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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

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

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

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.

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

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.

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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

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.

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

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

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.

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Democrats push Homeland Security Department on DACA recipients

Democrats push Homeland Security Department on DACA recipients

Over 36 Democratic and independent U.S. senators are urging the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to clarify its stance on the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. DACA, started in 2012, allows children who arrived illegally before 2007 to stay in the U.S. temporarily, but officials recently noted it does not provide legal status.

Key Facts:

  • DACA was created in 2012 to protect children brought to the U.S. illegally before 2007.
  • Over 500,000 people benefit from DACA, but it is not considered a legal status.
  • Democratic and independent senators have expressed concern over DHS's recent statements encouraging DACA recipients to self-deport.
  • DHS guidance indicates that DACA recipients are "not considered unlawfully present" during their deferred action period.
  • DACA recipients must renew their status every two years and it does not guarantee citizenship.
  • Public polls show that many Americans support a legal pathway for DACA recipients.
  • Several DACA recipients have been arrested or detained under current immigration enforcement policies.
  • Most DACA recipients come from Mexico, El Salvador, and Guatemala, according to government data.

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Missouri lawmakers join Trump’s redistricting effort in GOP push to win more U.S. House seats

Missouri lawmakers join Trump’s redistricting effort in GOP push to win more U.S. House seats

Missouri lawmakers are holding a special session to redraw the state's U.S. House districts to improve Republicans' chances in upcoming elections, part of a broader effort encouraged by Donald Trump. This redistricting follows similar moves in states like Texas and California and could make Missouri's congressional delegation more Republican. The proposed changes may alter the political landscape by shifting district boundaries to favor Republican candidates.

Key Facts:

  • Missouri lawmakers are working to change U.S. House district maps.
  • The special session was called by Missouri's Republican Governor Mike Kehoe.
  • This redistricting aims to increase Republican seats in Congress.
  • Missouri is the third state this cycle attempting mid-decade redistricting for partisan advantage.
  • The proposed new map targets a Democratic-held district in Kansas City by extending it into Republican areas.
  • The changes in Missouri could change six Republican and two Democratic seats to seven Republicans and one Democrat.
  • Redistricting often involves gerrymandering, where district lines are drawn to benefit the controlling party.
  • Democrats need to gain three U.S. House seats in the next elections to take control of the chamber.

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What’s behind Donald Trump’s plan to move US Space Command to Alabama?

What’s behind Donald Trump’s plan to move US Space Command to Alabama?

Former President Donald Trump announced that US Space Command's headquarters will be moved from Colorado to Huntsville, Alabama. The US Space Command, responsible for military operations in space, was initially introduced during Trump's presidency in 2019.

Key Facts:

  • US Space Command was established in 2019 by Donald Trump.
  • The headquarters is currently located at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.
  • Space Command focuses on US military operations outside Earth, specifically protecting satellites.
  • About 1,700 personnel from various military branches work at Space Command.
  • Trump announced the move to Huntsville, Alabama, claiming it was his plan despite previous obstructions.
  • Huntsville is called "Rocket City" due to its historical role in the US space program.
  • Trump criticized Colorado's mail-in voting but stated Alabama's support did not influence his decision.

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WATCH LIVE: Epstein survivors stand with Reps. Massie and Khanna to push for Epstein Files Transparency Act

WATCH LIVE: Epstein survivors stand with Reps. Massie and Khanna to push for Epstein Files Transparency Act

Files related to the sex trafficking investigations of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell were released by the House Oversight Committee. These files include information already known to the public and are accessible through Google Drive. The release comes amid political efforts to force more disclosure on the case.

Key Facts:

  • The House Oversight Committee released files from the Justice Department on Epstein and Maxwell.
  • The files mostly contain previously known information.
  • The files include images, court filings, and police interview summaries.
  • Epstein died in a New York jail in 2019, and Maxwell is in prison for her role in his crimes.
  • The files were posted on Google Drive for public access.
  • Some documents included in the release date back to Epstein's 2005 investigation.
  • Rep. Thomas Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna are advocating for more transparency with the Epstein Files Transparency Act.

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Trump cannot use Alien Enemies Act to deport members of Venezuelan gang, appeals court rules

Trump cannot use Alien Enemies Act to deport members of Venezuelan gang, appeals court rules

A federal appeals court decided that President Trump cannot use the Alien Enemies Act to deport people accused of being in a Venezuelan gang. The court found that this law, from the 18th century, was not meant for such cases, and this matter may go to the U.S. Supreme Court.

Key Facts:

  • A federal appeals court blocked Trump's attempt to use the Alien Enemies Act for fast deportations.
  • The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made the decision, known for being conservative.
  • The act has only been used in wartime, such as the War of 1812 and the World Wars.
  • The administration linked the Venezuelan gang Tren de Aragua to the Venezuelan government.
  • The court said Trump's use of the act did not meet historical conflict levels needed for its application.
  • Deportations based on this act have been stopped in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi.
  • One judge disagreed with the ruling, arguing it interfered with presidential powers.
  • The decision can be appealed and might be reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.

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MAGA splinters as Epstein fight returns to Congress

MAGA splinters as Epstein fight returns to Congress

Congress is focusing on Jeffrey Epstein's past activities and related documents, causing divisions among President Trump’s supporters. Some Republican lawmakers want the full release of these documents, as others in the party uneasy over the issue. Various investigations and testimonies might affect political actions before the end of the year.

Key Facts:

  • Congress returned with renewed attention on Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender who died in prison in 2019.
  • Representatives Thomas Massie and Ro Khanna are pushing for a House vote to release all Justice Department files on Epstein.
  • Recently, over 33,000 documents related to Epstein were released, but critics say many are heavily redacted.
  • Upcoming testimonies from key figures like FBI Director Kash Patel and former Labor Secretary Alex Acosta could influence public opinion.
  • There are political concerns that focusing on Epstein might disrupt the Republican agenda for the rest of the year.
  • MAGA supporters are divided, with some prioritizing other political issues but others insisting on transparency in the Epstein case.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged a possible vote on related issues may occur.

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Online speech laws may need to change after Linehan arrest, Streeting says

Online speech laws may need to change after Linehan arrest, Streeting says

Health Secretary Wes Streeting stated that UK laws on online speech might need reevaluation after comedian Graham Linehan's arrest for inciting violence on X, a social media platform. The arrest led to a reaction from political and public figures, with some criticizing it as an infringement on free speech while others supported the arrest as appropriate. The discussion highlights the tension between maintaining public safety and protecting free speech.

Key Facts:

  • Health Secretary Wes Streeting suggested looking at online speech laws after Graham Linehan's arrest.
  • Linehan, co-creator of "Father Ted," was arrested at Heathrow Airport for suspected incitement of violence in social media posts.
  • The arrest sparked debate, with some, like JK Rowling and opposition parties, calling it an infringement on free speech.
  • The UK government emphasizes that police follow laws passed by Parliament and should focus on street crime over social media posts.
  • A spokesperson indicated the government's priorities include tackling street crime and anti-social behavior.
  • Streeting mentioned that laws could put excessive expectations on the police and dilute public priorities.
  • Linehan's arrest related to posts about challenging a "trans-identified male" in a "female-only space."
  • Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the arrest as political rather than policing.

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Epstein accusers expected to hold rally and speak on Capitol Hill Wednesday

A group of people who accuse Jeffrey Epstein of wrongdoing plan to hold a rally and speak on Capitol Hill. They aim to push for the release of more information and seek justice for those harmed by Epstein's actions.

Key Facts:

  • Accusers of Jeffrey Epstein will hold a rally in Washington, D.C.
  • The event will take place on Capitol Hill, a key political location in the U.S.
  • Lisa Phillips, one of the accusers, spoke in an interview about their goals.
  • The group wants more details about Epstein's activities to be made public.
  • They are advocating for justice for people who suffered because of Epstein.
  • This event highlights ongoing efforts to address issues related to Epstein's crimes.

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Efforts pick up in Congress to force vote on release of Jeffrey Epstein files

Some members of the U.S. Congress are working together, across party lines, to push for a vote to release files related to the investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. They hope to make all relevant documents public.

Key Facts:

  • Congress is trying to release files about Jeffrey Epstein.
  • Members from both major political parties support this effort.
  • The effort involves pushing for a vote on the matter.
  • Jeffrey Epstein was involved in a widely covered criminal investigation.
  • There is significant interest in making the investigation files public.

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Appeals court blocks Trump from deporting Venezuelans under Alien Enemies Act

Appeals court blocks Trump from deporting Venezuelans under Alien Enemies Act

A federal appeals court has blocked the Trump administration from using an old wartime law to quickly deport Venezuelans suspected of being gang members. The court ruled that the U.S. was not facing an invasion that would justify using the Alien Enemies Act to fast-track deportations.

Key Facts:

  • The 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals made a ruling to stop the deportation of Venezuelans under the Alien Enemies Act.
  • The Alien Enemies Act of 1798 allows fast deportation if there is an invasion or attack on the U.S.
  • President Trump used the act to justify swift deportation of Venezuelans he said were gang members.
  • The court found that illegal immigration is not the same as an armed invasion.
  • The decision was made by a panel of judges, with two agreeing and one disagreeing.
  • The case against the government's actions was brought by the ACLU.
  • The ruling may go to the Supreme Court for a final decision.

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Trump's return to office order worked

Trump's return to office order worked

A Gallup survey shows that more federal employees are now working in offices compared to last year, following a return-to-office order implemented during President Trump's administration. The order led to a significant increase in on-site work among federal employees, despite the fact that many workers nationwide still have hybrid work setups.

Key Facts:

  • Federal employees working in offices significantly increased, according to a Gallup survey.
  • President Trump's return-to-office order aimed to bring federal workers back to on-site work.
  • Federal employees are now twice as likely to work in offices compared to the national average.
  • Some federal workers resigned due to long commutes or office locations they had never visited.
  • The administration did not adhere to previous agreements allowing hybrid or remote work for some federal unions.
  • Since the order, nearly half a million federal employees lost their union rights.
  • Despite the increase in federal on-site work, 51% of nationwide workers still use hybrid work arrangements.
  • The Gallup survey included information from 17,660 adults, focusing specifically on 542 federal employees.

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Federal judge rules Trump's use of National Guard in L.A. was illegal

A federal judge decided that the Trump administration illegally used the National Guard in Los Angeles. At the same time, President Trump planned to send troops to Chicago.

Key Facts:

  • A federal judge made a decision about the legality of using the National Guard.
  • The judge ruled that using the National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal.
  • This decision involved actions taken by the Trump administration.
  • President Trump planned to send troops to another city, Chicago.
  • The situation was reported on by Laura Fitzgerald.
  • The news was part of the Morning Edition program.

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Law professor reacts to court ruling against Trump's use of National Guard in L.A.

A court ruled that the Trump administration's use of National Guard troops in Los Angeles was illegal. William Banks, a law professor, discussed this decision and its implications.

Key Facts:

  • A court found the Trump administration's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles illegal.
  • William Banks is a professor emeritus of law at Syracuse University.
  • The court ruling concerns events during Trump's presidency.
  • The discussion with William Banks was part of an audio segment on Morning Edition.
  • The conversation aimed to explain the legal reasoning behind the court's decision.

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Ghislaine Maxwell was transferred to a prison camp. Here's what life is like there

Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted of sex trafficking, was moved to a minimum security prison camp. The article explores what life in such a facility is like.

Key Facts:

  • Ghislaine Maxwell is convicted of sex trafficking.
  • She was moved to a minimum security prison camp.
  • Minimum security prison camps usually have fewer restrictions.
  • These camps often have dormitory-style housing.
  • Inmates in these facilities may have more freedom to move.
  • Some survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse have criticized this transfer.

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'Founders Museum' from White House and PragerU blurs history, AI-generated fiction

'Founders Museum' from White House and PragerU blurs history, AI-generated fiction

A new history exhibit called "The Founders Museum" has been set up near the White House. This project involves AI-generated images and videos of historical figures and was created by the Trump administration and PragerU. Some historians are worried about how this mix of history and AI might change the way people understand America's past.

Key Facts:

  • The exhibit is named "The Founders Museum" and is located near the White House.
  • It features AI-generated images and videos of historical figures like John Adams, Thomas Jefferson, and Betsy Ross.
  • The exhibit is a collaboration between the Trump administration's White House Task Force 250 and the conservative nonprofit PragerU.
  • This project aims to celebrate America's upcoming 250th anniversary.
  • Historians have raised concerns that AI videos might blur the line between historical facts and fiction.
  • Critics are worried that the exhibit may leave out important groups or perspectives in American history.
  • The AI videos are based on historical sources but include commentary, which may alter the original context.
  • Some AI portrayals might give incomplete views of historical figures, according to history experts.

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With federal money in doubt, California's high-speed train seeks a new path forward

With federal money in doubt, California's high-speed train seeks a new path forward

California's high-speed train project is facing challenges due to potential loss of federal funds, as the Trump administration considers retracting billions in support. The state is working to complete a section of the train line in the Central Valley, but the overall project remains far from finished, with delays and budget overruns. The state plans to fight the federal decision in court.

Key Facts:

  • California is constructing a high-speed rail line in the Central Valley, between Fresno and Bakersfield.
  • The project's aim is to eventually connect San Francisco and Los Angeles with a high-speed train.
  • The project has experienced significant delays and cost increases, with the budget rising from $33 billion to $135 billion.
  • The Trump administration is seeking to cancel $4 billion in federal grants for the project.
  • California plans to legally challenge the federal decision to revoke the grants.
  • Construction for a 119-mile section is underway, with plans to begin track laying next year.
  • The high-speed rail authority acknowledges past mistakes but insists on the project's feasibility moving forward.

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