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

Trump taps housing finance director Pulte as acting director of national intelligence

Trump taps housing finance director Pulte as acting director of national intelligence

Summary

President Donald Trump has chosen Bill Pulte, currently the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, to serve as the acting director of national intelligence. Tulsi Gabbard will leave her position on June 30.

Key Facts

  • President Trump announced Bill Pulte's new role on June 2, 2026.
  • Bill Pulte leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
  • Pulte will act as the director of national intelligence, temporarily leading the office.
  • Tulsi Gabbard is the current director of national intelligence.
  • Gabbard will step down from her position on June 30, 2026.
  • The position involves overseeing the U.S. intelligence community.
  • The announcement was made at the White House.
  • This story is still developing with possible updates expected.
Read the Original

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

Trump taps ally Bill Pulte to serve as top intelligence chief

Trump taps ally Bill Pulte to serve as top intelligence chief

Summary

President Donald Trump has chosen Bill Pulte to be the acting director of national intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard left the position. Pulte currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and will keep that role while serving in intelligence.

Key Facts

  • President Trump appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
  • Tulsi Gabbard recently left the intelligence role.
  • Bill Pulte is the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
  • The FHFA oversees rules for federal housing lenders Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • Pulte is a wealthy heir from a home construction company.
  • He has publicly made strong claims against Trump’s political opponents.
  • President Trump said Pulte has experience managing sensitive national matters.
  • Pulte will continue as FHFA director while serving as acting intelligence chief.
Read the Original

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

Trump taps housing regulator turned MAGA enforcer as intelligence chief

Trump taps housing regulator turned MAGA enforcer as intelligence chief

Summary

President Donald Trump appointed Bill Pulte, currently leading the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte will manage this new role while continuing his work overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two large government-related mortgage companies.

Key Facts

  • Bill Pulte directs the Federal Housing Finance Agency, overseeing Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • President Trump named Pulte as the acting national intelligence director.
  • Pulte will hold both roles simultaneously.
  • He has been involved in political efforts supporting President Trump’s campaign.
  • Pulte has played a role in raising fraud accusations against Trump’s political opponents.
  • He has influenced actions related to the Federal Reserve.
  • President Trump praised Pulte’s experience managing financial markets and large government financial entities.
  • The previous national intelligence director, Tulsi Gabbard, left the administration last month.
Read the Original

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

Behind the decline of summer jobs for teens

Behind the decline of summer jobs for teens

Summary

A new report says that the number of summer jobs available for teenagers is expected to drop to the lowest level in almost 80 years. Harvard economist Roland Fryer explains some reasons behind this decrease in teen summer hiring.

Key Facts

  • Summer job opportunities for teens are falling sharply.
  • The current level is expected to be the lowest in nearly 80 years.
  • Roland Fryer, a Harvard economist, commented on the issue.
  • Teen summer employment has been a common way for youth to earn money and gain work experience.
  • The decline may relate to changes in the job market or economic conditions.
  • This topic was covered by CBS News.
  • The report highlights a significant shift in teen employment trends during summer months.
Read the Original

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

Black Florida voters should close this door that gerrymandering opened

Black Florida voters should close this door that gerrymandering opened

Summary

The article discusses how a Republican effort to reduce Black voting influence in Florida has unintentionally helped a Black politician secure a safer political position. It highlights the impact of gerrymandering, which is the practice of drawing voting district boundaries to influence election results.

Key Facts

  • A Republican strategy aimed to weaken Black voting power in Florida.
  • This strategy involved redrawing district maps, known as gerrymandering.
  • The plan unintentionally helped a Black elected official gain a safer seat.
  • Gerrymandering can change the balance of political power by altering district boundaries.
  • The article focuses on the effects of these changes on Black voters in Florida.
Read the Original

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

6 states hold primaries today, including key races in California, Iowa

6 states hold primaries today, including key races in California, Iowa

Summary

Six states are holding primary elections today, including California, where voters will choose two candidates for the governor’s race in November. In Los Angeles, the mayoral race features incumbent Mayor Karen Bass facing a challenge from Republican Spencer Pratt, a reality TV star.

Key Facts

  • California uses a "top-two" primary system where the two candidates with the most votes move to the November election.
  • Governor Gavin Newsom cannot run again due to term limits.
  • Major candidates for governor include Democrat Xavier Becerra, billionaire Democrat Tom Steyer, and Republican Steve Hilton, who has President Trump’s endorsement.
  • Former Rep. Eric Swalwell dropped out amid sexual assault allegations.
  • Republicans hoped to block Democrats from the November ballot but face challenges as Democratic candidates gain support.
  • Chad Bianco, a Republican and ally of former President Trump, controversially seized ballots, prompting emergency legislation.
  • Los Angeles residents vote for mayor today; incumbent Karen Bass is running against Republican Spencer Pratt.
  • California has not elected a Republican governor since 2006 and Democrats currently outnumber Republicans two to one in the state.
Read the Original

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

From us

No ads. Just the news.

It's free for everyone. If it's useful, support us at a price that feels right.

Support us
Trump's DOE restarts energy rebate program with dumb conditions

Trump's DOE restarts energy rebate program with dumb conditions

Summary

The U.S. Department of Energy has updated its rules for two energy rebate programs, no longer supporting rebates for switching home heating from fossil fuels to electricity. These changes follow legal battles after President Trump halted funding from the Inflation Reduction Act, and now eliminate considerations of diversity and environmental justice from the programs.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Energy released updated guidance for two consumer energy rebate programs totaling $8.8 billion in funding.
  • The Home Owner Managing Energy Savings (HOMES) program offers up to $8,000 for home energy efficiency upgrades that reduce energy use by at least 20%.
  • The High-Efficiency Electric Home Rebate (HEEHR) program offers up to $14,000 in rebates for efficient electric appliances and equipment.
  • The new rules stop rebates for switching heating systems from fossil fuels to electric, except for new homes or households that already use electric heat.
  • Previous requirements encouraging diversity, equity, inclusion, and environmental justice (Justice40 initiative) were removed from the program guidelines.
  • Households must upgrade insulation and air sealing before qualifying for rebates on new heating appliances.
  • These changes came after President Trump canceled funding from Biden’s Inflation Reduction Act, but a court restored the funding in March 2025.
  • Energy and environmental groups criticized the guidance, saying it moves away from the original goals of the programs and limits the shift away from fossil fuels.
Read the Original

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

Ex-Proud Boys Leader Says 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund Fight Not Over

Ex-Proud Boys Leader Says 'Anti-Weaponization' Fund Fight Not Over

Summary

Enrique Tarrio, former leader of the Proud Boys, said the fight to maintain a $1.8 billion fund created during President Trump’s administration will continue, despite a court order temporarily stopping it. The fund was meant to compensate people who said they were unfairly targeted by the federal government, but a judge has paused it while legal challenges continue.

Key Facts

  • The Department of Justice (DOJ) set up a $1.8 billion "anti-weaponization" fund to compensate people claiming they were wrongly targeted by the federal government.
  • The fund was part of an agreement linked to President Trump dropping a lawsuit against the IRS.
  • Enrique Tarrio was sentenced to 22 years for seditious conspiracy related to January 6 but was pardoned by President Trump last year.
  • Tarrio said on social media that the DOJ is temporarily following the court order but has not given up on the fund.
  • A federal judge temporarily blocked the fund’s creation to prevent public money from being spent while legal issues are resolved.
  • The fund would be managed by a commission with members appointed mainly by the attorney general and had power to apologize and pay claimants.
  • The DOJ said the fund was open to all political affiliations, aiming to address unfair legal actions against various groups.
  • President Trump is reconsidering whether to proceed with the fund after the judge's ruling.
Read the Original

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

WATCH LIVE: Rubio testifies on Capitol Hill for the 1st time since start of Iran war

WATCH LIVE: Rubio testifies on Capitol Hill for the 1st time since start of Iran war

Summary

Secretary of State Marco Rubio appeared before Senate and House committees to discuss the State Department's budget and answer questions about the U.S. diplomatic efforts during the ongoing conflict with Iran. The hearings focused on the fragile ceasefire and recent attacks between the U.S. and Iran, as well as President Donald Trump's decisions regarding the war.

Key Facts

  • Marco Rubio, Secretary of State, testified on Capitol Hill for the first time since the Iran war began.
  • He appeared before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and House committees.
  • The main topic was the State Department’s annual budget request.
  • The discussion quickly shifted to the unstable ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran.
  • Recent attacks have tested the fragile peace between Washington and Tehran.
  • Cabinet members, including Rubio, defended President Trump’s choice to start the conflict.
  • President Trump had previously promised not to get involved in long wars in the Middle East.
  • The situation is complicated by President Trump’s changing objectives for the conflict.
Read the Original

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

Who Is William Pulte? Trump Announces Acting Replacement for Tulsi Gabbard

Who Is William Pulte? Trump Announces Acting Replacement for Tulsi Gabbard

Summary

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence. Pulte will manage national security matters while still overseeing the Federal Housing Finance Agency and its control of major mortgage companies.

Key Facts

  • Bill Pulte has been named acting director of national intelligence by President Trump.
  • He previously worked as a housing regulator, overseeing the Federal Housing Finance Agency.
  • Pulte remains in charge of oversight for Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two large mortgage companies.
  • The appointment places Pulte in charge of the intelligence community during a time of political tension and leadership changes.
  • Trump praised Pulte’s experience, citing his management of over $10 trillion in assets.
  • Pulte has been involved in sending criminal referrals against some of President Trump’s political opponents.
  • This appointment may lead to new scrutiny of intelligence agencies and housing oversight efforts.
Read the Original

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

From festering infections to untreated cancer, ICE detainees across the US describe medical neglect

From festering infections to untreated cancer, ICE detainees across the US describe medical neglect

Summary

Many immigrants held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention centers across at least 33 states say they have not received proper medical care. An investigation by KFF Health News and The Associated Press found that detainees with serious health problems often went without necessary medicines or timely doctor visits.

Key Facts

  • Hundreds of detainees filed lawsuits claiming they were denied adequate medical care in ICE detention centers.
  • Health issues reported include untreated infections, cancer, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health problems.
  • Some detainees experienced worsening conditions due to lack of medicine or missed medical appointments.
  • The number of immigrants detained by ICE rose from about 40,000 to over 75,000 after President Donald Trump took office for his second term.
  • Deaths in ICE custody have increased, with 51 reported since early 2024, including a spike in suicides.
  • ICE and private contractors say they follow medical care standards but did not directly respond to the investigation’s findings.
  • The investigation included court case reviews and interviews with detainees, family members, and lawyers.
  • The Department of Homeland Security’s acting chief medical officer said detainees receive timely and appropriate medical care in custody.
Read the Original

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

Trump taps housing finance director Pulte as acting director of national intelligence after Gabbard

Trump taps housing finance director Pulte as acting director of national intelligence after Gabbard

Summary

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, the current director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting director of national intelligence after Tulsi Gabbard resigned. Pulte will continue his existing roles while serving temporarily in this new position, which requires Senate approval for a permanent appointment.

Key Facts

  • Bill Pulte currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency and oversees Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
  • President Trump announced Pulte’s appointment on the social media site Truth Social.
  • Tulsi Gabbard resigned from the national intelligence position due to her husband’s cancer diagnosis.
  • Pulte will keep his housing finance roles while acting as the national intelligence director.
  • The national intelligence director position requires Senate confirmation for a permanent appointment.
  • Pulte’s background is mainly in financial markets and mortgage agencies, with unclear national security experience.
  • Pulte has publicly criticized Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell for interest rate policies.
  • Pulte has been seen traveling on Air Force One with President Trump.
Read the Original

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

From us

Pay what it's worth to you

We dropped the ads. Support independent, no-spin news at the suggested $3.99/month.

Support us
Trump names controversial housing official Bill Pulte as acting intel chief

Trump names controversial housing official Bill Pulte as acting intel chief

Summary

President Donald Trump has appointed Bill Pulte, currently head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA), as the acting director of national intelligence. Pulte will keep his roles at FHFA and as chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac while also leading the intelligence office.

Key Facts

  • President Trump named Bill Pulte as acting director of national intelligence.
  • Bill Pulte is currently the director of the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
  • He is also chairman of Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, two government-backed mortgage companies.
  • Pulte will keep his housing finance jobs while leading the intelligence office.
  • Tulsi Gabbard will step down as director of national intelligence at the end of the month.
  • Pulte has sent criminal referrals about mortgage fraud to the Justice Department involving some of President Trump’s political opponents.
  • President Trump announced the appointment on his social media platform, Truth Social.
  • Pulte manages over $10 trillion in assets at Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac.
Read the Original

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

Trump names William Pulte as acting DNI head

Trump names William Pulte as acting DNI head

Summary

President Donald Trump appointed William Pulte, who leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency, as the acting head of the Office of the Director of National Intelligence. Pulte is known for supporting investigations of Trump's opponents in mortgage fraud cases.

Key Facts

  • President Trump named William Pulte to be acting director of national intelligence.
  • William Pulte currently leads the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA).
  • The Office of the Director of National Intelligence oversees U.S. intelligence agencies.
  • Pulte has supported prosecuting some people who are political opponents of President Trump.
  • This change replaces the previous acting head of the intelligence office.
  • The appointment highlights Trump’s influence in intelligence leadership roles.
  • The role involves managing national security and intelligence information.
  • The move may affect ongoing or future intelligence policies under Trump's administration.
Read the Original

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

Spencer Pratt makes final push in Los Angeles mayor race as California holds elections

Spencer Pratt makes final push in Los Angeles mayor race as California holds elections

Summary

California held primary elections, including races for Los Angeles mayor and the state's governor. Spencer Pratt is making a final effort in the Los Angeles mayor race.

Key Facts

  • California held primary elections alongside five other states.
  • The Los Angeles mayoral race is a major focus of the elections.
  • Spencer Pratt is a candidate in the Los Angeles mayor race.
  • The state’s governor race is also part of the primary elections.
  • CBS News reported coverage of these elections.
  • The elections determine which candidates advance to the general election.
  • Los Angeles is selecting its next mayor through this primary process.
Read the Original

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

Graham Platner’s controversies grow; Jill Biden’s book backlash: Join the live discussion

Graham Platner’s controversies grow; Jill Biden’s book backlash: Join the live discussion

Summary

This article previews a live discussion about current political issues in the United States. It will cover controversies involving Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner and reactions to First Lady Jill Biden’s upcoming book, as well as political competition between Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco.

Key Facts

  • The discussion is hosted by reporters Amie Parnes and Ian Swanson, with Democratic strategist Steve Schale as a guest.
  • Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner is facing growing controversy.
  • There is public backlash related to First Lady Jill Biden’s new memoir.
  • Political rivalry between Vice President Vance and Secretary of State Marco is part of the conversation.
  • The event is called “The Fight for 2028,” signaling a focus on upcoming political campaigns.
  • The discussion aims to analyze current political conflicts and candidate strategies.
Read the Original

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

LA Mayor Primary: Final Polls, Chances as Bass, Pratt, Raman Face Off

LA Mayor Primary: Final Polls, Chances as Bass, Pratt, Raman Face Off

Summary

The Los Angeles mayoral primary race is very close, with three main candidates—incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, councilmember Nithya Raman, and television personality Spencer Pratt—competing for votes. Recent polls show Bass slightly ahead, but the final outcome will depend on voter turnout in the June 2 primary, which will determine which two candidates continue to the November runoff.

Key Facts

  • A final poll shows Karen Bass with 26%, Nithya Raman with 25%, and Spencer Pratt with 22%.
  • Prediction markets give Bass about a two-to-one chance of winning.
  • Undecided voters have dropped from around 40–50% in March to about 10% in May.
  • The Los Angeles mayoral election uses a top-two primary system where the two highest vote-getters move to the runoff.
  • The election is officially nonpartisan; candidates don't have party labels on the ballot.
  • The race focuses on issues like homelessness, affordability, public safety, and wildfire disaster response.
  • Spencer Pratt has criticized Bass’s handling of the 2025 Palisades Fire.
  • Polls have a margin of error of about plus or minus 3 percentage points, so the race is statistically very close.
Read the Original

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

Democrats demand Comer arrange interviews with Blanche, Patel in Epstein probe

Democrats demand Comer arrange interviews with Blanche, Patel in Epstein probe

Summary

House Oversight Committee Democrats want Chairman James Comer to arrange videotaped interviews with Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and FBI Director Kash Patel. The interviews are about how they handled documents related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and concerns over possible cover-ups.

Key Facts

  • Democrats on the House Oversight Committee demand interviews with Todd Blanche and Kash Patel.
  • They want these interviews video recorded and transcribed for the Epstein investigation.
  • Blanche and Patel were involved in reviewing and releasing Epstein-related files.
  • Former Attorney General Pam Bondi testified that Blanche managed the release of millions of Epstein files.
  • Bondi named Patel multiple times as being involved with handling the Epstein records.
  • Democrats accuse Blanche and Patel of covering up information and mishandling document release.
  • Bondi opposed a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell and was unaware of Maxwell’s prison transfer until afterward.
  • Blanche is scheduled to testify before a House appropriations subcommittee soon.
Read the Original

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

From us

The news is free. Support if you want.

No ads. Pay what this is worth to you — most people choose $3.99/month.

Support us
Sabrina Carpenter granted temporary restraining order against alleged stalker

Sabrina Carpenter granted temporary restraining order against alleged stalker

Summary

Pop star Sabrina Carpenter was granted a temporary restraining order against a man who allegedly tried to break into her home in Los Angeles. Officials said the man had been watching her property for several weeks before attempting to enter.

Key Facts

  • Sabrina Carpenter is a pop singer.
  • A man tried to force his way into her home in Los Angeles.
  • The man had been watching her property for weeks before the incident.
  • Authorities were involved in the case.
  • A temporary restraining order was issued to keep the man away from Carpenter.
  • The restraining order was granted on a Monday.
  • The order is meant to protect Carpenter from the alleged stalker.
Read the Original

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

Live Results: California midterm primaries

Live Results: California midterm primaries

Summary

California held primary elections to choose two candidates for governor and nominees for the U.S. House using a new voting map approved by voters. The primary also included many state and local races, such as the Los Angeles mayor’s race, where the current mayor faces many challengers.

Key Facts

  • There were 61 candidates competing for California governor in the primary.
  • California uses a top-two primary system where all candidates run together, regardless of party.
  • Voters approved a new district map for U.S. House elections in a 2025 ballot measure.
  • The current Democratic governor, Gavin Newsom, is term-limited and cannot run again.
  • Democrats in the governor’s race risk splitting their vote, which could allow two Republicans to advance to the general election.
  • The Los Angeles mayoral race includes more than a dozen challengers challenging the Democratic incumbent mayor.
  • A former reality TV personality is running for Los Angeles mayor and has drawn attention from President Donald Trump, who is also known for his reality TV background.
Read the Original

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

Save articles & personalize your feed — Create a free account