US News

Trump asks Supreme Court to allow billions in foreign aid cuts

September 08, 2025

President Trump has asked the Supreme Court for permission to withhold over $4 billion meant for foreign aid. This follows lower court rulings that ordered the funds, already allocated by Congress, to be spent. Trump's administration claims the court's rulings hinder the president's ability to manage foreign affairs and Congressional relations.

Key Facts:

President Trump's administration asked the Supreme Court to allow it not to spend over $4 billion in foreign aid.
A lower court had ruled that the government must spend the money, and an appeals court upheld that decision.
Trump's administration used a legislative tool to try to cancel the funds, citing alignment with the president's goals.
The Solicitor General argued that court decisions prevent the Executive Branch from effectively managing foreign policy.
The Supreme Court can decide on the matter at any time.
Trump notified Congress that the administration would not spend the foreign aid as allocated.
The funds include money for USAID, the State Department, and other international programs.
Nonprofits and businesses that benefit from foreign aid challenged the funding cuts legally.
This is reportedly a rare move by a president to unilaterally retract such funding.

Source Information

BBC US

Speaker Johnson says he misspoke about Trump being an FBI informant in the Epstein case

September 08, 2025

House Speaker Mike Johnson clarified that he did not intend to imply that former President Donald Trump was an FBI informant in Jeffrey Epstein's case. Johnson made this statement after comments in a recent interview raised confusion.

Key Facts:

Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House.
Johnson clarified that he misspoke in a recent interview.
The topic was about former President Donald Trump and his potential involvement as an FBI informant.
The discussion concerned the case against Jeffrey Epstein, a financier with a criminal record.
Johnson stated he did not mean to imply anything about Trump's involvement with the FBI in that case.

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PBS NewsHour

US court upholds sexual assault defamation order against Trump

September 08, 2025

A U.S. appeals court upheld a $83.3 million jury verdict against Donald Trump for defamation and sexual assault claims by writer E. Jean Carroll. The decision rejects Trump's argument for presidential immunity, affirming the damages for Carroll's emotional and reputational harm.

Key Facts:

A federal appeals court upheld an $83.3 million verdict against Donald Trump.
The case involved defamation and sexual assault accusations by E. Jean Carroll.
The court rejected Trump's plea for presidential immunity in the case.
The $83.3 million includes $18.3 million for emotional and reputational harm and $65 million in punitive damages.
Trump had previously made remarks denying Carroll's claims in 2019 and 2022.
Carroll accused Trump of attacking her in a department store dressing room around 1996.
In a separate case, a $5 million verdict against Trump was upheld in June 2023.
Trump's argument included that his remarks were made in his capacity as president.

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Al Jazeera

See the alleged Trump birthday note to Epstein, released by House Democrats

September 08, 2025

House Democrats released a letter said to be from Donald Trump to Jeffrey Epstein. Trump denies writing the letter and has filed a lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal about the report. The letter is part of a collection related to Epstein's birthday in 2003.

Key Facts:

The letter was released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
It is described as sexually suggestive.
The letter is said to have a drawing of a woman around it.
Trump denies writing the letter or making the drawing.
Trump has filed a $10 billion lawsuit against The Wall Street Journal.
The letter was part of a 2003 birthday album for Epstein.
The White House did not comment on the matter immediately.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump asks Supreme Court to let it cut billions in foreign aid

September 08, 2025

The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid funding, which a lower court had ruled the administration could not do. The administration claims the funding goes against U.S. foreign policy and seeks to use a "pocket rescission" to stop it. The Supreme Court has been asked to review this decision as part of several emergency rulings related to the administration.

Key Facts:

Trump seeks Supreme Court help to withhold $4 billion in foreign aid following a federal judge's ruling against it.
The funding was approved by Congress for foreign aid, UN peacekeeping, and democracy promotion overseas.
Trump's administration argues the funds are not aligned with U.S. foreign policy.
Last month, Trump chose not to spend the money using a "pocket rescission," bypassing Congress.
A federal judge ruled withholding funds likely illegal and stressed separation of powers must be respected.
The Justice Department claimed the executive branch should not be forced to spend money it wants to rescind.
The Supreme Court has been increasingly issuing emergency rulings in favor of Trump recently.
Critics have raised concerns about the transparency and frequency of these emergency rulings.

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Al Jazeera

Republicans eager for Trump to expand use of military on U.S. soil

September 08, 2025

The article discusses President Donald Trump's increased use of military forces, such as the National Guard, within the United States for domestic law enforcement. Republicans in Congress largely support Trump's actions as he seeks to deploy troops to major U.S. cities to address crime concerns. This use of military resources is more extensive than past presidential precedents during peacetime.

Key Facts:

President Trump is using the U.S. military, including the National Guard, for domestic policy goals.
This includes plans to deploy forces to cities like Chicago, Baltimore, and New Orleans.
Traditionally, the National Guard has been used during emergencies or natural disasters in the U.S.
Trump's approach is notable because it is not in response to a specific crisis.
Republican senators and representatives have expressed support for this strategy.
Some Republicans believe increased military presence will help lower crime rates in these cities.
Crime statistics indicate overall crime is down in the U.S., with certain cities seeing historic lows.
Trump claims he can deploy the National Guard over objections from state governors.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump appeals foreign aid freeze to Supreme Court

September 08, 2025

The Trump administration requested the Supreme Court to allow it to keep billions of dollars in foreign aid on hold. This request came after a judge ordered the release of the funds that Congress had approved.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration made an emergency request to the Supreme Court.
The request aims to keep billions in foreign aid funds frozen.
A federal judge ordered the release of these funds, which Congress approved.
Plaintiffs opposing the freeze submitted their argument against the request.
The legal term "pocket rescission" refers to canceling or withholding funds already approved, which is central to this case.

Source Information

Axios

Man accused of Trump assassination attempt heads to trial. Here's what to know

September 08, 2025

Ryan Wesley Routh, charged with trying to assassinate Donald Trump during his 2024 presidential campaign, will represent himself at his trial starting Monday. The trial will last between two and four weeks, and Routh faces charges related to this alleged attempt, including firearms charges. Routh, who has a criminal history, was arrested after allegedly pointing a rifle at Trump at a Florida golf club.

Key Facts:

Ryan Wesley Routh is accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump.
The trial begins with jury selection on Monday and is expected to last two to four weeks.
Routh will represent himself in court despite not being a lawyer, with his former lawyers serving as standby counsel.
Judge Aileen Cannon will oversee the trial.
Routh allegedly wrote a letter confirming his attempt and had prior support for Trump but later criticized him.
An important piece of evidence is the loaded rifle with a removed serial number found at the scene.
Routh has past felony convictions in North Carolina and posted conflicting statements online about Trump.

Source Information

Axios

Is Chicago the violent crime capital of the US? What the facts say

September 08, 2025

The article examines claims about violent crime in Chicago, particularly focusing on whether it is the most dangerous city in the U.S. It clarifies that while Chicago has had the most homicides in raw numbers for years, its murder rate, which accounts for population size, is not the highest in the country. Political figures use different crime statistics to support their arguments.

Key Facts:

President Trump and some Republicans have labeled Chicago as a dangerous city based on homicide numbers.
Chicago has reported the most homicides in raw numbers among U.S. cities every year since 2012.
The homicide rate, which adjusts for population size, is not the highest in Chicago.
Other U.S. cities have higher homicide rates, including Memphis and New Orleans.
Crime data from the Gun Violence Archive shows that many shootings occur outside large cities.
More than 100 cities globally have higher homicide rates than Chicago.
Chicago's violent crime, though reduced since 2022, remains a problem.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Chief justice lets Trump remove member of Federal Trade Commission for now

September 08, 2025

Chief Justice John Roberts temporarily allowed President Donald Trump to remove a member of the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). This decision overrides lower court rulings that had reinstated the FTC member, Rebecca Slaughter, after her challenge against the firing.

Key Facts:

Chief Justice John Roberts issued a temporary order allowing President Trump to remove a Federal Trade Commission member.
The member removed was Rebecca Slaughter.
Trump initially attempted to remove Slaughter in the spring of the same year.
Slaughter sued, and lower courts ordered her reinstatement, saying she could only be removed for issues like misconduct.
Roberts' order came after an appeal from the Trump administration on an emergency court docket.
The Justice Department argued that the president can remove commissioners without needing a specific reason.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Supreme Court ends restrictions on LA immigration stops set after agents swept up U.S. citizens

September 08, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court has allowed federal agents to continue immigration enforcement operations in Los Angeles. This decision removes limits on agents that were placed by a judge to stop arrests based on race, language, or appearance.

Key Facts:

The Supreme Court decision allows immigration agents to resume wide-ranging operations in Los Angeles.
A previous court order had stopped agents from making arrests based on factors like race or language.
This ruling is seen as a victory for the Trump administration's immigration policies.
The case involved concerns about "roving patrols" arresting people indiscriminately.
The administration argued that the restrictions interfered with its efforts to combat illegal immigration.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Appeals court upholds E. Jean Carroll’s $83.3 million defamation judgment against Trump

September 08, 2025

A federal appeals court confirmed that Donald Trump must pay $83.3 million to E. Jean Carroll. This is due to Trump's repeated social media comments against Carroll, who accused him of sexual assault.

Key Facts:

A federal appeals court made the decision.
The court ruled against Trump's appeal of the $83.3 million defamation judgment.
The judgment was for Trump's social media attacks against E. Jean Carroll.
Carroll accused Trump of sexually assaulting her in a department store in the 1990s.
A separate jury had awarded Carroll $5 million in another sexual assault and defamation case in 2023.
Trump's lawyers requested a new trial, but the appeal was not successful.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump administration asks Supreme Court for emergency order to keep billions of dollars in foreign aid frozen

September 08, 2025

The Trump administration requested the Supreme Court to keep almost $5 billion in foreign aid frozen. This aid was approved by Congress, but the administration decided not to spend it, referring to a rarely used presidential power. A judge recently ruled that the decision to withhold these funds was likely illegal.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration wants the Supreme Court to keep billions in foreign aid on hold.
Nearly $5 billion in foreign aid was approved by Congress for spending.
President Trump decided not to spend this money, using a disputed authority from about 50 years ago.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that withholding the funds was likely against the law.
President Trump informed House Speaker Mike Johnson about his decision not to spend the $4.9 billion.
The action effectively reduced the budget without Congress's approval.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

WATCH LIVE: Trump speaks to the White House Religious Liberty Commission at Museum of the Bible

September 08, 2025

The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to keep billions in foreign aid frozen. A legal dispute revolves around nearly $5 billion in aid that President Trump said he would not spend, using a rarely invoked authority. A U.S. District Judge ruled this action likely illegal, prompting the administration's appeal.

Key Facts:

The Trump administration is seeking a Supreme Court order to keep billions in foreign aid frozen.
President Trump decided not to spend nearly $5 billion in approved aid, using a method called a "pocket rescission."
A "pocket rescission" occurs when the president requests Congress not to spend money late in the budget year, so Congress cannot stop the request in time.
U.S. District Judge Amir Ali ruled that withholding the funds without Congress's approval was likely illegal.
Justice Department lawyers mentioned that another $6.5 billion in aid would be spent by the end of the fiscal year.
Nonprofit groups argue that freezing the funds violates federal law and affects important international projects.
The administration appealed after a panel of judges refused to block Judge Ali’s decision.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Jury selection begins in the trial of Ryan Routh, the man accused of attempting to assassinate Trump in Florida

September 08, 2025

Jury selection has started for the trial of Ryan Routh, who is accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump in Florida last year. The trial is expected to last up to four weeks, but lawyers believe it might take less time. Ryan Routh has chosen to represent himself in court, with backup lawyers available if needed.

Key Facts:

Jury selection for Ryan Routh's trial began on Monday in Fort Pierce, Florida.
Routh is charged with trying to assassinate Donald Trump last year in South Florida.
The trial is planned to last four weeks, but attorneys expect it may finish sooner.
Jury selection involves questioning three groups of 60 potential jurors to choose 12 jurors and four alternates.
Opening statements in the trial are set to start on Thursday, followed by the prosecution's case.
U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon granted Routh's request to represent himself but required standby lawyers to be present.
Routh will wear professional business attire during the trial and can use a podium while speaking to the jury.
Judge Cannon, appointed by Trump, was previously noted for her role in a separate legal case involving Trump.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Grisly Charlotte stabbing video fuels MAGA's crime message

September 08, 2025

A violent stabbing incident in Charlotte, North Carolina, is being widely discussed on social media, particularly among supporters of former President Trump. The incident involved the fatal attack on Iryna Zarutska on a light-rail car, and the video of the attack has been highlighted as an example of urban crime. Many political figures, including Trump and Elon Musk, have commented on the case, which may affect discussions on crime in political campaigns.

Key Facts:

The incident occurred on August 22 and involved the stabbing of 23-year-old Iryna Zarutska, who recently moved from Ukraine.
The suspect, Decarlos Brown Jr., has been charged with first-degree murder and has a history of criminal offenses.
The attack gained attention due to its video footage being widely shared on social media.
Former President Trump and other political figures have used the case to highlight issues of urban crime.
The discussion involves accusations of insufficient media coverage on the racial aspects of the crime.
Trump plans to emphasize crime as a significant issue in upcoming political campaigns.
The crime rates have been generally decreasing since high levels observed before the COVID-19 pandemic.
A North Carolina Senate candidate criticized his opponent, accusing him of being lenient on crime due to past policies.

Source Information

Axios

Law professor talks about Trump's plan to send National Guard to Chicago

September 08, 2025

A University of Chicago law professor, Craig Futterman, discusses President Trump's plan to send National Guard troops to Chicago. The conversation covers the potential impacts and legal questions about this decision.

Key Facts:

Craig Futterman is a law professor at the University of Chicago.
He spoke with NPR's Leila Fadel about President Trump's plan.
The plan involves sending National Guard troops to Chicago.
The discussion included potential impacts on the city.
Legal questions surrounding the plan were also mentioned.

Source Information

NPR National

Trump dials back threats to Chicago, but says he still plans to send National Guard

September 08, 2025

President Trump has reduced his threats to Chicago following a strong social media post. However, he still intends to send the National Guard to the city.

Key Facts:

President Trump initially made strong threats against Chicago on social media.
He mentioned the Department of War in his social media message.
Despite reducing the intensity of his words, he plans to send the National Guard.
Tension remains high in the city due to these developments.
The situation involves federal intervention in a U.S. city.

Source Information

NPR National

20 years ago, New Orleans fired its teachers. It's been rebuilding ever since

September 08, 2025

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina led to many teachers in New Orleans losing their jobs as schools shifted to charter models, bringing in newer and less experienced teachers. Over the years, this change sparked debate, with some valuing improved educational outcomes but others mourning the loss of veteran, often Black, teaching staff. Programs like Teach For America played a significant role in the new hiring wave, with many young, inexperienced teachers filling positions.

Key Facts:

In 2005, Hurricane Katrina caused major disruptions in New Orleans, affecting the public school system.
Many veteran teachers in New Orleans lost their jobs as schools reopened primarily as charter schools.
The percentage of new, often inexperienced teachers increased after the hurricane, with many coming from outside the city.
The majority of teachers before Katrina were Black women with about 15 years of experience, a significant change occurred post-hurricane.
Teach For America (TFA) increased its presence in New Orleans post-Katrina, placing many recent college graduates in teaching positions.
Educational outcomes like test scores and graduation rates reportedly improved following these changes.
The teaching staff's racial demographic shifted substantially, with an increase in the percentage of white teachers.

Source Information

NPR Home

Trial begins for man charged with attempting to assassinate Trump

September 08, 2025

Ryan Routh is going on trial for trying to kill Donald Trump. He was caught with a gun by a Secret Service agent at a golf club where Trump was playing.

Key Facts:

Ryan Routh is on trial for allegedly trying to assassinate Donald Trump.
The incident occurred at Trump's golf club in West Palm Beach.
Routh was seen holding a gun during the event.
A Secret Service agent identified Routh with the weapon.
The attempted attack took place while Trump was golfing.
The trial started on Monday.

Source Information

NPR National

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