The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Capturing the emotional journey of Healing Justice

Capturing the emotional journey of Healing Justice

Summary

The TV program 60 Minutes featured Healing Justice, a nonprofit that holds retreats for survivors of crimes, wrongfully convicted people, and their families. The retreats use group talks, writing, and art to help people heal from the harm caused by mistakes in the justice system. The story also shared the experience of Jennifer Thompson, a rape survivor who wrongly identified a man who was later proven innocent by DNA evidence.

Key Facts

  • Healing Justice organizes three-day retreats for people affected by crime and wrongful convictions.
  • Activities at the retreats include writing exercises, group discussions, and art therapy.
  • Jennifer Thompson is the founder of Healing Justice and a survivor of rape.
  • Thompson mistakenly identified Ronald Cotton as her attacker, leading to his wrongful conviction.
  • Cotton spent 11 years in prison before DNA testing proved his innocence.
  • The real attacker, Bobby Poole, was identified through DNA evidence.
  • Thompson later apologized to Cotton, who forgave her, helping her heal emotionally.
  • Eyewitness misidentification can happen when the real attacker is not shown in police lineups.
Read the Original

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

Crime victims form unlikely bonds with wrongfully convicted men

Crime victims form unlikely bonds with wrongfully convicted men

Summary

Jennifer Thompson is a rape survivor who mistakenly identified an innocent man, Ronald Cotton, who was then wrongly imprisoned for over a decade. Now, she leads a program that brings crime victims and wrongfully convicted men together to help them heal from the shared pain caused by wrongful convictions.

Key Facts

  • Jennifer Thompson was raped in 1984 and identified Ronald Cotton, who was wrongly convicted and sent to prison for life.
  • DNA tests later proved Ronald Cotton's innocence after 11 years, revealing the real attacker was not identified.
  • Jennifer apologized to Cotton and has worked to prevent wrongful convictions by educating police and prosecutors.
  • She now runs "Healing Justice," a retreat where victims and wrongfully convicted men meet to repair emotional harm together.
  • The group includes victims of sexual assault and family members of murder victims, paired with men exonerated after decades in prison.
  • Jennifer says wrongful convictions hurt many people: the innocent person, the victims, families, and communities.
  • Over 3,800 people have been freed in recent years through new evidence like DNA tests.
  • This healing approach is a new effort to address the emotional damage on both sides.
Read the Original

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

JD and Usha Vance welcome baby boy, first child born to sitting VP in 156 years

JD and Usha Vance welcome baby boy, first child born to sitting VP in 156 years

Summary

Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha Vance announced the birth of their fourth child, Alec Neel Vance, the first baby born to a sitting U.S. vice-president in over 150 years. The family and medical staff are reported to be healthy, and the birth connects to Vance's public support for increasing birth rates in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • Alec Neel Vance was born on Sunday to Vice-President JD Vance and Second Lady Usha Vance.
  • He is their fourth child, joining siblings Ewan (9), Vivek (6), and Mirabel (4).
  • This is the first birth to a sitting U.S. vice-president since 1870.
  • Vice-President Vance has expressed concern about declining birth rates in the U.S.
  • The Vance family thanked the Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and White House medical team for their care.
  • Usha Vance is the daughter of Indian immigrants.
  • Both Vance and his wife have brought their children on official trips, sometimes seen in pajamas on Air Force Two.
  • The article notes a recent mini baby boom among members of President Donald Trump’s administration.
Read the Original

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

Exonerees, crime survivors come together for healing | 60 Minutes

Exonerees, crime survivors come together for healing | 60 Minutes

Summary

A rape survivor felt guilty after finding out an innocent man was wrongly sent to prison for her case. She brought together people who were wrongly convicted and crime victims to support each other and promote healing.

Key Facts

  • A rape survivor learned that an innocent man was jailed because of her case.
  • She felt guilt over the wrongful conviction.
  • She organized meetings between crime victims and people who were wrongly convicted.
  • The goal was to help everyone heal from the pain caused by the wrongful conviction.
  • This story was featured on the news program 60 Minutes.
  • The report highlights the emotional impact of wrongful convictions on both the exonerees and the victims.
  • Support and understanding between these groups can aid recovery and healing.
  • The story was shared by CBS News.
Read the Original

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

Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance welcome 4th child

Vice President JD Vance and second lady Usha Vance welcome 4th child

Summary

Vice President J.D. Vance and his wife Usha Vance announced the birth of their fourth child, a son named Alec Neel Vance. Both the mother and baby are healthy, and the couple’s other children are happy to welcome their new brother.

Key Facts

  • Vice President J.D. Vance and Usha Vance had their fourth child on July 19, 2026.
  • The baby boy’s name is Alec Neel Vance.
  • Usha Vance and the baby are reported to be happy and healthy.
  • The couple’s other children are named Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
  • J.D. Vance was chosen as President Donald Trump’s running mate in the 2024 election.
  • The Vances have spoken publicly about encouraging families to have more children.
  • Usha Vance gave an interview discussing her husband’s political future and meeting President Trump.
  • The Vances met at Yale Law School and were married in 2014.
Read the Original

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

JD Vance announces birth of baby boy with wife Usha

JD Vance announces birth of baby boy with wife Usha

Summary

US Vice-President JD Vance and his wife Usha have welcomed their fourth child, a boy named Alec Neel Vance. The family is healthy and happy, and Vance thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed Medical Center.

Key Facts

  • JD Vance is the US Vice-President.
  • He and his wife Usha have four children now.
  • Their newest child, Alec Neel Vance, was born on Sunday morning.
  • Usha and the baby are reported to be healthy and happy.
  • Their other children are named Ewan, Vivek, and Mirabel.
  • Vance thanked military doctors and staff who helped during the birth.
  • Usha grew up in San Diego with parents who worked in engineering and biology.
  • The couple met in 2010 at Yale Law School during a discussion group.
Read the Original

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

Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha welcome their 4th child

Vice President JD Vance and wife Usha welcome their 4th child

Summary

Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha announced the birth of their fourth child, a son named Alec Neel Vance. The baby and Usha are healthy, and this is the first time in modern history that the U.S. second family has had a child while in office.

Key Facts

  • Alec Neel Vance was born on a Sunday at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center.
  • Usha Vance and the baby are both healthy.
  • The Vance family now has four children: three older children named Ewan (9), Vivek (6), and Mirabel (4), plus the newborn.
  • The last time a U.S. vice president's family had a child while in office was in 1870, when Schuyler Colfax Jr. had a son.
  • JD Vance wrote in his book that Usha was initially against having another baby, partly because of their public life.
  • Their decision changed after the death of their friend Charlie Kirk, whose widow regretted not having more children.
  • Usha said Kirk's widow’s words were very moving and influenced her thinking.
  • The couple has been married since 2014.
Read the Original

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

JD and Usha Vance Welcome Fourth Child

JD and Usha Vance Welcome Fourth Child

Summary

Vice President JD Vance and his wife, Usha Vance, announced the birth of their fourth child, a boy named Alec Neel Vance. This is the first time in over 150 years that a sitting U.S. vice president has had a child born while in office.

Key Facts

  • Alec Neel Vance was born on a Sunday, and both mother and baby are healthy.
  • The last sitting vice president to have a child born in office was Schuyler Colfax in 1870.
  • JD and Usha Vance have three other children: Ewan (9), Vivek (6), and Mirabel (4).
  • The couple married in 2014 and often bring their children on official trips.
  • Vice President Vance has spoken publicly about the U.S. needing more babies and encouraged larger families.
  • The decision to have another child was influenced by conversations with other families and personal considerations.
  • Usha Vance, a former attorney, announced her pregnancy in January.
  • The family thanked the medical staff at Walter Reed Medical Center and the White House Medical Unit for their care.
Read the Original

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

Maine secretary of State drops out of Senate race

Maine secretary of State drops out of Senate race

Summary

Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows has ended her campaign for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary shortly after starting it. She cited concerns about increasing attacks on democracy linked to President Donald Trump as a reason for her decision.

Key Facts

  • Shenna Bellows is the Secretary of State of Maine.
  • She announced her run for the U.S. Senate Democratic primary but withdrew about a week later.
  • Bellows mentioned that attacks on democracy are increasing.
  • She connected these attacks to actions by President Donald Trump.
  • Her withdrawal was announced on a Sunday.
  • The Senate race is in Maine, known as the Pine Tree State.
Read the Original

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

Top Pentagon official blasts OpenAI's Dean Ball

Top Pentagon official blasts OpenAI's Dean Ball

Summary

A senior official from President Trump's administration criticized Dean Ball, head of strategic futures at OpenAI, over his views on AI regulation. This disagreement may affect how OpenAI and the Trump administration work together, especially as concerns grow about Chinese AI technology.

Key Facts

  • Dean Ball, formerly part of the Trump administration's AI Action Plan, now leads strategic futures at OpenAI.
  • Ball suggested the Trump administration might create rules to manage risks from Chinese AI models.
  • David Sacks, a White House AI adviser, questioned if Ball’s position benefits OpenAI unfairly.
  • Ball clarified he does not support weak rules against Chinese AI without good reason.
  • Emil Michael, a Defense under secretary, criticized Ball publicly on social media for his intelligence and views.
  • Michael said government bans on Chinese AI use came from a democratic process, not secret plans.
  • The Pentagon has had tense relations with AI companies before, including a legal fight with Anthropic.
  • The situation could lead to more government oversight of OpenAI.
Read the Original

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

Trump Cabinet Secretary, DNI Nominee Differ on Biden's 2020 Win

Trump Cabinet Secretary, DNI Nominee Differ on Biden's 2020 Win

Summary

Energy Secretary Chris Wright said Joe Biden clearly won the 2020 election, while Jay Clayton, President Trump’s nominee for director of national intelligence, did not give a direct answer about the election winner during his Senate hearing. This difference in responses comes as President Trump continues to question the 2020 election results, leading to debates within the Republican Party and criticism from Democrats.

Key Facts

  • Chris Wright said Biden "sure seems" to have won the 2020 election.
  • Jay Clayton declined to directly state who won the election but acknowledged Biden was certified as the winner.
  • President Trump gave a primetime speech renewing claims of foreign interference and election fraud in 2020.
  • Several Republicans have publicly rejected or questioned Trump’s election fraud claims.
  • Past officials who contradicted Trump’s claims, like Bill Barr and Chris Krebs, faced backlash or were removed.
  • Senator Mark Warner opposed Clayton’s nomination partly due to Clayton’s refusal to clearly say Biden won.
  • The topic remains politically sensitive inside the administration and among Republican lawmakers.
  • Biden has been president for four years, affirming that he officially won the 2020 election.
Read the Original

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

AOC channels Obama's "Hope and Change" message

AOC channels Obama's "Hope and Change" message

Summary

Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is using messages similar to President Obama’s 2008 campaign, focusing on hope and change. She supports progressive policies and is campaigning for a Michigan Senate candidate while preparing for a possible run for president in 2028.

Key Facts

  • Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign language echoes President Obama’s 2008 message of hope and change.
  • She is campaigning in Michigan for progressive Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed.
  • Ocasio-Cortez argues against maintaining the current political status quo.
  • She supports progressive policies like Medicare for All and more cautious views on trade and AI data centers.
  • Michigan’s 2026 Senate race is a key test for progressive candidates in swing states.
  • Winning this race could boost progressive influence and support Ocasio-Cortez’s potential 2028 presidential run.
  • Ocasio-Cortez aims to build a broader progressive coalition than Senator Bernie Sanders did.
  • She has been more selective with political endorsements than Sanders and maintains a less confrontational stance toward the Democratic Party establishment.
Read the Original

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

Watch: Torrential rain hits New York and New Jersey triggering flash floods

Watch: Torrential rain hits New York and New Jersey triggering flash floods

Summary

Heavy rain and storms caused flash floods in New York City, New Jersey, and nearby areas on Saturday. The flooding affected subway stations, streets, and delayed flights and sports events.

Key Facts

  • Torrential rain hit New York City and New Jersey on Saturday.
  • Flash floods flooded subway stations and city streets.
  • Some drivers had to leave their cars because of rising water.
  • Emergency services rescued several people from flooded areas.
  • Flights were delayed just before the World Cup final in New Jersey.
  • A baseball game between the Yankees and Dodgers was canceled due to rain.
  • The affected area included parts of the Tri-State region, such as Connecticut.
  • Videos on social media showed knee-deep water and flooded vehicles.
Read the Original

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

State Department issues warning to Americans living and traveling abroad

State Department issues warning to Americans living and traveling abroad

Summary

The U.S. State Department warned Americans living or traveling overseas to be careful because of higher risks at U.S. diplomatic sites. The warning comes in response to rising tensions in the Middle East that could lead to sudden problems.

Key Facts

  • The State Department issued a warning on Saturday to Americans abroad.
  • The warning focuses on the safety of U.S. diplomatic locations.
  • It advises caution due to increased threats linked to rising Middle East tensions.
  • Officials say the security situation is complicated and could change quickly.
  • The alert aims to help Americans stay safe while overseas during this period.
Read the Original

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

Epstein survivor on Blanche meeting: ‘We were gaslit’

Epstein survivor on Blanche meeting: ‘We were gaslit’

Summary

A survivor of Jeffrey Epstein told a news program that she felt manipulated during a recent meeting with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche. She said Blanche denied certain issues related to the Department of Justice, which upset her and other survivors present.

Key Facts

  • The survivor’s name is Jess Michaels.
  • The meeting happened last week with acting Attorney General Todd Blanche.
  • Other survivors of Jeffrey Epstein were also part of the meeting.
  • Jess Michaels told MS NOW’s Alex Witt about the meeting.
  • Michaels said she felt “gaslit,” meaning she was made to doubt her own experience.
  • Blanche reportedly denied problems within the Department of Justice during the meeting.
  • The survivors were discussing issues connected to Jeffrey Epstein’s case.
Read the Original

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

Mom Notices Son Is Unusually Tired, Then Comes Heartbreaking Reality

Mom Notices Son Is Unusually Tired, Then Comes Heartbreaking Reality

Summary

A mother in Ontario, Canada, noticed her 3-year-old son was unusually tired and having trouble breathing. After several weeks and multiple doctor visits, he was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a type of blood cancer, and has since begun intensive treatment.

Key Facts

  • The toddler’s name is Zay, and he showed symptoms like tiredness, breathing problems, swollen lymph nodes, leg pain, and bruising.
  • Doctors initially thought Zay had a common virus or asthma and prescribed related treatments, which did not improve his condition.
  • After blood tests and urgent medical evaluation, Zay was diagnosed with B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (B-ALL) on July 3.
  • Treatment includes chemotherapy, bone marrow biopsies, spinal taps, blood and platelet transfusions, and a port for intravenous access.
  • The treatment causes side effects, especially from steroids like dexamethasone, which increases hunger and mood changes.
  • Despite his illness, Zay remains playful and joyful, according to his mother Alicia Snake.
  • The family shares Zay’s medical journey on TikTok and has started a GoFundMe page to help with costs.
  • Alicia Snake urges other parents to trust their instincts and seek medical help if children show unusual or persistent symptoms like fatigue, pain, or bruising.
Read the Original

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

High-profile Trump nominees pose test for outgoing Republicans

High-profile Trump nominees pose test for outgoing Republicans

Summary

Several important nominees chosen by President Donald Trump are soon to be reviewed by Senate committees. These votes will reveal if Republican senators who are leaving office will support the president’s picks or try to push back.

Key Facts

  • President Donald Trump has selected several key candidates for government roles.
  • These nominees include Erica Schwartz for CDC director and Todd Blanche for attorney general.
  • Senate committees will hold votes on these nominees in the upcoming weeks.
  • Some Republican senators who are leaving office are seen as a potential obstacle to smooth confirmations.
  • The process will test the influence of outgoing Republican senators over the Trump administration’s choices.
Read the Original

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

Warner rails against Trump’s primetime speech: ‘This guy is not looking for a secure election’

Warner rails against Trump’s primetime speech: ‘This guy is not looking for a secure election’

Summary

Senator Mark Warner criticized President Donald Trump’s recent primetime speech, saying it showed Trump is not focused on making elections secure. Warner referred to the recent removal of Democratic members from a government agency that helps manage elections.

Key Facts

  • Senator Mark Warner is a Democrat from Virginia.
  • Warner spoke out on Sunday about President Trump’s primetime speech.
  • Warner said Trump’s speech suggests he does not want secure elections.
  • Warner mentioned the Elections Assistance Commission, a lesser-known agency.
  • The Elections Assistance Commission works with local election officials.
  • Earlier in the month, the remaining Democratic members of this commission were fired.
  • Warner’s comments link these firings to concerns about election security.
Read the Original

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

ICE to Require Body Cameras During Vehicle Stops After Fatal Encounters

ICE to Require Body Cameras During Vehicle Stops After Fatal Encounters

Summary

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) will require officers to wear body cameras during vehicle stops after two recent fatal shootings that raised concerns about agency practices. The agency has bought the cameras and started training officers to use them nationwide to improve transparency and safety.

Key Facts

  • ICE will require at least one officer to wear a body camera during vehicle stops.
  • This policy change follows two fatal shootings in Maine and Texas in July 2025 without body camera footage.
  • At least six people have died during ICE actions so far in 2025.
  • ICE briefly paused vehicle stops to review safety, but President Donald Trump ordered them to resume.
  • Body cameras give a direct view of what officers see before taking action, officials say.
  • A pilot body camera program started in 2024 in five cities but expansion stalled due to funding and politics.
  • Cameras have now been purchased and national training is underway to roll out the program.
  • Public protests called for more transparency after the fatal shootings without video evidence.
Read the Original

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

Warner tells Margaret Brennan he was ‘disappointed’ with CBS for covering Trump’s elections speech

Warner tells Margaret Brennan he was ‘disappointed’ with CBS for covering Trump’s elections speech

Summary

Senator Mark Warner said he was unhappy that CBS showed President Donald Trump’s speech about election security. He said the speech had many false statements and was glad most news outlets did not treat it as serious news.

Key Facts

  • Senator Mark Warner is from Virginia and a member of the Democratic Party.
  • Warner criticized CBS for broadcasting President Trump’s election security speech.
  • Warner said the speech contained many false statements.
  • He praised most media for not treating the speech as serious news.
  • Warner mentioned some journalists at CBS but did not name them.
  • The speech happened on a Thursday night before Warner’s comments on Sunday.
Read the Original

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