US News

US disaster agency suspends workers who criticised Trump cuts, reports say

August 27, 2025

The U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suspended some employees who criticized the agency's changes under President Trump, including budget cuts and leadership issues. This comes amid concerns about FEMA's readiness to handle disasters, especially after recent floods in Texas.

Key Facts:

FEMA suspended employees who signed a letter critical of agency changes under President Trump.
The letter mentioned fears of another disaster similar to Hurricane Katrina due to these changes.
More than 20 employees received notifications of administrative leave, but this action is not considered punitive.
The anonymous letter criticized FEMA for budget cuts, lack of permanent leadership, and "censorship of climate science."
Around 30 employees, reportedly, received the suspension emails.
Some of the suspended staff were involved in responding to July's floods in Texas.
Concerns about climate change and its impact on disaster frequency and intensity were highlighted.
There's an ongoing North Atlantic hurricane season, raising workload expectations for FEMA.

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BBC US

At least six children are being treated following a Minneapolis school shooting

August 27, 2025

A shooting happened at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis, leading to six children receiving treatment at a hospital. The police have reported that the shooter is contained, and there is no ongoing threat to the community.

Key Facts:

A shooting took place at the Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
Six children are being treated at Children's Minnesota Hospital.
The condition of the children has not been fully detailed.
Governor Tim Walz acknowledged the incident and expressed concern.
The Minneapolis Police confirmed the shooter is contained.
There is currently no active threat to the surrounding community.

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NPR Home

WATCH LIVE: Minneapolis officials hold briefing on Catholic school shooting

August 27, 2025

A shooting injured at least five children at a Catholic school in Minneapolis during the first week of classes. The authorities declared that the situation was under control, and there was no ongoing threat. Families reunited with students at a set location after evacuation.

Key Facts:

The shooting occurred at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis.
At least five children were injured in the incident.
Gov. Tim Walz described the shooting as "horrific."
The shooter was contained, and there was no longer an active threat.
The school was evacuated, and a reunification area was established for families.
This shooting happened during the first week of classes at the school.
Additional gun violence incidents occurred in Minneapolis around the same time.

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PBS NewsHour

Kilmar Abrego Garcia requests asylum in the U.S., hoping to prevent his deportation to Uganda

August 27, 2025

Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national, seeks asylum in the U.S. to stop his deportation to Uganda. He denies allegations of being part of the MS-13 gang, which his lawyers argue in court. A judge has halted his removal from the U.S. until the case is resolved.

Key Facts:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is fighting deportation from the U.S. to Uganda.
He is accused of being linked to the MS-13 gang, but he denies this claim.
Abrego Garcia's lawyers argue he faces danger in Uganda, similar to threats he faced in El Salvador.
A U.S. judge had previously stopped his deportation to El Salvador due to credible threats against him.
Abrego Garcia was deported to El Salvador, then returned to the U.S. by court order.
He wants to reopen his immigration case in Maryland.
His legal team argues deporting him to Uganda is unfair and legally questionable.
Uganda allegedly has an agreement with the U.S. to accept deportees.

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PBS NewsHour

Democratic win in Iowa special election breaks GOP supermajority

August 27, 2025

A Democrat won a special election for an Iowa state Senate seat in a district that usually supports Republicans. This win stops Republicans from having a supermajority in the Iowa Senate, meaning they now need at least one Democrat's support for certain decisions.

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Catelin Drey, a Democrat, won a special election for an Iowa state Senate seat.
The seat was previously held by a Republican and is in a district that heavily supported Donald Trump.
The election was needed after Republican Sen. Rocky de Witt died in June 2023.
Drey's win reduces the Republican majority in the 50-member Iowa Senate.
Republicans now need at least one Democrat to approve state agency appointments.
This victory follows other recent Democratic wins in Iowa state elections.

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PBS NewsHour

Lil Nas X says he's OK after 'terrifying' arrest

August 27, 2025

Lil Nas X, a well-known musician, was arrested in Los Angeles for allegedly assaulting police officers. He was taken to the hospital for potential drug-related issues but has since pleaded not guilty to the charges. He reassured fans on social media that he is okay now.

Key Facts:

Lil Nas X was arrested in Los Angeles and charged with assaulting police officers.
He was found walking naked on a busy street and reportedly resisted arrest.
Police believe he may have been using drugs, so he must attend a drug rehabilitation program.
He has been charged with three counts of battery with injury to an officer and one count of resisting arrest.
Lil Nas X faces up to five years in prison if convicted.
He posted a $75,000 bail and was released.
His lawyer claims there is no evidence of drug use, calling the incident an unusual episode.
Lil Nas X became famous in 2018 with the song "Old Town Road," known for its long run at number one on U.S. charts.

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BBC Top Stories

WATCH: Duffy says department taking control of Union Station, extends Trump’s control of Washington

August 27, 2025

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced that the federal government is taking over the management of Union Station in Washington, D.C., from Amtrak. This move is part of an effort led by President Donald Trump to make the station and the city safer and more attractive.

Key Facts:

The federal government, through the Transportation Department, will manage Union Station in Washington, D.C.
Union Station is a major transportation hub close to the U.S. Capitol.
Secretary Duffy claims the station has fallen into disrepair and should be improved.
President Trump wants Union Station to be safer and more aesthetically pleasing.
Trump has requested $2 billion from Congress for beautification and anti-crime efforts in Washington, D.C.
National Guard troops are stationed at Union Station as part of Trump's crime-fighting initiative.
Despite federal claims of high crime, local police statistics show a decline in violent crime in Washington, D.C.
During the announcement, the launch of a new high-speed train, the NextGen Acela, was also highlighted.

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PBS NewsHour

Shooting reported at Minneapolis Catholic school

August 27, 2025

A shooting happened at a Catholic school in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The shooter has been contained, and there is no active threat. The incident took place during the first week of school.

Key Facts:

A shooting took place at Annunciation Church's school in Minneapolis.
There is no information yet about injuries.
The shooter is contained, meaning they are no longer a threat.
Governor Tim Walz was informed and expressed concern over the event.
Students at the school were evacuated as a safety measure.
Local and federal authorities, including police and ATF agents, responded to the situation.
The school is for pre-kindergarten to eighth-grade students and opened for the school year on Monday.
This shooting followed several other shootings in Minneapolis within a 24-hour period.

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PBS NewsHour

The growing list of military ousters under Trump 2.0

August 27, 2025

In the early period of the second Trump administration, several top U.S. military leaders were either retired or removed, resulting in the loss of significant experience. Notable recent changes include the resignation of a key defense innovation leader and the dismissal of a top intelligence director.

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Several high-ranking U.S. military leaders experienced unexpected retirements or removals.
Doug Beck of the Defense Innovation Unit resigned unexpectedly.
Lt. Gen. Jeffrey Kruse, director of the Defense Intelligence Agency, was removed, reportedly due to a "loss of confidence."
Gen. David Allvin retired after serving only two years as the Air Force chief of staff.
Other dismissals included leaders from the NSA, Cyber Command, and the Joint Chiefs.
No specific reasons were provided for each firing by the administration.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has criticized certain military practices, mentioning "woke" ideology.
The administration emphasizes that Trump seeks leaders he personally trusts.

Source Information

Axios

Trump’s 50% tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases take effect

August 27, 2025

The United States has imposed 50% tariffs on many Indian products due to India's purchase of Russian oil. The tariffs affect $48.2 billion in Indian exports and may harm sectors like textiles and automobiles. Prime Minister Modi of India has promised not to give in to U.S. pressure on trade issues.

Key Facts:

The U.S. placed a 50% tariff on Indian goods, up from a 25% tariff.
Tariffs target $48.2 billion worth of India's exports to the U.S.
Affected sectors include textiles, gems, jewelry, leather goods, and automobiles.
Some sectors, like pharmaceuticals and electronics, are exempt from the tariffs.
Indian exporters fear that these tariffs will harm small and medium enterprises.
India and the U.S. have held trade talks but have not reached an agreement.
Prime Minister Modi has promised to protect Indian farmer and small business interests.
India plans to implement local reforms to boost its economy amid these tariffs.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump's playbook for capturing and crushing America's institutions

August 27, 2025

The article discusses former President Trump's actions regarding American institutions. It outlines how he extended control over several government branches and agencies, removed some leaders, and faced resistance from the courts and media.

Key Facts:

Trump fired Fed governor Lisa Cook, impacting the central bank's independence.
He took control over the Justice Department and appointed loyal followers to key positions.
Trump issued an executive order to bring regulatory bodies under White House control.
Over 20 inspectors general, responsible for oversight, were dismissed by Trump.
He made changes in military leadership and required meetings with new top nominees.
The administration pressured universities and law firms for large settlements.
Federal judges halted certain aggressive policies from the Trump administration.
Major media outlets continue to report critically on Trump despite restricted access.

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Axios

Scoop: Democrats weigh mini-convention before 2026 midterms

August 27, 2025

Democratic party officials are thinking about holding a national convention before the 2026 midterm elections. This event would be smaller than their usual presidential election conventions and aims to highlight party candidates and raise money. The idea is still very early in development, and it is uncertain if the event will actually happen.

Key Facts:

Democratic officials are considering a pre-midterm national convention in 2026.
The convention could showcase party candidates and attract media attention.
Ken Martin, the new Democratic National Committee chair, is promoting the idea.
It would be the first midterm-focused convention in decades.
The plan is still undecided, and the Democratic National Committee hasn't commented.
The event could also serve potential 2028 presidential candidates.
Such conventions were more common in the 1970s and '80s.
Democrats stopped holding midterm conventions in 1986.

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Axios

FEMA workers put on leave after letter criticising Trump administration

August 27, 2025

Some FEMA employees were put on leave after signing a letter criticizing changes made under President Trump, voiced on the anniversary of Hurricane Katrina. The letter raised concerns about budget cuts and other changes that could harm disaster response efforts. This incident reflects broader issues about handling dissent within the federal government.

Key Facts:

FEMA employees were placed on leave for signing an open letter critical of leadership and policies under President Trump.
The letter was signed on the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina.
Concerns raised included budget cuts and reforms that might lead to ineffective disaster responses.
Stand Up for Science, a nonprofit, stated the letter had over 190 signatures, with most signed anonymously.
The New York Times reported about 30 employees were suspended.
The suspended employees remain on paid leave.
President Trump has expressed a desire to roll back FEMA's role and let states manage their own disaster responses.
Nearly 2,000 FEMA employees have left through firings, buyouts, or retirements this year.

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Al Jazeera

Fed governor fights for her job. And, the DNC has a message for Democrats

August 27, 2025

President Trump wants to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook, accusing her of mortgage fraud. Cook plans to fight back with a lawsuit, arguing Trump has no legal grounds to dismiss her. Meanwhile, the Democratic National Committee (DNC) is focusing on future election strategies at their summer meeting.

Key Facts:

President Trump is trying to remove Lisa Cook from her position as a Federal Reserve Governor.
Trump accuses Cook of mortgage fraud related to two home loans she allegedly took out in 2021.
Cook's attorney says a lawsuit will be filed, challenging Trump's attempt to fire her.
Trump wants to replace Cook with someone else on the Fed's board.
The Fed is expected to work independently, but Trump has pushed it to lower interest rates.
The DNC is meeting in Minneapolis to discuss strategies for future elections, focusing on state-level support.
The DNC's message includes opposition to Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act and concerns about political redistricting.

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NPR Home

The GOP is shying away from town halls. This Missouri congressman is doing 15 of them

August 27, 2025

Republican Congressman Mark Alford from Missouri is holding 15 town hall meetings despite a trend among GOP members to avoid them. These town halls allow constituents to ask questions about taxes, spending, and other political issues. Alford emphasizes listening to the public and addressing their concerns.

Key Facts:

Congressman Mark Alford, a Republican from Missouri, is hosting 15 town halls in four days.
Town halls are public meetings where voters can ask questions and share concerns directly with their representatives.
Many Republican lawmakers are avoiding town halls, but Alford is choosing to engage with his constituents.
Alford discussed topics like his work on committees, a major tax and spending bill, and changes to Medicaid.
He faced both support and disagreement from attendees on issues related to former President Trump and other political matters.
Alford aims to listen to his constituents' views, saying it helps refine his own beliefs and policies.
The meetings took place in various locations, including diners, an ice cream parlor, and a university.
A business owner expressed concerns about halted funding for a solar project due to White House decisions, highlighting a local issue during the discussions.

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NPR Home

Are you a new grandparent? NPR wants to hear from you for National Grandparent's Day

August 27, 2025

NPR is inviting new grandparents to share their experiences as part of National Grandparent's Day. The invitation is for stories to be featured in NPR's Up First newsletter. The deadline for submissions is September 3.

Key Facts:

National Grandparent's Day is observed on the first Sunday after Labor Day.
President Jimmy Carter declared this day in 1978 to honor grandparents.
NPR is asking new grandparents to share their stories.
These stories may be included in the Up First newsletter.
New or soon-to-be grandparents have until September 3 to submit their experiences.
The initiative aims to celebrate the roles and values grandparents bring to families.

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NPR Home

A 'college for all' push thrived in New Orleans after Katrina. It wasn't for everyone

August 27, 2025

After Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans schools pushed a "college for all" message. Many students, like Geraldlynn Stewart, faced significant challenges when trying to pursue this path due to financial and personal obstacles.

Key Facts:

The "college for all" approach aimed to lift New Orleans students out of poverty after Hurricane Katrina.
Many schools, especially charter schools like those in the KIPP network, focused on college preparation.
Geraldlynn Stewart, a student from New Orleans, found it difficult to balance college and work responsibilities.
Stewart attended Dillard University, but financial challenges and work demands influenced her decision to leave college.
The college push did not account for the financial and personal challenges faced by students from working-class families.
Stewart's story reflects common challenges among New Orleanians of her generation who started college but did not complete degrees.

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NPR Home

Hurricane Katrina forced changes at FEMA. Trump is rolling them back

August 27, 2025

Hurricane Katrina, which hit Louisiana and caused extensive damage in 2005, led to significant changes in the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to improve its disaster response. The Trump administration is reversing some of these changes, including cutting funds and giving more disaster response responsibility to individual states. Former and current FEMA employees express concern over the possible impact on future disaster readiness.

Key Facts:

Hurricane Katrina occurred 20 years ago, resulting in over 1,300 deaths and significant displacement.
Levees in New Orleans collapsed during the storm, leading to massive flooding and the need for urgent evacuation.
The federal government and FEMA faced criticism for their slow response to the disaster.
Congress decided to strengthen FEMA after Katrina and increased its budget and power for disaster responses.
The Trump administration is cutting funding from FEMA's disaster preparedness programs.
The administration aims to reduce federal spending and give more disaster management responsibility to states.
Current and former FEMA employees warn that reversing these changes could impact FEMA's effectiveness in future disasters.
The administration defends its actions by stating that the reforms are necessary to improve efficiency and response times.

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NPR Home

The Framers wanted the House closest to the people. Redistricting may undermine that

August 27, 2025

Redistricting, which is the process of redrawing the lines of electoral districts, is happening more frequently than usual in the U.S. President Trump has prompted Texas Republicans to redraw congressional lines, leading Democrats in California to propose their own changes. This mid-decade redistricting may affect voters' representation in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Key Facts:

Redistricting is usually done once every 10 years, but it's happening mid-decade now.
Texas Republicans are attempting to add five congressional seats for the 2026 mid-term elections.
California Democrats want to create a new voting map to remove five Republican seats.
The removal of an independent commission in California might change how district lines are drawn.
Rep. Kevin Kiley, a Republican from California, could lose his seat due to redistricting.
Redistricting could make it harder for voters to be represented because they might lose local representation.
The process could increase political polarization and gridlock in the House of Representatives.

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NPR Home

Flag burning has a long history in the U.S. — and legal protections from the Supreme Court

August 27, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court has said that burning the American flag is a protected form of free speech. Despite this, former President Trump signed an order for the Justice Department to prioritize prosecuting people who burn the flag.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court has ruled that burning the American flag is protected by the First Amendment.
In 1989, the Supreme Court case *Texas v. Johnson* determined that flag burning is a form of free speech.
Former President Trump signed an order instructing the Justice Department to prosecute flag burners.
Flag desecration incidents in the U.S. date back to the Civil War.
State laws against flag desecration were common by the end of the 19th century.
The Flag Protection Act of 1968 restricted flag burning during anti-Vietnam War protests.
Free speech lawyers argue that Trump's order goes against settled legal precedent.

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