The Actual News

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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Alleged Epstein victim and Trump accuser living in fear of retaliation, relative says

Alleged Epstein victim and Trump accuser living in fear of retaliation, relative says

June 30, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A woman known as Jane Doe 4, who alleges abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and President Donald Trump during her youth, is living in fear and staying hidden because of possible retaliation. There is a legal and political dispute over the handling and release of FBI files related to her case, involving the Justice Department and acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who was President Trump’s former personal lawyer.

Key Facts

  • Jane Doe 4 made allegations of abuse by Epstein in the 1980s and sexual assault by President Trump when she was 13 to 15 years old.
  • She was interviewed four times by the FBI in 2019, and these interviews are part of the Epstein investigation records.
  • The White House has denied the allegations against President Trump, calling them baseless and unsupported by credible evidence.
  • Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, President Trump’s former personal attorney, is involved in controversy over how the Justice Department handled and released related documents.
  • A federal judge ordered the Justice Department to provide unredacted files and interview notes about Jane Doe 4’s case by July 2.
  • The Justice Department released over 3 million documents related to Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, but the process had problems including exposing victim names and withholding some records.
  • Epstein died in jail in 2019, and Maxwell is serving a prison sentence.
  • Advocates and family members say the Justice Department should take responsibility for pursuing the case and protecting victims.
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Guardian World Guardian US
The supreme court has again undermined the power of Congress | Moira Donegan

The supreme court has again undermined the power of Congress | Moira Donegan

June 30, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

The Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump can fire leaders of independent government agencies at will, overturning long-standing laws that protected these leaders from politically motivated firings. However, the Court upheld protections for members of the Federal Reserve Board, who cannot be fired without cause.

Key Facts

  • The Supreme Court overturned a 91-year-old precedent and parts of the 112-year-old Federal Trade Commission Act.
  • The ruling allows President Trump to remove heads of independent agencies without restrictions set by Congress.
  • The case, Trump v. Slaughter, involved Trump firing Rebecca Slaughter from the Federal Trade Commission without cause.
  • The Court ruled that agencies exercising executive power must be under the president’s control.
  • Members of the Federal Reserve Board remain protected from removal without cause.
  • Lisa Cook, a Biden appointee who was fired by Trump, was protected under this ruling.
  • The decision shifts power from Congress to the president concerning government agency leadership.
  • The ruling affects the independence and functioning of federal agencies created by Congress.
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Guardian US
This number helps explain why many Americans are down on the economy

This number helps explain why many Americans are down on the economy

June 30, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

American workers are earning a smaller part of the nation's income than they have for many decades, dropping to the lowest level since records started in 1947. This means more money is going to business owners and investors, while many workers feel their wages don’t keep up with rising prices.

Key Facts

  • In early 2026, workers received 54.1% of the national income, down from over 65% in 1947.
  • The labor share of income was 57.7% in early 2020, showing a continued decline after the pandemic.
  • About 48% of Americans said their financial situation worsened compared to a year before, according to a 2026 Federal Reserve Bank survey.
  • Three-quarters of Americans reported their income does not keep up with inflation, based on a May CBS News poll.
  • The share of corporate income paid to workers fell to 71.3% in early 2026 from 77.8% in early 2020 and 79.1% in 1979.
  • More profits are going to shareholders and executives through dividends, stock buybacks, and capital gains, which have lower tax rates than wages.
  • Factors causing the decline include fewer unions, tax policy changes, and increasing income inequality.
  • This trend helps explain why many workers feel financially unstable even when unemployment is low and the economy is growing.
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CBS News
Green Card Update: Changes Happening to Applications in July

Green Card Update: Changes Happening to Applications in July

June 30, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

Starting in July, the U.S. government is making new rules that limit who can get green cards. These rules will reduce the number of visas available for some workers, increase penalties for application mistakes, and make it harder to get permanent residency.

Key Facts

  • New visa limits take effect in July based on the State Department’s July 2026 Visa Bulletin.
  • Some work-related visas, especially for people from India, are fully used up and won’t be available until October.
  • U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is using stricter rules to decide who can apply to change their status to permanent resident.
  • A new rule starting July 10 lets USCIS reject or deny applications with missing or invalid signatures, even after processing has started.
  • If an application is denied for errors, applicants may lose their filing fees and need to reapply.
  • A recent USCIS policy emphasizes that permanent residency approvals are discretionary, meaning officers review each application closely beyond just meeting the basic requirements.
  • The green card system is under strain because many people want visas, but the total supply is limited by law.
  • These restrictions and stricter reviews will likely last until the fiscal year ends on September 30, after which the visa supply resets.
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Newsweek
What to know about the Colorado primary elections in the US

What to know about the Colorado primary elections in the US

June 30, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Voters in Colorado will participate in primary elections on June 30, 2026, to choose candidates for important state and federal positions, including governor, US Senate, and House seats. The primary results will help decide which candidates represent the Democratic and Republican parties in the November midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • The Colorado primary election date is Tuesday, June 30, 2026, with polls open from 7 am to 7 pm local time.
  • The primary includes races for governor, US Senate, US House of Representatives, and state offices such as secretary of state and attorney general.
  • Democratic Governor Jared Polis is leaving office due to term limits, creating an open race for governor.
  • US Senator Michael Bennet is running in the Democratic gubernatorial primary and would have to leave his Senate seat if he wins.
  • State Attorney General Phil Weiser is Bennet’s main challenger in the Democratic primary for governor.
  • Republican gubernatorial candidates include Scott Bottoms, Barbara Kirkmeyer, and Victor Marx.
  • First-term Democratic Senator John Hickenlooper faces a primary challenge from progressive Julie Gonzales.
  • The Democratic candidate has been favored in polls, reflecting Colorado’s history of Democratic governors since 2007.
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Al Jazeera
Defence investment plan criticised as ‘too little, too late’ ahead of launch – UK politics live

Defence investment plan criticised as ‘too little, too late’ ahead of launch – UK politics live

June 30, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The UK government is set to publish its long-delayed defence investment plan (Dip) before the NATO summit next week. The plan outlines defence spending increases but has faced criticism for not providing enough funding or being published on time.

Key Facts

  • The defence investment plan (Dip) details how much money the UK will spend on defence to address threats identified in a previous strategic defence review.
  • The Dip was originally due last autumn but is only being released now, after causing the resignation of former defence secretary John Healey.
  • Healey resigned because he wanted defence spending to reach 3% of the UK's GDP by 2030, but the Dip only plans to raise it to 2.68%.
  • New defence secretary Dan Jarvis negotiated slightly more funding from the Treasury and will present the plan to Parliament.
  • Opposition politicians said the plan gives too little money and is too late, potentially making the country less safe and risking jobs and businesses tied to defence.
  • Keir Starmer, soon to leave his leadership position, is committed to publishing the plan as part of his legacy.
  • Starmer will give a speech on the Dip outside London before the official statement by Jarvis in Parliament.
  • Several other political events and committee hearings are scheduled on the same day, including topics on AI, copyright, and a public inquiry.
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Guardian World
England maternity commissioner role would be ‘fundamentally dangerous’, says campaigner

England maternity commissioner role would be ‘fundamentally dangerous’, says campaigner

June 30, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A campaigner whose daughter died due to maternity care failures in England warned that appointing a single national maternity commissioner could be dangerous and might not improve safety. The government plans to recruit this commissioner to hold hospitals accountable and improve care after a report highlighted problems like poor treatment and discrimination in maternity services.

Key Facts

  • Emily Barley’s daughter died in 2022 at Barnsley hospital due to care failures.
  • Barley and her group, the Maternity Safety Alliance, oppose a single maternity commissioner role, fearing it concentrates too much power.
  • The UK government will appoint its first national maternity and neonatal care commissioner to oversee and improve maternity services.
  • The move follows the Amos review, which found the maternity system had poor care, failed to listen to women, and had racism and discrimination problems.
  • The commissioner’s job includes investigating hospitals, pushing for improvements, and restoring family trust in the system.
  • The Amos report recommends better maternity triage (emergency care similar to A&E), more staff, independent investigations when families are unhappy, and a fairer compensation system for harmed families.
  • Baroness Amos said the role is meant to be an independent voice for women and families, not just concentrate power in one person.
  • Amos prefers starting changes immediately over holding a long public inquiry, though she understands families want one.
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Guardian World
Trump Posts Image of 'Golden Gift' For White House's 250th Birthday

Trump Posts Image of 'Golden Gift' For White House's 250th Birthday

June 30, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump shared an edited image on social media showing a large golden eagle attached to the White House’s Truman Balcony. The image was created using artificial intelligence and does not match the real appearance of the balcony.

Key Facts

  • President Trump posted the image on Truth Social with the caption "A Golden Gift to the White House for its 250th Birthday Year!"
  • The image shows a bald eagle with wings spanning the balcony columns and a shield with 11 stars.
  • The real Truman Balcony has different railings than those in the image.
  • The traditional stars and stripes shield usually has 13 stars, representing the original 13 states.
  • Metadata from the image shows it was created using Google AI technology.
  • President Trump has previously shared AI-generated and edited images on social media.
  • Earlier this year, he posted an image portraying himself as a Jesus-like figure healing people, which received criticism.
  • This story is ongoing and might be updated with new information.
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Newsweek
Charlie Kirk's parents, widow to attend key hearing for man accused of his killing

Charlie Kirk's parents, widow to attend key hearing for man accused of his killing

June 30, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Charlie Kirk’s parents and widow will attend a key court hearing in Utah where prosecutors will present evidence against Tyler Robinson, the man accused of killing Kirk. The hearing will determine if the case moves to trial, where the death penalty may be sought.

Key Facts

  • The hearing starts July 6 and will last a week.
  • Tyler Robinson, 23, is charged with aggravated murder for killing Charlie Kirk on September 10.
  • Kirk was shot in the neck while speaking at Utah Valley University.
  • Robinson has not yet entered a plea.
  • Prosecutors plan to show videos, witness statements, forensic evidence, and a note allegedly written by Robinson admitting to the crime.
  • DNA matching Robinson was found on the rifle used in the killing and on related items.
  • Erika Kirk, Charlie’s widow, now leads Turning Point USA, a conservative youth group he co-founded.
  • Kirk’s parents, Robert and Kathryn Kirk, have mostly stayed out of public view until now.
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ABC News
Queensland government admits vulnerable children slept on floor of public service offices

Queensland government admits vulnerable children slept on floor of public service offices

June 30, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The Queensland government admitted that vulnerable children sometimes slept on floors in public service offices when no other safe places were available. The government says this happens only in emergencies and early mornings, but unions and advocates say the child protection system is overwhelmed and these conditions are harmful to children.

Key Facts

  • Children in Queensland’s child protection system have slept on mattresses in government offices due to lack of other places.
  • Premier David Crisafulli said this occurs occasionally when no safe options exist, often early in the morning.
  • The practice has been used since 2019 as a last resort when placement options like hotels are unavailable.
  • Unions report children have slept overnight at specific child safety centers recently, saying the system is under too much pressure.
  • Queensland has the highest number of children in out-of-home care in Australia, about 12,500.
  • Recent government changes banned children under five from staying in hotels and tightened rules on residential care providers.
  • Advocacy groups say putting vulnerable children in office spaces is harmful and increases their trauma.
  • The child safety minister denied the practice has happened since the government inquiry ended.
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Guardian World
Watch: Young bald eagle takes first flight in California

Watch: Young bald eagle takes first flight in California

June 30, 2026 • BBC World

Summary

A young bald eagle named Luna made its first flight in Big Bear Valley, California. Many people watched the event live online and some gathered nearby to see it happen in person.

Key Facts

  • The bald eagle is from Big Bear Valley, east of Los Angeles.
  • The eagle's first flight was livestreamed by Friends of Big Bear Valley.
  • Thousands of people watched the livestream.
  • Bird watchers also gathered in the valley during the flight.
  • The eagle is nicknamed Luna.
  • The eagle flew from its nest to a nearby tree.
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BBC World BBC US
Tuesday briefing: Inside Shabana Mahmood’s new UK asylum reforms

Tuesday briefing: Inside Shabana Mahmood’s new UK asylum reforms

June 30, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood announced new plans for the UK asylum system that include charging asylum seekers about £10,000 each for their living costs to gain settled status. She also aims to speed up safe and legal ways to claim asylum, like employer sponsorship, as part of a broader immigration reform bill being discussed by UK lawmakers.

Key Facts

  • Asylum seekers in the UK may have to pay around £10,000 for living costs to get settled status under the new plan.
  • Refugee charities criticize this plan, saying it unfairly taxes people fleeing violence and hardship.
  • Mahmood plans to open faster safe and legal routes for asylum, such as employer sponsorship programs.
  • The reforms aim to reduce dangerous crossings of the English Channel by asylum seekers in small boats.
  • The immigration and asylum bill includes measures to speed up the removal of families whose asylum claims are refused.
  • Other proposals include limiting some human rights claims, ending councils’ duty to support asylum seekers, and making refugee status temporary.
  • The bill is expected to be debated in the UK Parliament soon.
  • Veteran Labour peer Alf Dubs criticized the plans as harsh and urged new leaders to overturn them.
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Guardian World
Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui gets 30 years in US prison for huge fraud

Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui gets 30 years in US prison for huge fraud

June 30, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

Chinese billionaire Guo Wengui was sentenced to 30 years in a U.S. prison for financial fraud that hurt over 1,000 people worldwide. A Manhattan jury found him guilty of fraud, money laundering, and other crimes, and he must also pay $889 million in restitution.

Key Facts

  • Guo Wengui, a Chinese billionaire who fled to the U.S. in 2015, was sentenced to 30 years in prison for fraud.
  • The fraud scheme took place between 2018 and 2023 and involved financial losses of hundreds of millions of dollars.
  • More than 1,000 victims worldwide were affected by Guo’s actions.
  • A Manhattan jury found Guo guilty of fraud, securities offenses, wire fraud, and money laundering in 2024.
  • Guo was ordered to pay $889 million to victims as restitution.
  • He had positioned himself in the U.S. as a critic of the Chinese Communist Party and worked with Steve Bannon in an anti-CCP group.
  • Judge Analisa Torres stated that Guo preyed on people seeking democracy in China and failed to take responsibility for his crimes.
  • Guo’s lawyers argued that his imprisonment was influenced by Chinese government pressure and labeled him a victim of political persecution.
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Al Jazeera
Stalker who faked ex's Tinder profile caught using doorbell camera

Stalker who faked ex's Tinder profile caught using doorbell camera

June 30, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A man named Asad Hussain created a fake Tinder profile using his ex-girlfriend’s photos to lure men to her home in Cheshire, England. He was caught after police reviewed doorbell camera footage and was jailed for stalking, assault, and refusing to share device passcodes.

Key Facts

  • Asad Hussain made a fake Tinder profile pretending to be his ex-girlfriend.
  • He invited random men to the woman’s home, causing safety concerns for her and her family.
  • Some men arrived late at night, with one breaking a glass panel and another entering the home alone while the woman’s teenage daughter was upstairs.
  • Police started investigating after neighbors called them when Hussain rang the doorbell for two hours straight.
  • Hussain used the alias "Mick Renney" and tried to control the woman’s phone during their relationship.
  • Police identified Hussain by matching doorbell camera footage and car registration details.
  • He was sentenced to eight years in prison after being found guilty of stalking, assault, and not giving police his device passcodes.
  • At least 18 men came to the woman’s home due to the fake profile, though police believe the total is higher.
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BBC Top Stories
'I love my superhero legs', says boy who 'inspires everyone around him'

'I love my superhero legs', says boy who 'inspires everyone around him'

June 30, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A four-year-old boy named Dáibhin had both his legs amputated after a serious bacterial infection called meningococcal disease caused sepsis. Now using prosthetic legs, he enjoys nursery school and was celebrated by his classmates and teachers for his courage and positive attitude.

Key Facts

  • Dáibhin got very sick with sepsis caused by meningococcal disease, a serious bacterial infection common in young children.
  • He was treated in a hospital in Belfast and put on life support.
  • In June 2025, he had both legs amputated to save his life.
  • After recovering, Dáibhin started nursery school in September 2025 and uses prosthetic legs.
  • His school held a “superhero day” where classmates dressed up to celebrate him.
  • Dáibhin feels happy and confident with his prosthetic legs, calling them his “superhero legs.”
  • School staff created special activities to help him participate fully.
  • Dáibhin will start Primary One in September 2026 and is excited about it.
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BBC Top Stories
School smartphone bans seen as ‘punitive’ by young people, study says

School smartphone bans seen as ‘punitive’ by young people, study says

June 30, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A new law in England requires schools to ban smartphones during the school day. A University College London study found that most students see these bans as unfair and unhelpful, while most teachers and parents support them. The study suggests that outright bans might not work well and could cause problems for students.

Key Facts

  • England introduced a legal ban on smartphones in schools during the day.
  • The study surveyed 732 students aged 11-18, 27 teachers, and 41 parents.
  • 75% of students disagreed with the phone bans, while about 87-88% of teachers and parents supported them.
  • Students said smartphones help them with daily tasks like checking bus times, weather, and schoolwork apps.
  • Phones also help students stay safe, especially girls who travel alone.
  • Students worry that banning phones might hide issues like cyberbullying and stop them from reporting problems.
  • Schools have different phone rules, ranging from locking phones away to banning them completely.
  • Researchers recommend teaching students about the digital world’s challenges instead of just banning phones.
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Guardian World
Pupil put in isolation booth for more than half a school year, BBC learns

Pupil put in isolation booth for more than half a school year, BBC learns

June 30, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

A pupil at Outwood Grange Academy in Wakefield was placed in an isolation booth for more than half of a school year as a method to manage behavior. The school uses isolation rooms, called reflection rooms, as part of a strict discipline policy aimed at improving student conduct after multiple warnings.

Key Facts

  • A student was isolated 58 times in one school year, each time usually lasting a full day.
  • At least 23 students at Outwood Grange Academy spent over 20% of their school days in isolation in recent years.
  • Isolation involves sitting alone in a booth separated by plastic dividers and monitored by cameras.
  • Students in isolation were often given very little work, such as word searches or no meaningful tasks for long periods.
  • The school trust changed rules in 2019 to provide more meaningful work during isolation after legal challenges.
  • Students could be placed in isolation for minor behavior issues like untucked shirts, talking in class, or asking to use the toilet.
  • The school claims reflection rooms have reduced the time students spend in isolation by half and help improve behavior.
  • Government guidance says isolation should be a last resort, but many schools in England use it regularly to control behavior.
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BBC Top Stories
Trump’s fixation on voting has had mixed results. He still has ways to affect November’s elections

Trump’s fixation on voting has had mixed results. He still has ways to affect November’s elections

June 30, 2026 • AP News

Summary

President Donald Trump has tried many ways to change U.S. election rules, such as signing orders and pushing laws, but courts have stopped many of his efforts. While some state-level changes happened, the Constitution gives most election control to states and Congress, limiting the president’s power.

Key Facts

  • President Trump has signed executive orders and supported legislation to tighten election rules.
  • The Supreme Court recently allowed states to accept late-arriving mail ballots.
  • Courts blocked two of Trump’s executive orders aimed at changing national election rules.
  • The Department of Justice, under Trump, is investigating election operations, which Democrats fear may influence the midterms.
  • Trump supports the SAVE Act, which would reduce absentee voting and add stricter ID requirements, but it has not passed the Senate.
  • Some Republican-led states have redrawn congressional districts, partly due to a Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act.
  • Experts say the president’s power over elections is legally limited because the Constitution gives authority mostly to states and Congress.
  • Trump claims his efforts are to prevent election fraud, but research shows noncitizen voting fraud is very rare.
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AP News
Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui sentenced to 30 years in US prison for fraud

Chinese tycoon Guo Wengui sentenced to 30 years in US prison for fraud

June 30, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A US court sentenced Chinese businessman Guo Wengui to 30 years in prison for defrauding people of over $1 billion. Guo was found guilty of fraud, money laundering, and other charges after convincing investors to fund his projects while living a lavish lifestyle.

Key Facts

  • Guo Wengui was convicted on nine charges including securities offenses, wire fraud, and money laundering.
  • The jury reached a unanimous guilty verdict in July 2024.
  • Guo was arrested by the FBI in March 2023 at his Manhattan apartment.
  • The judge ordered Guo to forfeit $889 million.
  • Guo claimed political persecution in China and sought asylum in the US in 2017.
  • He became a vocal critic of the Chinese Communist Party and allied with US political figure Steve Bannon.
  • Prosecutors said Guo misled investors by using their money for personal gain, not for democratic causes.
  • A former associate involved in the same fraud scheme was sentenced to 10 years in prison.
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Guardian World
Trump tells US petrol retailers to reduce prices ‘immediately’

Trump tells US petrol retailers to reduce prices ‘immediately’

June 30, 2026 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump told petrol retailers in the U.S. to lower their prices immediately and warned of serious consequences if they do not. He also called on California to reduce its petrol taxes and ordered an investigation into oil companies over high fuel prices.

Key Facts

  • President Trump posted on Truth Social demanding petrol prices drop to around $2.50 per gallon.
  • He warned there would be "big problems" if retailers do not lower prices.
  • Trump criticized California’s high petrol taxes and said they may soon cost more than the fuel itself.
  • The Trump administration is pushing for more domestic fuel production and reopened a previously closed pipeline in California.
  • Last week, Trump asked the Department of Justice to investigate major oil companies for not lowering prices at the pump despite lower oil costs.
  • Petrol prices have increased partly due to tensions related to the US-Israel conflict with Iran.
  • California’s governor, Gavin Newsom, opposes Trump’s fossil fuel policies and supports renewable energy efforts.
  • Trump faces criticism for his handling of the Iran conflict and its effect on fuel prices ahead of November’s mid-term elections.
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Al Jazeera
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