US News

US job growth slows as Trump policies weigh on labour market

September 05, 2025

The U.S. job market is slowing down, with only 22,000 jobs added in August and a rise in the unemployment rate to 4.3%. Experts say this slowdown is partly due to tariffs and immigration policies by President Donald Trump. Job losses occurred in sectors like manufacturing and federal government jobs, while healthcare and social assistance saw job gains.

Key Facts:

The U.S. added 22,000 jobs in August, as reported by the Department of Labor.
The unemployment rate increased to 4.3%.
Significant job gains were in healthcare (31,000 jobs) and social assistance (16,000 jobs).
Job losses included 15,000 federal government positions and 12,000 in manufacturing.
Tariffs and immigration policies are linked to the slowdown in job growth.
Job vacancies dropped to their lowest levels since early COVID-19 pandemic months.
Private-sector hiring dropped, with payrolls increasing by 54,000 in August compared to 106,000 the previous month.
More than 85,000 job cuts were announced in August, a 39% increase from July.

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Al Jazeera

Headed to the FBI, Missouri's Andrew Bailey opposed abortion, backed Trump

September 05, 2025

Andrew Bailey, Missouri's attorney general, has been appointed as a co-deputy director at the FBI. He is known for his opposition to abortion and support for former President Donald Trump. Bailey will start his new role at the FBI amid significant changes within the agency.

Key Facts:

Andrew Bailey served as Missouri's attorney general since January 2023.
Bailey actively opposed abortion, despite Missouri voters supporting its legalization.
He filed lawsuits on issues related to culture wars and supported Donald Trump.
Recently, Bailey was appointed to a leadership role at the FBI.
Bailey's previous roles included serving as a prosecutor and working with a Republican governor.
The FBI is undergoing high turnover and scrutiny under President Trump and Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Bailey gained attention for legal actions against Starbucks, IBM, and the state of New York.
He attempted to enforce restrictive abortion laws even after voters had legalized it in Missouri.

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NPR Home

Chicago braces for possible National Guard deployment: What we know

September 05, 2025

Officials in Chicago are preparing for a possible National Guard deployment ordered by President Trump aimed at addressing crime and immigration issues. The deployment has been controversial, with local leaders raising concerns about federal intervention. The National Guard could start operations in Chicago as soon as Saturday.

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The National Guard deployment is part of President Trump's efforts to tackle crime and immigration, focusing on areas led by Democratic officials.
Reports suggest the National Guard may begin patrolling Chicago by Saturday.
Chicago's Mayor has signed an order directing local police not to work with federal troops and requested federal agents wear body cameras.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker stated he was not informed of the deployment plans and called it an "invasion."
The National Guard has been previously deployed by Trump in Los Angeles and Washington, DC.
A federal court ruled that the National Guard’s deployment to Los Angeles was illegal since the governor did not approve it.
The National Guard is a reserve force of soldiers and airmen who serve part-time under both state and federal control.
The National Guard has historical roots in colonial militias and can be activated for federal missions.

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Al Jazeera

Linehan tells court trans activists made his life 'hell'

September 05, 2025

Graham Linehan, co-creator of the TV show "Father Ted," is on trial in the UK for allegedly harassing a transgender activist, Sophia Brooks, and causing damage to her phone. Mr. Linehan has pleaded not guilty to these charges and stated in court that transgender activists have made his life difficult due to his gender identity views. The court is examining evidence related to his social media activities and an incident where he reportedly damaged Brooks's phone.

Key Facts:

Graham Linehan is on trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court for harassment and criminal damage charges.
He is accused of posting abusive comments about 18-year-old transgender activist Sophia Brooks online.
Linehan allegedly threw Brooks's phone into a road during a confrontation.
He has pleaded not guilty to the charges and claims he is being targeted for his views on gender identity.
Linehan moved from the UK to Arizona, USA, citing isolation due to his views on gender identity.
Prosecutors played a video in court showing Mr. Linehan grabbing Brooks's phone.
The prosecution argues that Linehan's actions were oppressive and not simply annoying.
The trial is currently ongoing.

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BBC Top Stories

New York City Mayor Eric Adams being eyed as Saudi ambassador: Reports

September 05, 2025

Reports suggest that members of the Trump administration are considering offering New York City Mayor Eric Adams a diplomatic role as the ambassador to Saudi Arabia. This position is reportedly being proposed to persuade Adams to drop out of the upcoming mayoral race to weaken the left-leaning Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani. Adams denies any plans to leave the race.

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Eric Adams, a former Democrat, is running as an independent in the New York City mayoral race.
The Trump administration is reportedly considering Adams for the role of ambassador to Saudi Arabia.
This plan aims to weaken Zohran Mamdani, the left-leaning Democratic candidate.
Adams has been accused of helping Trump's deportation efforts in exchange for dropping charges against him, which he denies.
Zohran Mamdani surprised many by winning the Democratic primary against Andrew Cuomo.
Adams reportedly meets regularly with Steve Witkoff, a special envoy from Trump's team.
Adams has publicly stated he intends to stay in the mayoral race.

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Al Jazeera

How Chicago, Baltimore and New Orleans are reacting to Trump's National Guard threats

September 05, 2025

President Trump is threatening to send the National Guard to cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans, despite a judge ruling against such actions in Los Angeles. The judge found this use of the military for domestic purposes violated the law, but Trump's administration is still considering further deployments. Local officials in some states oppose these plans and might fight them in court.

Key Facts:

President Trump has threatened to deploy the National Guard to Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans.
A federal judge in San Francisco ruled that Trump's previous deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles was illegal under the Posse Comitatus Act.
The Posse Comitatus Act limits the military's role in domestic law enforcement.
Despite crime being down, Trump argues troop deployment is essential for public safety in these cities.
The Department of Homeland Security requested logistical support from the Pentagon for immigration enforcement in the Chicago area.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Maryland's governor oppose Trump's plan, while Louisiana's governor supports it.
The deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., faced legal challenges due to claims of illegal use of military forces.
Governors typically control National Guard deployment within their states, which could lead to legal battles if Trump attempts to override them.

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NPR Home

Trump is gutting America’s consumer watchdog to feed Wall Street’s greed

September 05, 2025

A federal court recently lifted a temporary block on the Trump administration's plan to significantly reduce staff at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). The CFPB, created after the 2008 financial crisis, has returned over $21 billion to consumers but now faces potential cuts under new administration policies. Debate continues over the impact on consumer protections and the financial industry.

Key Facts:

The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) was established after the 2008 financial crash to protect consumers from harmful financial practices.
A federal appeals court lifted a block on the Trump administration's plan to cut jobs at the CFPB.
The CFPB has returned more than $21 billion to consumers since it was created.
The Trump administration aims to reduce the CFPB's activities, with the assistance of the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
Key figures, such as Elon Musk, have contributed financial support to pro-Trump efforts and have business interests potentially affected by CFPB actions.
The CFPB oversees traditional and digital financial products, including fintech platforms like Apple Pay and Google Pay.
A federal court recently vacated a cap on credit-card late fees, following the Trump administration's policy direction.
The CFPB may be left with only a minimal staff to manage consumer protection.

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Al Jazeera

Black women's unemployment spikes amid Trump's federal workforce cuts

September 05, 2025

The unemployment rate for Black women increased to 7.5% in August, according to data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. This rise is mainly due to cuts in the federal workforce by President Trump, which disproportionately affect Black women.

Key Facts:

The unemployment rate for Black women was 7.5% in August.
In January, the rate was 5.4%.
The overall unemployment rate has only increased by 0.3 percentage points.
President Trump reduced jobs in the federal workforce.
These job cuts have had a larger impact on Black women.
Black women make up 28% of employees in some targeted federal agencies.
The federal government has lost 97,000 jobs so far this year.

Source Information

Axios

US jobs market weakens further in August

September 05, 2025

The U.S. job market showed signs of weakening in August, with only 22,000 jobs added and the unemployment rate increasing slightly to 4.3%. This has raised concerns about the state of the American economy, prompting speculation about potential interest rate cuts.

Key Facts:

The U.S. added 22,000 jobs in August, which was fewer than expected.
The unemployment rate rose from 4.2% to 4.3%.
Previous job numbers for May and June were revised down, showing weaker hiring.
The Labor Department reported job losses in June for the first time since 2020.
Investors expect the Federal Reserve might cut interest rates due to the weak job market.
U.S. President Trump dismissed the head of the Bureau of Labor Statistics, alleging without evidence that job data was manipulated.
Economists believe that tariff and immigration policies might be contributing to the job market issues.
The federal government reduced its workforce by 15,000 jobs in August.

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BBC Business

Is Trump really considering relaxing laws on cannabis?

September 05, 2025

The article discusses potential changes to U.S. federal cannabis laws. President Trump is considering reclassifying cannabis to make penalties less severe, while Congress re-introduced a bill aiming to remove the ban on marijuana. Despite state-level legalizations, cannabis remains a federally restricted substance.

Key Facts:

Seth Ferranti was imprisoned for 21 years in the 1990s for non-violent drug offenses related to cannabis.
Marijuana is legal in some states but still classified as a Schedule I drug federally, making it illegal.
Nearly 90% of Americans support legalizing marijuana for at least medical use.
Democrat lawmakers re-introduced the MORE Act to end the federal ban on cannabis.
President Trump is considering changing cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, which reduces penalties but does not fully legalize it.
The current federal classification of cannabis limits tax deductions for cannabis businesses under tax code section 280E.
Federal prohibition affects banking services for cannabis businesses, forcing them to rely on cash transactions.
As of 2023, cannabis is fully legal in 24 states and allowed for medical use in 12 others.

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Al Jazeera

4 fact-checks from Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s Senate testimony over COVID-19 vaccines, CDC

September 05, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified before the U.S. Senate Finance Committee about COVID-19 vaccines and related topics. He disagreed with several senators' statements about his record and beliefs on health issues. The hearing included fact-checking of Kennedy's statements and discussions about vaccine access and statistics.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. testified about his past comments and management of health agencies related to COVID-19.
Kennedy disputed claims made by senators about his views on antidepressants and school shootings.
He argued against the idea that he was limiting access to COVID-19 vaccines.
Kennedy acknowledged support for Operation Warp Speed, despite his earlier criticisms of COVID-19 vaccines.
Senator Mark Warner questioned Kennedy on the number of Americans who died from COVID-19; Kennedy responded that he did not know.
Over 1 million Americans have died from COVID-19 according to statistical estimates, with many having underlying health issues.
The FDA has guidelines on who can receive the updated COVID-19 vaccine. This includes people 65 and older and those with health conditions making them more vulnerable to severe COVID-19.

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PBS NewsHour

WATCH LIVE: Trump holds news briefing after signing executive order for ‘Department of War’ moniker

September 05, 2025

President Trump announced plans to sign an executive order allowing the Department of Defense to use the title "Department of War," its original name. A formal name change would require Congress to pass new legislation. Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has supported this change and made various cultural shifts within the department.

Key Facts:

President Trump plans to sign an executive order to give the Department of Defense the old name "Department of War."
A formal name change cannot happen without new legislation from Congress.
The Department of War was the original name when it was created in 1789 and was changed to the Department of Defense in 1947.
Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth has publicly supported the name change and conducted a social media poll on the topic.
Hegseth has made other cultural changes at the Pentagon, including the removal of diversity programs and certain books from military libraries.
These actions have included removing transgender troops and addressing what Hegseth sees as impacts of "woke culture" on the military.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Fact-checking RFK Jr.’s claim that ‘everybody can get’ the COVID-19 vaccine

September 05, 2025

U.S. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced criticism for stating that everyone can get the COVID-19 vaccine, despite new guidelines limiting availability to certain groups. The FDA updated its guidance to allow the vaccine mainly for those aged 65 and over or individuals with underlying health conditions. The availability and insurance coverage of the vaccine depend largely on state policies and additional approvals.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. stated everyone can get the COVID-19 vaccine, which was disputed.
The FDA updated its vaccine guidance, limiting it to people 65 and over and those with certain health conditions.
Healthy people under 65 might need a doctor's prescription and could pay out-of-pocket.
The COVID-19 vaccine availability varies by state.
Most health insurance plans cover vaccines recommended by the CDC.
Kennedy replaced all members of the CDC’s advisory committee, some with antivaccine views.
The CDC's advisory panel has not yet issued current vaccine guidance.
The panel is scheduled to meet on September 18-19.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump administration investigates Medicaid spending on immigrants in Democratic states

September 05, 2025

The Trump administration is investigating Medicaid spending in six Democratic-led states that provide health coverage to immigrants without permanent legal status. The federal review focuses on ensuring Medicaid funds are not misused for healthcare services that these immigrants receive. California, after reporting a $500 million overcharge to the federal government, is a primary focus of these investigations.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration is reviewing Medicaid spending in six states: California, Colorado, Illinois, Minnesota, Oregon, and Washington.
The investigations aim to find any waste, fraud, or abuse in payments for health care to immigrants without legal status.
Federal rules allow Medicaid payments for emergency and pregnancy care for immigrants without permanent legal status.
California reported it overcharged the federal government by at least $500 million for services to these immigrants, risking possible legal actions.
Some Democratic-led states cut or adjusted their Medicaid programs due to high costs of covering immigrants.
The Trump administration reduced taxpayer spending on immigrant health care and pushed to remove people living in the U.S. illegally from Medicaid.
California's attorney general criticized the investigations as politically motivated against states supporting immigrants.
A federal judge blocked attempts to hand over Medicaid data to deportation officials following a lawsuit by 20 states.

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PBS NewsHour

Four Democratic senators urge Smithsonian to resist White House attempts to 'bully the institution'

September 05, 2025

Four Democratic senators sent a letter to the Smithsonian Institution, urging it to resist any pressure from the White House to change its programs and exhibitions. This comes after President Trump criticized the Smithsonian for its portrayal of American history and suggested it should focus more on achievements rather than past issues. The senators argue that the Smithsonian operates independently and not under presidential control.

Key Facts:

Four Democratic senators sent a letter to the Smithsonian's secretary, Lonnie G. Bunch.
The letter advises against White House pressure to alter its mission and values.
President Trump criticized the Smithsonian for its portrayal of U.S. history.
The White House memo listed specific criticisms regarding 22 exhibitions and programs.
The Smithsonian is funded by both private donations and federal appropriations from Congress.
Oversight of the Smithsonian is managed by Congress, not the executive branch.
Senators involved include Alex Padilla, Catherine Cortez Masto, Gary Peters, and Jeffrey A. Merkley.
NPR reported some criticized exhibitions were temporary and are no longer on display.

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NPR Home

U.S. hiring stalls with just 22,000 jobs added in August

September 05, 2025

U.S. employers added 22,000 jobs in August, which was lower than expected and fewer than in July. The unemployment rate increased to 4.3% and concerns arise regarding economic policies and job market stability. Tariffs and past interest rate hikes may be affecting hiring decisions.

Key Facts:

U.S. employers added 22,000 jobs in August, down from 79,000 in July.
Economists expected about 80,000 new jobs for August.
The unemployment rate increased to 4.3%, the highest since 2021.
Factories cut 12,000 jobs, construction companies lost 7,000 jobs, and the federal government lost 15,000 jobs in August.
Health care and social assistance added nearly 47,000 jobs.
The job market is growing slower than previous years, averaging fewer than 75,000 new jobs a month this year.
Tariffs and interest rate hikes are contributing to hiring uncertainty.
Average hourly earnings rose by 0.3% from July and 3.7% from August 2024.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Blue states mount vaccine defense against RFK Jr.

September 05, 2025

Some states in the U.S. are taking their own actions to provide COVID-19 vaccines, countering restrictions set by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. These states are making plans to ensure vaccine access independently, causing a mix of policies across the country. This variation could lead to public confusion and less effective public health responses.

Key Facts:

Several states, including Massachusetts, California, and New Mexico, are setting their own COVID-19 vaccine policies.
Massachusetts requires insurers to cover vaccines recommended by its health department, not just CDC guidelines.
New Mexico's health department issued an order for vaccine access despite federal restrictions.
States like California, Oregon, and Washington are creating their own vaccine recommendations.
Illinois is considering purchasing COVID-19 vaccines directly from manufacturers to ensure access.
Florida has announced it will end all school vaccine mandates.
The Health and Human Services (HHS) department reminded states to respect vaccine exemptions under the federal program for free vaccines.
Conflicting vaccine policies are similar to divides seen in other areas like abortion and gender-affirming care.

Source Information

Axios

Fact checking Robert F Kennedy’s statements to Senate on COVID, vaccines

September 05, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., United States Health and Human Services Secretary, faced questions from US senators about his past comments and actions related to COVID-19 vaccines and antidepressants. During the Senate Finance Committee hearing, Kennedy disputed claims from senators and defended his views. The hearing also covered topics like vaccine distribution and the accuracy of COVID-19 death statistics.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. appeared before the Senate Finance Committee to discuss health management and vaccines.
Kennedy disagreed with senators on statements they attributed to him about COVID-19 vaccines and antidepressants.
Kennedy rejected Senator Mark Warner's statistic that over a million Americans died from COVID-19, citing unreliable data.
According to multiple reports, more than 1 million Americans have died from COVID-19.
Kennedy praised Operation Warp Speed, calling it "genius" for its rapid vaccine development.
Senator Maggie Hassan accused Kennedy of limiting access to COVID-19 vaccines, which he denied.
The FDA restricts the latest COVID-19 vaccines to people over 65 and those 6 months or older with high-risk conditions.
People outside the FDA's specified groups can still receive vaccines but might need to do so "off-label."

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Al Jazeera

Winklevoss twins join the GOP's crypto megadonor set

September 05, 2025

The Winklevoss twins, Cameron and Tyler, are significant donors in Republican politics, especially in supporting pro-Trump and pro-cryptocurrency candidates. They have donated millions to various Republican committees and groups, with a focus on making America a global leader in cryptocurrency. The twins have also become influential figures in the crypto industry and have strengthened ties with key political figures, including Donald Trump.

Key Facts:

The Winklevoss twins have donated over $32 million to Republican causes this year.
A large portion, $21 million, went to the newly established Digital Freedom Fund, a super PAC for pro-Trump and pro-crypto candidates.
They have donated more than $2.6 million to the Congressional Leadership Fund and National Republican Congressional Committee.
They contributed $1 million to the pro-Trump MAGA Inc. super PAC.
Over $1.6 million was given to the National Republican Senatorial Committee and Senate Leadership Fund.
The twins have established connections with Donald Trump and other political figures, influencing crypto-related policies.
They played a part in the Rockbridge Network, a group of conservative donors.
They own Gemini, a cryptocurrency platform, and are noted for their involvement in the tech and crypto industries.

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Axios

Democrat who called RFK Jr. a 'charlatan' says U.S. is vulnerable to next pandemic

September 05, 2025

During a Senate hearing, Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for cutting mRNA vaccine research funds. Cantwell warned that these actions leave the U.S. vulnerable to future pandemics. Both Democrats and Republicans questioned Kennedy's decisions regarding vaccine research and CDC changes.

Key Facts:

Senator Maria Cantwell criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a Senate hearing.
The hearing discussed President Trump's 2026 health care agenda.
Kennedy faced criticism from both parties for canceling mRNA vaccine research funding.
Kennedy's decisions to change CDC policies, including firing the vaccine advisory panel, were questioned.
Critics worry that questioning vaccine safety research could undermine public health.
Kennedy defended his actions, stating they were necessary to restore the CDC's credibility.
Cantwell expressed concerns that cuts in vaccine research would harm U.S. pandemic preparedness.

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