Account

  Login
  Sign Up For Free

The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Watch: Timelapse shows massive clouds of smoke from California wildfire

Watch: Timelapse shows massive clouds of smoke from California wildfire

August 28, 2025
A wildfire in Fresno County, California, known as the Garnet Fire, has burned nearly 14,000 acres and remains uncontrolled. It started after a lightning strike during a thunderstorm. Over 1,000 firefighters are working to contain it.

Key Facts:

  • The Garnet Fire is located in Fresno County, California.
  • It has burned nearly 14,000 acres (about 5,665 hectares).
  • The fire is still uncontained, meaning it is not under control.
  • The fire began after a lightning strike hit the area.
  • More than 1,000 firefighters are involved in efforts to control the fire.
  • The affected area experienced a thunderstorm before the fire.

Source Information

BBC US
Chaos inside CDC prompts massive staff walkout

Chaos inside CDC prompts massive staff walkout

August 28, 2025
Dozens of staff members at the CDC held a walkout protesting changes within the agency. The protest followed the removal of the CDC director and other senior officials. The turmoil is connected to new policies by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Key Facts:

  • CDC staff and leaders protested by walking out after recent changes in leadership.
  • The protest took place near the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
  • New policies by Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. are causing officials to leave.
  • Susan Monarez, the CDC director, was removed from her position shortly after starting.
  • Former director Demetre Daskalakis criticized the new COVID vaccine policies.
  • Other senior officials, including Debra Houry and Daniel Jernigan, have also resigned.
  • Over 750 HHS employees sent a public letter accusing Kennedy of fostering harassment.
  • The protest follows months of turmoil and a recent shooting at CDC headquarters.

Source Information

Axios
How RFK Jr. could exploit the CDC's power vacuum

How RFK Jr. could exploit the CDC's power vacuum

August 28, 2025
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. might gain more influence at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after several leaders resigned. The departure of these officials has left a gap in leadership, which Kennedy could fill with people who align with his views. This change comes amid tension over vaccine policy changes promoted by Kennedy.

Key Facts:

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. Health Secretary.
  • Several top officials at the CDC resigned, creating a leadership gap.
  • Kennedy could appoint trusted colleagues to fill these roles temporarily.
  • Without a permanent director, Kennedy's influence over CDC decisions could grow.
  • The CDC experienced a staff walkout after recent resignations.
  • The White House plans to announce a new CDC director soon.
  • Previous CDC Director Susan Monarez was dismissed after disagreements with Kennedy.
  • Monarez's lawyers claim she was targeted for not supporting Kennedy's vaccine policies.

Source Information

Axios
Florida carries out 11th execution of the year amid flurry of death warrants signed by DeSantis

Florida carries out 11th execution of the year amid flurry of death warrants signed by DeSantis

August 28, 2025
Florida executed Curtis Windom for killing three people in 1992. This was the state's 11th execution of the year, with more executions scheduled. Governor Ron DeSantis has signed many death warrants this year.

Key Facts:

  • Curtis Windom was executed for the 1992 murders of Valerie Davis, her mother Mary Lubin, and Johnnie Lee.
  • Windom's execution took place at Florida State Prison through a lethal injection method.
  • This marks the 11th execution in Florida in 2025, the highest number in the U.S. so far this year.
  • A 12th execution is scheduled in Florida on September 17.
  • Windom bought a gun and ammunition just before he killed the three victims.
  • Windom's daughter tried to stop the execution, and over 5,000 signatures were collected in an appeal to the governor.
  • Windom's appeals included claims of inadequate legal representation regarding his mental health, but the U.S. Supreme Court rejected his final appeal.
  • Florida's previous high for annual executions was eight in 2014, and they lead the nation for executions this year.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump v The Central Bank

Trump v The Central Bank

August 28, 2025
A Federal Reserve Governor is suing former President Trump because he tried to remove her from her position. This legal dispute involves the actions Trump took while he was in office.

Key Facts:

  • A Federal Reserve Governor has filed a lawsuit against former President Trump.
  • The lawsuit is related to Trump's effort to fire the Governor.
  • The position in question is part of the U.S. central banking system.
  • The Federal Reserve, often called "the Fed," plays a key role in U.S. economic policy.
  • The legal action highlights a conflict between the executive branch and an independent federal agency.
  • The event relates to Trump's time in office as President.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Judge orders new trial for 3 Memphis ex-officers convicted over fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

Judge orders new trial for 3 Memphis ex-officers convicted over fatal beating of Tyre Nichols

August 28, 2025
A judge has ordered a new trial for three former Memphis police officers convicted of federal charges related to the fatal beating of Tyre Nichols. The decision came after claims of bias against the original judge. Two other officers involved had already pled guilty before this decision.

Key Facts:

  • Three former Memphis police officers are set for a new trial after a judge's ruling.
  • The officers were previously convicted of tampering with witnesses in the case of Tyre Nichols' death.
  • Tyre Nichols was beaten by police officers after a traffic stop and died three days later.
  • Video footage of the incident led to protests and calls for police reform.
  • U.S. District Judge Sheryl H. Lipman ordered the new trial.
  • A previous judge in the case, Mark S. Norris, stepped down citing judicial conduct rules.
  • Two other officers pled guilty before the federal trial began.
  • The case has brought significant attention to police practices in Memphis and across the U.S.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
What do a US envoy’s ‘animalistic’ remarks to journalists signify

What do a US envoy’s ‘animalistic’ remarks to journalists signify

August 28, 2025
The US envoy to Lebanon, Tom Barrack, called journalists “animalistic,” causing upset in Lebanon. This remark comes amid ongoing tensions between the Trump administration and the media. The article discusses potential broader effects beyond the United States.

Key Facts:

  • The US envoy to Lebanon is named Tom Barrack.
  • Barrack made remarks describing journalists as “animalistic.”
  • People in Lebanon are upset about these comments.
  • The incident is part of that period's broader tensions between the Trump administration and the press.
  • The article discusses whether this attitude could have effects outside the US.
  • The discussion includes insights from experts such as Rami Khouri, Jodie Ginsberg, and Rick Perlstein.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Sign in to get news based on your interests

It’s free.

Sign In Sign Up Free
Will the Democrats go "dark woke" to take on Trump?

Will the Democrats go "dark woke" to take on Trump?

August 28, 2025
A discussion centers on whether the Democratic Party will adopt new strategies, dubbed "dark woke," to compete with former President Donald Trump. California's governor has reportedly been mimicking Trump online as part of these tactics.

Key Facts:

  • The term "dark woke" is mentioned as a potential strategy for Democrats.
  • The focus is on how Democrats might compete with Donald Trump.
  • California's governor has been reportedly imitating Trump online.
  • This topic was discussed on a BBC program named Americast.
  • The content was released on August 29, 2025.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
‘Public health is in trouble,’ says high-ranking CDC leader who resigned in protest

‘Public health is in trouble,’ says high-ranking CDC leader who resigned in protest

August 28, 2025
A leader at the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Susan Monarez, was fired after disagreements over vaccine policies with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. This led to more resignations within the CDC, including the chief medical officer, Dr. Debra Houry.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Monarez was a high-ranking official at the CDC.
  • She was fired after she refused to resign.
  • The conflict was over vaccine policy with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • Her firing led to a number of other resignations at the CDC.
  • Dr. Debra Houry, the chief medical officer, also resigned.
  • Dr. Houry discussed the situation with Amna Nawaz.
  • There are concerns about the CDC’s mission and direction.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Minneapolis mourns 2 children killed in Catholic school shooting

Minneapolis mourns 2 children killed in Catholic school shooting

August 28, 2025
A school shooting in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children. People gathered outside the Catholic school to mourn the victims. The incident has started a healing process in the community.

Key Facts:

  • A school shooting occurred at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
  • Two students were killed in the shooting.
  • People gathered outside the school to grieve and pay their respects.
  • The community is beginning to heal from this tragedy.
  • Special Correspondent Fred De Sam Lazaro reported on the event.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump fires Democratic Surface Transportation Board member before huge rail merger decision

Trump fires Democratic Surface Transportation Board member before huge rail merger decision

August 28, 2025
President Donald Trump removed a Democratic member, Robert E. Primus, from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board (STB), creating an opportunity to appoint more Republicans. This move comes before a major decision on a large railroad merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Primus, who opposes certain mergers that he feels harm competition, plans to challenge his firing.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump fired Robert E. Primus from the U.S. Surface Transportation Board.
  • The STB is about to decide on a large merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern railroads.
  • The firing allows Trump to potentially appoint two more Republicans to the board.
  • Robert E. Primus opposed previous railroad mergers, expressing concerns about competition.
  • Democratic U.S. Senator Tammy Baldwin criticized Trump's decision, suggesting it favors wealthy interests.
  • The STB will consider Union Pacific’s $85 billion acquisition of Norfolk Southern.
  • Primus argues that mergers are not the solution for improving competition in the railroad industry.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Middle schoolers are lauded for protecting younger kids during church shooting

Middle schoolers are lauded for protecting younger kids during church shooting

August 28, 2025
Middle school students and adults acted quickly to protect others during a shooting at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis. Two children died, and many, including 15 children and three adults, were injured. The school's "buddy system" helped older kids guide younger ones to safety.

Key Facts:

  • A shooting occurred at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis during a school mass.
  • Two children were killed, and 15 children and three adults were injured.
  • Middle school students protected younger kids by pushing them to safety under pews.
  • A "buddy system" paired older and younger students, which helped during the chaos.
  • Minneapolis city officials confirmed the ages of the deceased were 8 and 10 years old.
  • School staff and students acted quickly to minimize harm during the incident.

Source Information

NPR Home
Democratic leaders push to reverse Trump cuts in government shutdown fight

Democratic leaders push to reverse Trump cuts in government shutdown fight

August 28, 2025
Democratic leaders in Congress are pushing to reverse Medicaid cuts as a condition for supporting a government funding bill to prevent a government shutdown. They are asking for bipartisan talks with Republican leaders to address what they see as a healthcare crisis caused by previous Republican policies. The Democrats' strategy involves using their votes as leverage since Republicans need some Democratic support to pass the funding bill.

Key Facts:

  • Democrats want to reverse Medicaid cuts as part of government funding negotiations.
  • Republicans need some Democratic votes to pass a government funding bill.
  • Democrats view their support as leverage against the current administration's policies.
  • Key Democratic leaders involved include Hakeem Jeffries and Chuck Schumer.
  • Democrats emphasize the need for a bipartisan approach to resolving government funding and healthcare issues.
  • Sen. Elizabeth Warren supports the push to restore healthcare funding.
  • Past negotiations saw Democrats provide support without getting concessions, but they are pushing for more this time.
  • There is concern about a looming healthcare crisis linked to Republican budget policies.

Source Information

Axios
‘We felt ambushed,’ man says after wife’s ICE detention led to hospitalization

‘We felt ambushed,’ man says after wife’s ICE detention led to hospitalization

August 28, 2025
ICE arrested Jemmy Jimenez-Rosa at the Boston airport as she and her family returned from a trip to Mexico. Jemmy, a green card holder, was detained for 10 days in different facilities. She was part of a broader immigration enforcement effort.

Key Facts:

  • Jemmy Jimenez-Rosa was arrested by ICE in Boston.
  • She was returning from a vacation in Mexico with her family.
  • Jemmy holds a green card, which allows her to live and work in the U.S.
  • She was detained for 10 days and moved between different detention centers.
  • Jemmy has no violent criminal record.
  • Her detention is part of a larger immigration crackdown by the administration.
  • Jemmy's husband, Marcel Rosa, and their lawyer, Todd Pomerleau, have spoken publicly about the situation.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
20 years later, a look at Katrina’s lasting impact and concerns over future storms

20 years later, a look at Katrina’s lasting impact and concerns over future storms

August 28, 2025
It has been 20 years since Hurricane Katrina hit the coasts of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama. Katrina caused significant damage and challenges in recovery efforts. The report looks at what has been learned from Katrina and ongoing concerns due to increasingly severe weather.

Key Facts:

  • Hurricane Katrina occurred 20 years ago.
  • The storm affected the coastal areas of Louisiana, Mississippi, and Alabama.
  • Katrina is recognized as the most costly natural disaster in U.S. history.
  • The hurricane caused widespread human suffering and a challenging recovery process.
  • The report is part of a series called "Tipping Point."
  • The focus includes lessons from Katrina and future risks posed by more extreme weather.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

New Hampshire arts groups face double budget blow as state slashes funding

August 28, 2025
New Hampshire's state government has reduced funding for local arts organizations. This funding cut acts as a second financial challenge for these groups, following previous budget challenges.

Key Facts:

  • New Hampshire's state government is cutting funding for arts organizations.
  • The funding reduction impacts local arts groups in the state.
  • Arts organizations were already facing financial challenges before this cut.
  • The state's budget allocation for the arts is declining.
  • This situation might affect the operations and programs of arts groups in New Hampshire.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
About half of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s approach to crime, AP-NORC poll finds

About half of U.S. adults approve of Trump’s approach to crime, AP-NORC poll finds

August 28, 2025
About half of U.S. adults support Donald Trump's approach to crime, according to a poll from The AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research. This approval is higher than his support for immigration policies, the economy, or dealing with the Russia-Ukraine war. The poll suggests that crime is a major concern for many Americans, which may have helped boost Trump's overall approval rating.

Key Facts:

  • A recent poll shows that 53% of U.S. adults approve of Trump's approach to handling crime.
  • Trump's crime policies have more support than his immigration, economic, and international policies.
  • Violent crime has decreased in Washington and nationwide since a spike during the COVID-19 pandemic.
  • Overall, 45% of Americans approve of Trump's performance as president, an increase from 40% in July.
  • Crime is a major concern for 81% of U.S. adults, making it a top news topic.
  • Approval of Trump's immigration policies has dropped, with only 43% of adults supporting it.
  • Trump's attention to crime issues increased after a government official was attacked in Washington recently.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Federal judge says Kari Lake can't fire Voice of America director

Federal judge says Kari Lake can't fire Voice of America director

August 28, 2025
A federal judge ruled that Kari Lake, a Trump administration official, cannot fire the director of Voice of America (VOA) without the backing of a congressional advisory panel. This decision highlights that Lake's attempt to remove the director was against legal requirements set by Congress.

Key Facts:

  • A federal judge in Washington, D.C. made the ruling against Kari Lake.
  • Kari Lake tried to fire the VOA director, Michael Abramowitz, but it was not legal.
  • The law requires an advisory panel's approval to fire the VOA director, which Lake did not have.
  • President Trump dismissed six out of seven panel members when he took office, and new members were not appointed.
  • The judge emphasized that the firing did not meet legal standards.
  • Under Lake, the VOA has reduced its language services significantly and laid off many employees.
  • The Trump administration plans to appeal the ruling.
  • The Justice Department referenced executive powers from Article II of the U.S. Constitution in defense of Lake's actions.

Source Information

NPR Home

In Mississippi, 20 years after Hurricane Katrina, the recovery has been long

August 28, 2025
Mississippi is still recovering from Hurricane Katrina, which hit 20 years ago, causing significant damage and loss of life. Former Governor Haley Barbour discusses the state's recovery efforts and the lessons learned from both the people's resilience and the government's response.

Key Facts:

  • Hurricane Katrina struck Mississippi and caused severe damage 20 years ago.
  • The hurricane resulted in the deaths of 238 people in Mississippi.
  • Former Governor Haley Barbour shared insights on recovery and lessons learned.
  • Recovery has been a long process for affected regions in Mississippi.
  • Discussions focus on the resilience of local communities and government actions.
  • Hurricane Katrina is considered one of the most devastating natural disasters in U.S. history.

Source Information

NPR National
Public media stations in rural America say emergency-alert funding is in jeopardy

Public media stations in rural America say emergency-alert funding is in jeopardy

August 28, 2025
Public media stations in rural parts of the United States are facing difficulties due to issues with funding for emergency alert systems. A program meant to support these stations has hit roadblocks due to changes in government funding and administration. As a result, many stations are unable to complete necessary upgrades and are worried about continuing to support their communities during emergencies.

Key Facts:

  • Public media stations provide crucial emergency alerts, especially in rural areas where other communication channels fail.
  • KSTK, a station in Wrangell, Alaska, received up to $90,000 for improving their emergency alert system, but it's only spent half due to funding issues.
  • The Next Generation Warning System grant program was set up in 2022 to aid these stations, with Congress appropriating $136 million to it.
  • The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) is involved in distributing this funding but faced challenges due to withheld resources.
  • In 2023, Congress withdrew funding, affecting stations’ budgets for upgrading their alert systems.
  • CPB has instructed stations to stop further spending due to inconsistent reimbursement from FEMA.
  • An unresolved lawsuit involves CPB suing FEMA for withholding necessary funds.
  • FEMA posted a new funding announcement inviting applications for $40 million, but the future of the original program remains uncertain.

Source Information

NPR Home