Lonnie Bunch, the Smithsonian Institution’s outgoing secretary, defended the museum against political criticism from President Donald Trump’s administration. Bunch emphasized the importance of presenting all parts of American history, including slavery, to understand the country fully.
Key Facts
Lonnie Bunch is stepping down as secretary of the Smithsonian Institution at the end of the year.
Bunch received a standing ovation while speaking at the National Museum of African American History and Culture.
President Trump’s administration criticized the Smithsonian, calling it biased and ordered a review of museum content.
Trump has complained the Smithsonian focuses too much on negative history like slavery and not enough on success or the future.
Bunch said slavery is essential to understanding America’s history and should be openly discussed.
He stressed museums should base their displays on independent research, not political pressure.
The White House accused cultural institutions of trying to rewrite U.S. history and placed warning signs outside the National Museum of American History.
Bunch called the African American museum a “beacon of possibility” that will endure despite political challenges.
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The White House has stopped CNN from traveling on Air Force One to cover President Donald Trump’s upcoming trip, replacing CNN with a conservative news outlet. CNN, along with two other outlets banned from the White House, filed a lawsuit claiming the bans violate their rights to report freely.
Key Facts
CNN was barred from flying on Air Force One for President Trump’s trip to Tennessee.
Real America’s Voice News, a conservative outlet, took CNN’s place on the plane.
Last week, President Trump banned CNN, MS NOW, and Politico from the White House grounds.
Other major networks (Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC) stopped sharing White House video footage in protest.
The banned news outlets filed a lawsuit citing First Amendment rights (freedom of the press).
A judge temporarily lifted the ban, saying the government did not prove national security was at risk.
The judge’s ruling focused on White House press passes, not directly on Air Force One access.
The legal team believes the judge’s decision also applies to news access on the presidential jet.
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TikTok has agreed to pay Alabama $100 million and add new limits on how teenagers use the app to avoid a court trial. The deal includes time limits for teens, bans on certain filters, and stronger age checks to protect young users.
Key Facts
TikTok will pay Alabama $100 million and may pay up to $300 million if other states join similar settlements.
The settlement sets a two-hour daily time limit for teens using TikTok.
TikTok will restrict use between midnight and 6 a.m. and stop notifications during school hours.
The deal bans beauty filters for teenage users and provides a non-personalized content option for young people.
Alabama sued TikTok for misleading parents about safety tools meant to protect children.
TikTok’s agreement mirrors similar terms recently agreed upon by Meta (Instagram’s parent company).
More than a dozen states continue to sue TikTok over its effects on young users.
TikTok denies wrongdoing and says it prioritizes teen safety on its platform.
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The White House banned CNN from traveling with President Donald Trump on Air Force One for a trip to Tennessee. This move stopped CNN from doing its role in the official White House press pool, which shares video footage of the president with news organizations. Other networks refused to replace CNN, leading to a disruption in live coverage.
Key Facts
CNN was barred from joining President Trump's trip to Tennessee on Air Force One.
The White House TV press pool shares video coverage among five main networks: ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and NBC.
CNN was previously banned from the press pool but then briefly allowed back after a court order.
After CNN’s ban, other networks declined to fill the gap, halting live pool coverage for days.
A federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore press credentials to CNN, MS NOW, and Politico for 14 days, citing lack of due process.
CNN and other news outlets sued the Trump administration over the bans.
The administration accused the banned outlets of publishing false and harmful stories.
The White House started its own video channel called Trump TV to broadcast administration events.
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President Donald Trump's administration announced it used a "pocket rescission" to cut nearly $1 billion in government spending just before the fiscal year ended. Several lawmakers said this move was illegal because it bypassed Congress, which controls government spending.
Key Facts
The administration cut $567 million from Health and Human Services funds for non-citizens.
$15 million was cut from Department of Homeland Security programs started during President Biden’s term.
$25 million was cut from education programs for non-citizens.
Senator Susan Collins said the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) withheld funds to cancel appropriations without Congress’s approval.
The Government Accountability Office (GAO) has said pocket rescissions are illegal because Congress must approve budget changes.
The fiscal year ended on September 30, the deadline for this rescission action.
Senator Patty Murray and other Democrats called the rescission a violation of the Constitution's separation of powers.
The administration claimed the use of pocket rescission was a lawful presidential authority that had been unused for nearly 50 years.
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The governors of New York and New Jersey have declared states of emergency because a nor’easter storm is expected this weekend. This action is meant to prepare their states for the storm’s impact and help manage emergency responses.
Key Facts
New York Governor Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency for Nassau, Suffolk, New York City, and Westchester counties.
New Jersey Governor Mikie Sherrill also declared a state of emergency ahead of the nor’easter.
The nor’easter is a strong coastal storm expected to affect the region during the weekend.
The declarations allow state officials to use emergency resources more quickly.
The announcements aim to keep residents safe and ensure preparations are in place.
This weather event may cause heavy snow, strong winds, and coastal flooding.
Officials advise people to stay updated and follow safety instructions.
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CNN journalists were not allowed to board Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews on Friday night. They were supposed to join the group of reporters covering President Trump’s trip to Knoxville for a college football game.
Key Facts
CNN reporters were barred from boarding Air Force One at Joint Base Andrews.
The incident happened on a Friday night.
The reporters were assigned to the press pool for President Trump’s travel.
The press pool is a rotating team of journalists who cover presidential trips.
President Trump was traveling to Knoxville for a college football game.
CNN was scheduled to be the TV press pool for the weekend.
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TikTok agreed to pay Alabama at least $100 million and add new safety features for teens after the state sued the company over concerns about harm to young users’ mental health. The settlement requires TikTok to limit teen screen time, block certain filters, and improve parental controls in Alabama.
Key Facts
Alabama sued TikTok in 2025, accusing the platform of harming youth mental health through addictive content algorithms.
TikTok will pay Alabama a minimum of $100 million, potentially up to $300 million if additional conditions are met.
Safety changes include a non-personalized feed option, a two-hour daily limit for teens, and a ban on usage from midnight to 6 a.m.
Teens in Alabama must take breaks after 15, 60, and 90 minutes of continuous app use.
Cosmetic procedure filters will be banned for teen users.
Teen accounts will be set to private by default with stronger age checks and content moderation.
The money will likely fund youth mental health services and related programs in Alabama.
The settlement was reached just before a trial was scheduled to begin.
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President Donald Trump cancelled nearly $1 billion in federal funding by using a method called "pocket rescission," which lets him bypass Congress. The cut funds mainly affected Health and Human Services programs that help undocumented immigrants, unaccompanied children in court, and minority health initiatives.
Key Facts
President Trump used the "pocket rescission" process to cancel almost $1 billion in federal funds.
This method allows the president to stop funding without needing Congress's approval.
The cancelled funds were mostly for the Health and Human Services department.
Programs affected include help for undocumented immigrants.
Support for children in court without guardians was also cut.
Minority health programs under the same department lost funding as well.
The cancellations happened on a Friday.
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The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced a recall of Lior brand ground cinnamon due to possible lead contamination. The product was sold in six states from November 2025 to September 2026, and consumers are advised to stop using it and return it for a refund.
Key Facts
Galil Importing Corp is recalling Lior Ground Cinnamon seasoning.
The recall affects products sold in New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Florida, Texas, and Illinois.
The cinnamon was sold in 90-gram clear plastic containers with lot code GAP11304.
The recall started after Maryland health officials found elevated lead levels in the product.
No illnesses have been reported related to this recall so far.
Consumers should avoid eating the cinnamon and return it to the store or throw it away.
Short-term low-level lead exposure might not show symptoms, but long-term exposure can cause serious health issues, especially in children.
The FDA recommends checking their website and CDC for updates on food recalls and safety.
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President Trump canceled nearly $1 billion in government spending approved by Congress, using a rare method known as a "pocket rescission." This move, involving funds for refugees, immigrants, education, and housing programs, has raised legal questions and criticism from lawmakers in both parties.
Key Facts
President Trump canceled $567 million for services for refugees and migrants through the Department of Health and Human Services.
The administration also cut $50 million for other immigrant aid programs, $70 million for international education grants, and $56 million for housing programs.
The method used is called a "pocket rescission," where the president refuses to spend funds just before the fiscal year ends.
The Impoundment Control Act allows the president to suggest rescinding funds, but Congress must approve within 45 legislative days.
The Trump administration used this tactic last year to cancel $4.9 billion in foreign aid funds.
Senator Susan Collins criticized the move as illegal and said lawmakers were not warned or consulted.
The Government Accountability Office has previously labeled pocket rescissions illegal.
Some lawmakers plan to challenge the action, citing the need for congressional approval before canceling spending.
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The White House blocked CNN from traveling on Air Force One with President Trump to a football game, continuing tensions between the administration and some news outlets. This follows a recent White House ban on CNN, MS Now, and Politico, which led to a legal challenge over press access rights.
Key Facts
CNN was excluded from flying on Air Force One with President Trump to Tennessee.
The White House did not include CNN in its press pool guidance for the trip.
A week earlier, President Trump banned CNN, MS Now, and Politico from White House access due to critical coverage.
The press pool is a group of journalists who share news coverage of the president and travel events.
The press pool suspended video coverage of the president in protest of the White House restrictions.
CNN, MS Now, and Politico filed a lawsuit claiming their First Amendment rights were violated by the ban.
A judge ordered the White House to restore access to the banned news outlets.
Despite the order, CNN and MS Now were later blocked from covering a state dinner for Chinese President Xi Jinping.
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Millions of people across the United States celebrated Dolly Parton Day on September 25, honoring the country music star. The date, 9/25, is connected to her famous song "9 to 5."
Key Facts
Dolly Parton Day is celebrated every year on September 25.
The date 9/25 refers to Dolly Parton's hit song "9 to 5."
Millions of Americans participate in celebrations for Dolly Parton Day.
The event recognizes Dolly Parton's impact on music and culture.
It is a nationwide celebration across many states in America.
Dolly Parton is known as a country music icon.
The article references other news stories but focuses on Dolly Parton Day.
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Cities across the United States celebrated Dolly Parton Day on September 25. The events included karaoke, pink lights, live music, and book drives in honor of Dolly Parton's music and contributions.
Key Facts
Dolly Parton Day is observed on September 25, or 9/25.
The date 9/25 connects to Dolly Parton's song "9 to 5."
Celebrations included karaoke events where people sang her songs.
Many places used pink lighting to honor her.
Live music performances took place in various cities.
Book drives were organized as part of the celebrations.
The day recognizes Dolly Parton’s influence in country music and her community work.
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Two men from Queens were arrested in Manhattan after police saw them entering a manhole on the Upper East Side. They face charges of trespassing and conspiracy related to this incident.
Key Facts
Two men from Queens were arrested in Manhattan.
Police spotted them entering a manhole on the Upper East Side.
The men were charged with trespassing.
They were also charged with conspiracy.
The exact reason for their presence in the sewers has not been disclosed.
This event took place on September 25, 2026.
The case is described as mysterious by the news source.
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President Donald Trump is canceling nearly $1 billion in spending that Congress had approved, mainly cutting funds for immigrant services and programs that support diversity. The White House says these cuts are focused on unnecessary spending, especially due to fewer illegal border crossings, but lawmakers from both parties have criticized the move as an overreach of presidential power.
Key Facts
President Trump used a rare power called a "pocket rescission" to cancel nearly $1 billion in government funding.
Most of the cuts target immigrant services such as support for refugees and unaccompanied minors in the U.S. illegally.
The administration argues the funding is no longer needed because illegal border crossings have decreased.
Some of the affected organizations are led by people who worked under former President Barack Obama.
Senator Susan Collins, a Republican and chair of the Senate appropriations committee, criticized the action for being done without warning or consulting Congress.
The Government Accountability Office has said pocket rescissions like this one are illegal because they deny Congress the chance to review cuts.
Last year, President Trump used the same tactic to block $4.9 billion in foreign aid, which the Supreme Court allowed due to presidential authority in foreign affairs.
Critics say this move is part of a trend where the Trump administration is trying to reduce Congress’s control over government spending and increase presidential power.
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Twin brothers Travan and Travis Jasper grew up in poverty in Richmond, Virginia, with no running water and frequent hunger. They both became doctors and returned to co-run the emergency room at Chippenham Hospital in their old neighborhood.
Key Facts
Travan and Travis Jasper are identical twin doctors who co-direct the emergency room at Chippenham Hospital in Richmond.
They grew up very poor, lacking running water and often hungry.
Their motivation to become doctors started when they were 12 after a negative experience with a doctor treating their uncle.
Both twins graduated as co-valedictorians in high school.
They attended Stanford University for college and the University of Chicago for medical school.
They returned to work in the same community where they grew up.
At the hospital, they wear different colored scrubs to help people tell them apart.
Their story shows how they turned difficult experiences into a goal to help others through medicine.
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The Supreme Court has allowed the Trump administration to use a specific database to check state voter rolls. This decision supports efforts to review and verify voter information in elections.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court made the decision on a Friday.
The ruling supports the Trump administration’s request.
The case involves using a database to check state voter rolls.
Voter rolls are lists of people registered to vote in elections.
The database in question has been described as controversial.
David Becker of the Center for Election Innovation and Research commented on the matter.
The review aims to ensure voter information is accurate.
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The Alabama Attorney General’s Office reached a deal for TikTok and its parent company, ByteDance, to pay at least $100 million over concerns about the app’s impact on young people’s mental health. The settlement comes just before a court hearing in Alabama about TikTok’s effects on minors.
Key Facts
Alabama’s Attorney General announced a settlement with TikTok and ByteDance.
The minimum amount of the settlement is $100 million.
The case involves concerns about TikTok’s impact on the mental health of minors.
The settlement deal was made shortly before a scheduled court hearing in Alabama.
TikTok has 45 days to respond to the settlement offer.
The settlement amount could increase to $300 million under certain conditions.
The lawsuit focuses on potential harm to children and teenagers using the app.
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The Supreme Court stopped Missouri’s new voting map because it might help Republicans win more seats in upcoming elections. Earlier, the Court allowed the Trump administration to use a larger voter database to verify if voters are U.S. citizens.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court blocked Missouri’s congressional map on Friday.
The map was seen as benefiting Republicans in the midterm elections.
This is not the first time the Court has been involved in Missouri’s voting maps.
The Court previously allowed the Trump administration to use an expanded voter database.
This database helps verify whether voters are U.S. citizens.
The decisions could affect how elections are run and who can vote in Missouri.
The Court’s actions are part of ongoing disputes over voting rules and election fairness.
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