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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

OMB director says Government Accountability Office "shouldn't exist"

OMB director says Government Accountability Office "shouldn't exist"

September 03, 2025
Russell Vought, the director of the Office of Management and Budget, stated that he believes the Government Accountability Office (GAO) should not exist. Vought made these remarks amidst friction between the GAO and the Trump administration due to investigations into the administration's spending practices. The GAO is an agency that provides non-partisan information to Congress and aims to improve government efficiency.

Key Facts:

  • Russell Vought is the current director of the Office of Management and Budget.
  • Vought expressed that the Government Accountability Office (GAO) shouldn't exist.
  • The GAO has reported on the Trump administration's violations of federal law.
  • The GAO investigates government spending and provides non-partisan reports.
  • The GAO's reports are requested by congressional committees or required by law.
  • The U.S. comptroller general leads the GAO and is appointed by the president with Senate approval.
  • Gene Dodaro is the current comptroller general, serving since December 2010.
  • President Trump has criticized other government sections, such as the Federal Reserve.

Source Information

Axios
Rayner admits underpaying tax on £800,000 Hove flat

Rayner admits underpaying tax on £800,000 Hove flat

September 03, 2025
Angela Rayner, the UK Deputy Prime Minister, admitted she didn't pay the correct stamp duty tax on her £800,000 Hove flat due to initial legal advice. She has contacted HMRC to resolve the issue and referred herself for an investigation. The situation has led to political pressure and calls for her resignation.

Key Facts:

  • Angela Rayner underpaid stamp duty tax on a flat she bought for £800,000 in Hove.
  • Rayner attributes the underpayment to incorrect initial legal advice.
  • She has contacted HM Revenue and Customs (HMRC) to sort out the correct tax amount.
  • Rayner referred herself to the Prime Minister's standards adviser for investigation.
  • Some political figures, including Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have called for Rayner to be fired.
  • Rayner admits the tax underpayment could be embarrassing because of her previous criticism of Tory ministers.
  • The legal issue arose from complex provisions in trusts linked to her previous family home.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Wildfire ravages historic California gold rush town destroying homes

Wildfire ravages historic California gold rush town destroying homes

September 03, 2025
A fast-moving wildfire broke out in the historic gold rush town of Chinese Camp, California, destroying at least five homes and forcing evacuations. The fire was caused by lightning, and fire crews are working to control it. No injuries or deaths have been reported so far.

Key Facts:

  • A wildfire affected the town of Chinese Camp, California.
  • The fire destroyed at least five homes.
  • The wildfire was sparked by lightning.
  • Firefighters are using engines and aircraft to fight the fire.
  • There have been no reported injuries or fatalities.
  • Evacuations were ordered due to the fast-moving fire.

Source Information

BBC US
Florida working to end vaccine mandates

Florida working to end vaccine mandates

September 03, 2025
Florida's governor plans to ask the state lawmakers to remove vaccine mandates for children and adults. If the plan succeeds, Florida will be the first state in the U.S. to eliminate all vaccine requirements. The state's Surgeon General and public health experts have expressed opposing views on this proposal.

Key Facts:

  • Florida's governor wants to repeal state-mandated vaccines for children, including polio, diphtheria, measles, and mumps.
  • If the legislature agrees, Florida would be the first state to remove all vaccine mandates.
  • The state health department currently requires other vaccines like chickenpox and hepatitis B, but these may also be repealed.
  • Florida's Surgeon General, Joseph Ladapo, supports ending the mandates and emphasized individual choice.
  • Public health experts warn that ending mandates could lead to more sickness in schools and communities.
  • A new state commission called "Make America Healthy Again" will be led by Casey DeSantis, the governor’s wife.

Source Information

NPR Home
WATCH: Trump says he might send federal forces to New Orleans at Landry’s request

WATCH: Trump says he might send federal forces to New Orleans at Landry’s request

September 03, 2025
President Donald Trump suggested that he might send National Guard troops to New Orleans to address crime. He has already considered deploying federal forces to other cities like Chicago and Baltimore, despite opposition from local leaders. Trump claims that federal intervention has helped reduce crime in Washington, D.C.

Key Facts:

  • Trump suggested sending the National Guard to New Orleans to address crime problems in the city.
  • He has already announced deployments to Chicago and Baltimore, despite local opposition.
  • Trump has previously sent federal forces to Washington, D.C., and claims it reduced crime.
  • New Orleans is in a Democrat-controlled city in a Republican-controlled state led by Governor Jeff Landry.
  • City leaders in places like Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans oppose federal military intervention.
  • Trump argues that many people in Chicago support federal intervention to reduce crime.
  • Washington, D.C.'s mayor acknowledged a decrease in crime but attributes it to increased police presence.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Epstein survivors join with lawmakers in calling for full release of government files

Epstein survivors join with lawmakers in calling for full release of government files

September 03, 2025
Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse and some U.S. lawmakers are asking for the full release of government files from the Epstein investigation. They want the Justice Department records to be made public, with some information redacted to protect victims and ongoing investigations. A bipartisan group is working to force a House vote on this issue, but they need more support from other members of Congress.

Key Facts:

  • Survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse are advocating for more transparency in the federal investigation.
  • A bipartisan group in Congress is pushing for a vote to make Justice Department records public.
  • Redactions would protect victims and ongoing investigations in the records.
  • Representatives Ro Khanna (D) and Thomas Massie (R) are leading the effort in Congress.
  • Survivors shared their personal stories and urged the government to release the files.
  • The House Oversight Committee has already subpoenaed documents from the Justice Department.
  • To force a vote, backers need to gather 218 signatures on a petition from House members.

Source Information

NPR Home
What is the 1798 law that Trump used to deport migrants?

What is the 1798 law that Trump used to deport migrants?

September 03, 2025
The Trump administration used a law from 1798, known as the Alien Enemies Act, to deport migrants alleged to be part of Venezuelan gangs. This law allows the U.S. president to detain or deport citizens of countries considered enemies during wartime. Courts have delivered mixed rulings on its use, with some blocking and others supporting Trump's actions.

Key Facts:

  • The Alien Enemies Act was enacted in 1798 when the U.S. anticipated a war with France.
  • This law gives the U.S. president the authority to detain or deport foreign nationals considered enemies.
  • The Trump administration used the act to deport alleged Venezuelan gang members.
  • Civil rights groups argue the use of the act is illegal and discriminatory.
  • Some U.S. courts have ruled against Trump's use of the law to deport Venezuelans.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court allowed deportations under the act, but those deported must be allowed to challenge their removal.
  • A Texas Court of Appeals blocked Trump's use of the act, citing no justified threat.
  • Different federal judges have issued varying rulings on the legality of using this act for deportations.

Source Information

BBC US

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Podcasters and influencers covered under Trump’s ‘no tax on tips’ plan

Podcasters and influencers covered under Trump’s ‘no tax on tips’ plan

September 03, 2025
A new law signed by President Trump eliminates federal income taxes on tips for certain jobs, including podcasters and social media influencers. This exemption applies from 2025 to 2028 for workers earning less than $160,000 annually. The law is estimated to increase the U.S. deficit by $40 billion through 2028.

Key Facts:

  • The law signed by President Trump removes federal income tax on tips for specific jobs.
  • The exemption period is from 2025 to 2028.
  • Workers must earn less than $160,000 in 2025 to qualify.
  • Jobs exempt from tax on tips include podcasters, social media influencers, golf caddies, and blackjack dealers.
  • The Treasury Department released a preliminary list of qualifying professions.
  • The "No Tax on Tips" provision is expected to increase the deficit by $40 billion by 2028.
  • Only tips reported on a worker's W-2 form will qualify for the exemption.
  • The law does not affect payroll taxes like Social Security and Medicare.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Utah’s congressional maps must be redrawn right away, judge rules

Utah’s congressional maps must be redrawn right away, judge rules

September 03, 2025
A judge in Utah has ordered state lawmakers to redraw the congressional district map immediately, stating it must comply with voter-approved guidelines before the 2026 midterm elections. The ruling follows a dispute over gerrymandering, where the current maps heavily favor Republicans. The judge emphasized that the process should ensure fair representation for voters.

Key Facts:

  • A Utah judge has ruled that the state's congressional district map must be redrawn right away.
  • The current map, used for the 2022 and 2024 elections, was criticized for heavily favoring Republican candidates.
  • The judge pointed out cases in Texas and California to show that redistricting can be done quickly.
  • Utah previously approved an independent commission in 2018 to draw district boundaries; however, the state legislature later ignored the commission's recommendations.
  • The judge's decision requires lawmakers to adopt a new map that complies with voter-approved standards.
  • Redistricting traditionally occurs once a decade after the census, but some states are doing it mid-decade to influence election outcomes.
  • The Utah Supreme Court had previously ruled that lawmakers have limited power to change voter-passed laws.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court has stated that gerrymandering issues are to be resolved by individual states, not federal courts.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
President Trump floats deploying National Guard troops to New Orleans

President Trump floats deploying National Guard troops to New Orleans

September 03, 2025
President Trump discussed the idea of sending National Guard troops to certain cities, including New Orleans, Chicago, New York, and Baltimore, citing crime as a concern. He mentioned that some governors oppose this idea, but others, like Louisiana's Republican governor, appear supportive. A recent court ruling highlighted legal limits on using military forces for domestic law enforcement.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump is considering deploying National Guard troops to cities like New Orleans, Chicago, New York, and Baltimore.
  • The governor of Louisiana, Jeff Landry, supports federal assistance in New Orleans.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposes the idea of deploying troops to Chicago.
  • Trump claims the deployment could improve safety and crime conditions quickly.
  • A federal judge in California ruled against Trump's past deployment of the National Guard to Los Angeles.
  • Trump's remarks highlight a political divide with some governors on state and federal authority.
  • Crime and safety issues are central to Trump's arguments for deploying the National Guard.

Source Information

NPR Home
Florida leaders working to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates

Florida leaders working to eliminate all childhood vaccine mandates

September 03, 2025
Florida leaders plan to phase out all childhood vaccine mandates, part of Governor Ron DeSantis's efforts to limit health mandates. The state has announced a new "Make America Healthy Again" commission to promote health choices like informed consent and parental rights. The commission will explore changes to vaccine requirements and present a "medical freedom package" to the state legislature.

Key Facts:

  • Florida will work to remove all childhood vaccine mandates.
  • Governor Ron DeSantis leads the effort to reduce health mandates.
  • A new commission, "Make America Healthy Again," is created to guide health policies.
  • State Surgeon General Dr. Joseph Ladapo wants to end all vaccine requirements for children.
  • Some vaccine mandates may require legislative action to change.
  • Florida could be the first state to eliminate so many vaccine rules.
  • Democratic leaders in other states oppose DeSantis's actions, supporting standard health guidelines.
  • Current Florida school vaccine mandates include measles, chickenpox, hepatitis B, DTaP, polio, and others.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
WATCH: Trump again calls Epstein case a ‘hoax’ as survivors demand accountability

WATCH: Trump again calls Epstein case a ‘hoax’ as survivors demand accountability

September 03, 2025
President Donald Trump called the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein a "Democratic hoax." He mentioned many documents have been released but said the issue would continue. Epstein survivors and some members of Congress are asking for more openness about the case.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump described the Epstein case as a "Democratic hoax."
  • He stated that many documents have been released related to the case.
  • Despite this, Trump claimed the issue would keep going.
  • Some Democrats and Republicans in Congress want more transparency on the Epstein investigation.
  • Most documents released contained information that was already public.
  • Survivors of Epstein's actions held events in Washington, D.C. to demand accountability.
  • An Epstein victim invited Trump to meet her to discuss why the issue isn’t a hoax.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
FAQ: Why were 76 Guatemalan children pulled off deportation flights in the middle of the night?

FAQ: Why were 76 Guatemalan children pulled off deportation flights in the middle of the night?

September 03, 2025
A federal judge temporarily stopped the deportation of 76 Guatemalan children from the U.S. after legal arguments that deporting them could put them in danger. The deportation flights intended to return the children to Guatemala were halted due to concerns about their safety and rights.

Key Facts:

  • A U.S. federal judge blocked the deportation of 76 Guatemalan children.
  • The children were put on planes in Texas late at night on August 31 before the judge's order stopped the flights.
  • Lawyers argued that deporting the children could expose them to abuse or persecution in Guatemala.
  • The children range in age from 10 to 17, and some have experienced neglect or abuse in their home country.
  • The judge's restraining order affects potentially up to 700 Guatemalan minors in U.S. custody.
  • The U.S. government claims that their return was requested by the minors' families in Guatemala.
  • The Guatemalan government supported the deportation plan to keep children from U.S. detention centers.
  • The legal argument against deportations is based on minors' rights to challenge their removal under U.S. law.

Source Information

NPR Home
Republicans planning a ‘midterm convention’ ahead of next fall’s congressional elections, Johnson confirms

Republicans planning a ‘midterm convention’ ahead of next fall’s congressional elections, Johnson confirms

September 03, 2025
House Speaker Mike Johnson confirmed that Republicans are planning a midterm political convention. The purpose is to present their ideas to voters before the next congressional elections. This effort involves collaboration with Senate Republican Leader John Thune.

Key Facts:

  • House Speaker Mike Johnson announced plans for a midterm political convention.
  • The idea for the convention came from a conversation with former President Donald Trump.
  • Republicans aim to use the convention to strengthen their appeal to voters.
  • Midterm elections often result in losses for the party currently in power.
  • The party is working with Senate Republican Leader John Thune to organize the event.
  • Mike Johnson believes the convention plan is likely to happen.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Henry Zeffman: Rayner's political future under threat after stamp duty admission

Henry Zeffman: Rayner's political future under threat after stamp duty admission

September 03, 2025
Angela Rayner, the UK's deputy prime minister, admitted she paid the wrong amount of tax on a property due to incorrect legal advice. She claims this mistake happened during her divorce and involved a trust set up for her son. An investigation is underway, but Rayner remains in her position with support from Labour Party leader, Sir Keir Starmer.

Key Facts:

  • Angela Rayner is the UK's deputy prime minister and housing secretary.
  • Rayner admitted to paying the wrong tax amount on a house.
  • The tax issue involved her divorce and a trust for her son with lifelong disabilities.
  • Rayner claims she received incorrect legal advice about the tax.
  • Sir Keir Starmer, Labour Party leader, supports Rayner despite the allegations.
  • An independent investigation will determine if Rayner breached the ministerial code.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
A bipartisan bill to ban lawmakers from trading stocks is unveiled in the House

A bipartisan bill to ban lawmakers from trading stocks is unveiled in the House

September 03, 2025
A bipartisan group in the U.S. House of Representatives introduced a bill to prevent lawmakers from trading individual stocks. The bill aims to stop conflicts of interest where lawmakers might use inside information for personal gain. Lawmakers would need to sell their stocks within 180 days or face penalties.

Key Facts:

  • The new bill seeks to ban members of Congress from trading individual stocks.
  • It was introduced by both Republican and Democrat lawmakers.
  • Lawmakers must sell their stock within 180 days if the bill becomes law.
  • Newly elected members must sell their stock before taking office.
  • If lawmakers don't comply, they could be fined 10% of the stock's value.
  • The ban also applies to spouses and dependent children of lawmakers.
  • The bill has support across different political views in Congress.
  • The legislation aims to address concerns about lawmakers using insider information for personal financial gain.

Source Information

NPR Home
How false rumours of Trump’s untimely ‘death’ spread on social media

How false rumours of Trump’s untimely ‘death’ spread on social media

September 03, 2025
Rumors spread on social media claiming that President Donald Trump had died or suffered a serious health issue, which led to widespread online speculation. Despite these rumors, Trump appeared in public and participated in live events, confirming he was alive and well. The rumors stemmed from a combination of misinterpreted comments and Trump's non-public holiday weekend.

Key Facts:

  • Social media platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and TikTok saw trends and videos speculating about Trump’s death or serious health issues.
  • Trump made public appearances, including speaking at the White House, proving the rumors false.
  • These rumors were partly fueled by social media users misinterpreting comments by Vice President JD Vance about being prepared to assume the presidency.
  • The phrase "Trump is dead" appeared thousands of times across various social media platforms, according to Rolli IQ.
  • Users from countries like Brazil and Australia also engaged with the false claims.
  • A viral X post incorrectly claimed Trump had died without providing any evidence.
  • Google searches for "is Trump dead" increased after these rumors began circulating.
  • Speculation increased due to Trump’s lack of public events during the Labor Day weekend.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s impact on Americans' health

September 03, 2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made changes that might affect health services in the U.S. He has reduced government staff and dismissed the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Key Facts:

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Secretary of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • He has cut staff and expert groups in the health department.
  • Kennedy is known for being skeptical about vaccines.
  • Last week, he dismissed the director of CDC.
  • These decisions could impact health services for Americans.

Source Information

NPR Home
Survivors of Maine mass shooting and victims’ relatives sue US government alleging negligence

Survivors of Maine mass shooting and victims’ relatives sue US government alleging negligence

September 03, 2025
Survivors and families of victims of a mass shooting in Maine are suing the U.S. government, claiming negligence by the U.S. Army. The shooter, a reservist named Robert Card, killed 18 people in October 2023. The lawsuit argues that the Army failed to act on clear warnings about Card's mental health and access to weapons.

Key Facts:

  • The lawsuit was filed by survivors and families of the shooting victims in federal court.
  • Robert Card, the shooter, was an Army reservist who killed 18 people at a bowling alley and a bar in Maine in October 2023.
  • An independent commission found that both the Army and police missed chances to intervene before the shootings.
  • The lawsuit accuses the Army of negligence, including ignoring Card's mental health issues and not removing his access to firearms.
  • Card had been hospitalized for mental health problems, but follow-up care was not enforced.
  • The Army's internal investigation revealed leadership failures, leading to disciplinary actions against three reserve leaders.
  • The shootings resulted in changes to gun laws in Maine.
  • Attorneys for the victims' families plan to discuss the case further at a news conference.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
New Jersey Democrat faces House censure vote and removal from key committee

New Jersey Democrat faces House censure vote and removal from key committee

September 03, 2025
The House of Representatives is set to vote on whether to censure and remove New Jersey Democrat LaMonica McIver from the Homeland Security Committee. McIver faces these actions after being indicted for allegedly interfering with federal officers during a visit to an immigration facility. McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Key Facts:

  • LaMonica McIver is a New Jersey Democrat in the House of Representatives.
  • The House is voting on a Republican-led proposal to censure McIver and remove her from a committee.
  • McIver was indicted in June for allegedly interfering with federal officers.
  • The incident occurred at the Delaney Hall Federal Immigration Facility in Newark, New Jersey.
  • McIver has pleaded not guilty to the charges.
  • The resolution suggests McIver's role on the Homeland Security Committee is a conflict of interest.
  • McIver claims the Justice Department is politically targeting her.
  • The House has historically censured 28 members, with a number happening in recent years.

Source Information

NPR Home