The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

How Trump and his administration have mired the US in multiple crises

How Trump and his administration have mired the US in multiple crises

July 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

The United States is facing several serious problems, including disease outbreaks and environmental challenges. The Trump administration has reduced government funding and staff to fight these issues, while also taking steps that have weakened election security.

Key Facts

  • The Trump administration has cut staff and budgets for agencies that protect elections and cybersecurity.
  • Federal workers in election security and intelligence have been reduced significantly.
  • President Trump pardoned about 1,500 people related to the January 6 Capitol attack.
  • Public health funding was cut by $11.4 billion, affecting the response to disease outbreaks.
  • A large outbreak of a parasite called cyclospora caused widespread illness in five states.
  • Tracking and control of foodborne illnesses have slowed due to budget cuts.
  • The administration rolled back environmental protections related to climate change.
  • President Trump questioned the fairness of US elections in a public speech.
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Guardian World Guardian US
Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, deputy leader says

Burnham will be bolder but stick to Labour manifesto, deputy leader says

July 19, 2026 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Andy Burnham will become the new Labour Party leader and prime minister, promising to follow the party's 2024 election manifesto while being bolder and more ambitious. His leadership aims to focus on issues like the cost of living and the economy, with early moves including canceling a Digital ID scheme and planning new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea.

Key Facts

  • Andy Burnham was officially declared Labour Party leader after securing support from 379 MPs and will become prime minister.
  • Burnham will follow Labour’s 2024 election manifesto but plans to be more ambitious with its promises.
  • Labour’s deputy leader, Lucy Powell, said Burnham will clear distractions and focus on the economy and cost of living.
  • Burnham has scrapped the Digital ID scheme, which would have cost significant money and diverted attention from priorities.
  • Some opposition parties want Burnham to call a general election to earn a clear mandate.
  • Burnham’s government plans to introduce new oil and gas drilling in the North Sea but will approach this issue pragmatically.
  • Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized Burnham as a "people pleaser" and said leadership requires tough decisions.
  • Burnham replaces Sir Keir Starmer as prime minister after meeting King Charles III.
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BBC Top Stories
‘White men get to fail’: Graham Platner collapse illuminates toxic double standard in US politics

‘White men get to fail’: Graham Platner collapse illuminates toxic double standard in US politics

July 19, 2026 • Guardian US

Summary

Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate with a controversial past, lost political support after a rape allegation, which he denies. His rise and fall sparked debate about different standards in US politics for white men compared to women and people of color.

Key Facts

  • Graham Platner is a military veteran and oyster farmer who ran for Senate as a Democrat.
  • Platner had a history of offensive online posts, a tattoo recognized as a Nazi symbol, and allegations of toxic behavior.
  • Despite controversies, Platner kept gaining support until a rape allegation caused his campaign to collapse.
  • Activists say white men like Platner often get more chances to recover from scandal than women or people of color.
  • Organizations recruiting progressive candidates note women and candidates of color self-censor more due to stricter scrutiny.
  • Critics argue this difference reflects a political double standard based on race and gender.
  • Platner raised significant grassroots funds and beat a sitting governor in the primary despite his record.
  • The controversy has led Democrats to question who will replace Platner and how to address fairness in candidate evaluations.
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Guardian US
Jon Ossoff, amid presidential chatter, hits Trump over elections

Jon Ossoff, amid presidential chatter, hits Trump over elections

July 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Senator Jon Ossoff is criticizing President Donald Trump on election-related issues. Ossoff, a Democrat from Georgia, won his Senate seat in a runoff election on January 5, 2021, a date that is important in recent election discussions.

Key Facts

  • Jon Ossoff is a U.S. Senator from Georgia.
  • He won his Senate seat in a runoff election on January 5, 2021.
  • Ossoff is speaking out strongly against President Trump.
  • The focus of Ossoff's criticism is about elections and election integrity.
  • Ossoff is becoming a leading Democratic voice on election issues.
  • These election topics are especially important to Ossoff because of his recent election experience.
  • President Donald Trump has been involved in controversies related to elections.
  • The article suggests election issues are a key topic in political debates right now.
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The Hill
Hegseth’s testosterone mandate carries risks, raises questions

Hegseth’s testosterone mandate carries risks, raises questions

July 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has ordered that soldiers over 30 have their testosterone levels tested as part of regular health checks. He says this will help keep troops healthy and performing well, but some medical experts have raised concerns about this decision.

Key Facts

  • The new rule requires troops over age 30 to have their testosterone checked during health assessments.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth supports the tests to improve soldiers’ health and performance.
  • Medical experts have expressed worries about the reasons behind the mandate.
  • Testosterone is a hormone important for muscle strength and energy.
  • The policy is a recent change made by the Department of Defense.
  • Some experts question if testosterone testing will benefit troops as intended.
  • The directive applies to active military personnel.
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The Hill
Moms Are Turning Against Donald Trump

Moms Are Turning Against Donald Trump

July 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

President Donald Trump’s approval rating among parents in the U.S. has dropped over the past year, with mothers moving more strongly against him than fathers. New polling shows Trump now has a negative approval rating overall among parents, which may affect the 2026 midterm elections.

Key Facts

  • Trump’s overall approval among parents declined from a positive rating in early 2025 to a negative rating in mid-2026.
  • In July 2026, 44% of parents approved of Trump, while 55% disapproved.
  • Mothers’ approval dropped more sharply, with only 37% approving and 62% disapproving as of mid-2026.
  • Fathers still show relatively more support for Trump compared to mothers.
  • The survey was done by Echelon Insights with 1,004 likely voters in July 2026.
  • Trump’s approval rating among mothers shifted from slightly positive (+5) at the start of 2025 to strongly negative (-25) in mid-2026.
  • Parents are an important voting group because their views can influence election results, especially in suburban and working-class areas.
  • The White House says Trump’s policies on jobs, inflation, and housing are making progress and expect more improvements soon.
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Newsweek
Don't Let the World Cup's Legacy Bypass American Kids | Opinion

Don't Let the World Cup's Legacy Bypass American Kids | Opinion

July 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

The article discusses the impact of the FIFA World Cup held in the United States and raises concerns about whether the event benefits children in underserved communities. It highlights efforts by organizations like the U.S. Soccer Foundation to build soccer fields in low-income areas and calls for continued investment to make soccer accessible to all American kids.

Key Facts

  • The FIFA World Cup recently took place in the United States, attracting millions of visitors.
  • Large sporting events often benefit already thriving neighborhoods, leaving underserved communities behind.
  • Underserved areas are much more likely to lack recreational spaces, making sports less accessible to children there.
  • The U.S. Soccer Foundation was created after the 1994 World Cup to grow soccer in communities that need it most.
  • Youth soccer registrations in the U.S. increased from about 1 million in 1994 to over 3 million by 2006.
  • Soccer programs teach kids teamwork, leadership, discipline, and improve their physical and emotional health.
  • Over 850 mini soccer fields have been built nationwide by the U.S. Soccer Foundation, with a goal of 1,000 by 2026.
  • Some local and state initiatives, like New York’s $6 million NY Kicks and Houston’s FREEKICKS program, are supporting soccer access in poorer neighborhoods.
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Newsweek
US: Taco Bell removes lettuce after parasite outbreak

US: Taco Bell removes lettuce after parasite outbreak

July 19, 2026 • France24

Summary

Taco Bell is removing lettuce from many of its restaurants after a parasite outbreak linked to the food. The outbreak caused illness in multiple states, resulting in 94 people being hospitalized but no deaths.

Key Facts

  • Taco Bell is taking lettuce off its menu at many locations.
  • The decision follows reports of an outbreak of cyclosporiasis in several states.
  • Cyclosporiasis is a parasitic infection caused by contaminated food or water.
  • The outbreak is the largest of its kind in the United States.
  • So far, no deaths have been reported from the illness.
  • 94 people have required hospital care due to the infection.
  • The parasite causes symptoms like severe diarrhea.
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France24
Ayanna Pressley’s Husband Says Family Safe As Body Found at Home He Owns

Ayanna Pressley’s Husband Says Family Safe As Body Found at Home He Owns

July 19, 2026 • Newsweek

Summary

A body was found in a rental home owned by Conan Harris, husband of Massachusetts Representative Ayanna Pressley. Police are investigating the death as a homicide, and the family has said they are safe.

Key Facts

  • A body was discovered Saturday at a rental house in Boston’s Mattapan neighborhood.
  • The home is owned by Conan Harris, married to Representative Ayanna Pressley since 2014.
  • Police confirmed they are treating the case as a homicide and their homicide unit is investigating.
  • The property is a two-story rental valued at about $919,000.
  • Conan Harris stated on Facebook that his family is safe and expressed sympathy for the deceased’s family.
  • Representative Pressley offered her condolences through a spokesperson.
  • The identity of the deceased person has not been released.
  • Police and Pressley’s office have been contacted for more details; the story is ongoing.
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Newsweek
Victoria announces new social media ‘demasking’ powers for accounts accused of vilification

Victoria announces new social media ‘demasking’ powers for accounts accused of vilification

July 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Victoria is proposing new laws that would require social media platforms to reveal the identities of users accused of online abuse. The state also wants to make it easier for families to sue social media and AI companies if their children suffer mental health harm because of these platforms.

Key Facts

  • Victoria’s premier, Jacinta Allan, announced new social media reforms to protect children online.
  • The Victorian civil and administrative tribunal (Vcat) would have the power to order platforms to "demask" or reveal anonymous users accused of vilification (online abuse).
  • The legal threshold to sue social media and AI companies for causing psychiatric harm to children would be lowered, removing the need to prove permanent impairment.
  • Current laws require medical proof that a child has at least 10% permanent impairment before pursuing damages.
  • Experts believe these reforms are a good start but should cover more online harms like defamation and cyberbullying.
  • Social media companies have faced legal challenges overseas, including a 2026 U.S. case where Google and Meta were found liable for social media addiction harms.
  • The changes will be developed further after talks with courts and legal bodies.
  • Premier Allan stated that social media and AI platforms are designed to be addictive and families should be able to hold companies accountable if children are harmed.
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Guardian World Guardian Tech
Searching for Maya Millete

Searching for Maya Millete

July 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Maya Millete, a young mother, disappeared, and police are investigating the case. Investigators reported that her husband contacted people who perform spells, asking them to place a hex on Maya to stop her from leaving him.

Key Facts

  • Maya Millete is a young mother who went missing.
  • Police are investigating her disappearance.
  • Maya’s husband reached out to spellcasters.
  • He asked for a hex, which is a type of spell meant to cause harm or influence someone.
  • The purpose of the hex was to prevent Maya from leaving her husband.
  • The story is being covered by CBS News and reported by journalist Jonathan Vigliotti.
  • The case has attracted public and media attention.
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CBS News
One week, two killings: Trump’s immigration crackdown turns deadly – again

One week, two killings: Trump’s immigration crackdown turns deadly – again

July 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

Two men, Lorenzo Salgado Araujo in Texas and Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero in Maine, were shot and killed by U.S. immigration agents within one week. These incidents have led to large protests and calls for investigations into the actions of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and demands to remove ICE from local communities.

Key Facts

  • Lorenzo Salgado Araujo was shot while driving in Houston, Texas, with family members in the car.
  • Joan Sebastián Durán Guerrero was shot at an intersection in Biddeford, Maine, near a laundromat he frequented with his young daughter.
  • Both men were not the main targets of immigration operations and had strong family ties in the U.S.
  • Since President Donald Trump took office in 2025, immigration agents have shot at 30 people, killing eight.
  • ICE officers use aggressive tactics, including military-style gear, for deportations and arrests in public places.
  • The Department of Homeland Security claimed both victims posed threats, but witness videos question these claims.
  • Protests have erupted in both cities demanding ICE be removed and investigations be held into the shootings.
  • Local leaders and civil rights groups want transparency including the names of officers involved and the release of witnesses in custody.
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Guardian World
Man dies after cross-border police pursuit ends in NSW northern rivers

Man dies after cross-border police pursuit ends in NSW northern rivers

July 19, 2026 • Guardian World

Summary

A 25-year-old man from Queensland died after a cross-border police chase between Queensland and New South Wales. Police found him unconscious in his vehicle, which had gone down an embankment, and attempts to resuscitate him failed.

Key Facts

  • Police in Queensland first received reports of an armed man near Robina, Gold Coast.
  • Queensland officers located the vehicle but the driver fled towards New South Wales.
  • New South Wales police started a pursuit after the vehicle crossed the border.
  • Police used road spikes twice to stop the vehicle near South Murwillumbah.
  • The vehicle continued driving about 20 kilometers before going down an embankment.
  • Police found the driver unconscious in the vehicle and tried CPR.
  • The man died at the scene despite police efforts.
  • A firearm was taken from the vehicle by police.
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Guardian World
Healthcare costs associated with aging out of reach for many Americans

Healthcare costs associated with aging out of reach for many Americans

July 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Ken and Ronnie Sternfeld, both with serious health challenges, struggled for over a year to get healthcare costs covered before qualifying for Medicaid, spending most of their savings in the process. AARP research shows that long-term care costs have risen about 50% from 2019 to 2024, putting heavy financial pressure on middle-class families and increasing reliance on unpaid family caregivers.

Key Facts

  • Ken Sternfeld is 71 years old and uses a wheelchair; he and his wife need about 10 hours a day of home care.
  • The couple faced a long, difficult process to get healthcare help from insurance and eventually accessed Medicaid.
  • Before Medicaid, they paid for care out-of-pocket, using nearly all their retirement savings.
  • Long-term care costs increased nearly 50% between 2019 and 2024, faster than middle-class incomes.
  • About 70% of Americans over age 65 will need some kind of long-term care.
  • Family caregivers in 2024 provided nearly 50 billion hours of unpaid care, valued at over $1 trillion.
  • The AARP is pushing for a tax credit to support family caregivers, but this proposal has not passed.
  • The Sternfelds rely mostly on Social Security income and face ongoing financial uncertainty.
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CBS News
WATCH: Texas officer races to save man from burning car

WATCH: Texas officer races to save man from burning car

July 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A Texas police officer quickly acted to save a man trapped inside a burning car. The officer’s swift response prevented possible serious injury or death.

Key Facts

  • The incident took place in Texas.
  • A man was trapped in a car that caught fire.
  • A police officer saw the situation and immediately intervened.
  • The officer helped the man get out of the burning vehicle safely.
  • Local community members praised the officer’s quick actions.
  • The event happened on or before July 18, 2026.
  • No additional details about the man's condition provided in the article.
  • The officer’s actions were recorded and shared as notable news.
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ABC News
WATCH: Manhole rescue in Northeast Philadelphia

WATCH: Manhole rescue in Northeast Philadelphia

July 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Emergency crews in Northeast Philadelphia spent over 30 minutes rescuing a man who was trapped in a manhole in the Bell's Corner neighborhood. The incident took place on July 18, 2026.

Key Facts

  • The rescue occurred in the Bell's Corner neighborhood of Northeast Philadelphia.
  • A man was stuck in a manhole and needed help to get out.
  • Emergency responders worked for more than 30 minutes to free him.
  • The event was reported on July 18, 2026.
  • The rescue involved coordinated efforts by emergency crews.
  • No additional details about the man's condition or cause of entrapment were provided.
  • The incident was covered alongside other news stories, indicating routine local emergency response.
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ABC News
WATCH: Therapeutic dance camp helping children with mobility differences

WATCH: Therapeutic dance camp helping children with mobility differences

July 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

Scottish Rite Hospital is running a summer camp called "Rite Moves" that uses dance therapy to help children with mobility challenges enjoy movement and improve their physical abilities. This camp offers a fun and supportive environment where kids can express themselves through dance despite their physical limitations.

Key Facts

  • The camp is named "Rite Moves" and is held during the summer.
  • It is organized by Scottish Rite Hospital.
  • The program focuses on children who have mobility differences.
  • Dance therapy is used to aid children’s movement and physical development.
  • The camp encourages children to enjoy dancing and gain confidence.
  • This approach helps children express themselves creatively while improving mobility.
  • The camp provides a supportive and inclusive atmosphere.
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ABC News
WATCH: Parasitic outbreak spreading across parts of the US

WATCH: Parasitic outbreak spreading across parts of the US

July 19, 2026 • ABC News

Summary

A parasitic infection called cyclosporiasis is spreading in parts of the United States. Taylor Farms has expanded a recall of iceberg lettuce to 27 states due to this outbreak.

Key Facts

  • The parasitic outbreak is caused by cyclosporiasis, a foodborne illness.
  • The illness is linked to iceberg lettuce sold by Taylor Farms.
  • The recall now covers 27 states across the U.S.
  • Cyclosporiasis is spread by consuming contaminated food or water.
  • Symptoms can include diarrhea, stomach cramps, and nausea.
  • Health officials recommend avoiding lettuce from the recalled batches.
  • The outbreak has raised concerns about food safety in affected areas.
  • Taylor Farms is cooperating with health authorities to control the outbreak.
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ABC News
US military unleashes retaliatory strikes against Iran after soldiers killed in Jordan

US military unleashes retaliatory strikes against Iran after soldiers killed in Jordan

July 19, 2026 • The Hill

Summary

The U.S. military launched airstrikes on Iran after Iran attacked two military bases in Jordan, which resulted in the deaths of two American soldiers. The strikes began Saturday evening as a response to the earlier attacks.

Key Facts

  • Iran attacked two military bases in Jordan.
  • Two U.S. service members were killed in the Iranian attack.
  • The U.S. Central Command announced retaliatory airstrikes against Iran.
  • The U.S. airstrikes started at 6 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time on Saturday.
  • The strikes were a direct response to the attacks on the bases in Jordan.
  • The U.S. aims to hold Iran responsible for the deaths of its soldiers.
  • This military action represents escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran.
  • The incident involves U.S. forces operating in the Middle East region.
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The Hill
Costs put healthcare out of reach for many aging Americans

Costs put healthcare out of reach for many aging Americans

July 19, 2026 • CBS News

Summary

Many older Americans find it hard to afford healthcare costs as they age. A couple in New York spent all their savings paying for medical care before they qualified for Medicaid, a government health program.

Key Facts

  • Healthcare expenses can drain retirement and savings for aging people.
  • Some must pay out of pocket for care before government help begins.
  • Medicaid is a program that helps low-income and elderly people with medical costs.
  • Many Americans face similar difficulties affording healthcare as they grow older.
  • This problem affects financial security for retirees and their families.
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CBS News