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

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
US kayaker who faked death to flee family sentenced to jail

US kayaker who faked death to flee family sentenced to jail

August 27, 2025
A man from Wisconsin named Ryan Borgwardt tried to fake his death during a fishing trip to escape to Europe and start a new life. He was sentenced to 89 days in prison for obstructing law enforcement, which is the same amount of time authorities spent searching for him. Borgwardt also has to pay $30,000 to cover the search costs.

Key Facts:

  • Ryan Borgwardt is a 45-year-old father from Wisconsin.
  • He faked his death by leaving his phone, ID, and overturned boat during a fishing trip in August 2024.
  • Borgwardt fled to Canada and then to Georgia, a country in the former Soviet Union.
  • He planned to meet a woman from Uzbekistan whom he met online.
  • A judge sentenced him to 89 days in jail and ordered him to pay $30,000 for search costs.
  • Borgwardt's actions included taking out a life insurance policy and transferring funds to a foreign bank.
  • His plan was revealed in November 2024 when a Russian-speaking woman connected him with authorities.
  • Borgwardt returned to the US in December and was charged with obstruction, and his wife filed for divorce.

Source Information

BBC US
Trump's CDC director ousted in stunning departure

Trump's CDC director ousted in stunning departure

August 27, 2025
Susan Monarez, who was recently sworn in as the Director of the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), has left her position. This follows a series of exits by other high-level officials within the Trump administration's health agencies. Her departure coincides with a new decision to limit COVID vaccine eligibility.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Monarez left her position as CDC Director shortly after being sworn in.
  • The CDC's chief medical officer, Debra Houry, also resigned.
  • Two other CDC officials, Daniel Jernigan and Demetre Daskalakis, resigned on the same day.
  • The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) announced limits on COVID vaccine eligibility on the same day Monarez left.
  • Monarez was confirmed to her CDC role on July 29 and was nominated by President Trump.
  • Her tenure was marked by a gunman attack on the CDC headquarters in Atlanta.
  • Monarez faced challenges in supporting vaccines without opposing HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
  • Her departure is part of widespread changes in federal health agency leadership.

Source Information

Axios
Two children dead and 17 others injured in Minneapolis school shooting

Two children dead and 17 others injured in Minneapolis school shooting

August 27, 2025
Two children were killed and 17 people were injured in a shooting at Annunciation Church, which also houses a school, in Minneapolis. The shooter, Robin Westman, died from suicide after the attack. The incident is being investigated as a domestic terrorism and a hate crime.

Key Facts:

  • The shooting happened at a Catholic church in Minneapolis during a Mass service.
  • Two children, aged 8 and 10, died in the shooting.
  • Seventeen people were injured, including 14 children, who are expected to survive.
  • The attacker used three different firearms and a smoke bomb.
  • The shooter, a 23-year-old man named Robin Westman, died at the scene from a self-inflicted gunshot.
  • Police found no bullet casings inside the church, suggesting all shots were fired from outside.
  • The incident is being investigated as domestic terrorism and a hate crime against Catholics.
  • Police received the first calls about the shooting just before 8:00 a.m. local time.

Source Information

BBC US
D.C. mayor: "Masked ICE agents" and out-of-town National Guard are ineffective

D.C. mayor: "Masked ICE agents" and out-of-town National Guard are ineffective

August 27, 2025
D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser discussed the role of federal forces in the city, highlighting issues with certain agencies like ICE and out-of-state National Guard troops. She supported President Trump's funding request for city improvements and acknowledged some positive impacts of increased federal law enforcement, despite her earlier critical stance.

Key Facts:

  • Mayor Bowser criticized "masked ICE agents" and out-of-town National Guard troops as ineffective.
  • She praised a recent federal crackdown for reducing crime in D.C., noting an 87% drop in carjackings over a 20-day period.
  • Bowser pledged support for Trump's $2 billion plan to enhance D.C.'s public areas.
  • She expressed concerns about a "break in trust" between police and the community.
  • D.C. remains a sanctuary city despite increased ICE arrests and collaboration with immigration authorities.
  • Bowser plans to conduct a homeless census to better connect individuals to services.
  • Bowser is working on long-term plans to boost local law enforcement and infrastructure, seeking to recruit 500 new police officers.

Source Information

Axios
Reading for pleasure is going out of style

Reading for pleasure is going out of style

August 27, 2025
A study of American time use data shows a steady decline in people reading for enjoyment over the last 20 years. In 2003, 26% of people read for pleasure daily, but by 2023, this number fell to 16%. The study highlights differences in reading habits based on gender and education level.

Key Facts:

  • A study looked at how many Americans read for enjoyment from 2003 to 2023.
  • In 2003, 26% of Americans read for fun on a typical day.
  • By 2023, only 16% of Americans read for pleasure daily.
  • Women read for pleasure more than men, with 18.6% of women compared to 13.7% of men in 2023.
  • People with postgraduate degrees are more likely to read for fun.
  • Older adults, especially those over 66, are more likely to be readers.
  • The study included all types of reading, like books, magazines, newspapers, audiobooks, and e-readers.
  • The study mentions that leisure time is limited, and other activities compete for attention.

Source Information

Axios

Sign in to get news based on your interests

It’s free.

Sign In Sign Up Free
CDC director is out after less than a month; other agency leaders resign

CDC director is out after less than a month; other agency leaders resign

August 27, 2025
The director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Susan Monarez, has left her position after less than a month. Her departure was followed by the resignations of several other top CDC officials. The exact reasons for Monarez's exit were not provided, but her attorneys claim she was targeted for refusing to comply with certain directives.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Monarez left her role as director of the CDC after being in office for less than a month.
  • Several top CDC officials, including Dr. Debra Houry, Dr. Daniel Jernigan, and Dr. Demetre Daskalakis, also resigned.
  • Monarez's lawyers stated that she did not resign nor was she told she was fired and suggested she was targeted for not agreeing with certain directives.
  • The resignations are reportedly linked to budget cuts, reorganization plans, and other internal changes affecting the CDC.
  • Officials from the Department of Health and Human Services have not commented on the specifics of these resignations.
  • Public health experts have expressed concern over the loss of experienced officials at the CDC.
  • Monarez was the 21st CDC director and the first to undergo Senate confirmation after a 2023 law change.

Source Information

NPR Home
Grand jury declines to indict man for throwing sandwich at US agents

Grand jury declines to indict man for throwing sandwich at US agents

August 27, 2025
A federal grand jury chose not to charge a man who threw a sandwich at a Border Patrol agent during a deployment in Washington, DC. This decision comes amid debates over the Trump administration's heavy-handed response to protests. Sean Charles Dunn, the accused, lost his job at the Department of Justice following the incident.

Key Facts:

  • A man named Sean Charles Dunn threw a sandwich at a Customs and Border Protection agent.
  • A federal grand jury decided not to indict Dunn for the sandwich-throwing incident.
  • Dunn was a former employee at the Department of Justice and was fired after the event.
  • The incident was part of President Trump's increased security measures in Washington, DC.
  • The decision marks the second time in recent days that a grand jury refused to indict someone for alleged assault on a federal officer.
  • Footage of the sandwich incident went viral, sparking public discussion.
  • Local police statistics indicated a decrease in violent crime in Washington, DC, contrary to the administration's claims of rising crime.
  • President Trump has deployed National Guard members and various federal agents to Washington, DC.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Looking to get a COVID shot this fall? Here’s why it’s likely to be more complicated

Looking to get a COVID shot this fall? Here’s why it’s likely to be more complicated

August 27, 2025
Getting a COVID-19 vaccine this fall is more complicated than before. New federal rules affect who can get the shot, and this impacts availability and insurance coverage.

Key Facts:

  • The U.S. FDA approved new COVID-19 shots from Pfizer, Moderna, and Novavax with restrictions.
  • The shots are approved for those 65 and older, and younger people with certain health issues.
  • Health issues include asthma, cancer, heart or lung problems, obesity, depression, and more.
  • Pharmacists in some states may face limits on giving the shots due to local laws.
  • Medicare will cover the shots for people 65 and older; others should check with their insurance.
  • Employers like Walmart and Kaiser Permanente plan to cover the vaccine costs for their workers.
  • Vaccinations can prevent expensive healthcare costs and help keep workers healthy.
  • Insurers consider various factors, like opinions from doctor groups, to decide on coverage.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
‘We owe this to our children’: Minneapolis mayor calls for action after school attack

‘We owe this to our children’: Minneapolis mayor calls for action after school attack

August 27, 2025
A shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to 17 others. Authorities are investigating the shooter's motive, and a manifesto was posted online but has been removed. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey commented on the need for action following the attack.

Key Facts:

  • A shooting occurred at a Catholic school in Minneapolis.
  • Two children died in the incident.
  • Seventeen other people were injured.
  • Authorities are investigating the reason behind the shooting.
  • The shooter posted a manifesto on social media.
  • The manifesto has been taken down from the internet.
  • Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey discussed the incident publicly.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
RFK Jr. limits who is eligible for COVID shots

RFK Jr. limits who is eligible for COVID shots

August 27, 2025
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced changes on who can get COVID vaccines in the U.S. People now need to speak with a doctor before getting the vaccine. Updated vaccines are available for older adults and those at high risk.

Key Facts:

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced limits on COVID vaccine eligibility.
  • People must consult a doctor before getting the COVID vaccine.
  • The FDA approved updated vaccines for adults 65 and older.
  • People aged 5 to 64 with high-risk conditions can also get vaccinated.
  • The CDC will soon decide on recommending COVID vaccines.
  • It's unclear if insurance will keep covering the vaccine.
  • Updated COVID vaccines will be available in pharmacies, hospitals, and clinics soon.
  • The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends shots for children 6 months to 2 years old.

Source Information

Axios
News Wrap: Trump administration taking over management of D.C.’s Union Station

News Wrap: Trump administration taking over management of D.C.’s Union Station

August 27, 2025
The Trump administration is taking control of Washington D.C.'s Union Station to increase federal oversight in the capital. In other news, the head of the CDC is reportedly being removed, updated COVID vaccines received FDA approval with new guidelines, and a person named Kilmar Abrego Garcia is seeking asylum in the U.S.

Key Facts:

  • The Trump administration is taking over management of Union Station in Washington, D.C.
  • This action is part of a broader effort to increase federal control in the capital.
  • Susan Monarez, head of the CDC, is reportedly being ousted a few weeks into her new job.
  • The FDA has approved updated COVID-19 vaccines.
  • The new vaccines come with new restrictions.
  • Kilmar Abrego Garcia has expressed a desire to seek asylum in the United States.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
FEMA employees critical of Trump placed on leave amid crackdown on dissent

FEMA employees critical of Trump placed on leave amid crackdown on dissent

August 27, 2025
Around 24 FEMA employees are on leave after signing a letter criticizing decisions made by the Trump administration. The letter claims that budget cuts and other choices harm FEMA's progress since Hurricane Katrina.

Key Facts:

  • About two dozen FEMA employees signed an open letter.
  • The letter criticizes the Trump administration's budget cuts and personnel choices.
  • The employees who signed the letter have been placed on leave.
  • The letter highlights concerns about Hurricane Katrina recovery progress being at risk.
  • Hurricane Katrina hit the Gulf Coast 20 years ago.
  • Amna Nawaz spoke with Craig Fugate, who was FEMA's leader from 2009 to 2017.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Miles Taylor warns: ‘We need America to wake up’ as Trump punishes opponents

Miles Taylor warns: ‘We need America to wake up’ as Trump punishes opponents

August 27, 2025
The article discusses actions taken by the Trump administration against critics, such as suspending FEMA workers and an FBI raid on John Bolton. Miles Taylor, a former staff member who criticized Trump, shares his experience and concerns.

Key Facts:

  • The Trump administration suspended some staff members at FEMA.
  • The FBI conducted a raid on John Bolton, who was a critic of Trump.
  • Miles Taylor worked during Trump’s first term and criticized him anonymously.
  • Taylor has faced consequences for his criticism of Trump.
  • Amna Nawaz interviewed Miles Taylor about these issues.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
WATCH: DC Mayor Bowser gives update on federal takeover of law enforcement in the district

WATCH: DC Mayor Bowser gives update on federal takeover of law enforcement in the district

August 27, 2025
Washington, D.C., Mayor Muriel Bowser discussed the increase in federal law enforcement in the city. President Trump has introduced more federal officers and taken control of the city's police and Union Station. Mayor Bowser mentioned both positive outcomes and community trust issues caused by this federal involvement.

Key Facts:

  • Mayor Bowser gave an update on federal involvement in Washington, D.C.
  • President Trump increased federal law enforcement presence in the city.
  • The move aimed to reduce gun crimes, homicides, and carjackings.
  • Bowser noted that community trust in police has been affected by federal agents' presence.
  • National Guard troops are also involved in patrolling the city.
  • The Trump administration is taking control of Union Station from Amtrak.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced plans to invest in Union Station.
  • Duffy mentioned the Trump administration's request for $2 billion to enhance Washington.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Why is Trump going after the Smithsonian museums?

Why is Trump going after the Smithsonian museums?

August 27, 2025
President Donald Trump has ordered a review of the Smithsonian museums. This review targets exhibits that discuss slavery, immigration, and LGBTQ history. The White House said the goal is to ensure taxpayer money is used for factual displays.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump ordered a review of Smithsonian museum exhibits.
  • The review focuses on topics like slavery, immigration, and LGBTQ history.
  • The White House stated taxpayer money should not fund divisive displays.
  • The Smithsonian Institution is the largest museum complex in the world.
  • The White House wants history to be presented accurately and factually.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
Susan Monarez ousted as CDC director after less than a month, HHS announces

Susan Monarez ousted as CDC director after less than a month, HHS announces

August 27, 2025
Susan Monarez was removed as the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) after less than a month in the position. The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced her departure but did not provide a reason. Her tenure was marked by a shooting incident near the CDC and controversy over vaccine policies.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Monarez was the CDC's 21st director and first to be confirmed by the Senate under a new 2023 law.
  • Monarez served as CDC director for less than one month, the shortest tenure in the agency's history.
  • A shooting incident occurred outside CDC headquarters during her first week on the job, although no CDC staff were injured.
  • The CDC has faced staff cuts, key resignations, and controversies, especially regarding vaccine policies.
  • Susan Monarez had expressed support for vaccines and public health measures during her Senate confirmation.
  • The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced Monarez's departure, but no reason was provided.
  • The Washington Post reported her removal, citing unnamed sources in the Trump administration.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour
Trump administration takes control of Washington’s Union Station train hub

Trump administration takes control of Washington’s Union Station train hub

August 27, 2025
The Trump administration announced plans to take control of Union Station in Washington, DC. The Department of Transportation officially owns the station, and Secretary Sean Duffy stated they intend to manage it to increase revenue. Plans also include integrating a new fleet of faster trains.

Key Facts:

  • The Trump administration plans to take control of Union Station, a major train hub in Washington, DC.
  • Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the decision alongside Amtrak leaders.
  • Union Station serves as a train station, shopping center, and transit point for buses and metro lines.
  • The Department of Transportation owns the building and wants to enhance its management.
  • This decision connects to broader efforts by Trump to expand his influence in Washington, DC.
  • Trump issued an executive order declaring a "crime emergency" in Washington, DC, earlier this month.
  • Crime statistics from the local police show a decrease in violent crime, despite claims to the contrary.
  • Trump has also focused on increasing his influence over cultural institutions in the capital, like the Kennedy Center and Smithsonian Museums.

Source Information

Al Jazeera
What we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting

What we know about the Minneapolis Catholic school shooting

August 27, 2025
A shooting at a Catholic school in Minneapolis resulted in the deaths of two children and injuries to at least 17 others. The gunman, a 23-year-old identified as Robin Westman, acted alone and was later found dead. The incident has left many in the community devastated.

Key Facts:

  • The shooting took place at Annunciation Church during a children's worship service.
  • Two children, aged eight and 10, were killed, and 17 people were injured, including 14 children.
  • The shooter was identified as Robin Westman, who carried multiple weapons and a smoke bomb.
  • Authorities have not determined Westman's motive for the attack.
  • Ten of the injured individuals are in critical condition, and some required surgery.
  • Annunciation Catholic Church serves students from preschool to Grade 8.
  • The incident has deeply affected the local community and sparked responses from local leaders.
  • The gunman was described as having no extensive prior criminal history.

Source Information

BBC Top Stories