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Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Trump moves to cut $5bn in foreign aid already approved by Congress

Trump moves to cut $5bn in foreign aid already approved by Congress

August 29, 2025
The Trump administration is trying to cut $5 billion from foreign aid that Congress already approved. This involves a method called a pocket rescission, where funds could remain unused if Congress does not act quickly. The move could face legal challenges because it bypasses Congressional approval.

Key Facts:

  • The Trump administration wants to cut $5 billion in foreign aid that has already been approved by Congress.
  • The method used is called a pocket rescission, which could let the funds go unspent if Congress does not intervene.
  • This action targets money for peacekeeping operations and USAID, among other programs.
  • The White House claims the cuts will help control government spending.
  • Some question the legality of the pocket rescission as it bypasses Congress's usual budgeting power.
  • The last time a president used a pocket rescission was over 40 years ago by President Jimmy Carter.
  • Some politicians, like Senator Susan Collins, argue that this method violates the law.
  • The current fiscal year ends on September 30, giving Congress limited time to act.

Source Information

BBC US
Why has Kamala Harris' security detail been withdrawn?

Why has Kamala Harris' security detail been withdrawn?

August 29, 2025
Former Vice-President Kamala Harris' Secret Service protection has been stopped by President Donald Trump, seven months after her term ended. A law provides former vice-presidents security for six months, with possible extensions. The decision has sparked controversy and questions about whether Harris still faces threats.

Key Facts:

  • Kamala Harris no longer has Secret Service protection as of seven months after leaving office.
  • By law, former vice-presidents get six months of protection, which can be extended.
  • President Biden extended Harris’ security for one year before leaving office.
  • The Department of Homeland Security can order extra protection if needed.
  • Recent threat assessments found no new risks requiring continued protection for Harris.
  • Threats against Harris, particularly due to her being the first female and person of color VP, were made public during her time in office.
  • Her security removal comes before her upcoming book tour, raising concerns about resource strain on the Secret Service.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
At Trump's urging, Missouri jumps into redistricting race to help Republicans

At Trump's urging, Missouri jumps into redistricting race to help Republicans

August 29, 2025
Missouri's Governor, Mike Kehoe, announced a special legislative session to redraw the state's congressional districts, following a request from former President Trump. This move aims to help Republicans maintain their majority in the U.S. House of Representatives by adjusting district lines in favor of GOP candidates. The session is set to begin next Wednesday.

Key Facts:

  • Missouri's Governor called a special session to redraw voting districts.
  • The move aims to maintain a Republican majority in the U.S. House.
  • The current congressional delegation from Missouri includes six Republicans and two Democrats.
  • Redistricting may impact the Kansas City area, potentially affecting Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver.
  • Redistricting is usually done after the census at the start of each decade.
  • Former President Trump encouraged Republican-led states to redraw maps to benefit GOP candidates.
  • Other states, like Texas and possibly Indiana, Florida, Ohio, and Illinois, are also considering or implementing redistricting plans.
  • Republicans currently have a slight majority in the U.S. House, which they aim to strengthen through these changes.

Source Information

NPR Home
With newly approved maps in Texas, GOP puts its gains with Latinos to the test

With newly approved maps in Texas, GOP puts its gains with Latinos to the test

August 29, 2025
Texas has approved new congressional district maps that Republicans hope will help them keep control of Congress in the upcoming elections. These new maps create five additional districts expected to favor Republicans, including areas with many Hispanic voters. Republicans are focusing on securing support from Hispanic voters, a group they made gains with in recent elections.

Key Facts:

  • Texas has new congressional district maps approved by Governor Greg Abbott.
  • The maps create five new districts expected to be safe for Republicans.
  • Four of these new districts have Hispanic-majority populations.
  • Texas Republicans believe these maps will help them keep control of Congress.
  • The redistricting is part of a broader effort by many states to redraw political boundaries.
  • Last year's election saw increased Hispanic support for Republican candidates.
  • Republican Senator John Cornyn highlighted GOP gains with Hispanic voters.
  • Democrats are also redrawing district maps in states like California in response.

Source Information

NPR Home
Trump's selective populism pits MAGA against Wall Street

Trump's selective populism pits MAGA against Wall Street

August 29, 2025
President Trump has created a unique brand of populism that supports workers against big companies while also helping businesses. This approach has worked for him and his supporters but may not be easy for future leaders to follow.

Key Facts:

  • Trump has used tariffs to change global trade and support U.S. manufacturing.
  • He has criticized the Federal Reserve for high interest rates, which he says hurt regular Americans.
  • Trump's policies gave tax breaks that helped workers but kept Medicare and Social Security mostly unchanged.
  • His administration continued tax cuts from 2017 that mostly benefited wealthy Americans.
  • Regulations were greatly reduced under Trump, favoring big businesses.
  • During his term, Trump allowed some technology exports to China, benefiting tech companies despite his general tough approach on China.
  • He supported keeping some undocumented farmworkers, which pleased big agriculture but upset some of his supporters.
  • Trump's mixed policy approach is seen as driven by personal beliefs more than clear ideology.

Source Information

Axios
Lawyers clash over fate of Fed governor Trump tried to fire

Lawyers clash over fate of Fed governor Trump tried to fire

August 29, 2025
A court hearing took place regarding President Trump's attempt to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook. Her lawyers say the firing is illegal, while Trump's side argues there is enough reason to remove her. The court has yet to make a decision on the matter.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump tried to remove Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, from her position.
  • Cook's lawyers requested a temporary restraining order to stop Trump from firing her.
  • Trump claims Cook made false statements regarding her mortgage as a reason for her removal.
  • There was no decision made during the emergency court hearing.
  • The case could have implications for the independence of the U.S. central bank.
  • Cook's lawyer argued she should remain in her position while the lawsuit is being decided.
  • Trump's lawyer stated that Cook's alleged contradictions in financial documents could be enough cause for removal.
  • Cook has been accused of falsifying mortgage documents, but no charges have been filed.

Source Information

BBC US
Trump seeks to cut $5bn in congressionally approved foreign aid

Trump seeks to cut $5bn in congressionally approved foreign aid

August 29, 2025
U.S. President Donald Trump wants to cut $5 billion in foreign aid that Congress has already approved. Trump aims to use a method that would let him pause this funding, potentially allowing it to expire. This action has sparked warnings about its impact on international aid projects.

Key Facts:

  • Trump seeks to cut $5 billion in foreign aid approved by Congress.
  • Congress is supposed to control how federal money is spent.
  • Trump plans to use a "pocket rescission" to pause the funding for 45 days, pushing it past the fiscal year end, which may lead to its expiration.
  • This tactic was last used in 1977.
  • The money in question is meant for foreign aid, UN peacekeeping, and democracy promotion.
  • The funds are primarily overseen by the US Agency for International Development (USAID).
  • The United Nations and aid groups have warned these cuts could have serious global impacts.
  • A Republican senator has labeled Trump's attempt as potentially illegal overreach.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

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Why is Donald Trump signing an executive order against cashless bail

Why is Donald Trump signing an executive order against cashless bail

August 29, 2025
President Donald Trump signed executive orders to end cashless bail, which lets people avoid paying money to be released from jail before a trial. The orders could cut federal funding to places with cashless bail and aim to change policies in Washington, D.C. Trump claims cashless bail raises crime, but some studies show crime has not increased due to these reforms.

Key Facts:

  • Cashless bail allows people accused of crimes to be released without paying a bond.
  • Trump signed orders that might stop federal money to areas with cashless bail.
  • Trump wants cashless bail ended in Washington, D.C.
  • Trump's claim that crime increased due to bail reform does not match national crime data.
  • Some studies show cashless bail has not led to higher crime rates.
  • Critics say cash bail is unfair to those who cannot afford it and disrupts families.
  • States like New York and cities have adopted bail reforms to prevent pre-trial detention for low-risk offenses.
  • The tragedy of Kalief Browder highlighted issues with the traditional bail system, leading to reform efforts.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
'There is no message': The search for ideological motives in the Minneapolis shooting

'There is no message': The search for ideological motives in the Minneapolis shooting

August 29, 2025
A shooting at a Catholic church in Minneapolis resulted in two children dead and 18 others injured. The FBI described the attack as motivated by hate-filled ideology, but analysts say the shooter's profile shows admiration for mass violence and gaining attention. The shooter reportedly showed influence from various extremist ideas without a clear ideological motive.

Key Facts:

  • The shooting occurred at a Catholic church in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
  • Two children were killed, and 18 other children and adults were injured.
  • The shooter, a 23-year-old, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  • The FBI described the attack as motivated by hate-filled ideology.
  • Analysts found the shooter's materials showed admiration for mass shooters and violence.
  • The shooter's online activities included videos and writings in different languages and symbols.
  • The shooter expressed various extremist views, including anti-religious and anti-police sentiments.
  • There was no clear single ideology motivating the attack, according to analysts.

Source Information

NPR Home
U.S. denies Palestinian officials visas to attend UN General Assembly

U.S. denies Palestinian officials visas to attend UN General Assembly

August 29, 2025
The U.S. government decided not to issue visas to senior Palestinian officials for the upcoming UN General Assembly in New York. This decision follows a planned attempt by several countries to recognize Palestinian statehood. The U.S. cited the Palestinian Authority's actions and statements as reasons for denying the visas.

Key Facts:

  • The U.S. will not grant visas to senior Palestinian officials for the UN General Assembly.
  • The decision is linked to an initiative to recognize a Palestinian state globally.
  • The U.S. and Israel oppose this recognition move, unlike many other countries.
  • The U.S. hosts the UN General Assembly, which typically requires allowing delegations to attend.
  • The Palestinian Authority was criticized by the U.S. for not clearly condemning an October 7 attack and other actions.
  • The U.S. allows waivers for the Palestinian UN Mission as part of its host agreement.
  • Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's ability to attend is uncertain.
  • Past instances exist of the U.S. limiting foreign officials' movements during the General Assembly.

Source Information

Axios
Trump revokes Secret Service detail for political opponent Kamala Harris

Trump revokes Secret Service detail for political opponent Kamala Harris

August 29, 2025
President Donald Trump has removed Secret Service protection from Kamala Harris, effective September 1. Former President Joe Biden had previously extended this protection for Harris after he left office. Harris plans to start a book tour with public appearances later this year.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump has revoked Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris.
  • Harris will lose this protection on September 1.
  • Former President Biden had extended protection for Harris before leaving office.
  • Harris is starting a book tour later this year, which includes public events.
  • Trump faces criticism for attacking Harris during the campaign, calling her a "radical."
  • Trump has previously revoked security clearances of political adversaries.
  • Critics worry about safety concerns due to Trump's past pardoning of supporters involved in political violence.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
It's been a week of chaos at the CDC. Here are 5 things to know

It's been a week of chaos at the CDC. Here are 5 things to know

August 29, 2025
There has been turmoil at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) with the removal of its director, Susan Monarez, and the appointment of Jim O'Neill as the acting director. Several top leaders at the CDC have resigned in protest after these changes.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Monarez was confirmed as CDC Director at the end of July but was forced out this week.
  • Attorneys for Monarez claim she was removed for rejecting directives they considered unscientific.
  • Jim O'Neill, the new acting director, is also serving as a deputy secretary at the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS).
  • O'Neill has a background in investment and does not have a medical or scientific degree.
  • Dr. Deb Houry, the chief medical officer of the CDC, resigned in response to Monarez's dismissal.
  • Two other CDC leaders, Dr. Demetre Daskalakis and Dr. Dan Jernigan, also resigned.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Secretary of HHS, was reportedly involved in the changes at the CDC.

Source Information

NPR National
My son loved his first day of kindergarten. It brings up my own bittersweet memories

My son loved his first day of kindergarten. It brings up my own bittersweet memories

August 29, 2025
A father reflects on his son's first day of kindergarten in Montgomery County, Maryland, comparing it to his own educational start in Uganda. The father's experience in Uganda involved different schooling conditions, such as attending a "church school" with basic facilities. Moving to the U.S. allowed him to pursue education in better-equipped classrooms.

Key Facts:

  • The article discusses a child's first day of kindergarten in Montgomery County, Maryland.
  • The father is an immigrant who compares his son's experience to his own in Uganda.
  • In Uganda, the father attended a "church school" with minimal facilities like a dirt floor and a tin roof.
  • In his childhood, schooling in Uganda required traveling to another county for better education opportunities.
  • The father eventually moved to the U.S. and attended Tallahassee Community College, experiencing advanced educational resources.
  • The article highlights the emotional and cultural significance of educational milestones for immigrant families.

Source Information

NPR Home
Appeals court blocks Trump administration from ending legal protections for 600,000 Venezuelans

Appeals court blocks Trump administration from ending legal protections for 600,000 Venezuelans

August 29, 2025
A U.S. federal appeals court stopped the Trump administration's plan to end a program that allows 600,000 Venezuelans to stay and work in the United States. The court kept these protections in place while the case continues in the legal system.

Key Facts:

  • The decision was made by a three-judge panel from the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
  • The court's ruling supported a previous lower court decision.
  • The protections involved are temporary and allow Venezuelans to live and work in the U.S.
  • 600,000 people from Venezuela are affected by this ruling.
  • The program these protections fall under is called Temporary Protected Status (TPS).
  • This legal decision is temporary, pending further legal proceedings.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Texas governor signs new voting maps pushed by Trump to gain five GOP seats in Congress in 2026

Texas governor signs new voting maps pushed by Trump to gain five GOP seats in Congress in 2026

August 29, 2025
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new voting map into law. This map is designed to help Republicans gain more seats in Congress during the 2026 elections. The map has caused strong opposition from Democrats.

Key Facts:

  • Texas Governor Greg Abbott approved the new voting map.
  • The map aims to help Republicans get more congressional seats in 2026.
  • This move is seen as supporting former President Donald Trump's goals for the GOP.
  • The map change happened outside of the usual redistricting schedule.
  • Democrats have strongly protested the new voting map.
  • Gerrymandering, which means redrawing voting districts to favor one party, is a key issue in this situation.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Lessons ‘unlearned’: 20 years after Katrina, disaster readiness lags in US

Lessons ‘unlearned’: 20 years after Katrina, disaster readiness lags in US

August 29, 2025
Hurricane Katrina struck New Orleans 20 years ago, causing severe damage and highlighting issues such as racial and economic inequality in the United States. Experts are concerned that the country's disaster readiness might not have improved much since then, with potential for similar problems if another major disaster occurs.

Key Facts:

  • Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans on August 29, 2005, causing significant flooding when protective floodwalls failed.
  • Nearly 1,500 people died in New Orleans, and about 1,800 deaths occurred in total across the Gulf Coast.
  • The destruction from Katrina highlighted racial and economic inequalities in the U.S., especially in New Orleans' Ninth Ward.
  • Katrina is considered the third deadliest hurricane on the U.S. mainland since 1900.
  • The disaster led to widespread displacement and is often compared to historic events like the 1930s Dust Bowl.
  • Experts worry that mistakes made during Katrina might be repeated in future disasters.
  • The hurricane revealed weaknesses in federal disaster response systems, which some fear have not improved significantly over the past 20 years.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Sen. Ernst of Iowa is expected to announce next month she won’t run for reelection in 2026

Sen. Ernst of Iowa is expected to announce next month she won’t run for reelection in 2026

August 29, 2025
U.S. Senator Joni Ernst from Iowa, who was the first woman from the state elected to Congress, might announce next month that she will not run again in 2026. This could impact the Republican Party as they try to keep control of the Senate.

Key Facts:

  • Joni Ernst is a U.S. Senator from Iowa and an Iraq War veteran.
  • She was the first woman elected to Congress from Iowa.
  • She is expected to announce she won't seek reelection in 2026.
  • Her decision could influence other election races in Iowa.
  • Senate Republicans are trying to maintain their majority.
  • Senator Thom Tillis from North Carolina also chose not to run again.
  • Tillis did not run again after disagreements with former President Donald Trump.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Oregon could join Hawaii in mandating pay-per-mile fees for EV owners as gas tax projections fall

Oregon could join Hawaii in mandating pay-per-mile fees for EV owners as gas tax projections fall

August 29, 2025
Oregon might become the second state in the U.S. to require electric vehicle (EV) owners to pay per mile driven, joining Hawaii. The state needs to address a $300 million gap in its transportation budget. This proposed road usage fee aims to make up for decreasing gas tax revenues as more people use electric and fuel-efficient cars.

Key Facts:

  • Oregon is considering a mandatory pay-per-mile program for EV drivers due to a $300 million budget shortage.
  • The state’s budget issues partly stem from reduced gas tax income and inflation.
  • Hawaii was the first state to implement a mandatory road usage charge for EVs in 2023.
  • Oregon currently has voluntary road usage charge programs like Utah and Virginia.
  • Under the proposed Oregon plan, EV drivers could choose to pay per mile or a flat annual fee starting in 2027.
  • Concerns about privacy and discouraging EV purchases are linked to road usage charges.
  • Oregon has over 84,000 registered electric vehicles, which is about 2% of all vehicles in the state.
  • Privacy worries include issues with GPS and data security, which the state addresses by deleting mileage data soon after payments.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump ends Harris' Secret Service detail

Trump ends Harris' Secret Service detail

August 29, 2025
President Trump has removed the Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision also affects the adult children of former President Joe Biden. Harris, who had her protection extended past the usual six months, is set to start a book tour.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump decided to end Secret Service protection for Kamala Harris.
  • Normally, former vice presidents get protection for six months after leaving office.
  • Harris had her Secret Service protection extended past the usual time.
  • She is about to go on a tour to promote her new book, "107 Days."
  • Harris has been living in Los Angeles since leaving office in January.
  • Trump has also taken away Secret Service protection for Joe Biden's adult children.

Source Information

NPR Home
Trump ends Kamala Harris' Secret Service protections

Trump ends Kamala Harris' Secret Service protections

August 29, 2025
President Trump has withdrawn Secret Service protection for former Vice President Kamala Harris. This decision affects Harris as she steps away from seeking the California governor post in 2026 and previously had extended protection due to threats faced during her tenure.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump has ended Kamala Harris' Secret Service protection.
  • Harris announced she is not running for California governor in 2026.
  • She previously faced death threats while in office and on the campaign trail.
  • Normally, former vice presidents receive six months of security after leaving office.
  • Harris' protection was extended beyond the standard period by former President Biden.
  • The protection officially ends on September 1, 2025, as per Trump's decision.

Source Information

Axios