United StatesOwnership & classification
Founded: 1945
Ownership
ABC News is the news division of the American Broadcasting Company, whose broadcast network traces to 1943-1945 (spun off from NBC's Blue Network); the news division itself dates to the mid-1940s. ABC is a wholly owned subsidiary of The Walt Disney Company, which acquired Capital Cities/ABC for $19 billion in a deal closing in 1996. Editorial and corporate control therefore sits with the publicly traded Disney conglomerate.
Funding
ABC News is funded commercially, primarily through television and digital advertising sold against its audience, plus carriage/affiliate arrangements, all within Disney's media operations. There is no state or party financing.
Affiliation & stance
ABC News is owned by a publicly traded commercial corporation with no party or government control, so it is INDEPENDENT. Its coverage is commonly rated center to center-left, but that reflects editorial tendency rather than ownership by any party, church or state.
Editorial lean
- Our estimate
- Lean Left
- Measured from coverage
- Centerbased on 261
79/100
Factual
74/100
Objective
382
Articles
382
reports
Top stories
Most covered right now
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Supreme Court's Hawai'i gun law ruling narrows playbook for other states
Recent coverage
Sudan's RSF closes in on Al Obeid as UN warned of imminent atrocities
Sudan's Rapid Support Forces (RSF), a paramilitary group, is advancing toward Al Obeid in the North Kordofan region, which is currently held by the Sudanese army. The city has experienced significant disruptions due to RSF drone strikes targeting both military and civilian infrastructure, including the main power station, leading to power outages, water shortages, and hospital operations being affected. Residents report that life remains mostly normal despite these challenges, though fuel shortages persist after attacks on gas stations. Videos circulating online show RSF fighters claiming they will capture Al Obeid within days. Al Obeid is strategically important as it houses the army's 5th Infantry Division and serves as a major commercial hub. Losing this city would be a significant setback for the army, similar to their previous loss of El Fasher in Darfur, which led to widespread atrocities by the RSF. In response, multiple countries, including Norway, Britain, France, and Germany, have raised concerns at the UN Human Rights Council, warning of potential large-scale atrocities if the RSF escalates its assault on Al Obeid.
Three things to watch amid Anthropic’s latest feud with the government
Anthropic, an AI company based in the United States, developed an advanced AI model called Mythos, which demonstrated exceptional capabilities in handling code. Concerned about potential cybersecurity risks, Anthropic shared limited access with cybersecurity experts before releasing a modified version called Fable to the public. However, the U.S. government quickly intervened, citing national security concerns and imposing export restrictions on Fable. Anthropic subsequently revoked access to both models. This incident has sparked discussions about the broader implications of AI regulation, with some arguing that the government's response was overly reactive rather than well-planned. Additionally, the event has raised questions about the reliability of American AI companies, prompting European leaders to consider accelerating their own AI development efforts. Meanwhile, open-source AI models from China have gained attention due to their affordability and accessibility, potentially influencing global AI strategies.
Taylor Swift Wedding Buzz: NYPD Tracks Major Event at Madison Square Garden
The New York City Police Department (NYPD) is preparing for a potential high-profile celebrity event at Madison Square Garden, with reports suggesting it could be a wedding celebration between Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. While neither Swift nor Kelce has officially confirmed the event, the NYPD has acknowledged monitoring a major gathering planned for Friday evening. The event is part of a broader set of activities including the Fourth of July celebrations, New York’s 250th anniversary, and a busy summer tourism season. Internal NYPD documents reference a 'celebration of Ms. Swift's wedding to Travis Kelce,' outlining a two-day operation with a rehearsal dinner and a larger celebration. Security measures include street closures and protective barriers, with approximately 135 NYPD officers potentially deployed. The city has approved a special event permit covering the period from June 29 to July 4, though detailed cost information remains undisclosed.
Louisiana's top court halts the criminal case against the state attorney general
The Louisiana Supreme Court temporarily halted a criminal case against State Attorney General Liz Murrill, a Republican, following her indictment on charges of intimidation and malfeasance. The court cited procedural flaws in the indictment process, including claims that a journalist was physically restrained during a grand jury proceeding. The court also highlighted potential conflicts of interest involving the special prosecutor, Laurie White, who is both prosecuting Murrill and defending herself against a sexual harassment lawsuit. The case stems from a broader political conflict over the appointment of Calvin Duncan, a formerly incarcerated man whose conviction was later overturned, to the New Orleans criminal court clerk position. Murrill and other Republican officials have resisted acknowledging Duncan’s innocence despite his inclusion on the National Registry of Exonerations.
Tribes hope Farm Bill can feed more people and preserve Indigenous culture
The article discusses efforts by Indigenous farmers, such as the Spears at Ashawaug Farm in Rhode Island, to preserve their cultural agricultural practices while seeking financial support through federal programs. These programs, which included the Local Food Purchase Assistance Cooperative Agreement Program (LFPA) and the Local Food for Schools Cooperative Agreement Program (LFS), were established during the Biden administration to provide stable markets for small-scale producers, including tribal farmers. These programs enabled tribes to purchase food directly from local producers, ensuring culturally significant foods reached tribal members. However, under the Trump administration, these programs were terminated in March 2025, citing misalignment with agency goals. In response, Senators Jack Reed (D-R.I.) and Jim Justice (R-W.V.) proposed a new bill aimed at creating a permanent grant program to continue supporting local food purchases for hunger relief initiatives and schools.
Around 145 million at risk as U.S. braces for holiday week heat wave; wildfires continue to rage in the West
An intense heatwave is expected to affect approximately 145 million people across the eastern United States during the July Fourth holiday week, with temperatures projected to rise into the upper 90s and 100s. Heat index values could reach 105 to 115 degrees Fahrenheit, prompting heat alerts from the Midwest to Florida and across the Northeast and New England. Cities such as Boston, New York City, Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington, D.C., and Chicago are among those at risk. Officials, including Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have issued warnings about the dangers of extreme heat, emphasizing the importance of staying indoors, using air conditioning, and checking on vulnerable individuals. Cooling centers are being made available to assist residents. Meanwhile, wildfires continue to rage in the western United States, with new fires erupting in Utah and Colorado, and three firefighters tragically losing their lives while battling these blazes.
Born in the U.S.A.: Protecting the right of birthright citizenship
The article discusses the legal concept of birthright citizenship in the United States, as outlined in the 14th Amendment to the Constitution. It states that anyone born in the U.S., except for children of diplomats or invading forces, is automatically a citizen. Professor Amanda Frost explains that the wording of the amendment leaves little room for interpretation. However, public opinion remains split, with roughly half of Americans supporting granting citizenship to children of undocumented immigrants and the other half opposing it. In January 2025, former President Donald Trump issued an executive order attempting to reinterpret the 14th Amendment to exclude most children of undocumented immigrants from automatic citizenship, but this was blocked by a lower court and is currently under review by the Supreme Court. The article references historical cases such as Dred Scott v. Sandford, where the Supreme Court ruled that Black individuals could not be citizens, leading to the creation of the 14th Amendment. Another landmark case, Wong Kim Ark v. United States, affirmed birthright citizenship for those born in the U.S., including children of immigrants.
The law that could help Congress kill Trump's Iran deal
The potential Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the Trump administration and Iran has sparked interest among lawmakers from both major U.S. political parties, who are considering using the Iran Nuclear Agreement Review Act (INARA) to scrutinize the deal. This law, enacted during the Obama administration, allows Congress to review any nuclear agreements involving Iran and imposes a 30-day delay before sanctions can be waived. While some Republican senators, like Lindsey Graham and James Lankford, advocate for Congressional involvement in reviewing such an agreement, others express hesitation due to complex political dynamics. Democratic Senator Brian Schatz supports the idea of Congressional oversight, aligning with broader efforts to ensure transparency and accountability. However, the extent to which Congress will influence the final agreement remains uncertain, as the White House might attempt to bypass these procedures.
Israel and Lebanon sign framework agreement
Israel and Lebanon signed a framework agreement on Friday in Washington, mediated by the Trump administration, marking a diplomatic breakthrough. The agreement aims to end Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon and restore Lebanon's territorial integrity, though implementation remains uncertain due to Hezbollah's continued influence. The framework includes immediate steps like pilot projects where Israeli forces will withdraw from specific areas and Lebanese troops will deploy, with U.S. involvement to ensure these zones are free of Hezbollah. A senior Israeli official emphasized maintaining security until Hezbollah is disarmed, while a Hezbollah-affiliated leader criticized the agreement, warning of potential civil conflict. The agreement comes amid a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, with Israel conducting targeted strikes against perceived threats. U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Marco Rubio, praised the agreement as a step toward peace, promising $100 million in aid for Lebanon.
Trump Claimed to Run Venezuela. After Earthquakes, He’s Walking That Back.
Following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, U.S. President Donald Trump initially asserted that the U.S. would 'run' Venezuela, declaring 'we're in charge.' However, after two major earthquakes struck Venezuela, causing significant casualties and destruction, Trump shifted to offering limited humanitarian assistance rather than asserting direct control. A U.S. government official suggested that Trump's response does not reflect the extent of U.S. influence over Venezuela, which they describe as a 'vassal state.' Meanwhile, Venezuelan American organizations and progressive foreign policy groups plan to request substantial, unconditional humanitarian aid from the Trump administration, citing U.S. responsibility for the crisis caused by sanctions and military actions. These groups argue that U.S. aid must match the scale of the harm inflicted. Trump has previously claimed that the U.S. has profited significantly from Venezuela's oil resources, recovering war costs 28 times over, but critics highlight economic analyses indicating that U.S. policies have exacerbated Venezuela's struggles.
Team Trump squares up to rip Red and Blue critics of Iran peace deal
The Trump administration faces criticism from both Republicans and Democrats in Congress over a recent Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran aimed at ending hostilities and advancing broader negotiations. Critics argue the deal represents a significant concession to Iran, including provisions for the release of frozen Iranian assets and funding for Iran's reconstruction, which they compare unfavorably to the 2015 nuclear deal under former President Barack Obama. Senator Bill Cassidy (R-La.) called the MOU 'the worst foreign policy blunder in decades,' while Senator Ted Cruz (R-Texas) accused the administration of betraying Israel. Democratic senators such as Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey have also criticized the deal, with Warren comparing it to the Obama-era agreement and Markey demanding congressional rejection. Senator Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) has been vocal in opposing the deal, describing it as 'the art of surrender.' The 2015 law requiring congressional review of agreements involving Iran's nuclear program may provide a legislative avenue for challenging the MOU.
16 children rescued from Ohio home were 'almost feral,' authorities say
Sixteen children from the same family were rescued from a severely deteriorating home in rural Hamden, Ohio, where they had been living in deplorable conditions for much of the past four years. Authorities described the environment as extremely harsh, with human waste scattered throughout the property and the children largely confined to a small room. Some children were unable to speak, and one 18-year-old with developmental disabilities could not write her name. The children's parents and two grandparents were charged with felony child endangerment after authorities conducted a search warrant during an unrelated investigation. The children, ranging in age from 1½ to 18 years old, were found unenrolled in school, and it appeared no one outside the family was aware of their existence. Several children required hospitalization, with one in critical condition. The case has drawn attention due to the extreme neglect and isolation reported.
Possible super typhoon threatens US Pacific territories still recovering from last storm
Residents of U.S. territories in the western Pacific are preparing for another potential super typhoon, just months after being hit by the strongest tropical cyclone of the year, Sinlaku. Power remains partially out in the Northern Mariana Islands, with some residents still living in tents due to damaged homes. Officials and locals express concern over the timing of the new threat, with hopes that Guam might take the brunt of the storm to allow the Marianas time to recover. The approaching typhoon, Bavi, could strengthen into a super typhoon with winds exceeding 150 mph. While El Niño is expected to increase extreme weather activity, local leaders emphasize ongoing preparations and resilience amid frequent typhoon threats.
Overlooked
Under-reported & one-sided
New autopsy of a baby killed by police in Mississippi deepens outrage
Democratic congressman asks the CFPB to investigate 'rent now, pay later' companies
Trump says his renovation plans for a golf course will have Washington hosting a 'major' tournament
Texas school board to vote on required Bible readings in public education
Trump threatens 100% tax on European imports
California intends to sue Trump administration over deal to end offshore wind project
A dream day for New York fans with Knicks on the road to clinch and Brazil vs. Morocco in World Cup
‘Grave concern’ after dozens of women arrested in Afghanistan for dress violations
