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

CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4

CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" special on July 4

Summary

CBS will air a special show called "The Great American Block Party 250" on July 4 to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the United States. The event will include live performances, fireworks, and celebrations from cities across the country.

Key Facts

  • The special will air on Saturday, July 4, at 8 p.m. Eastern Time on CBS.
  • Tony Dokoupil and Nischelle Turner will host the show live from the Washington Monument.
  • Performers include the Zac Brown Band, Jon Batiste, Goo Goo Dolls, and The War and Treaty.
  • The program will feature the largest fireworks show ever over Washington, D.C.
  • Celebrations will also be shown from Los Angeles, Milwaukee, Charleston, New York, Philadelphia, Mount Rushmore, and Fort Campbell, Kentucky.
  • The event will mark the opening of the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library in Medora, North Dakota.
  • The show will also be available to stream on Paramount+ and CBS News 24/7.
Read the Original

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

CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" on July 4

CBS to host "The Great American Block Party 250" on July 4

Summary

CBS will host a special TV event called "The Great American Block Party 250" on July 4. The show will celebrate America's 250th birthday and will be broadcast from Washington, D.C., with hosts Tony Dokoupil and Nischelle Turner.

Key Facts

  • The event is named "The Great American Block Party 250."
  • It will air on CBS during primetime on July 4.
  • The show celebrates America's 250th birthday (the country's anniversary).
  • The broadcast will take place in Washington, D.C.
  • Tony Dokoupil, an anchor from "CBS Evening News," will co-host.
  • Nischelle Turner, co-host of "Entertainment Tonight," will also co-host.
  • The event aims to highlight American history and culture during the celebration.
  • Viewers can watch the special on CBS and through the CBS News app.
Read the Original

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

Trump settles lawsuit against niece over tax records leak

Trump settles lawsuit against niece over tax records leak

Summary

President Donald Trump has settled a $100 million lawsuit against his niece, Mary Trump. He accused her of working with The New York Times to leak his private tax and financial documents used in a 2018 investigation.

Key Facts

  • President Trump filed a $100 million lawsuit against Mary Trump.
  • The lawsuit claimed Mary Trump helped leak his confidential tax records.
  • The leaked information was part of a 2018 New York Times investigation.
  • The New York Times won a Pulitzer Prize for the 2018 investigation.
  • Both sides announced the settlement in a joint court filing on Tuesday.
  • The details of the settlement were not disclosed in the announcement.
  • The case involved accusations of a secret plan to share private information.
  • Mary Trump is President Trump’s niece.
Read the Original

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

Teen accused of girl's murder expelled from school hours before her death, court hears

Teen accused of girl's murder expelled from school hours before her death, court hears

Summary

A 16-year-old boy is on trial for the murder of nine-year-old Aria Thorpe, who died from a stab wound in December 2025. The boy had been expelled from school just hours before Aria’s death, and he denies the charges of murder and manslaughter.

Key Facts

  • Aria Thorpe died from a single stab wound to the chest at her home in Weston-super-Mare on December 15, 2025.
  • The accused is a 16-year-old boy who was expelled from school on the day of the murder.
  • Teachers said the boy was often disruptive but had been trying hard the week before his expulsion.
  • The boy’s mother received a call from the school announcing his expulsion and expressed frustration about the decision.
  • The accused was arrested on a train shortly after the incident.
  • In a police interview, the boy said he did not know why he stabbed Aria and said it "just happened."
  • Aria was found by someone staying temporarily at her home shortly after 6 p.m., and emergency services could not save her.
  • Aria’s mother was at work when the stabbing happened and returned home after people tried to contact her.
Read the Original

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

Kelly: Trump deal makes Iran ‘more powerful’

Kelly: Trump deal makes Iran ‘more powerful’

Summary

Senator Mark Kelly said that President Donald Trump’s new agreement with Iran helps Iran gain more power. He believes this deal could give Iran the chance to build more missiles and possibly develop nuclear weapons.

Key Facts

  • Senator Mark Kelly spoke about a new deal between President Trump and Iran.
  • Kelly says the deal makes Iran stronger and more confident.
  • He warns Iran could use the resources to build more ballistic missiles.
  • Kelly also says Iran might be able to develop nuclear weapons because of the deal.
  • The deal aims to end the conflict involving Iran.
Read the Original

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

Democrats warn "fight is not over" after Georgia redistricting win

Democrats warn "fight is not over" after Georgia redistricting win

Summary

Georgia Republicans paused plans to redraw congressional district maps before the 2028 elections. Democrats see this as a small win but warn the fight over redistricting is not finished.

Key Facts

  • Georgia GOP leaders decided not to redraw congressional maps in this year’s special session.
  • The pause is partly due to concerns that redrawing maps now could motivate more Democrats to vote.
  • House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats will keep fighting against what they call a "MAGA power grab."
  • Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns called for a careful, fact-based approach to redistricting.
  • Gov. Brian Kemp and other GOP leaders had supported redrawing maps to reduce Democratic House members.
  • The Supreme Court’s recent decision weakened a part of the Voting Rights Act related to redistricting.
  • Democrats say the redistricting fight will continue, especially as voters prepare for November elections.
  • Georgia Democratic Party Chair Charlie Bailey described the current victory as a preview of upcoming voter mobilization.
Read the Original

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

Teamsters and DOJ move to end federal oversight of the union after 37 years

Teamsters and DOJ move to end federal oversight of the union after 37 years

Summary

The Teamsters union and federal prosecutors have asked a judge to end more than 30 years of federal oversight aimed at stopping organized crime influence in the union. The union has put new rules and controls in place to prevent corruption, and an independent monitor recently reported that the union can now handle its own investigations and discipline.

Key Facts

  • The Teamsters have been under federal oversight since 1989 due to ties with organized crime.
  • The oversight began after a 1988 civil case accusing the union of mob infiltration.
  • In 2015, active oversight ended but an independent monitor remained to watch the union.
  • The Teamsters and U.S. Attorney’s Office filed a joint motion in 2025 to end the monitorship.
  • Judge Loretta Preska must approve the end of oversight before it happens.
  • The independent monitor said the union has good systems to fight corruption.
  • The union agreed to keep an independent compliance expert on its board after the monitor’s job ends.
  • Sean O’Brien, Teamsters president, recently won re-election and supports ending oversight.
Read the Original

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

Graham now says Iran MOU signing will be ‘beneficial’ to US

Graham now says Iran MOU signing will be ‘beneficial’ to US

Summary

Senator Lindsey Graham praised a new agreement between the United States and Iran. He had earlier been doubtful about the talks but changed his view after a detailed conversation with a U.S. special envoy.

Key Facts

  • Senator Lindsey Graham represents South Carolina and is a Republican.
  • He initially showed doubt about the U.S.-Iran negotiation talks.
  • A new memorandum of understanding (MOU) was signed by both countries.
  • Graham described a long and productive discussion with a U.S. special envoy.
  • After this discussion, he said the MOU will benefit the United States.
  • The agreement aims to improve relations or cooperation between the U.S. and Iran.
  • Graham shared his updated opinion on social media.
  • The memo marks a shift in Graham’s stance on Iran negotiations.
Read the Original

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

Number of Americans Viewing Trump as 'Dangerous Dictator' Surges—Poll

Number of Americans Viewing Trump as 'Dangerous Dictator' Surges—Poll

Summary

A recent poll shows that 59% of Americans see President Donald Trump as a "dangerous dictator" whose power should be limited to protect democracy. The poll also reveals strong criticism of Trump’s handling of the war with Iran and shows divided opinions on his leadership style.

Key Facts

  • The poll was conducted by the Public Religion Research Institute (PRRI) with 5,469 adults from all 50 states.
  • 59% of Americans believe Trump is a dangerous dictator, up from 52% in March and 56% in September 2025.
  • 38% of respondents think Trump is a strong leader who should have more power, mainly Republicans.
  • About 66% of Americans have an unfavorable view of Trump’s handling of the war with Iran.
  • The House of Representatives passed a war powers resolution to limit Trump’s military action in Iran with a 215-208 vote.
  • Four Republicans joined Democrats in the House vote supporting the war powers resolution.
  • The Senate failed to pass a similar war powers resolution by a narrow vote of 47-48.
  • The Trump administration says the House resolution has no legal force and will not reach the president’s desk.
Read the Original

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

Trump official declines to call January 6 an ‘attack’, describing ‘protests and such’

Trump official declines to call January 6 an ‘attack’, describing ‘protests and such’

Summary

Donald Trump’s nominee for the Justice Department’s top independent watchdog role, Don Berthiaume, declined to call the January 6 Capitol events an “attack” during Senate questioning. Berthiaume referred to those events as “protests and such,” despite acknowledging there was physical violence.

Key Facts

  • Don Berthiaume, a career Justice Department employee, was nominated by President Trump to be the permanent inspector general.
  • Berthiaume currently serves as the acting inspector general at the Justice Department.
  • During Senate confirmation, Senator Richard Blumenthal asked Berthiaume about the 2020 election outcome; Berthiaume said Joe Biden won as certified by the Senate.
  • When asked if January 6 was an attack on the Capitol, Berthiaume refused to use the term “attack” and described the events as protests.
  • Berthiaume acknowledged there was physical violence on January 6 but disagreed with calling it an attack.
  • Some January 6 defendants were pardoned or had sentences reduced by President Trump.
  • Senator Blumenthal expressed concern that Berthiaume’s answers showed a lack of independence as inspector general.
  • The inspector general role involves overseeing the Justice Department’s integrity and independence.
Read the Original

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

What We Know About the 8 Victims of the Edwards Air Force Base B-52 Crash

What We Know About the 8 Victims of the Edwards Air Force Base B-52 Crash

Summary

Eight people died in a B-52 bomber crash at Edwards Air Force Base during a test flight. The victims included active military members, reservists, and civilian specialists involved in maintaining the bomber fleet.

Key Facts

  • The crash happened on Monday during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
  • Eight men died: five were active or reserve military, and three were civilian specialists.
  • Victims included Col. Gregory Watson, retired Lt. Col. Miles Middleton, and flight test engineers Christopher Rischar and Jeromy Smith.
  • The B-52 was flying a test mission to help keep the aircraft operational through at least 2050.
  • The crash occurred shortly after takeoff in clear weather, with the plane going down abruptly.
  • The cause of the crash is unknown; investigations may take up to six months.
  • Edwards Air Force Base is known for testing aircraft and was where the sound barrier was first broken in 1947.
  • Boeing and the U.S. Department of Defense employ several of the victims, who were working on modernizing the B-52 bomber.
Read the Original

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

Trump on why Iran deal doesn't include more on nuclear weapons

Trump on why Iran deal doesn't include more on nuclear weapons

Summary

President Donald Trump told CBS News that he would use strong military force against Iran if they do not follow the latest agreement. He explained that the deal does not include many details about Iran's nuclear weapons development.

Key Facts

  • President Trump spoke to CBS News correspondent Nancy Cordes.
  • He said he would bomb Iran strongly if they break the new deal.
  • The agreement does not have many rules about Iran’s nuclear weapons.
  • Trump emphasized his readiness to act against Iran’s nuclear threat.
  • The conversation took place in a news interview shown on CBS News.
  • The deal mentioned is the latest agreement related to Iran’s nuclear program.
  • Trump’s stance shows a focus on enforcing the deal through potential military action.
Read the Original

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

Suspects in alleged UFC attack plot at White House wanted to use drones, explosives and snipers

Suspects in alleged UFC attack plot at White House wanted to use drones, explosives and snipers

Summary

Nineteen people were involved in a plot to attack a UFC event at the White House. The suspects planned to use drones, explosives, and snipers to carry out the attack, according to the FBI.

Key Facts

  • The alleged attack targeted a UFC event held near the White House.
  • Nineteen suspects are involved in the plot.
  • The FBI uncovered details about the planned attack.
  • The suspects intended to use drones as part of their weapons.
  • Explosives were also planned to be used in the attack.
  • Snipers were mentioned as part of the strategy.
  • The FBI is continuing its investigation of the case.
Read the Original

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

Georgia Republicans decline to redraw congressional map after voting rights decision

Georgia Republicans decline to redraw congressional map after voting rights decision

Summary

Georgia Republicans decided not to redraw the state’s congressional map during a special session, saying they need more time and input before making changes. They want to handle redistricting carefully instead of rushing, especially after a recent Supreme Court decision that changed how voting rights laws apply.

Key Facts

  • Georgia Republicans declined to redraw congressional districts during a special session.
  • They cited a rushed timeline and unclear effects of a recent Supreme Court ruling on the Voting Rights Act.
  • The Supreme Court decision weakened protections for minority voters under the Voting Rights Act.
  • Republicans want a transparent and responsible process with public input.
  • The party aims to keep its narrow majority in the US House of Representatives.
  • Some other states, encouraged by President Trump, moved quickly to change district maps.
  • Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns stressed focusing on other issues like tax policies and voting machine laws.
  • Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock and others protested efforts to redraw districts.
  • Past redistricting already helped some Republicans in metro Atlanta, but Georgia remains a competitive state.
Read the Original

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

Dads, Moms Have Drastically Different Views of How They Share the Workload

Dads, Moms Have Drastically Different Views of How They Share the Workload

Summary

A recent survey shows that working moms and dads have very different views on how parenting and house chores are shared. Most moms feel they do more of the parenting and housework, while many dads believe the tasks are split more equally.

Key Facts

  • About half of two-parent households have both parents working full-time.
  • 52% of full-time working parents think moms do more daily parenting.
  • 39% of parents believe parenting duties are shared equally.
  • For house chores, 43% say moms do more, while 40% say chores are shared equally.
  • 63% of moms say they do more parenting vs. 30% who say it’s equal; 41% of dads say moms do more vs. 47% who say equal.
  • 63% of moms say they do most housework, but only 25% of dads agree moms do more chores.
  • 90% of dads are satisfied with parenting duties, but only 71% of moms feel the same.
  • Satisfaction is lower for house chores: 82% of dads and 64% of moms are satisfied.
Read the Original

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

Trump administration paying another company to give up wind leases, invest in gas and geothermal

Trump administration paying another company to give up wind leases, invest in gas and geothermal

Summary

The Trump administration is paying a company named Invenergy to cancel its plans for building offshore wind energy projects. Instead, Invenergy will invest in natural gas plants and geothermal energy.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration made a deal with Invenergy, a company with four offshore wind leases.
  • Invenergy agreed to give up the rights to build wind energy projects off the coast.
  • In return, Invenergy will invest money in natural gas power plants.
  • The company will also invest in geothermal energy, which uses heat from under the earth.
  • The deal was announced by the Interior Department on a Wednesday.
  • This is another example of the Trump administration shifting support away from offshore wind to other energy sources.
  • Offshore wind leases mean permission to build wind farms in the ocean.
Read the Original

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

Jay Clayton's DNI confirmation hearing postponed

Jay Clayton's DNI confirmation hearing postponed

Summary

The Senate Intelligence Committee postponed Jay Clayton’s hearing for director of national intelligence. President Donald Trump said he would not attend and made several requests to Congress in a social media post.

Key Facts

  • Jay Clayton’s confirmation hearing was delayed by the Senate Intelligence Committee.
  • The hearing was for the position of director of national intelligence (DNI).
  • President Trump announced on social media that he would not appear at the hearing.
  • The postponement followed President Trump’s public statement with demands to Congress.
  • The Senate Intelligence Committee is responsible for reviewing intelligence-related appointments.
  • Jay Clayton was nominated for the DNI role by President Trump.
  • Confirmation hearings allow the Senate to question nominees before approval.
  • The postponement means the confirmation process will take longer than expected.
Read the Original

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

Pictures Show How Reflecting Pool Has Changed Over the Decades

Pictures Show How Reflecting Pool Has Changed Over the Decades

Summary

The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool in Washington, D.C., recently turned green with algae shortly after a renovation ordered by President Donald Trump. Efforts to control the algae include using chemicals like hydrogen peroxide to keep the pool clean, which has been a challenge for over a century. The pool has also been the site of many important historical events.

Key Facts

  • The Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool recently developed a green algae bloom soon after being renovated under President Trump.
  • President Trump described the pool’s new color as "American Flag Blue" after refurbishment.
  • Algae has been a longtime problem since the pool’s opening more than 100 years ago.
  • National Park Service teams used chemicals and ozone nanobubbles to fight algae growth.
  • Hydrogen peroxide helps clean algae by breaking down organic matter in water.
  • The pool has witnessed historic events like Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s 1963 "I Have a Dream" speech and other major protests and celebrations.
  • The pool was last renovated with $30 million in funds during President Obama’s term in 2012, which also saw algae appear soon after refilling.
  • The reflecting pool is located between the Lincoln Memorial and the World War II Memorial near the White House.
Read the Original

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

FTC sues leading transgender medical group over pediatric care statements

FTC sues leading transgender medical group over pediatric care statements

Summary

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and four states filed a lawsuit against the World Professional Association for Transgender Health (WPATH). They accuse WPATH of making false claims to parents to promote medical treatments for transgender children.

Key Facts

  • The FTC and four states brought the lawsuit on the same day.
  • The target of the lawsuit is WPATH, a leading group specializing in transgender health.
  • The suit claims WPATH made false and unproven statements to parents.
  • The alleged goal was to sell medical transition treatments for children.
  • This action is part of President Donald Trump’s administration efforts.
  • The focus is on gender-affirming care for pediatric patients.
  • The details of the specific claims or evidence are not included in the article excerpt.
Read the Original

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

All 8 victims of B-52 crash identified

All 8 victims of B-52 crash identified

Summary

The U.S. military identified the eight men who died in a B-52 bomber crash during a test flight at Edwards Air Force Base in California. The crash happened earlier this week.

Key Facts

  • Eight men were killed in a B-52 Stratofortress bomber crash.
  • The crash occurred during a test flight.
  • The incident took place at Edwards Air Force Base in California.
  • The victims have been officially identified by the U.S. military.
  • Among the dead were active and retired military personnel.
  • The names and ranks of some victims include Col. Gregory Watson, Lt. Col. Gabriel Estrella, and Maj. Alexander Davis.
  • The military is handling the aftermath of the crash and identification process.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account