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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

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

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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
‘Shameful’: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse push for US transparency

‘Shameful’: Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse push for US transparency

September 04, 2025
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse gathered at the U.S. Capitol, urging Congress to pass the Epstein Files Transparency Act. This proposed law aims to make all unclassified information about the Epstein case public. The group of survivors was joined by lawmakers who support the bill.

Key Facts:

  • Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein’s abuse held an event at the U.S. Capitol to call for more transparency about the Epstein case.
  • They are advocating for the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which seeks to make unclassified details about the case available to the public.
  • Legislators from both political parties are working to pass the bill.
  • Anouska De Georgiou, a survivor, spoke at the event, emphasizing the need to end secrecy surrounding abuse of power.
  • Epstein died by suicide in 2019 but was alleged to have abused numerous underage girls.
  • Questions remain about Epstein's connections with influential people and how he avoided justice.
  • Former President Donald Trump's interactions with Epstein and the case have been a topic of public interest.
  • The Department of Justice and FBI have denied the existence of a supposed client list related to Epstein’s activities.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Powerball live drawing: How to watch drawing for $1.4 billion jackpot Wednesday

Powerball live drawing: How to watch drawing for $1.4 billion jackpot Wednesday

September 03, 2025
The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1.4 billion for Wednesday night's drawing. This makes it the fourth-largest prize in Powerball history and the sixth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot overall. The drawing will take place at 10:59 p.m. ET in Tallahassee, Florida.

Key Facts:

  • The current $1.4 billion jackpot is the fourth-largest in Powerball history and the sixth-largest U.S. lottery jackpot ever.
  • The drawing will occur at 10:59 p.m. ET, and the numbers are drawn in Tallahassee, Florida.
  • The cash option for the jackpot is $634.3 million before taxes.
  • Powerball drawings happen every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday.
  • Powerball tickets cost $2, with an optional $1 Power Play which multiplies non-jackpot prizes.
  • Ticket sale cut-off times vary by state but are generally 1-2 hours before the drawing.
  • The odds of winning the jackpot are 1 in 292.2 million.
  • Average American spending on lottery tickets in 2023 was $320, a 4% increase from 2022.

Source Information

Axios
US judge rules Trump unlawfully cut Harvard University research grants

US judge rules Trump unlawfully cut Harvard University research grants

September 03, 2025
A U.S. federal judge ruled that the Trump administration violated the law by canceling more than $2.2 billion in research grants to Harvard University. The judge found that these funding cuts breached free speech rights protected by the First Amendment. This decision is a setback for Trump, who aimed to influence universities through funding policies.

Key Facts:

  • A U.S. judge decided that canceling Harvard’s grants broke First Amendment free speech protections.
  • The funding cuts involved over $2.2 billion for Harvard University.
  • The judge's ruling reverses the funding freeze and termination that started after April 14, 2025.
  • The Trump administration claimed grants were cut to address campus anti-Semitism.
  • The judge suggested the real motives were politically driven against universities' policies.
  • Other universities like Columbia and Brown modified policies to avoid funding cuts.
  • Trump's administration sought to influence university policies on diversity and student protests through funding threats.
  • Harvard resisted these demands, citing academic freedom concerns.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
White House adds Trump photo to LinkedIn profile. It shows up on Obama's page

White House adds Trump photo to LinkedIn profile. It shows up on Obama's page

September 03, 2025
The White House's LinkedIn page swapped its logo for a photo of Donald Trump, affecting profiles of people like former President Obama who worked there. This change led to some former officials altering their LinkedIn profiles to avoid showing Trump's photo in their work history. The change was intended as a social media tactic to draw attention and discussion.

Key Facts:

  • The White House LinkedIn page now shows Donald Trump's photo instead of the traditional logo.
  • This change impacts profiles of former staff, including those who served under previous presidents like Obama.
  • Some former officials changed their LinkedIn affiliations to "Executive Office of the President" to avoid including Trump's photo.
  • White House communications director confirmed that the change was meant to troll former administration officials.
  • A spokesperson for LinkedIn noted that the change does not break any platform rules.
  • The change is seen as a strategy to connect Trump's personal brand with the White House's brand.
  • The tactic aims to generate discussion and improve the page's visibility on LinkedIn.

Source Information

Axios
Judge overturns Trump administration funding cuts to Harvard

Judge overturns Trump administration funding cuts to Harvard

September 03, 2025
A U.S. federal court has overturned funding cuts by the Trump administration to Harvard University, ruling it violated the university's free speech rights. The court found little evidence linking the affected research funding to claims of antisemitism made by the government.

Key Facts:

  • A federal court overturned funding cuts to Harvard University imposed by the Trump administration.
  • The judge ruled that the cuts violated Harvard's free speech rights.
  • The funding cuts amounted to about $2 billion in research money.
  • The Trump administration accused Harvard of antisemitism and promoting "radical left" ideologies.
  • The ruling may be appealed by the government.
  • Judge Allison Burroughs, who made the ruling, was appointed by former President Barack Obama.
  • Other Ivy League schools, like Columbia University, reached deals with the Trump administration to keep their funding.
  • The judge noted that while antisemitism was an issue at Harvard, it was not directly connected to the research funding cuts.

Source Information

BBC US
Trump's Harvard funding freeze struck down by federal judge

Trump's Harvard funding freeze struck down by federal judge

September 03, 2025
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration's action to stop over $2 billion in federal funds for Harvard was illegal. The judge stated that this freeze violated Harvard's rights and cannot be used in retaliation.

Key Facts:

  • A federal judge made a ruling against the Trump administration.
  • The ruling stated that freezing federal grants to Harvard was unconstitutional.
  • The judge said it violated Harvard's First Amendment rights.
  • The freeze was linked to Harvard refusing certain demands from the administration.
  • The demands included ending diversity programs and addressing antisemitism.
  • The court barred future retaliatory freezes against Harvard.
  • The decision emphasized protecting academic freedom and free speech.

Source Information

Axios
MTG could use constitutional rule to out Epstein associates: "I'll say every damn name"

MTG could use constitutional rule to out Epstein associates: "I'll say every damn name"

September 03, 2025
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated that she might use a constitutional rule to publicly disclose names associated with Jeffrey Epstein’s trafficking ring. She cited a constitutional protection that allows members of Congress to speak freely on the House floor without legal consequences. This move relates to wider efforts for transparency in Epstein’s case investigation, which has caused tension within President Trump's support base.

Key Facts:

  • Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene could use the "speech or debate clause," which protects Congress members from legal consequences for speeches in Congress, to reveal names tied to Epstein.
  • The clause shields lawmakers from criminal or civil charges for their comments made in official speeches on the Senate and House floors.
  • Greene expressed willingness to publicly name individuals accused of abusing women in Epstein's trafficking ring if provided with a list.
  • She called for Congress to vote on making the full investigation files of Epstein public.
  • Rep. Ro Khanna and Rep. Thomas Massie have sponsored legislation seeking the release of all Epstein-related files by the Department of Justice.
  • A discharge petition by Massie aims to force a House vote for the disclosure of Epstein investigation files.
  • Greene’s activism in the Epstein case contributes to a rift between her and former President Trump, reflecting a division in Trump’s support base over this issue.

Source Information

Axios
Trump sets New Orleans as next federal crime target, not Chicago

Trump sets New Orleans as next federal crime target, not Chicago

September 03, 2025
President Trump announced he might send military forces to New Orleans instead of Chicago, focusing on cities whose leaders request help. He mentioned New Orleans Governor Jeff Landry supports federal intervention to address crime. New Orleans responded by highlighting ongoing crime reduction efforts in collaboration with state and federal agencies.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump may deploy military forces to New Orleans instead of Chicago.
  • Trump plans to prioritize cities with leaders who ask for federal help.
  • Governor Jeff Landry of Louisiana supports federal intervention in New Orleans.
  • Trump suggested crime in New Orleans could be reduced in two weeks.
  • New Orleans and its police highlighted their ongoing crime reduction efforts.
  • The city noted collaborations with state and federal law enforcement.
  • Trump recently took federal control of Washington, D.C.'s police department.

Source Information

Axios
Epstein accusers say they are compiling list of his associates

Epstein accusers say they are compiling list of his associates

September 03, 2025
Victims of Jeffrey Epstein gathered at the U.S. Capitol to share their experiences of abuse and urge lawmakers to release more documents about Epstein and his associates. The group is creating a confidential list of people connected to Epstein, aiming to bring about more transparency and justice for the victims. Efforts are underway to release more files from the Epstein investigation, but most information so far has already been public.

Key Facts:

  • Epstein accusers spoke at the U.S. Capitol, sharing their experiences and calling for the release of more files related to Epstein.
  • The victims are compiling a private list of people they claim were involved with Epstein.
  • Nine women shared their stories during a public event, detailing their abuse by Epstein.
  • Many victims fear retaliation if they openly name individuals associated with Epstein.
  • Lawyers for the victims worry about legal or physical threats against those who speak out.
  • Recently, 33,000 pages and several videos related to Epstein have been made public, but most were already known.
  • The Department of Justice reportedly holds around 100,000 pages of material on Epstein.
  • There are ongoing calls for transparency to ensure justice for Epstein's victims.

Source Information

BBC US
WATCH: ‘The abuse was real,’ Epstein survivor implores Trump, who again calls case a ‘hoax’

WATCH: ‘The abuse was real,’ Epstein survivor implores Trump, who again calls case a ‘hoax’

September 03, 2025
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse gathered in Washington, D.C., urging the government to release all investigation files on Epstein and to avoid giving special treatment to his associate, Ghislaine Maxwell. They criticized former President Donald Trump for his comments describing the Epstein case as a "Democrat hoax." Survivor Haley Robson personally invited Trump to meet victims and understand their experiences.

Key Facts:

  • Survivors of Epstein's abuse held a gathering on Capitol Hill.
  • They want all investigation files on Epstein to be released.
  • Epstein died in 2019 while awaiting trial for sex trafficking charges.
  • The survivors urged the government not to give special treatment to Ghislaine Maxwell, serving 20 years in prison.
  • Former President Trump called the Epstein case a "Democrat hoax."
  • Survivor Haley Robson criticized Trump's comments and invited him to meet with survivors.
  • Robson emphasized that the issue is not political and that their trauma is real.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump administration agrees to restore federal health data and websites in lawsuit settlement

Trump administration agrees to restore federal health data and websites in lawsuit settlement

September 03, 2025
The U.S. government has agreed to bring back health and science information on over 100 websites following a lawsuit by doctors and health organizations. The lawsuit came after the Trump administration removed information about topics like pregnancy risks and opioid-use disorder. This restoration is expected to happen in the next few weeks.

Key Facts:

  • The Trump administration had removed health and science information from federal websites.
  • Topics included in the removed information were pregnancy risks, opioid-use disorder, and the AIDS epidemic.
  • The removal happened after an executive order to avoid using the term “gender” in federal documents.
  • Doctors and health organizations filed a lawsuit to restore the information.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services agreed to restore the information on the affected websites.
  • Over 100 websites and resources are set to be restored following the settlement.
  • The case was similar to another lawsuit in Washington, D.C., demanding similar website restorations.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
WATCH LIVE: RFK Jr. testifies on Trump’s health care agenda before the Senate Finance Committee

WATCH LIVE: RFK Jr. testifies on Trump’s health care agenda before the Senate Finance Committee

September 03, 2025
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Secretary of Health and Human Services, will testify before the Senate Finance Committee. Senator Bill Cassidy, who supported Kennedy's confirmation despite concerns about his views on vaccines, is preparing to question him amid issues at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Key Facts:

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current Secretary of Health and Human Services.
  • He will testify to the Senate Finance Committee.
  • Senator Bill Cassidy's support helped Kennedy get confirmed as secretary.
  • Cassidy is concerned about leadership issues at the CDC.
  • Cassidy has publicly worried about Kennedy's views on vaccines.
  • The testimony is set for Thursday, Sept. 4, at 10 a.m. EDT.
  • Cassidy has not decided on specific questions to ask Kennedy yet.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour