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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 federal government is on track to shed 300,000 workers by the end of 2025

September 01, 2025
The federal government plans to reduce its workforce by 300,000 people by the end of 2025. This is seen by some as a way to increase efficiency, but others worry it might lead to a loss of valuable knowledge.

Key Facts:

  • The plan is to cut 300,000 federal government jobs.
  • The target date for this reduction is the end of 2025.
  • The Trump administration views the reduction as a chance to improve efficiency.
  • There are concerns about a potential "brain drain," which means losing experienced and knowledgeable workers.
  • The reduction impacts the federal government's workforce in the United States.

Source Information

NPR National

After his parents' divorce, a guidance counselor's kindness left a lasting mark

September 01, 2025
The article tells the story of Patrick Furlong, who experienced a hard time after his parents divorced when he was in 8th grade. A school guidance counselor provided support and kindness, making a positive impact on his life.

Key Facts:

  • Patrick Furlong's parents divorced when he was in 8th grade.
  • After the divorce, his father left.
  • Patrick had to manage daily life without his father's presence.
  • A school guidance counselor offered him support during this difficult time.
  • The counselor's kindness had a lasting positive effect on Patrick.

Source Information

NPR National
Cost of living giveaway event for residents

Cost of living giveaway event for residents

September 01, 2025
A community event in Withernsea, organized by the East Riding of Yorkshire Council, will provide free items and advice to help residents cope with the cost of living. The event, happening on September 25, 2023, offers affordable produce, free SIM cards, and guidance on saving money and reducing bills.

Key Facts:

  • The event is called "Help for Households" and takes place at Withernsea's leisure center.
  • It runs on September 25, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM BST.
  • Free SIM cards and mobile data are available to attendees.
  • Advice on saving money and staying warm will be provided.
  • Help with heating costs and home insulation advice is offered.
  • Affordable produce can be purchased at the event.
  • The council previously helped local residents claim over £3.8 million in benefits.
  • People who cannot attend can contact the council for information on support schemes.

Source Information

BBC Business
Americanswers…on 5 Live! Why did the internet think Trump was dead?

Americanswers…on 5 Live! Why did the internet think Trump was dead?

September 01, 2025
Over the weekend, rumors falsely claimed on social media that former President Donald Trump had died. The rumors were discussed on a podcast episode, which also addressed changes at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, including the firing of its chief, Dr. Susan Monarez. The episode also touched on international relations involving the U.S., India, Russia, and China.

Key Facts:

  • A rumor circulated on social media claiming Donald Trump was dead, but it was false.
  • Marianna Spring and Sumi Somaskanda discussed these rumors on a podcast.
  • Dr. Susan Monarez, head of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, was fired.
  • The White House said Dr. Monarez was fired for not aligning with the president's agenda.
  • Other leaders at the CDC resigned due to Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy's policies.
  • The podcast discussed how U.S. tariffs might be affecting India’s relations with Russia and China.
  • Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a summit in China for the first time in seven years.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Scoop: List of jobs covered by Trump's "no tax on tips" (See if you qualify)

Scoop: List of jobs covered by Trump's "no tax on tips" (See if you qualify)

September 01, 2025
The Treasury Department released a list of 68 jobs that qualify for a new tax deduction for tipped workers under President Trump's new bill. This list, which includes jobs like wait staff and home electricians, will be published in the Federal Register as part of proposed regulations. The goal is to provide tax relief for various workers who rely on tips.

Key Facts:

  • The list includes 68 jobs that can get a tax break for tips under a new rule.
  • The rule is part of a bill introduced by President Trump.
  • Jobs like bartenders, party DJs, home electricians, and golf caddies are included.
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that the list will be publicized in the Federal Register.
  • The job categories range from food service to personal care and transportation.
  • This tax break aims to help workers for whom tips make a significant difference.

Source Information

Axios
Trump says he’s awarding former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom

Trump says he’s awarding former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom

September 01, 2025
President Donald Trump announced that he will give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to former New York Mayor Rudolph Giuliani. This announcement came two days after Giuliani was injured in a traffic accident.

Key Facts:

  • President Donald Trump plans to award Rudolph Giuliani the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
  • Giuliani served as the Mayor of New York City.
  • Trump announced the award on social media.
  • The announcement was made two days after Giuliani had a traffic accident.
  • Giuliani was praised for his leadership after the September 11, 2001, attacks.
  • Giuliani is known to be a political ally of Trump.
  • The Presidential Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the United States.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Labor Day protesters say 'no' to Fed takeover

September 01, 2025
On Labor Day, people in the United States protested against President Trump's policies. In Chicago, many were against the idea of sending the National Guard to the city.

Key Facts:

  • Protests took place on Labor Day.
  • The protests were against President Trump's policies.
  • Many protesters were in Chicago.
  • Chicago protesters specifically opposed National Guard deployment.
  • The protest was part of a larger national demonstration.
  • The report aired on NPR's "All Things Considered."

Source Information

NPR National

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The House committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case withdraws subpoena to Robert Mueller

The House committee investigating the Jeffrey Epstein case withdraws subpoena to Robert Mueller

September 01, 2025
A House committee that is looking into the Justice Department's actions in the Jeffrey Epstein case has canceled a subpoena for Robert Mueller due to his health issues. Mueller was supposed to testify in front of the committee, but he cannot because of health concerns.

Key Facts:

  • The House committee is investigating the Justice Department's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case.
  • Robert Mueller, the former FBI Director, was subpoenaed to testify.
  • The committee planned for Mueller to appear this month for a deposition.
  • The subpoena was canceled due to unspecified health issues that prevent Mueller from testifying.
  • The committee made this decision after learning about Mueller’s health condition.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
1.2 million immigrants are gone from the U.S. workforce under Trump, preliminary data shows

1.2 million immigrants are gone from the U.S. workforce under Trump, preliminary data shows

September 01, 2025
Preliminary data shows that 1.2 million immigrants have left the U.S. workforce during the Trump administration. Lidia, who has lived in the U.S. for over 23 years after crossing the border illegally, is worried about being caught while working on farms.

Key Facts:

  • 1.2 million immigrants are no longer part of the U.S. workforce.
  • This change occurred during President Trump's time in office.
  • Lidia has been in the U.S. for more than 23 years.
  • Lidia crossed the U.S.-Mexico border illegally as a teenager.
  • Lidia works on farms in California’s Central Valley.
  • She is concerned about being apprehended by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
"This is unacceptable": Former CDC directors condemn RFK's upheaval

"This is unacceptable": Former CDC directors condemn RFK's upheaval

September 01, 2025
Nine former CDC directors are concerned about political interference from the Trump administration in public health matters. They say recent actions, like replacing the CDC director and hindering scientific research, could harm public health efforts. They are calling for actions to safeguard health policies and research.

Key Facts:

  • Nine former CDC directors warned about political interference affecting public health.
  • Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s approach is seen as unprecedented by the directors.
  • Susan Monarez was removed as CDC director for not aligning with the new health agenda.
  • Jim O'Neill, who supports unproven COVID treatments, is the new acting CDC director.
  • The directors have collectively worked over 100 years at the CDC under various administrations.
  • They expressed concerns about weakening health programs and stopping medical research.
  • The directors urged Congress to oversee the Health Department and for more community funding.
  • They want continued support for scientific research from medical groups and the private sector.

Source Information

Axios
US suspends most visas for Palestinian passport-holders, reports say

US suspends most visas for Palestinian passport-holders, reports say

September 01, 2025
The United States has suspended most visitor visas for Palestinians holding Palestinian passports. This decision affects those from areas such as Gaza and the West Bank. The U.S. Department of State states it is complying with national security requirements.

Key Facts:

  • The U.S. has denied most visitor visas for Palestinians with Palestinian passports.
  • This decision impacts those from Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank.
  • The U.S. Department of State suggests the measure is for national security.
  • A diplomatic cable dated 18 August instructed consular officers to refuse non-immigrant visas to eligible Palestinian passport holders.
  • Palestinians applying with non-Palestinian passports are not affected.
  • Palestinian officials were recently blocked from attending the UN General Assembly in New York.
  • The move is part of a broader tightening of U.S. visa policies for Palestinians.

Source Information

BBC World
Trump tries to have it both ways on COVID vaccines

Trump tries to have it both ways on COVID vaccines

September 01, 2025
Former President Trump expressed doubts about the COVID-19 vaccines developed during his presidency, despite his prior praise. His comments reflect a wider opposition to the vaccines among Republicans. Trump is requesting more information about the vaccine's effectiveness.

Key Facts:

  • Trump questioned the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccines developed during his presidency.
  • During his administration, he praised the shots as a significant achievement.
  • Trump’s health secretary limited who can receive the vaccines.
  • Trump has called for drug companies to prove the success of their COVID-19 drugs.
  • Operation Warp Speed was a program to speed up vaccine development.
  • Only 30% of Republicans see the vaccines as safe, compared to 87% of Democrats, according to a KFF poll.
  • Trump's comments came after restrictions on vaccine eligibility were announced by his administration.
  • Trump has seen data from Pfizer and other companies but claims it is not publicly shared.

Source Information

Axios
Government shutdown looms as Congress returns after monthlong August recess

Government shutdown looms as Congress returns after monthlong August recess

September 01, 2025
Congress returns from its break with a priority to prevent a government shutdown. Republicans need to work with Democrats to agree on a spending plan. Other issues include Senate nominations and potential sanctions on Russia.

Key Facts:

  • Congress needs to pass a short-term spending measure by September 30 to avoid a government shutdown.
  • Republicans require some Democratic votes for the spending measure to pass.
  • Senate discussions might include changing rules to push through nominee confirmations.
  • Republicans rescinded approximately $9 billion in foreign aid and public broadcasting funds.
  • President Trump’s administration aims to block an additional $4.9 billion in foreign aid.
  • Legislation proposing sanctions on countries buying resources from Russia has wide support in the Senate.
  • Senator Lindsey Graham advocates for these sanctions as a response to Russia's actions in Ukraine.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Wave of exits testing House Freedom Caucus' staying power

Wave of exits testing House Freedom Caucus' staying power

September 01, 2025
The House Freedom Caucus, a group of strong conservative Republicans, is losing members who are leaving to pursue other political roles. This decrease in size and influence is creating questions about the group's future effectiveness and independence. Some members are dealing with internal conflict and challenges with their ongoing support for President Trump versus their budget goals.

Key Facts:

  • The House Freedom Caucus is a group of conservative Republicans in the U.S. House of Representatives.
  • Several key members are leaving to run for other political positions like state attorney general, governor, and Senate seats.
  • There is internal conflict within the group, leading to some members resigning or being removed.
  • The group has historically opposed mainstream Republican leadership and was influential in political changes.
  • The Freedom Caucus's influence is waning as they struggle to maintain independence while aligning with President Trump's policies.
  • Their recent tactics have rarely led to changes in legislative outcomes during Trump's second term.
  • The Congressional Budget Office estimates a recent bill supported by Freedom Caucus members will add $3.4 trillion to the federal deficit over ten years.

Source Information

Axios
Rural southern, western states among those with nation's highest violent crime rates: FBI

Rural southern, western states among those with nation's highest violent crime rates: FBI

September 01, 2025
In 2024, rural states in the southern and western United States had some of the highest violent crime and homicide rates based on FBI data. Violence in small communities contributed to these high rates, contrasting with the focus on crime in big cities. President Trump has considered deploying the National Guard to address crime but primarily in urban areas.

Key Facts:

  • FBI data shows high violent crime rates in rural southern and western states in 2024.
  • States like Louisiana, Tennessee, Alabama, Arkansas, and South Carolina had rates above the national average.
  • Alaska had the highest violent crime rate, with 1,194.3 incidents per 100,000 people, more than three times the national average.
  • New Mexico followed with a rate of 757.7 per 100,000 people.
  • Despite the focus on larger cities, rural towns like Fairbanks, Ala. and McKeesport, Pa. have exceptionally high crime rates.
  • President Trump has sent the National Guard to places like Washington, D.C., and threatened to send them to other Democratic-led cities.
  • Washington, D.C., has a homicide rate of 25.9 per 100,000 residents but is not a state.
  • Jackson, Miss., had the country's highest homicide rate at nearly 78 per 100,000 residents.

Source Information

Axios

Local, state leaders push back against possible National Guard deployment to Chicago

September 01, 2025
Local and state leaders in Chicago are speaking out against the possible deployment of the National Guard to the city. Chicago's Mayor has issued an order requiring any outside military forces to follow city rules.

Key Facts:

  • The National Guard might be sent to Chicago soon.
  • Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson expects the National Guard to arrive in days.
  • An executive order was signed by the Mayor.
  • The executive order requires outside forces to follow Chicago's laws.
  • Local and state leaders are against the National Guard's deployment.

Source Information

NPR National
Has Trump kept his campaign promises to American workers? Here's what some say.

Has Trump kept his campaign promises to American workers? Here's what some say.

September 01, 2025
The article examines President Trump's progress on his campaign promises to American workers during his second term. While some workers see improvements, others, including labor leaders, express dissatisfaction with certain policies, particularly around immigration and infrastructure projects. These issues have created tensions among workers and concerns about future job security and opportunities.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump claims his policies support American workers by promoting good-paying jobs and rebuilding industry.
  • Labor leaders, like AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler, argue that the administration is hostile to workers.
  • Average wages increased by 3.9% over the past year, and unemployment is slightly over 4%.
  • New immigration policies have removed legal status for many immigrants, affecting jobs in agriculture and healthcare.
  • Remaining workers in sectors impacted by immigration changes face longer hours and training duties.
  • Some labor unions worry about the future of infrastructure projects started under President Biden due to expected federal funding cuts.
  • The Trump administration paused a nearly completed wind farm project due to national security concerns, affecting hundreds of jobs.

Source Information

NPR Home
How Trump is decimating federal employee unions one step at a time

How Trump is decimating federal employee unions one step at a time

September 01, 2025
The Trump administration has been taking steps to reduce the power of federal employee unions by ending collective bargaining agreements. These moves have led to legal challenges, as the unions argue that their rights are being violated.

Key Facts:

  • The Department of Veterans Affairs ended most collective bargaining agreements for federal workers in August.
  • President Trump signed an executive order in March to end collective bargaining rights for over one million federal workers.
  • Federal unions historically have rights to help shape workplace policies but cannot negotiate wages or strike.
  • Trump's actions have resulted in some federal agencies stopping the automatic deduction of union dues.
  • Unions have filed lawsuits claiming that the president's actions are retaliatory.
  • Some courts allowed the administration to proceed with its plans while legal challenges continue.
  • Nine federal agencies have already canceled union contracts.
  • A court in the 9th Circuit is considering whether the case should be reviewed by an 11-judge panel.

Source Information

NPR Home

Catholic leaders call for increased gun safety laws after Minnesota church shooting

September 01, 2025
National Catholic leaders are asking for stronger gun safety laws after a shooting happened at a church in Minnesota. This incident occurred during a Mass held for schoolchildren.

Key Facts:

  • A shooting occurred at a church in Minnesota.
  • The incident happened during a Mass for schoolchildren.
  • National Catholic leaders responded by calling for increased gun safety laws.
  • The church shooting prompted safety concerns among Catholic officials.
  • Catholic leaders want to enhance safety measures following this event.

Source Information

NPR National

More students head back to class without one crucial thing: their phones

September 01, 2025
This school year, many schools in the United States have banned students from using cell phones during class. Teachers and lawmakers support these bans to help students concentrate and interact with each other more.

Key Facts:

  • Many schools in the U.S. have implemented cell phone bans in classrooms.
  • These bans aim to help students focus better during lessons.
  • Supporters believe that not using phones can improve social interactions among students.
  • Teachers and legislators are backing these cell phone restrictions.
  • The changes are occurring as students return to school for a new academic year.

Source Information

NPR National