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US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

From Anti-Wokeness to the Confederate States of America

From Anti-Wokeness to the Confederate States of America

August 28, 2025
The article discusses a perceived revival of Confederate symbolism and actions within certain political movements in the United States. It connects recent events, like the proposed restoration of a Confederate monument and certain federal actions, to a historical narrative of race relations. The article suggests these actions reflect broader societal tensions relating to race and history in the U.S.

Key Facts:

  • A Confederate monument ordered removed in 2019 is now proposed to be restored by the defense secretary.
  • A proposed replacement for PBS includes educational content viewed as downplaying historical slavery.
  • The presence of Confederate symbols in political movements is highlighted.
  • Federal agents have reportedly increased activities in Black communities, reminiscent of historical "slave patrols."
  • Discussions on race in the U.S. have included suggestions for changes to the Voting Rights Act.
  • Public discourse on race has seen shifts, drawing parallels with historical racial policies and sentiments.
  • Some commentators noted proposed actions as steps toward re-establishing older racial dynamics.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Republican support for unions plunged this year

Republican support for unions plunged this year

August 28, 2025
Support for labor unions among Republicans decreased this year, according to a Gallup survey. Overall, 68% of U.S. adults still support unions, a level that has stayed consistent in recent years.

Key Facts:

  • A Gallup survey showed that only 41% of Republicans approve of labor unions now.
  • Republican approval was previously at 49% in 2025 and 56% in 2022.
  • Among Democrats, 90% support labor unions.
  • 69% of independents approve of labor unions.
  • Overall U.S. adult approval for unions remains high at 68%.
  • Support for unions has stayed between 67% and 71% for the past five years.
  • Under President Trump's administration, several anti-labor measures were introduced.
  • Despite this, Trump claims support from certain unions, including the Teamsters and auto workers.

Source Information

Axios
What books shaped you in high school? Here's what you said

What books shaped you in high school? Here's what you said

August 28, 2025
NPR asked its audience about the books they read in high school that had a big impact on them. More than 1,100 people shared their experiences, and two books were mentioned most often: "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee and "1984" by George Orwell. These books helped readers understand issues like racism and critical thinking.

Key Facts:

  • NPR asked people to share high school books that influenced them.
  • Over 1,100 responses were received.
  • "To Kill a Mockingbird" by Harper Lee was frequently mentioned for its themes on racism.
  • "1984" by George Orwell was also highlighted for encouraging critical thinking.
  • Many respondents talked about the influence of English teachers.
  • The list reflects older syllabuses with fewer female authors and authors of color.
  • Respondents expressed hope for more diverse reading lists in schools today.

Source Information

NPR News
Minneapolis Catholic school shooting: What we know so far

Minneapolis Catholic school shooting: What we know so far

August 28, 2025
A shooting occurred at a Minneapolis church during a Mass to mark the start of the school year, resulting in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 people. The shooter, Robin Westman, died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. Authorities are investigating the attack as a potential hate crime and act of domestic terrorism.

Key Facts:

  • The shooting took place at Annunciation Church in Minneapolis during a Mass celebration.
  • Two children, aged 8 and 10, were killed, and 17 other people were injured, including 14 children and 3 adults.
  • The shooter, 23-year-old Robin Westman, fired from outside the church using multiple firearms.
  • Westman died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
  • Police found additional firearms linked to Westman at three locations.
  • The FBI is investigating the incident as domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics.
  • Westman had no prior criminal record and legally owned the firearms used.
  • Videos and writings from Westman were found, detailing plans for the attack and referencing past mass shootings.

Source Information

NPR Home
Amtrak's flagship Acela trains get a long-awaited upgrade

Amtrak's flagship Acela trains get a long-awaited upgrade

August 28, 2025
Amtrak's new NextGen Acela trains will start service on the Northeast Corridor between Boston and Washington, D.C., on Thursday. These trains are faster and larger than the current Acela fleet, designed to enhance passenger experience despite limitations from aging infrastructure. The rollout followed delays due to technical issues, with the trains being manufactured in New York.

Key Facts:

  • Amtrak will introduce faster Acela trains, called NextGen, in the Northeast Corridor.
  • These trains can reach speeds of up to 160 miles per hour, which is 10 mph faster than current models.
  • The new trains have 27% more seats compared to the older Acela models.
  • Limitations on speed are due to the older rail infrastructure on the route.
  • The launch comes after years of development and technical delays.
  • Amtrak board chairman described the project as the biggest train investment in 25 years.
  • The trains were built by Alstom in Hornell, New York.
  • U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy highlighted continuing federal interest in high-speed rail.

Source Information

NPR Home
These investigators patrol Las Vegas looking for one thing: water waste

These investigators patrol Las Vegas looking for one thing: water waste

August 28, 2025
Investigators in Las Vegas patrol neighborhoods to prevent water waste by checking irrigation systems. They are part of the Southern Nevada Water Authority and focus on issues like misaligned sprinklers and over-irrigation, informing residents with notices and possibly fines.

Key Facts:

  • About 24 investigators work daily to find water waste in Las Vegas neighborhoods.
  • They look for issues like sprinklers spraying water onto streets or sidewalks.
  • Residents are given notices if violations are found, and repeated issues could lead to fines.
  • Fines start at $80 and can increase if the problems aren't fixed.
  • The team is part of the Southern Nevada Water Authority which manages local water resources.
  • Watering schedules are set to specific times, often not seen by residents due to automation.
  • The authority offers financial help to low-income residents for necessary water repairs.
  • The goal is to conserve water as Las Vegas grows, by reducing waste and fixing leaks.

Source Information

NPR Home
Speaker Johnson slashed Medicaid. His constituents could lose health services

Speaker Johnson slashed Medicaid. His constituents could lose health services

August 28, 2025
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson supported a new law that changes Medicaid rules, which could impact many people in his Louisiana district. The new rules require people to work, volunteer, or get job training for 80 hours each month to keep their health coverage. Over 200,000 people in Louisiana might lose health coverage under these changes.

Key Facts:

  • Speaker Mike Johnson backed a new law that affects Medicaid, a program for low-income health coverage.
  • In Johnson's rural Louisiana district, over a third of residents are on Medicaid.
  • The new law requires adults aged 19 to 55 to prove they work, volunteer, or get job training for at least 80 hours a month to keep Medicaid coverage.
  • Statewide in Louisiana, more than 200,000 people could potentially lose their health coverage.
  • Federally qualified health centers may face closure if they lose revenue from Medicaid reimbursements.
  • Local residents like Jamie Collins and David Jackson, who have irregular work, worry they won't meet the new requirements and risk losing healthcare.
  • The Congressional Budget Office predicts the changes will result in nearly a trillion dollars in cuts, affecting 12 million people's coverage.
  • Speaker Johnson defends the legislation as a measure to reduce waste, fraud, and abuse.

Source Information

NPR Home

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Half of US voters believe Israel committing genocide in Gaza, poll says

Half of US voters believe Israel committing genocide in Gaza, poll says

August 28, 2025
A recent poll shows that half of U.S. voters believe Israel is committing genocide in Gaza. The poll also reveals varying opinions among different political groups and finds that many voters oppose more U.S. military aid to Israel. Quinnipiac University conducted the poll, which highlights changing sympathies among Americans regarding the Israeli-Palestinian situation.

Key Facts:

  • 50% of U.S. voters think Israel is committing genocide in Gaza.
  • Among Democrats, 77% believe genocide is occurring; among independents, 51% agree.
  • 64% of Republicans believe Israel is not committing genocide.
  • 60% of U.S. voters oppose more U.S. military aid to Israel.
  • Sympathy is nearly split with 37% of voters feeling more for Palestinians and 36% for Israelis.
  • The poll indicates the highest recorded U.S. sympathy for Palestinians since 2001.
  • Quinnipiac University surveyed 1,220 registered voters with a margin of error of ±3.4%.
  • Rights organizations have accused Israel of genocide, which Israel denies.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Authorities investigative motive behind Minnesota mass shooting

August 28, 2025
Authorities in Minnesota have identified a suspect in a mass shooting that occurred at a Catholic school and church in Minneapolis. In this incident, two school children were killed, and 17 other people were injured.

Key Facts:

  • A mass shooting occurred at a Catholic school and church in Minneapolis.
  • The shooter killed two school children.
  • Seventeen other people were injured in the attack.
  • Authorities have identified a 23-year-old suspect.
  • Investigators are trying to determine the motive behind the shooting.

Source Information

NPR National

Father felt like 'throwing up' when he learned of shooting at daughter's school

August 28, 2025
A father recounted his four-year-old daughter's experience of hiding in a preschool basement during a shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis. The father described his reaction upon learning about the incident.

Key Facts:

  • A shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic Church in Minneapolis.
  • A four-year-old girl hid in the preschool basement during the incident.
  • The girl's father described his intense reaction to the news.
  • The event took place while the girl was attending the preschool.
  • The article highlights the father's emotional account of the situation.

Source Information

NPR National

Minnesota attorney general on Wednesday's mass shooting in Minneapolis

August 28, 2025
A mass shooting took place at a Catholic church and school in Minneapolis. Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison discussed the incident in an interview.

Key Facts:

  • The mass shooting happened in Minneapolis.
  • It took place at a Catholic church and school.
  • Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is involved in addressing the incident.
  • The event was covered by NPR's Leila Fadel.
  • The discussion about the shooting was aired by NPR.

Source Information

NPR National

Minnesota officials share their grief after Wednesday school shooting

August 28, 2025
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, Senator Amy Klobuchar, and other officials have expressed their sorrow and support following a school shooting in Minnesota. They shared messages to support the families affected by the incident.

Key Facts:

  • A school shooting occurred in Minnesota on a Wednesday.
  • The Governor of Minnesota, Tim Walz, publicly spoke about the shooting.
  • Senator Amy Klobuchar also shared messages about the incident.
  • Other local officials expressed their grief and support.
  • The officials' messages were directed at the families affected by the shooting.

Source Information

NPR National

A young woman's 20-year fight to rebuild her community after Katrina

August 28, 2025
A woman named Brittany Penn has spent 20 years working to rebuild her community in New Orleans' Upper Ninth Ward after Hurricane Katrina. She began her efforts when she was just 16 years old.

Key Facts:

  • Hurricane Katrina struck in 2005.
  • Brittany Penn was 16 years old when Katrina affected her community.
  • She has been involved in rebuilding efforts for two decades.
  • Her work focuses on the Upper Ninth Ward in New Orleans.
  • The report about her efforts was made by NPR's Michel Martin.
  • The story was shared on multiple platforms like Facebook and Flipboard.

Source Information

NPR National

Mayor Jacob Frey on the shooting at a Minneapolis Catholic school

August 28, 2025
A shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 people. Mayor Jacob Frey discussed the city's response to the incident.

Key Facts:

  • A shooting occurred at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
  • The incident took place on a Wednesday morning.
  • Two children were killed in the shooting.
  • Seventeen other people were injured.
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey is addressing how the city is handling the situation.
  • NPR's Leila Fadel interviewed Mayor Frey about the event.

Source Information

NPR National

CDC director is out after less than a month in the job

August 28, 2025
Susan Monarez, who became the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) less than a month ago, is no longer in the position. The CDC confirmed her departure, but her lawyers say she has not been informed and has no plans to resign.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Monarez was the director of the CDC for less than a month.
  • The CDC has announced that she is no longer in the role.
  • Her legal team claims she has not received any official notice about her removal.
  • Monarez's lawyers stated that she does not intend to resign.
  • The exact reason for her departure has not been shared publicly.

Source Information

NPR National
Trump attacks Utah's anti-gerrymandering ruling

Trump attacks Utah's anti-gerrymandering ruling

August 28, 2025
Former President Trump criticized a court decision in Utah requiring new congressional maps due to concerns about gerrymandering. He argued that the decision is unconstitutional and urged Utah Republicans to prevent changes that could favor Democrats. The court's decision stems from a 2018 voter-approved initiative aimed at preventing gerrymandering.

Key Facts:

  • A Utah court ruled that new congressional maps must be drawn due to gerrymandering concerns.
  • Former President Trump stated that this ruling is unconstitutional.
  • Trump urged Utah Republicans to keep their current Republican representatives in Congress.
  • Utah Senator Mike Lee agreed with Trump, criticizing the use of independent commissions for redistricting.
  • The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in 2015 that independent redistricting commissions are allowed by the Constitution.
  • States like Arizona have independent commissions to draw congressional district lines.
  • Utah's ruling is based on a state constitutional provision allowing public input in government reform.
  • The Utah legislature must draw new maps by September 24, complying with anti-gerrymandering rules from Proposition 4.

Source Information

Axios
"Unable to serve": CDC vaccine chief slams Kennedy in scathing resignation post

"Unable to serve": CDC vaccine chief slams Kennedy in scathing resignation post

August 28, 2025
An official from the CDC, Demetre Daskalakis, resigned after expressing concerns about policy changes and communication issues at the agency. He accused HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. of ignoring scientific advice and claimed that recent decisions could harm public health. Daskalakis pointed out problems with changes in vaccine policies and leadership approaches at the CDC.

Key Facts:

  • Demetre Daskalakis resigned as director of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases.
  • He criticized HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for ignoring expert advice.
  • Daskalakis expressed concerns about changes to vaccine policies for both adults and children.
  • He mentioned a lack of communication and transparency from CDC's leadership.
  • Daskalakis said social media was used to announce policy changes without proper notice.
  • He noted his resignation was not related to a shooting at the CDC's Atlanta headquarters.
  • Daskalakis warned of potential harm to public health and criticized the involvement of outside organizations in policy-making.

Source Information

Axios
Watch: Moment pilot is rescued after emergency water landing

Watch: Moment pilot is rescued after emergency water landing

August 28, 2025
A pilot named Mark Finkelstein made an emergency water landing after his plane's engine failed near Oak Island Pier in North Carolina. Rescuers quickly arrived, saving him in under 30 seconds, and the rescue video was released after an official investigation concluded.

Key Facts:

  • Mark Finkelstein's plane experienced engine failure.
  • He made an emergency landing in water near Oak Island Pier, North Carolina.
  • Rescuers were nearby and responded quickly.
  • The rescue operation took less than 30 seconds.
  • The Federal Aviation Administration completed an investigation before releasing the rescue video.
  • The video was made public on August 27.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Exodus at CDC as director ousted and senior leaders resign

Exodus at CDC as director ousted and senior leaders resign

August 28, 2025
Several senior leaders at the CDC resigned following the removal of the agency's director, Susan Monarez, shortly after the Senate confirmed her. The reasons for her removal are unclear, and other leaders have exited amid concerns about vaccine policy and health misinformation. The situation occurs as the US Health Secretary, a vaccine skeptic, expresses confidence in the CDC team.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Monarez was ousted as the CDC director less than a month after Senate confirmation.
  • The reasons for Monarez's removal are not clear.
  • Three senior officials, including the chief medical officer, have resigned from the CDC.
  • Health experts are worried about how the CDC is handling immunizations.
  • The US Health Secretary, Robert F Kennedy Jr., is known as a vaccine skeptic.
  • Dr. Monarez, unlike previous CDC directors, did not hold a medical degree.
  • A gunman attacked the CDC headquarters in Atlanta, misunderstanding COVID vaccine effects.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories
Has crime in Washington fallen two weeks on from Trump's crackdown?

Has crime in Washington fallen two weeks on from Trump's crackdown?

August 27, 2025
President Trump started a crackdown on crime in Washington D.C. on August 11, deploying federal agencies and National Guard troops. Since then, reported violent crime has decreased, and over 1,000 arrests have been made. The court system is struggling to handle the increased number of cases resulting from these arrests.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump's crackdown began on August 11 in Washington D.C.
  • National Guard troops, FBI, and ICE agents were deployed to the streets.
  • Reported violent crime fell by 23% between August 12-26 compared to the previous two weeks.
  • Over 1,000 arrests were made from August 11 to August 25.
  • Nearly half of those arrested were described as "illegal criminals."
  • 88% of these arrests have resulted in charges being filed.
  • The court system in Washington D.C. is facing challenges due to the increased caseload.
  • Judge Zia M. Faruqui noted that suspects are being detained longer than usual due to federal prosecutions.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories