The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

House rejects amendment banning transgender individuals from serving in military

House rejects amendment banning transgender individuals from serving in military

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives voted against adding a rule to a military spending bill that would have made President Trump’s order banning transgender people from military service into law. The vote was close, with some Republicans joining Democrats to block the amendment.

Key Facts

  • The House voted 212 to 217 against the amendment.
  • The amendment aimed to make President Trump's executive order on transgender military service permanent law.
  • Rep. Lauren Boebert from Colorado sponsored the amendment.
  • Four Republican members voted with Democrats to oppose the amendment.
  • The amendment was part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
  • The rejection means the current ban under the executive order will not be codified into law by Congress at this time.
Read the Original

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

5th person dies in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City

5th person dies in Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City

Summary

New York City health officials reported a fifth death in a Legionnaires’ disease outbreak linked to cooling towers in the Upper East Side. The bacteria causing the illness was found in multiple cooling towers in the area, and the city is actively cleaning them to prevent further infections.

Key Facts

  • Five people have died in the Legionnaires’ disease outbreak in New York City.
  • Over 60 people have been sickened, with eight still hospitalized and 56 discharged.
  • The bacteria was found in 34 cooling towers across 33 buildings, which are being cleaned.
  • The cause of the bacteria spreading has not been definitively identified yet.
  • Legionnaires’ disease is a type of pneumonia caused by Legionella bacteria found in warm water.
  • People catch the disease by breathing in contaminated water droplets; it does not spread person-to-person.
  • The city increased inspections and hired more staff to monitor and clean cooling towers after a previous outbreak.
  • Despite stronger regulations and more testing, the bacteria still appeared in several buildings, including schools and museums.
Read the Original

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

US targets China in move to ban military-grade drone imports

US targets China in move to ban military-grade drone imports

Summary

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) announced new rules to ban imports of advanced military-grade drones from China, over concerns about national security. The rules will stop drones with special features like swarming and thermal imaging from entering the US, while allowing some exemptions to avoid supply problems.

Key Facts

  • The FCC plans to ban military-grade drones imported mainly from China.
  • The ban targets drones with swarming abilities and high-resolution infrared thermal sensors.
  • Exemptions for drone parts made outside China have been extended until January 2028.
  • The ban focuses on Chinese drone makers such as DJI and Autel Robotics.
  • This action follows President Trump’s recent accusations of Chinese interference in the 2020 US elections.
  • The FCC says the ban is needed to protect the drone supply chain and prevent foreign access to sensitive US data.
  • Previously, in 2022, the FCC banned Chinese telecom and surveillance gear from companies like Huawei and ZTE over security risks.
  • The new rules show a strong US government effort to limit foreign tech that may threaten national security.
Read the Original

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

House moves to punt government funding fight past midterms

House moves to punt government funding fight past midterms

Summary

The House of Representatives approved a short-term government funding extension until December 4 to avoid a funding fight during the November midterm elections. The bill now moves to the Senate for approval, aiming to prevent a government shutdown before the end of the fiscal year on September 30.

Key Facts

  • The House passed a continuing resolution (CR) with a vote of 220 to 205.
  • The CR extends current government funding levels without adding new conditions.
  • The House plans to leave for a five-week recess shortly after passing the CR.
  • The Senate is expected to consider the bill before its August recess.
  • Government funding expires on September 30, risking a shutdown if no deal is reached.
  • The CR does not include a provision to block funding for Border Patrol, which some Democrats oppose.
  • House Republicans say the CR avoids shutdown risks and keeps the process simple.
  • Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned the possibility of using the House’s budget resolution to fund the government through November via a reconciliation process.
Read the Original

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

Voters head to the polls for primary races in Arizona

Voters head to the polls for primary races in Arizona

Summary

Voters in Arizona went to the polls on Tuesday to participate in primary elections. These races will help decide who will represent their parties in the general election later this year.

Key Facts

  • The election took place in Arizona on Tuesday.
  • Voters were selecting candidates for various primary races.
  • Primary elections determine party nominees for the general election.
  • The results will influence the November elections in Arizona.
  • CBS News covered the voting process and results.
Read the Original

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

US says more than 1,400 infected by parasitic Cyclospora illness outbreak

US says more than 1,400 infected by parasitic Cyclospora illness outbreak

Summary

More than 4,100 people in the U.S. have been infected with a stomach illness caused by the Cyclospora parasite. The CDC reports 308 hospitalizations across 41 states, with no deaths, and linked many cases to contaminated lettuce from a U.S. company that imports from Mexico.

Key Facts

  • Over 4,100 Cyclospora infection cases have been reported in the U.S. so far.
  • 308 people have been hospitalized due to the illness in 41 states.
  • No deaths have been reported from this outbreak.
  • Symptoms appear about a week after exposure and include frequent diarrhea lasting weeks.
  • The CDC is reviewing 7,400 more suspected cases, and the total number may grow.
  • Many infections have been linked to contaminated lettuce, particularly iceberg lettuce from a U.S. company called Taylor Farms.
  • Taylor Farms recalled Mexican-grown lettuce on July 17 after investigations.
  • Mexican health officials say there is no proof the outbreak started in the Mexican state of Guanajuato, despite U.S. agency investigations.
  • The U.S. Food and Drug Administration gave conflicting reports about testing positive for the parasite but continues to investigate Taylor Farms' Mexican supply chain as a likely source.
Read the Original

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

Severe labor shortage could emerge in the U.S. over the next 10-15 years, population scientist says

Severe labor shortage could emerge in the U.S. over the next 10-15 years, population scientist says

Summary

A population scientist warns that the United States may have a big shortage of workers in the next 10 to 15 years. This shortage could affect many industries as fewer people will be available to work.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. is expected to face a serious labor shortage within 10 to 15 years.
  • The warning comes from a leading expert in population studies.
  • A labor shortage means there will not be enough workers to fill jobs.
  • This could affect many different types of jobs and industries across the country.
  • The shortage is linked to changes in population growth and demographics.
  • The report was discussed on CBS News by reporter Megan Cerullo.
Read the Original

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

Hearing begins for singer D4vd in killing, dismemberment of 14-year-old girl

Hearing begins for singer D4vd in killing, dismemberment of 14-year-old girl

Summary

A hearing started in Los Angeles for the singer known as D4vd. He faces murder and other serious charges related to the death and dismemberment of a 14-year-old girl.

Key Facts

  • The hearing began on a Tuesday in Los Angeles.
  • The singer is known by the stage name D4vd.
  • He is charged with murder and additional felony crimes.
  • The victim was a 14-year-old girl.
  • The case involves death and dismemberment of the victim.
  • The hearing is expected to last several days.
Read the Original

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

Trump announces 100% tariffs on imported generic pharmaceutical drugs

Trump announces 100% tariffs on imported generic pharmaceutical drugs

Summary

President Donald Trump announced a plan to impose tariffs on imported generic pharmaceutical drugs starting in August 2028. The tariffs will gradually increase from 0% to 100% and then to 200% to encourage more drug production within the United States.

Key Facts

  • From August 1, 2026, imported generic drugs will have a 0% tariff for two years.
  • After two years, the tariff will rise to 100% for one year and then increase to 200% afterward.
  • The goal is to bring generic drug manufacturing back to the US.
  • President Trump wants companies to build factories and equipment in the US or face tariffs.
  • This tariff applies only to generic drugs, not patented, branded, or new drugs.
  • More than 90% of medicines sold in the US are generic drugs, according to the FDA.
  • Last year, major drug companies made deals to avoid tariffs on some branded drugs.
  • In April, Trump signed an order for 100% tariffs on branded drugs unless companies agree to price controls or domestic production.
Read the Original

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

House adopts Biggs’ amendment to slash defense budget if Pentagon fails audit

House adopts Biggs’ amendment to slash defense budget if Pentagon fails audit

Summary

The U.S. House of Representatives approved an amendment from Rep. Andy Biggs that would reduce the defense budget by 0.5% if the Pentagon fails an audit. This measure is part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).

Key Facts

  • The amendment was introduced by Rep. Andy Biggs from Arizona.
  • It was approved by a voice vote in the House.
  • The amendment is included in the yearly National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
  • If any part of the Pentagon does not pass an audit, the defense budget will be cut by 0.5%.
  • The Pentagon audit is meant to check the department’s financial management and performance.
  • The purpose is to encourage better financial accountability in the defense department.
  • The amendment creates a financial penalty tied to the Pentagon’s audit results.
Read the Original

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

Takeaways from Hegseth's Senate hearing over Iran war funding

Takeaways from Hegseth's Senate hearing over Iran war funding

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine spoke to a Senate panel asking for $67 billion more to support the U.S. military efforts against Iran. The hearing focused on the need for extra funding to continue the war with Iran.

Key Facts

  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate.
  • Chairman of the Joint Chiefs Dan Caine also testified at the hearing.
  • They requested an additional $67 billion for military operations.
  • The funding is intended to support the war against Iran.
  • The hearing took place on a Tuesday before a Senate panel.
  • CBS News reported on the event through correspondent Caitlin Huey-Burns.
Read the Original

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

Appeals court reverses decision that released pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

Appeals court reverses decision that released pro-Palestinian Columbia activist Mohsen Mahdawi

Summary

A federal appeals court reversed an order that had allowed Mohsen Mahdawi, a pro-Palestinian student activist, to be released from detention. This decision may lead to his re-arrest as the government continues efforts to deport him for his activism and criticism of Israel.

Key Facts

  • The second US circuit court of appeals in New York overturned a lower court’s release order for Mohsen Mahdawi.
  • Mahdawi is a student activist who was arrested during a citizenship interview in 2025.
  • The government, under President Trump’s administration, is working to deport Mahdawi for his protests and criticism of Israel.
  • The appeals court said the lower judge acted beyond authority by interfering before immigration courts handled the case fully.
  • The court has not decided whether Mahdawi was unfairly targeted; he must use the immigration courts first.
  • Mahdawi was born in a refugee camp in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and became a legal US resident in 2015.
  • The American Civil Liberties Union represents Mahdawi and says he cannot be deported while appeals continue.
  • A separate court ruling is expected soon for another student detained under similar circumstances.
Read the Original

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

Ossoff spars with Hegseth over claims of ‘overwhelming victory’ in Iran

Ossoff spars with Hegseth over claims of ‘overwhelming victory’ in Iran

Summary

Senator Jon Ossoff debated with Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about claims that the U.S. military won a major victory in Iran. Ossoff questioned Hegseth's statement that Operation Epic Fury made Iran’s military unable to fight for years.

Key Facts

  • Sen. Jon Ossoff is a Democratic senator from Georgia.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth claimed the U.S. had an “overwhelming victory” in Operation Epic Fury.
  • Hegseth said Iran’s military would be “combat ineffective for years.”
  • Ossoff challenged these claims during a discussion on Tuesday.
  • The debate focused on the accuracy of the U.S. military’s success in Iran.
  • Operation Epic Fury refers to a U.S. military action involving Iran.
  • The disagreement highlights differing views on the outcome of U.S. operations in Iran.
Read the Original

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

Identity of 17th U.S. soldier killed in Iran war revealed, set to be buried with honors

Identity of 17th U.S. soldier killed in Iran war revealed, set to be buried with honors

Summary

The U.S. Army identified Sergeant Michael Swinton, age 30, as the soldier who died in Iraq during a controlled explosion of an Iranian drone. He will be buried with honors.

Key Facts

  • Sergeant Michael Swinton was 30 years old.
  • He died in Iraq.
  • His death was caused by a controlled explosion of an Iranian drone.
  • The identification of the soldier was announced on Tuesday.
  • He will receive a burial with honors.
Read the Original

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

Speaker Johnson supports expanding ban on lawmaker relationships with subordinates

Speaker Johnson supports expanding ban on lawmaker relationships with subordinates

Summary

House Speaker Mike Johnson supports a new rule to ban members of Congress from having sexual relationships with any staff who work on Capitol Hill. Currently, lawmakers cannot have romantic relations with employees they directly supervise, but there is no rule banning relationships with staff in other offices.

Key Facts

  • Speaker Johnson wants to expand the ban on lawmakers having sexual relationships with any Hill staffers.
  • The current House rule only forbids relationships with employees under a lawmaker’s direct supervision.
  • The rule does not cover staff who work in different offices or parts of Congress.
  • Republican Conference Chair Lisa McClain also supports banning these relationships due to power imbalances.
  • The Senate Ethics Committee recently cleared Rep. Ruben Gallego of sexual misconduct allegations.
  • Several lawmakers from both parties have faced sexual misconduct accusations over the years.
  • Some recent resignations, like those of Eric Swalwell and Tony Gonzales, involved misconduct allegations.
  • Rep. Kat Cammack is pushing for stronger rules and accountability on sexual misconduct in Congress.
Read the Original

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

Mamdani says New York City does not have legal authority to arrest Netanyahu

Mamdani says New York City does not have legal authority to arrest Netanyahu

Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani said he cannot legally arrest Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu if he visits the city, but he asked the US federal government to do so. Mamdani called Netanyahu a war criminal and supports the international court’s arrest warrant, but the US does not recognize that court’s authority.

Key Facts

  • Mayor Zohran Mamdani said New York City lacks legal power to arrest Netanyahu.
  • Mamdani urged the US federal government to act on the international criminal court’s warrant for Netanyahu.
  • Netanyahu is accused of war crimes related to actions against Palestinians.
  • The international criminal court issued an arrest warrant for Netanyahu in 2024.
  • The US government does not recognize the international criminal court’s authority.
  • Netanyahu is expected to visit New York in September for the United Nations general assembly.
  • President Donald Trump said Netanyahu will not be arrested in the US.
  • Netanyahu stated he is not worried about Mamdani’s comments.
Read the Original

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

'Burnham's power play' and Widdecombe 'hit 21 times with a hammer'

'Burnham's power play' and Widdecombe 'hit 21 times with a hammer'

Summary

Ann Widdecombe was killed after being hit 21 times with a hammer in a planned attack at her home. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first cabinet meeting, focusing on policies to cut living costs, including energy bills and bus fares.

Key Facts

  • Ann Widdecombe died after being struck 21 times with a hammer during a violent, targeted attack.
  • The suspect, Joshua Kerry, 28, appeared in court charged with her murder.
  • The attack happened quickly, lasting about two minutes while Widdecombe was eating lunch.
  • Prime Minister Andy Burnham held his first cabinet meeting to discuss cutting the cost of living.
  • Burnham announced a £340 million investment to end rough sleeping and an £850 million plan to reduce energy bills.
  • Plans include lowering the national bus fare cap from £3 to £2.
  • The government is considering various ways to support citizens with living expenses, but how to pay for these plans is unclear.
  • The U.S. is reportedly unhappy about Ed Miliband becoming the UK's new Foreign Secretary, due to past criticisms of President Trump.
Read the Original

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

RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis is "under control," denies that cutbacks have hurt food safety

RFK Jr. says cyclosporiasis is "under control," denies that cutbacks have hurt food safety

Summary

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. said the current outbreak of cyclosporiasis, an intestinal illness caused by a parasite, is under control. He also stated that reductions in food safety monitoring have not negatively affected the safety of the U.S. food supply.

Key Facts

  • Cyclosporiasis is caused by a parasite and leads to intestinal illness.
  • There is a recent outbreak of cyclosporiasis in the United States.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. addressed the outbreak publicly for the first time on Tuesday.
  • He said the outbreak is currently under control.
  • Kennedy Jr. denied that cutbacks in food safety monitoring have made food less safe.
  • Food safety monitoring refers to checking food for contamination that could make people sick.
  • This public statement was reported by CBS News.
Read the Original

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

Canada cancels joint bridge-opening celebration with US amid trade tensions

Canada cancels joint bridge-opening celebration with US amid trade tensions

Summary

The United States and Canada canceled a joint ceremony to open the Gordie Howe International Bridge due to new U.S. tariffs on Canadian goods announced by President Donald Trump. The tariffs have increased trade tensions between the two countries, and Canada plans to hold its own ceremony separately.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump announced a 50% tariff on most Canadian goods, citing unfair treatment of U.S. products.
  • The joint U.S.-Canada bridge opening ceremony was canceled because of these trade tensions.
  • The Gordie Howe International Bridge connects Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, and is about 1.5 miles long.
  • Canada financed the bridge construction and plans to recover costs through tolls.
  • The bridge project began in 2018 and cost around $4.4 billion.
  • The bridge was named after Gordie Howe, a famous Canadian hockey player who played in Detroit.
  • Canada intends to hold its own opening event on July 24, while the U.S. may or may not hold a separate event.
  • Canadian leaders urge free and fair trade and are ready to negotiate with the U.S., while some Canadian officials warn of retaliatory tariffs.
Read the Original

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

U.S. measles cases surpass last year's total: Tracker

U.S. measles cases surpass last year's total: Tracker

Summary

Measles cases in the U.S. have risen this year to 2,295, surpassing last year's total and reaching the highest number in 35 years. Most cases are among unvaccinated people, raising concerns about the country’s ability to keep measles eliminated.

Key Facts

  • The current measles case count is 2,295, the highest since 1991.
  • Measles elimination status in the U.S. will be reviewed in November.
  • The majority of measles cases occur in unvaccinated individuals.
  • Vaccination rates need to stay above 95% to maintain herd immunity, which protects the community.
  • States with the most cases include South Carolina, Utah, Texas, Florida, and Arizona.
  • The CDC reported 2,260 confirmed cases as of July 16, with 34 new outbreaks this year.
  • Measles symptoms include cough, fever, eye irritation, and rash, with possible serious complications.
  • Some top U.S. health positions remain unfilled amid the outbreak, and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. now supports MMR vaccination as the best prevention.
Read the Original

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