US News - The Actual News

Senators question Trump plan to kill federal funds for PBS, NPR and some foreign aid

June 25, 2025

The Senate Appropriations Committee is challenging President Trump's plan to stop federal funding for public broadcasting, like PBS and NPR, and certain foreign aid programs. The proposed funding cuts face opposition from both Democratic and Republican senators, with concerns about the impacts on local programming and emergency services.

Key Facts:

President Trump proposed cutting federal funding for public broadcasting and foreign aid.
The proposed cuts would affect PBS, NPR, and international aid programs, including those for global health and disaster relief.
Senator Susan Collins mentioned that 70% of funds for public broadcasting support local programming.
These proposed cuts include nearly $1.1 billion for public broadcasting in 2026 and 2027.
The House of Representatives narrowly passed the measure to cut these funds, with a vote of 214 to 212.
Senator Patty Murray raised questions about the legality of the funding cuts under the Impoundment Control Act of 1974.
The White House's proposal includes significant reductions to programs addressing hunger and public health.
Local TV and radio stations, especially in rural areas, rely on federal dollars to provide services.

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NPR Home

Judge orders Trump administration to resume distributing money for EV chargers

June 25, 2025

A judge has ordered the Trump administration to restart the distribution of money meant for building electric vehicle (EV) chargers in 14 states. The funds were originally paused by the administration, but the courts have now told them to continue distributing the funds unless they appeal the decision.

Key Facts:

In 2021, Congress allocated $5 billion to install high-speed EV chargers along highways.
The Trump administration paused the distribution of these funds earlier this year.
A coalition of 14 states challenged this pause in court.
A federal judge issued a preliminary injunction to lift the pause.
The ruling gives the Trump administration seven days to appeal before funds must be distributed.
The Department of Transportation had not issued new guidance for the funding as planned.
The funds are part of the National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure (NEVI) program.
California Attorney General Rob Bonta co-led the lawsuit challenging the funding pause.

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NPR Home

Who is Zohran Mamdani? State lawmaker seeks to become New York City’s first Muslim and Indian American mayor

June 25, 2025

Zohran Mamdani announced he was running for mayor of New York City in October. He claimed victory in the Democratic primary, though the final results will depend on a ranked choice vote count on July 1. Mamdani, who is both an Indian American and Muslim, could become one of the city's youngest mayors.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani currently serves as a state lawmaker in New York.
He was born in Uganda, moved to New York City at age 7, and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Mamdani’s mother is filmmaker Mira Nair, and his father is an anthropology professor at Columbia University.
He married Syrian American artist Rama Duwaji earlier this year.
Mamdani previously worked to help people in Queens avoid eviction.
He was involved in the local hip hop scene, performing under the name Young Cardamom.
In 2020, Mamdani was elected to the New York Assembly, defeating a longtime incumbent.
He helped pass a trial program to make some city buses free for a year.
His opponents criticize him for being inexperienced but he argues this can be an advantage.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Judge orders Abrego Garcia released from prison pending his criminal trial

June 25, 2025

A Tennessee judge decided that Kilmar Abrego Garcia should be released from prison while he waits for his trial on smuggling charges. However, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) plans to hold him for deportation because he was deported before, mistakenly, to El Salvador and later returned to the U.S.

Key Facts:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was ordered released from prison by U.S. District Judge Waverly Crenshaw in Tennessee.
He is accused of smuggling migrants from Texas to different parts of the U.S. and has pleaded not guilty.
ICE plans to take him into custody for deportation, despite the judge's order for release.
Abrego Garcia originally entered the U.S. in 2011 to escape gang threats in El Salvador.
He was mistakenly deported in March despite a 2019 court order stopping his removal.
The government acknowledges the error in his initial deportation but now accuses him of being involved in criminal activities.
U.S. Magistrate Judge Barbara Holmes ruled that the government failed to prove he is a danger to the community or unlikely to appear in court.
Abrego Garcia's case highlights debates over the handling of immigration and deportation policies in the U.S.

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NPR Home

Mamdani’s victory marks the rise of a new American Left

June 25, 2025

Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary to become New York City's mayor. His victory represents a shift toward a new type of politics in the Democratic Party, focusing on the needs of working-class immigrants. Mamdani's campaign, along with leaders like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib, emphasizes economic and social justice issues important to immigrant communities.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor.
Mamdani is a Ugandan-Indian American state assemblyman.
His campaign focused on issues like rent freezes, universal childcare, and public transit.
Mamdani's victory is seen as a move away from corporate influence in politics.
Other leaders like Ilhan Omar and Rashida Tlaib have similar political views.
There are approximately 2.1 million sub-Saharan African immigrants in the US.
This new political movement focuses on the experiences of working-class immigrants.
The movement aims to change the Democratic Party by focusing on economic and social justice.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Stripping the Harvey Milk name from a Navy ship is a gut punch, gay sailor says

June 25, 2025

The Pentagon plans to rename Navy ships that were named after civil rights leaders, including Harvey Milk. This decision affects LGBTQ sailors who view the Navy as a supportive place.

Key Facts:

The U.S. Pentagon is considering changing the names of Navy ships named after civil rights leaders.
Harvey Milk, a known gay rights leader, had a Navy ship named after him.
Some LGBTQ sailors feel upset by this renaming decision.
Harvey Milk was an important figure in the fight for gay rights.
The Navy has been seen as a supportive environment by some LGBTQ individuals.

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NPR National

Former GOP Sen. Scott Brown of Massachusetts will seek New Hampshire seat

June 25, 2025

Scott Brown, a former U.S. Senator from Massachusetts, has announced his intent to run for the New Hampshire Senate seat that Democrat Jeanne Shaheen will leave next year. Brown has previously run for this seat in 2014 and has served in roles such as U.S. Ambassador to New Zealand and Samoa.

Key Facts:

Scott Brown is a Republican and former Senator from Massachusetts.
Brown announced he is running for the New Hampshire Senate seat as Democrat Jeanne Shaheen will not seek reelection.
Brown first served in the Massachusetts state Legislature and won a special U.S. Senate election in 2010.
He lost his Senate seat to Elizabeth Warren in 2012.
Brown has previously run for the New Hampshire Senate seat in 2014 but was unsuccessful.
Jeanne Shaheen, currently serving her third Senate term, announced she would not run in 2026.
Chris Pappas, a congressman from New Hampshire, has also announced his candidacy for the same Senate seat.
Brown made his candidacy announcement after Governor Chris Sununu decided not to run.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Who is Zohran Mamdani, New York’s likely next mayor?

June 25, 2025

Zohran Mamdani, a 33-year-old state assemblyman, won the Democratic primary over former Governor Andrew Cuomo to become the likely candidate for New York City mayor. If he wins the mayoral election, Mamdani will be the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor of the city. His victory came as a surprise since polls showed Cuomo in the lead, but Mamdani’s grassroots campaign attracted strong support from younger voters and progressives.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani, 33, won the Democratic primary against former Governor Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor.
Mamdani is of South Asian descent and will be the first Muslim and Indian-origin mayor if he wins in November.
He is currently a state assemblyman and ran a grassroots campaign with volunteer support.
Mamdani led the first-choice votes with 43.5%, while Cuomo had 36.4%.
Since no one had over 50% of first-choice votes, the ranked-choice voting system was used, benefiting Mamdani.
Cuomo was expected to win based on early polls showing him in the lead, but support for Mamdani increased near election time.
Ranked-choice voting involves eliminating candidates with the fewest votes and redistributing their supporters' second choices.
Mamdani gained significant support from younger and progressive voters, especially in areas like Queens and Brooklyn.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Pritzker to seek 3rd term as Illinois governor amid questions of higher ambitions

June 25, 2025

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, a Democrat, is planning to run for a third term in 2024. Pritzker has been involved in national political activities and has been a critic of former President Donald Trump. Illinois does not have term limits, allowing him to seek multiple terms.

Key Facts:

JB Pritzker is the current Governor of Illinois and plans to run for a third term.
Pritzker is a Democrat and has been critical of former President Trump.
He first became governor in 2019 after defeating a Republican incumbent.
Illinois allows governors to serve multiple terms, as there are no term limits.
Pritzker is wealthy, having an estimated net worth of $3.7 billion.
He has worked with Democratic lawmakers to balance the state's budget and fund educational initiatives.
Pritzker supported Kamala Harris during her presidential campaign as a potential vice-presidential running mate.
He has faced scrutiny for his wealth and past property tax issues related to his Chicago mansion.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump's signature policy bill is facing trouble on multiple fronts in the Senate

June 25, 2025

President Trump's plan for a new tax and spending bill is facing challenges in the Senate. Key issues include disagreements on funding for rural hospitals and whether tax changes fit within Senate rules. Senate leaders are trying to finalize the bill by July 4 but need to resolve these issues quickly.

Key Facts:

Senate Republicans are working to pass a tax and spending bill by July 4.
There is a major disagreement in the Senate over funding for rural hospitals.
The Senate parliamentarian is reviewing the bill to ensure it meets budget rules.
The bill's Medicaid changes include reducing a tax that funds rural hospitals.
A proposed $15 billion fund aims to help rural hospitals, but some want more.
The bill needs almost unanimous support from Senate Republicans to pass.
Sen. Susan Collins suggests more time is needed to address concerns about the bill.

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NPR Home

WATCH LIVE: OMB Director Vought testifies on Trump’s rescission request in Senate hearing

June 25, 2025

Russell Vought, a White House official, spoke to the Senate about President Trump's plan to take back $9.4 billion from foreign aid, the State Department, and public media. The House has already agreed to this plan, and now both parts of Congress have 45 days to approve it.

Key Facts:

Russell Vought is the director of the White House Office of Management and Budget.
President Trump wants to take back $9.4 billion from funds already given for foreign aid, the State Department, and public media.
Trump sent a memo to Congress about this request on June 3.
The House of Representatives approved the request on June 12.
The Senate Appropriations hearing started at 2:30 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
Both the House and the Senate need to pass the request within 45 days for it to happen.
The process of taking back funds is called "rescission."
The news story is ongoing and may have updates.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Wisconsin Supreme Court sides with Republicans in battle over governor’s veto powers

June 25, 2025

The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled that Governor Tony Evers' use of partial vetoes was not allowed in a recent case involving a Republican bill related to funding literacy programs. The court decided that the state Legislature can place money in an emergency fund under the control of its budget committee, giving it more control over how certain funds, including those for literacy programs, are used.

Key Facts:

The Wisconsin Supreme Court unanimously ruled against Governor Tony Evers' partial veto of a Republican bill.
The court included all four liberal justices and three conservatives in this decision.
The Legislature can place funding for certain programs in an emergency fund controlled by its budget committee.
Governor Evers argued that this way of handling funds was unconstitutional.
The Legislature often tries to limit the governor's power by controlling program funding.
In the recent budget, the Legislature placed $50 million for literacy programs in an emergency fund.
The Supreme Court decided it cannot force the release of this money to the education department.
If the money is not released by Monday, it will return to the state's general fund.

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PBS NewsHour

Cornell student on self-deportation from the US

June 25, 2025

Momodou Taal, a student from both Britain and Gambia, attended Cornell University in the United States. He decided to leave the country on his own, a process known as self-deportation.

Key Facts:

Momodou Taal is an international student with ties to Britain and Gambia.
He was studying at Cornell University in the U.S.
Taal chose to leave the United States himself rather than being forced to leave.
Self-deportation means he decided to return to his home country on his own.
The article discusses the reasons that led to his decision.

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Al Jazeera

4 things to know about Zohran Mamdani, presumptive Democratic nominee for NYC mayor

June 25, 2025

Zohran Mamdani is set to become the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor after gaining the most votes in the city's primary. Although the primary results aren't final, Mamdani leads with 44% of the votes, surpassing former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who conceded but might run as an independent in November.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani is a 33-year-old state assemblymember and democratic socialist.
Mamdani led the New York City mayoral primary with 44% of the votes.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo received 36% of the votes and conceded the race.
Mamdani declared victory with 93% of precincts reporting, although final results depend on ranked-choice voting redistributions.
Ranked-choice voting involves redistributing losing candidates' ballots to voters' second-choice preferences until one candidate surpasses 50%.
Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim mayor and the youngest in over 100 years if elected.
He was born in Uganda and became a U.S. citizen in 2018.
Mamdani was first elected to the New York State Assembly in 2020 and has engaged young and first-time voters with his campaign.

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NPR Home

U.S. and Iranian officials will talk next week as ceasefire holds, Trump says

June 25, 2025

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran is currently in place, and U.S. President Donald Trump announced upcoming talks between U.S. and Iranian officials. Iran insists on maintaining its nuclear program, despite U.S. claims of having destroyed it through military strikes.

Key Facts:

A ceasefire between Israel and Iran started on Tuesday and has continued into Wednesday.
U.S. President Donald Trump mentioned that talks between the U.S. and Iran are expected next week.
Trump stated that U.S. strikes had destroyed Iran's nuclear program, though Iran continues its nuclear efforts.
U.S. Mideast envoy Steve Witkoff confirmed communications between the U.S. and Iran, but Iran has not confirmed talks.
Iran's parliament is fast-tracking a proposal to stop cooperation with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi requested to resume inspections of Iran's nuclear facilities.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed hope for renewed discussions with Iran based on the 2015 nuclear deal.
The U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted three Iranian nuclear sites, aiming to set back Iran's nuclear capabilities.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Kenyans take to the streets for protest anniversary

June 25, 2025

Thousands of people in Kenya protested to mark a year since antigovernment protests ended with the storming of Parliament. Protesters are upset about tax hikes and tough economic times, and there have been calls for peaceful marches. Police have prepared for violence, and there were some clashes reported.

Key Facts:

People in Kenya protested on the anniversary of last year's antigovernment demonstrations.
Last year, at least 60 people died during protests over taxes and economic issues.
On June 25 of last year, thousands stormed the Parliament in Kenya.
Families of victims and activists called for peaceful marches to remember the events.
Some protesters suggested occupying State House, the home of President William Ruto.
Police closed main roads and used barriers to protect government buildings.
Protests were mostly peaceful, though some violence and tear gas were reported.
Anger has increased recently due to police actions, including a teacher's death in custody.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is expected to be released from jail only to be taken into immigration custody

June 25, 2025

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is set to be released from a Tennessee jail but will be taken into immigration custody. He is facing charges of human smuggling and an appeal against his release has been filed, but he will not be deported back to El Salvador due to safety concerns.

Key Facts:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia is from El Salvador.
He was mistakenly deported and returned to the U.S. in June 2023.
Abrego Garcia faces charges of human smuggling.
A judge ordered his release from jail, but he will be taken into immigration custody.
Federal prosecutors are appealing the judge's decision to release him.
He cannot be deported to El Salvador due to safety risks, but another country might accept him.
Abrego Garcia has lived in Maryland for over ten years with his wife and three children.
His charges come from a 2022 traffic stop involving nine passengers.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

WATCH LIVE: CDC Director nominee Susan Monarez testifies in Senate confirmation hearing

June 25, 2025

Susan Monarez is being considered for the role of CDC director by President Trump. Her Senate confirmation hearing takes place as a key CDC vaccine advisory panel also meets.

Key Facts:

Susan Monarez is President Trump's nominee to lead the CDC.
Monarez's confirmation hearing is being held by the Senate health committee.
The hearing coincides with a meeting of the CDC's vaccine advisory panel.
The CDC has been without a confirmed leader for several months.
Monarez has a background in law and has worked in science-related government roles.
Trump's previous nominee for CDC director was withdrawn in March.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

WATCH LIVE: Trump lawyer Emil Bove faces Senate confirmation hearing to be a federal judge

June 25, 2025

Emil Bove, a top official at the Justice Department, is facing questions from the Senate Judiciary Committee as he tries to become a federal appeals court judge. This comes after a whistleblower accused him of suggesting that the department should not follow court orders in certain cases. Bove, who has defended Donald Trump in various legal matters, was nominated for the appeals court by the president.

Key Facts:

Emil Bove is being considered for a judge position on the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
A whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, claims he was fired after objecting to disobeying court orders.
Reuveni alleges Bove suggested ignoring a potential court block on deportations.
Bove is a former lawyer who defended Donald Trump in criminal cases.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche called the allegations against Bove false.
Bove faces accusations related to the dismissal of a corruption case involving New York City's Mayor.
Several Justice Department officials resigned after Bove's actions related to the corruption case.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

WATCH LIVE: Fed Chair Powell returns to Capitol Hill to testify in Senate Banking hearing

June 25, 2025

The Federal Reserve, led by Chair Jerome Powell, is not planning to immediately lower interest rates despite President Trump's suggestions to do so. Powell is focused on watching the economy and understanding how tariffs might affect inflation before making any decisions about changing rates.

Key Facts:

Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell said the Fed will wait to see how the economy changes before lowering interest rates.
President Trump has called for immediate cuts to these interest rates, but Powell disagrees with this approach.
Powell testified before a Senate committee, where he explained the Fed's current position.
Powell mentioned that tariffs could increase inflation, but the exact impact is still uncertain.
The Fed's purpose is to control inflation and support employment, and it is not directly influenced by external pressure.
Powell noted that any change in interest rates would depend on economic indicators such as inflation and unemployment.
The Fed's committee recently agreed to keep interest rates stable for now, although future cuts are possible depending on the economy's evolution.
Powell emphasized that the Fed's decisions are made for the benefit of the American economy, without distractions from political pressures.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour