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The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

The space warfare president

The space warfare president

September 04, 2025
Donald Trump announced moving the U.S. Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama, to enhance the nation's defense in space. This move is part of a larger effort to focus on space-based warfare, including a new missile defense initiative. The U.S. aims to stay ahead in the space race against major powers like China and Russia.

Key Facts:

  • Donald Trump created a new military branch, the U.S. Space Force, during his first term.
  • Trump announced the relocation of Space Command to Huntsville, Alabama, known for space-related activities.
  • The relocation is part of a broader $175 billion missile defense initiative focusing on space.
  • Trump's administration wants to protect American space assets and address threats from countries like China and Russia.
  • Gen. Stephen Whiting supports the development of weapons in space to strengthen U.S. defenses.
  • The administration launched the Golden Dome initiative, similar to the old Star Wars project, aiming for a missile defense system in space.
  • While focusing on military space efforts, Trump proposed reducing NASA's budget, which affects non-military space exploration.
  • Trump's actions align with his partnership with Elon Musk to prioritize space competition and defense systems.

Source Information

Axios
When and where to see peak fall foliage

When and where to see peak fall foliage

September 04, 2025
People in the United States can expect to see the best autumn leaf colors from late September to mid-November. The changing colors start in the northern regions and higher areas before moving south. Warm temperatures might delay the peak colors in southern and western areas, but cooler regions could see them earlier.

Key Facts:

  • Peak autumn leaf colors in the U.S. happen from late September to mid-November.
  • The color change starts in the North and high places, then moves South.
  • Warm temperatures might delay peak colors, especially in Georgia, Alabama, and northern Florida.
  • Cooler areas like northern New England, the Adirondacks, and the Poconos might see peak colors earlier.
  • SmokyMountains.com uses weather history, tree information, and user data to create foliage prediction maps.
  • The Northern Rockies have vibrant yellow Alpine larch groves that are a popular sight in fall.
  • Despite warmer weather, there will still be a lot of colorful leaves to see across the U.S.

Source Information

Axios
Nigel Farage urges US to oppose UK on free speech laws

Nigel Farage urges US to oppose UK on free speech laws

September 04, 2025
Nigel Farage asked U.S. politicians and companies to challenge the UK's speech laws, comparing them to those in North Korea. He spoke to a U.S. congressional committee, arguing that such laws could affect Americans, while some U.S. politicians criticized his stance. Farage emphasized conversations over sanctions, and the discussion included debates over the UK's Online Safety Act.

Key Facts:

  • Nigel Farage is from the Reform UK party and was in Washington, DC.
  • He spoke to a U.S. congressional committee about UK speech laws.
  • Farage compared the UK's situation to North Korea, citing specific cases.
  • He urged U.S. politicians and businesses to talk to the UK about speech laws.
  • Farage clarified he did not want U.S. sanctions but open conversations.
  • The UK’s Online Safety Act aims to make the internet safer, especially for children.
  • Some U.S. politicians criticized Farage; others, like Republicans, praised him.
  • Farage met with former President Donald Trump during his visit.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
RFK Jr. faces Senate about CDC chaos. And, Harvard funding freeze ruled illegal

RFK Jr. faces Senate about CDC chaos. And, Harvard funding freeze ruled illegal

September 04, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is set to testify before the Senate about issues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and changes to vaccine advisory panels. A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration acted unlawfully by freezing $2 billion in research funds for Harvard University, originally justified by claims of antisemitism on campus.

Key Facts:

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify before the Senate finance committee about his health care plans and recent events at the CDC.
  • Kennedy pressured a CDC director to resign, and after her refusal, the White House fired her, leading to other resignations in protest.
  • The hearing may discuss Kennedy's vaccine advisory changes and his "Make America Healthy Again" agenda.
  • A Senate committee is holding a confirmation hearing for a nominee to the Federal Reserve's board, which includes disputes about another seat on the board.
  • A judge in Boston found that the Trump administration illegally froze $2 billion of Harvard University's research funds.
  • The funding freeze was claimed to be due to antisemitism on campus, but the judge said it violated Harvard’s rights and had no direct connection to the research projects affected.

Source Information

NPR Home
Rayner consulted three people about flat purchase

Rayner consulted three people about flat purchase

September 04, 2025
Angela Rayner, the deputy prime minister, consulted three individuals before buying an £800,000 flat in Hove. She has admitted underpaying stamp duty, a type of property tax, and is under investigation to determine if she should have paid more. Rayner has asked tax authorities to investigate her tax payment and could face penalties if found at fault.

Key Facts:

  • Angela Rayner consulted three people about her flat purchase: one experienced in conveyancing and two in trust law.
  • She admitted underpaying stamp duty on her £800,000 flat in Hove.
  • Rayner did not consult experts in complex tax law about the full purchase details.
  • She blames the underpayment on initial legal advice that did not account for her situation.
  • Rayner could face a £12,000 penalty if her actions are deemed careless or a 100% fine if deliberate.
  • The Independent Adviser on Ministers' Interests is investigating to determine if Rayner took appropriate advice.
  • Political figures are divided, with some calling for her resignation while others express confidence in the investigation process.
  • Rayner has contacted tax authorities to resolve the issue and has referred herself for investigation by the prime minister's standards adviser.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Sen. Warren says banking panel should focus on Trump's attacks on Fed independence

Sen. Warren says banking panel should focus on Trump's attacks on Fed independence

September 04, 2025
Senator Elizabeth Warren wants the Senate Banking Committee to focus on President Trump's attempts to influence the Federal Reserve's independence. She is particularly concerned about Trump's recent actions of threatening to fire Fed officials and his nomination of an economist who supports more presidential control over the Fed.

Key Facts:

  • Senator Elizabeth Warren is asking for attention on President Trump's influence over the Federal Reserve (Fed).
  • Stephen Miran, nominated by Trump for a Fed position, has views supporting more presidential control.
  • The Senate Banking Committee plans to question Miran about his nomination and views.
  • Trump has threatened to fire Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell and another Fed board member, Lisa Cook.
  • Warren argues that undermining Fed independence could lead to higher mortgage, car loan, and credit card interest rates.
  • Countries with non-independent central banks often experience higher inflation, affecting working people the most.
  • Warren has criticized Fed Chair Jerome Powell's past policies, including his stance on interest rates and bank regulations.

Source Information

NPR Home
Experts call on US Health Secretary RFK Jr to resign over misinformation

Experts call on US Health Secretary RFK Jr to resign over misinformation

September 04, 2025
Health groups and medical associations have asked Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to resign as U.S. Health Secretary. They accuse him of ignoring science and reversing medical progress, which they claim puts lives at risk. Kennedy’s actions, including changes in vaccine policies, have led to resignations among CDC officials.

Key Facts:

  • Over 20 health groups called for Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down as Health Secretary.
  • These groups accuse him of ignoring decades of scientific advances and putting lives in danger.
  • Kennedy fired the CDC director, Susan Monarez, shortly after she started her role.
  • He replaced members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory panel with his own appointees.
  • Kennedy withdrew recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations for certain groups.
  • He cancelled $500 million in mRNA vaccine research funding.
  • Kennedy has faced criticism for spreading anti-vaccine misinformation.
  • Hundreds of federal health employees have urged him to stop spreading false health information.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

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RFK Jr. to face questions about chaos at the CDC

RFK Jr. to face questions about chaos at the CDC

September 04, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., serving as the Health and Human Services Secretary, is set to testify before the Senate finance committee. The hearing follows a series of leadership changes at the CDC, including the firing of its new director and the resignation of top officials. The session will also address Kennedy's controversial vaccine policies and calls for his resignation.

Key Facts:

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify before the Senate finance committee on health care issues.
  • The CDC director, Susan Monarez, was fired by the White House after Kennedy pressured her to resign.
  • Three top CDC officials resigned in protest of the leadership changes.
  • Kennedy has pushed to change federal vaccine policies, affecting vaccine availability.
  • He replaced a vaccine advisory panel with people known for anti-vaccine views.
  • Around 20,000 staff, about a quarter of the HHS workforce, have left since Kennedy became secretary.
  • Kennedy's actions have sparked calls for his resignation from over a thousand current and former HHS staff.

Source Information

NPR Home
Fox bosses privately called U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro 'reckless maniac' and more

Fox bosses privately called U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro 'reckless maniac' and more

September 04, 2025
Fox executives made negative comments about Jeanine Pirro, referring to her as a "reckless maniac" following her actions after the 2020 presidential election. Pirro, now the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., was previously involved in media and political roles. She has taken strong public actions in her current law enforcement position, though some have faced legal challenges.

Key Facts:

  • Fox News executives criticized Jeanine Pirro after the 2020 election.
  • Pirro was involved in promoting claims that the election was stolen from Trump.
  • These comments came to light due to a legal case involving Smartmatic, a voting technology company, against Fox News.
  • Pirro is now the U.S. attorney for Washington, D.C., focusing on crime enforcement.
  • She has announced actions against criminal activities, like drug trafficking in D.C.
  • There have been legal challenges to some of her enforcement actions, with judges questioning evidence.
  • Pirro had a past role in media and considered political positions, including briefly running against Hillary Clinton.
  • Her previous job included being a prosecutor and judge.

Source Information

NPR Home
How the Education Department is using civil rights laws to bring schools to heel

How the Education Department is using civil rights laws to bring schools to heel

September 04, 2025
The U.S. Department of Education is using civil rights laws to investigate schools regarding discriminatory practices. Controversial decisions involve interpretations of laws related to racial and gender discrimination in schools, affecting support for marginalized students.

Key Facts:

  • The Education Department is investigating Chicago Public Schools over a program that allegedly discriminates based on race.
  • Five Virginia school districts were found to violate a law meant to protect against sex discrimination.
  • The Trump administration warned Denver Public Schools to use biology-based definitions for gender or lose federal aid.
  • Title IX is a federal law that prevents sex discrimination in education settings.
  • The Trump administration interprets Title IX to exclude gender identity protections.
  • The Obama and Biden administrations included protections for transgender students under Title IX.
  • Schools could lose federal funding for defying the Department of Education's rulings.
  • Debates continue on how Title IX should be interpreted regarding gender identity.

Source Information

NPR Home
How Trump could try to deploy troops over states objections, according to law expert

How Trump could try to deploy troops over states objections, according to law expert

September 04, 2025
President Trump is discussing the possibility of deploying National Guard troops to various states despite legal issues. A law expert explains that it is easier for Trump to send troops if governors request them, although Trump has hinted at sending troops without states' approval. A recent court ruling found Trump's earlier deployment in California illegal.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump wants to deploy National Guard troops to certain states over legal challenges.
  • Trump suggested Illinois Governor Pritzker should request troops, which Pritzker rejected.
  • The president mentioned deploying troops to New Orleans, which got a positive response from Louisiana's governor.
  • A federal judge ruled that Trump's prior use of National Guard troops in California was illegal.
  • Law expert Stephen Vladeck discussed that Trump might rely on the Insurrection Act to send troops without state approval.
  • It's legally simpler for Trump to deploy troops if a governor requests them.
  • The situation recalls previous troop deployments during the George Floyd protests, with mixed state support.

Source Information

NPR National

What legal paths Trump has left in push to deploy more National Guard troops

September 04, 2025
The article discusses the legal options available to the Trump administration for deploying more National Guard troops. Michel Martin from NPR interviews law professor Stephen Vladeck on this subject.

Key Facts:

  • The focus is on the Trump administration's ability to deploy more National Guard troops.
  • Stephen Vladeck, a law professor, provides insights into the legal aspects.
  • The discussion is on NPR's Morning Edition program.
  • The interview explores remaining legal options for deployment.
  • The coverage will include audio that will be available later.

Source Information

NPR National

Judge rules Trump administration illegally froze billions in Harvard funds

September 04, 2025
A federal judge decided that the Trump administration illegally stopped more than $2.2 billion in research funds for Harvard University. The White House plans to challenge this decision.

Key Facts:

  • A federal judge made a ruling about research funding for Harvard.
  • The ruling found that over $2.2 billion was frozen illegally.
  • The funds in question were meant for research purposes.
  • The Trump administration's freezing of funds was deemed illegal.
  • The White House intends to appeal the judge's decision.
  • The case involves significant financial resources for academic research.

Source Information

NPR National

Some states running into Medicaid funding dilemma

September 04, 2025
Some states in the U.S. face a challenge with Medicaid funding due to federal budget cuts. These states cannot legally use their own budgets to cover the shortfall, creating a financial problem.

Key Facts:

  • Medicaid is a program that helps people in the U.S. with medical costs who have limited income.
  • Federal budget cuts have reduced the amount of money given to states for Medicaid.
  • Some states are trying to figure out how to run their Medicaid programs with less money.
  • Certain states have legal restrictions that prevent them from using their own budget to make up for the reduced federal funding.
  • This situation is creating a financial challenge for these states as they try to meet Medicaid needs.

Source Information

NPR National

Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse share their stories on Capitol Hill

September 04, 2025
Survivors of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein gathered at Capitol Hill to share their experiences. They are asking for the complete release of related government records.

Key Facts:

  • Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse spoke on Capitol Hill.
  • They asked for all government documents related to the case to be made public.
  • The event took place on a Wednesday.
  • This was part of a national effort to get more information and transparency.
  • The discussion aired on the Morning Edition program.
  • Claudia Grisales and A Martínez reported on the event.

Source Information

NPR National

NPR tours National Museum of American History ahead of Trump administration's review

September 04, 2025
NPR's Steve Inskeep visited the National Museum of American History. The visit happened before the Trump administration planned a review of museum displays that they consider divisive or partisan.

Key Facts:

  • NPR's Steve Inskeep visited the National Museum of American History.
  • The Smithsonian institution hosts the museum.
  • The visit was broadcast on NPR's Morning Edition.
  • The Trump administration announced it would review museum narratives.
  • The focus of the review is on displays considered divisive or partisan.
  • The review's purpose is not detailed in the report.

Source Information

NPR National

Morning news brief

September 04, 2025
This news brief includes various topics such as the upcoming Senate testimony of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a confirmation hearing for a Trump nominee to the Federal Reserve Board, and a court ruling against the Trump administration for freezing funds for Harvard University.

Key Facts:

  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. will testify at a Senate hearing.
  • A new pick by former President Trump for the Federal Reserve Board faces a confirmation hearing.
  • A judge decided that the Trump administration unlawfully froze funding meant for Harvard University.
  • The report came from the National Public Radio's Morning Edition program.
  • The segment is available to listen to as an audio clip.

Source Information

NPR National
Texas Legislature approves ban on mail-order abortion pills

Texas Legislature approves ban on mail-order abortion pills

September 04, 2025
The Texas Legislature passed a law to restrict mail-order abortion pills. The law allows private citizens to sue those involved in sending these medications to or from Texas. The bill is now awaiting the governor's signature.

Key Facts:

  • The Texas Legislature approved a law to limit mail-order abortion medications.
  • Private citizens can sue people or companies involved in mailing or distributing abortion pills to Texas.
  • Successful lawsuits can result in at least $100,000 in damages.
  • People taking the pills to end a pregnancy cannot be sued.
  • The bill allows suing a parent of a pregnant minor for calling about these pills from outside Texas.
  • This legislation is part of a wider Republican effort targeting medication abortion.
  • Doctors in states with protective laws for abortion may face legal conflicts.
  • The bill awaits approval from Governor Greg Abbott.

Source Information

Axios
Trump appeals to US Supreme Court to rule on legality of tariffs

Trump appeals to US Supreme Court to rule on legality of tariffs

September 04, 2025
Former President Donald Trump has asked the US Supreme Court to review a lower court's decision that declared some of his tariffs illegal. The lower court found that the tariffs did not fall within the president's authority and were part of Congress's power. If the Supreme Court does not accept the review, the previous ruling could take effect soon, impacting US tariff policy.

Key Facts:

  • Trump filed an appeal to the US Supreme Court about a ruling on his tariffs.
  • The US Court of Appeals said many tariffs Trump imposed are illegal since they overstep presidential powers.
  • Trump's tariffs were based on the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA).
  • Trump argued that these tariffs were needed due to trade imbalances affecting national security.
  • The appellate court's decision is on hold while Trump's appeal is pending.
  • If the Supreme Court declines to review, the ruling against the tariffs could take effect soon.
  • The tariffs include those on goods from Canada, Mexico, and China.
  • Other tariffs, like those on steel and aluminium, were not part of this court decision.

Source Information

BBC US
Top Democrat says intel visit canceled after Laura Loomer attacked him online

Top Democrat says intel visit canceled after Laura Loomer attacked him online

September 04, 2025
Senator Mark Warner's scheduled visit to a U.S. intelligence agency was canceled after activist Laura Loomer criticized him online. Warner questioned the influence of Loomer, suggesting she has played a role in personnel changes within intelligence agencies. Loomer's comments and accusations come amid tensions between different political perspectives.

Key Facts:

  • Senator Mark Warner's meeting at an intelligence agency was canceled after criticism from activist Laura Loomer.
  • Warner suggested Loomer had influence over recent dismissals of top intelligence officials.
  • Loomer criticized Warner for being anti-Trump and questioned his visit during Trump's administration.
  • Warner expressed concerns about intelligence agencies being purged of independent figures.
  • Loomer accused Warner of being a national security threat due to his actions in the Russia investigation.
  • The Senate Intelligence Committee found Russia interfered in the 2016 election, but no Trump collusion.
  • Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth allegedly canceled Warner's visit following Loomer's criticism.
  • Representatives from the White House and other agencies did not immediately comment on the situation.

Source Information

Axios