder of Alibaba, owns the Brooklyn Nets and New York Liberty teams, showing other sports ties to Alibaba.
  • The Committee has previously questioned Alibaba’s involvement with the Olympics and raised concerns over performance-enhancing drug cases involving Chinese athletes.
  • LA Olympic organizers chose Google, a competitor to Alibaba, as an official sponsor for 2028.
Read the Original

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

Justices Kagan, Barrett to testify before Congress on Supreme Court budget

Justices Kagan, Barrett to testify before Congress on Supreme Court budget

Summary

Two Supreme Court justices, Elena Kagan and Amy Coney Barrett, will testify before Congress about the Supreme Court's budget. They will appear at separate hearings held by the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government on July 14.

Key Facts

  • Justices Kagan and Barrett are scheduled to testify before Congress.
  • The topic is the Supreme Court's annual budget request.
  • Hearings will be held on Capitol Hill.
  • The House Appropriations Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Government is leading the hearings.
  • The hearings will take place on July 14.
  • Tom Cole, a Republican from Oklahoma, chairs the subcommittee.
  • Each justice will testify in separate hearings.
Read the Original

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

Sen. Bernie Sanders says Graham Platner should drop out of the race after sexual assault allegation

Sen. Bernie Sanders says Graham Platner should drop out of the race after sexual assault allegation

Summary

Senator Bernie Sanders has urged Maine Democratic Senate nominee Graham Platner to drop out of the race after a sexual assault allegation. Platner denies the claim but has paused campaign events and is thinking about what to do next.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is the Democratic nominee for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
  • A sexual assault allegation has been made against Platner.
  • Many Democrats have withdrawn their support for Platner.
  • Senator Bernie Sanders spoke to Platner and recommended he step aside.
  • Platner denies the sexual assault allegation.
  • Platner canceled upcoming town hall events.
  • Party leaders are unsure how to proceed in the Senate race against Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Read the Original

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