The Actual News

Neutral summaries of your favorite news sources — just the facts.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

The Supreme Court's favorite branch of government is itself

The Supreme Court's favorite branch of government is itself

Summary

The Supreme Court recently made several decisions that reduced Congress’s power and increased control by the president and the court itself. These rulings affected laws about voting, government spending, and agency independence, often favoring a theory that the president has strong control over the executive branch.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court limited Congress’s ability to protect voting rights and oversee political party spending.
  • The court ruled that the president controls executive agencies, reducing their independence, as seen in the Federal Trade Commission case.
  • It allowed the president to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid despite Congress’s opposition.
  • The court made it harder to challenge voting maps that reduce Black and Latino voting power under the Voting Rights Act.
  • Justices used different legal approaches depending on the case to reach decisions that often increased presidential power.
  • The court’s "shadow docket" lets it make quick decisions without full arguments, affecting many of President Trump’s contested policies.
  • Chief Justice Roberts wrote the main opinions against some of President Trump’s policies, such as on birthright citizenship and emergency tariffs.
  • The court showed inconsistency in applying historical and constitutional rules, sometimes changing its legal reasoning to support its outcomes.
Read the Original

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

Welcome to the Democratic 'Fight' Club

Welcome to the Democratic 'Fight' Club

Summary

Democrats are using the word “fight” to show they are ready to oppose President Donald Trump and the MAGA movement ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Candidates and political groups are calling themselves “fighters” to connect with voters who want leaders who will actively defend their interests.

Key Facts

  • Democrats from many states have made “fight” a key theme in their campaigns.
  • Groups of progressive senators call themselves the “fight club.”
  • At least 43 Democratic political action committees (PACs) have names that include the word “fight.”
  • President Donald Trump has also used the “fight” message, especially after an assassination attempt against him.
  • Despite Trump’s efforts, Republicans have lost the association with the word “fight” to the Democrats.
  • The shift from “resist” during Trump’s first term to “fight” shows Democrats’ move from opposing Trump to proactively pushing their own agenda.
  • Progressive leaders like Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez focus on explaining what Democrats want to achieve, not just what they are against.
  • Faiz Shakir, a political strategist, says that it is important for Democrats to share clear plans when they say they will fight.
Read the Original

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

I Donated My Eggs to My Best Friend—It Was the Best Decision I've Ever Made

I Donated My Eggs to My Best Friend—It Was the Best Decision I've Ever Made

Summary

A woman donated her eggs to her best friend after the friend struggled with infertility. Although the process was physically and emotionally challenging, the egg donor feels happy and grateful that she helped her friend become a mother.

Key Facts

  • The egg donation happened because the friend could not conceive using her own eggs after multiple failed attempts.
  • The donor was already a mother of three and decided to donate out of love, not for money.
  • The donation process included tests, hormone injections, and a hormone shot that mimics pregnancy.
  • Seeing the child who shares her features was emotionally complicated for the donor at first.
  • The donor’s husband helped her understand that the children belonged to the friend, not her.
  • The donor and her friend remain close, and their children have grown up together like family.
  • The donor does not regret the decision and feels grateful for being part of creating a family.
  • The story highlights different ways families can be formed, including egg donation.
Read the Original

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

Race Across the World winner's car smashed into and laptop stolen before kids' mental health talk

Race Across the World winner's car smashed into and laptop stolen before kids' mental health talk

Summary

Alfie Watts, who won the TV show Race Across the World, had his car broken into and his laptop stolen while on a school tour in Cardiff. The stolen laptop contained his mental health presentations, but since he had backed up the files online, his scheduled talks still went ahead.

Key Facts

  • Alfie Watts is a 22-year-old winner of the BBC show Race Across the World.
  • His car was broken into in Cardiff, and his laptop was stolen.
  • The laptop held presentations he uses to talk about positivity, resilience, and mental health to young people.
  • The stolen material was backed up online, so his talks could continue as planned.
  • Watts had suffered two other thefts recently: one in London and one in Chile.
  • He is touring 35 schools across the UK to inspire young people.
  • Police said they are checking CCTV but have no suspects yet.
  • Watts raised £50,000 for the mental health charity Young Minds by driving a tuk-tuk from London to Norway.
Read the Original

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

Trump says record boats leaving Hormuz, calls communism ‘biggest threat’

Trump says record boats leaving Hormuz, calls communism ‘biggest threat’

Summary

President Donald Trump visited North Dakota to celebrate the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library. During his visit, he said many ships are leaving the Strait of Hormuz and described communism as a major threat.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump traveled to North Dakota on the Freedom 250 Train.
  • The visit was for the dedication of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library.
  • He spoke in front of people dressed as soldiers from the Spanish–American War.
  • President Trump said a record number of ships are leaving the Strait of Hormuz, a key waterway in the Middle East.
  • He called communism the “greatest threat.”
  • The speech combined topics about history, current events, and U.S. priorities.
  • The Strait of Hormuz is an important route for global oil shipments.
  • The dedication event highlights President Roosevelt’s legacy and impact.
Read the Original

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

Who Is Jason Watson? Air Force Major Arrested After Protesting Trump

Who Is Jason Watson? Air Force Major Arrested After Protesting Trump

Summary

A U.S. Air Force major named Jason Watson was arrested after protesting at the U.S. Capitol while holding a sign calling for President Donald Trump’s impeachment. Protests at the Capitol are not allowed unless led by a member of Congress.

Key Facts

  • Jason Watson is a major in the U.S. Air Force.
  • He was arrested on Wednesday during a protest at the U.S. Capitol.
  • Watson held a sign calling for President Donald Trump to be removed from office.
  • Protests at the Capitol require a member of Congress to be present; otherwise, they are banned.
  • Texas Congressman Al Green and groups like Free Speech For People and About Face Veterans have supported Watson.
  • Supporters praised Watson’s courage and willingness to risk arrest.
  • The White House did not respond to a request for comment at the time of reporting.
  • The news report indicates this is an ongoing story with updates expected.
Read the Original

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

‘Hugging is forbidden’: women jailed for life – in pictures

‘Hugging is forbidden’: women jailed for life – in pictures

Summary

The article shares photos and stories of women in New York who have been sentenced to life in prison, showing their daily lives inside and their experiences after release. It highlights their struggles, hopes, and efforts to rebuild their lives beyond their crimes.

Key Facts

  • Photographer Sara Bennett spent over ten years documenting women serving life sentences for homicide in New York.
  • The portraits include personal items like Polaroids, letters, and drawings to tell a fuller story.
  • Some women have been released after decades in prison and face challenges such as homelessness and health issues.
  • Several women describe how they find meaning through faith, work, and caring for others while incarcerated.
  • Restrictions in prison, such as not being allowed to hug loved ones during visits, affect their emotional well-being.
  • Stories show that these women are more than their crimes and continue to seek hope and change.
  • Support services like the Women’s Prison Association provide shelter and assistance after release.
  • The article brings attention to the humanity and complexity of women serving long sentences in the U.S. prison system.
Read the Original

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

Woman given Met payout regrets reporting officer

Woman given Met payout regrets reporting officer

Summary

A woman named Lorraine reported a police officer from the Metropolitan Police who behaved badly toward her. She faced many years of struggle to be taken seriously and only recently did a disciplinary panel find the officer guilty of serious misconduct. The police force apologized for their mistakes in handling her case and gave her a financial settlement, but she still feels the system failed her.

Key Facts

  • Lorraine reported a Met Police officer, Phil Hunter, who groomed her and behaved inappropriately over two years.
  • Hunter retired in 2019 while under investigation for similar behavior toward another woman.
  • In 2024, a disciplinary panel found Hunter guilty of gross misconduct for a second time.
  • The Metropolitan Police’s Professional Standards unit ignored Lorraine’s complaints for years.
  • A 2023 review by Baroness Casey called the Met Police "institutionally misogynistic" and highlighted Lorraine’s case.
  • Lorraine received a large payout and an apology in 2025 for failings, including victim-blaming and false information shared about her.
  • The police internally labelled her a "fixated complainant" for persistently seeking justice.
  • The Independent Office for Police Conduct intervened to ensure the disciplinary panel took place.
Read the Original

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

England’s mayors should be given sweeping new powers, says devolution expert

England’s mayors should be given sweeping new powers, says devolution expert

Summary

A policy expert suggests giving English mayors control over many public services like social care, childcare, health, and education. This idea supports shifting power from the central government in London (Whitehall) to local leaders, aiming to reduce regional inequality in England.

Key Facts

  • JP Spencer, a devolution expert, proposes mayors should manage major public services such as social care, childcare, skills training, health, and education.
  • Mayors could appoint commissioners to oversee schools, healthcare providers, and police, similar to police and crime commissioners.
  • Spencer recommends aligning police forces with mayoral areas and letting mayors act as police commissioners.
  • Andy Burnham, a leading Labour figure and possible next prime minister, supports moving power away from Whitehall to regional areas.
  • England faces high regional inequality, particularly in the north, due to centralised government control.
  • The current government, including Steve Reed, has considered but not fully adopted these wide-ranging devolution plans.
  • Some Labour MPs express concern over devolving power quickly, especially in regions where opposition parties are strong.
  • Angela Rayner plans to publicly support further devolution, signaling Labour’s interest in changing power structures.
Read the Original

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

California gets Bruce Lee Day in a first for US state’s Chinese Americans

California gets Bruce Lee Day in a first for US state’s Chinese Americans

Summary

California has made May 17 “Bruce Lee Day” to honor the martial arts star Bruce Lee, the first Chinese American to receive this recognition in the state. Governor Gavin Newsom signed the law to celebrate Lee’s impact as a cultural bridge and role model for Asian Americans.

Key Facts

  • Bruce Lee was born in San Francisco in 1940 and returned there on May 17, 1959.
  • May 17 is now officially Bruce Lee Day in California.
  • Lee’s daughter, Shannon Lee, leads the Bruce Lee Foundation and supports the celebration.
  • The day aims to include cultural exhibits, public events, and school lessons.
  • Bruce Lee was a child actor and martial arts expert who moved between the US and Hong Kong.
  • He acted in Hollywood but faced racial typecasting and pay discrimination.
  • Lee became famous for martial arts films like The Big Boss and Fist of Fury in Hong Kong.
  • Bruce Lee died in 1973 due to an allergic reaction to medication at age 32.
  • His legacy remains strong, inspiring fans worldwide and influencing shows like HBO Max’s “Warrior.”
Read the Original

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

The Declaration’s forgotten (non)signer: John Dickinson’s missing 1776 signature haunts his legacy

The Declaration’s forgotten (non)signer: John Dickinson’s missing 1776 signature haunts his legacy

Summary

John Dickinson was an important American founder known for his writings that inspired colonial resistance against British taxes. He did not sign the Declaration of Independence because he wanted a gradual, peaceful separation and was worried about legal protections for vulnerable groups like the Quakers.

Key Facts

  • John Dickinson was a lawyer and statesman from Maryland who lived mostly in Delaware and Pennsylvania.
  • He wrote "Letters from a Farmer in Pennsylvania," which helped unite Americans against British taxation.
  • Dickinson authored "The Liberty Song," one of the first American patriotic songs.
  • He helped write the Olive Branch Petition in 1775, asking for peace with Britain, which was ignored by King George III.
  • Dickinson did not sign the Declaration of Independence in 1776, believing independence should be achieved gradually and peacefully.
  • He was concerned about protecting religious minorities, especially Quakers in Pennsylvania.
  • Over time, Dickinson’s role has been downplayed or misrepresented in popular culture and history.
  • Scholar Jane Calvert aims to raise awareness of Dickinson’s true contributions to the American Revolution.
Read the Original

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

Is hiring picking up in the US? Thursday’s report will help illustrate trends

Is hiring picking up in the US? Thursday’s report will help illustrate trends

Summary

The U.S. Labor Department is set to release a report on June job growth that may show about 100,000 new jobs added. This would continue a trend of steady hiring after several months of slow or negative job growth, while the unemployment rate is expected to remain low around 4.3%.

Key Facts

  • Economists expect about 100,000 new jobs were added in June.
  • This could be the fourth month in a row with solid job growth.
  • From March to May, employers averaged 188,000 new jobs per month.
  • The unemployment rate is forecast to stay near 4.3%.
  • Job growth earlier this year was weak, with some months showing job losses.
  • Inflation is high at 4.2%, which affects consumer incomes and spending.
  • Lower gas prices from a peace deal with Iran may help reduce inflation soon.
  • Some big job gains in May came from restaurants, hotels, and local governments, partly due to World Cup preparations.
Read the Original

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

Analysis: Trump embraces ‘Great Equivocator’ role sending mixed signals that vex markets and allies

Analysis: Trump embraces ‘Great Equivocator’ role sending mixed signals that vex markets and allies

Summary

President Donald Trump often gives unclear or mixed messages about important issues, including a recent tentative deal between the U.S. and Iran. This approach lets him avoid fully committing to one side and allows people to interpret his statements in different ways.

Key Facts

  • President Trump called a recent U.S.-Iran tentative deal "very strong" but also said "nobody knows what it is."
  • He frequently changes his positions on major topics, sometimes within the same public statement or social media post.
  • This style has led some to call him the “Great Equivocator,” meaning he often sends contradictory messages.
  • Trump’s spokesperson said questions about his changing positions are unimportant and pointed to recent government achievements.
  • Some former aides say Trump likes to keep multiple options open to remain flexible in politics.
  • Experts warn that giving inconsistent statements can hurt credibility and trust.
  • This style can make Trump an unpredictable negotiator because others do not know what he will do next.
Read the Original

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

Andy Burnham urged to be radical on economy to help Labour win next election

Andy Burnham urged to be radical on economy to help Labour win next election

Summary

Andy Burnham, a Labour MP, is being encouraged to adopt bold economic policies to help Labour win the next UK election. A large opinion poll suggests that radical actions like rent controls and higher taxes on wealth could significantly improve Labour’s chances of keeping power.

Key Facts

  • Labour currently risks winning fewer than 100 seats, its worst result since 1918.
  • A poll of about 10,000 voters used a statistical method called MRP to predict election outcomes.
  • Running on “cost of living populism” could give Labour 34% of the vote and 358 seats, a majority.
  • Proposed policies include limits on rent increases, more social housing, cheaper bus fares, and expanded free school meals.
  • The party is also considering taxing investment profits at the same rate as wages.
  • Burnham is expected to move away from “business as usual” and act with economic intervention to boost growth and living standards.
  • Some Labour members want a cautious approach due to concerns about government debt and financial markets.
  • There is discussion about appointing Ed Miliband or Pat McFadden as chancellor if Burnham becomes prime minister.
Read the Original

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

Questions grow about why ICE arrested a Texas nun

Questions grow about why ICE arrested a Texas nun

Summary

Sister Leticia Ugboaja, a Nigerian nun and nurse, was arrested by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents while walking to church in McAllen, Texas, but was released the same day. The Catholic Diocese of Brownsville and local representatives are seeking answers about why she was detained and called for changes to enforcement policies.

Key Facts

  • Sister Leticia Ugboaja was walking to attend mass at Our Lady of Sorrows Church when ICE agents detained her.
  • She is a Nigerian national and works as a nurse at South Texas Health System.
  • Sister Ugboaja has volunteered as a minister at the church and worked as a nursing assistant for 10 years.
  • She was released the same day of her arrest.
  • Rep. Monica De La Cruz and the Catholic Diocese have questioned the reason for her arrest and called for better targeting of immigration enforcement.
  • The Department of Homeland Security has not provided details on why she was detained.
  • Bishop Daniel E. Flores criticized the arrest and said the protocols allowing such detentions need reform.
  • Local leaders reached out to the Department of Homeland Security on Sister Ugboaja’s behalf.
Read the Original

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

Lawyer takes Trump to Task over Unchecked Presidential Powers

Lawyer takes Trump to Task over Unchecked Presidential Powers

Summary

Constitutional lawyer Bruce Fein says the United States was founded to protect individual rights. He believes that increasing the president’s powers without limits goes against this founding idea and harms democracy.

Key Facts

  • Bruce Fein is a constitutional lawyer.
  • He states the U.S. was created to protect inalienable rights, which are rights that cannot be taken away.
  • Fein argues that the president’s powers have been growing too much.
  • He warns that unchecked presidential authority weakens U.S. democracy.
  • His comments focus on how government power should be balanced.
Read the Original

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

Head of the Chicago Police Department to retire after 3 years in the position

Head of the Chicago Police Department to retire after 3 years in the position

Summary

Chicago Police Superintendent Larry Snelling announced he will retire after leading the city’s police force for three years. During his time, crime rates like murders and shootings dropped, and he helped prepare the city for the 2024 Democratic National Convention.

Key Facts

  • Larry Snelling has led the Chicago Police Department since 2021.
  • He will retire on July 15, 2024.
  • Chicago’s murder and shooting rates have fallen by 32% and 41%, respectively, compared to last year.
  • Snelling focused on building trust between police and the community and reducing violent crime.
  • He managed policing during the deployment of National Guard troops under President Trump’s immigration enforcement efforts.
  • The department prepared for the 2024 Democratic National Convention with special police training on laws and handling protests.
  • Snelling helped the department follow a court-ordered plan to improve police practices after past civil rights issues.
  • Fred Waller will be the temporary superintendent until a replacement is found.
Read the Original

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

Mamdani to give speech marking America 250 on Friday

Mamdani to give speech marking America 250 on Friday

Summary

New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani plans to give a speech on Friday to celebrate America's 250th birthday. He will be joined by new U.S. citizens, and his speech will happen a few hours before President Donald Trump speaks to the nation.

Key Facts

  • Zohran Mamdani is the mayor of New York City.
  • Mamdani was born in Uganda and later became a U.S. citizen.
  • The speech will mark the 250th anniversary of America.
  • Mamdani will be accompanied by recently naturalized U.S. citizens.
  • President Donald Trump will also give a speech on the same day, but a few hours later.
  • The event highlights the celebration of U.S. citizenship and national history.
Read the Original

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

Potentially inappropriate asset transfers could deprive Christian Brothers abuse survivors of pay, government tells court

Potentially inappropriate asset transfers could deprive Christian Brothers abuse survivors of pay, government tells court

Summary

The Christian Brothers, a Catholic order in New South Wales, Australia, is facing a court order to pause abuse claims while it proposes selling properties to pay survivors of child sexual abuse. The federal government expressed concern that the order may have transferred valuable properties for very low prices to avoid paying survivors.

Key Facts

  • The Christian Brothers say they owe $774 million to abuse survivors and have $216 million worth of property left.
  • They have asked the court to pause abuse claims to create a plan to sell assets and share money with survivors and other creditors.
  • The court paused claims to allow survivors to consider this property sale plan.
  • The government is worried that the Christian Brothers moved property to another group, Edmund Rice Education Australia (EREA), for $1 each, including expensive houses.
  • EREA was created in 2007 to take over former Christian Brothers schools.
  • The government questions if these property transfers were proper and fears survivors might not get paid if assets are missing.
  • The Christian Brothers provided evidence, but the government says it raises more questions than answers.
  • If the plan fails, the Christian Brothers might go into liquidation, meaning survivors could get less payment.
Read the Original

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

FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes

FBI investigating legitimacy of Nancy Guthrie ransom notes

Summary

The FBI and local police are investigating multiple ransom notes related to the kidnapping of Nancy Guthrie, the mother of NBC "Today" show co-host Savannah Guthrie. Some notes are believed to be real demands from the kidnappers, while others appear to be false or attempts at extortion. The FBI continues to lead the inquiry and work with the family to resolve the case.

Key Facts

  • Nancy Guthrie was kidnapped from her Tucson, Arizona home five months ago.
  • Investigators have received several ransom notes but only two early ones are believed to be possibly genuine.
  • The first ransom note included specific details about Guthrie’s home and demanded $4 million in bitcoin, later raised to $6 million.
  • The second note claimed Nancy Guthrie had died; both notes came from the same IP address.
  • The FBI is assisting the Pima County Sheriff's Department and handles the digital forensic work.
  • Some ransom notes are considered false attempts or scams by unrelated extortionists.
  • TMZ founder Harvey Levin passed multiple ransom messages to the FBI and suggested possible female involvement by the sender.
  • The family has publicly responded to ransom demands but has not paid, and the investigation continues.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account