US News

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce announce engagement

August 26, 2025

Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce have announced their engagement. Swift confirmed the news on Instagram with photos of Kelce proposing, showing her engagement ring.

Key Facts:

Taylor Swift is engaged to Travis Kelce, an NFL player.
Swift shared the engagement news on Instagram.
Photos showed Kelce proposing to Swift.
Swift's Instagram post included a comment about them getting married.
The engagement was announced shortly after Swift appeared on Kelce's podcast.
During the podcast, Swift talked about her relationship with Kelce.

Source Information

BBC US

Texas company pleads guilty to 2021 construction worker trench death

August 26, 2025

A construction company in Texas, D Guerra Construction LLC, pled guilty to charges related to the death of a worker, Juan José Galvan Batalla, in 2021. He died when a trench he was working in collapsed. The company admitted fault in a plea deal that requires them to improve safety measures to avoid a significant fine.

Key Facts:

Juan José Galvan Batalla, a 24-year-old worker, died after a trench collapse in October 2021.
D Guerra Construction LLC, the company he worked for, pled guilty to assault causing bodily injury.
The trench had partially collapsed earlier on the same day of the incident.
The company initially faced charges of criminally negligent homicide.
OSHA found that the company did not use required safety systems like a trench box.
Trench boxes are important structures used to prevent trench collapses.
The company must now implement new safety training and processes as part of the plea deal.
The company avoids a large financial penalty by improving safety measures.

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NPR National

WATCH: ‘We’re going to be seeking the death penalty’ for murders in D.C., Trump says

August 26, 2025

Former President Donald Trump announced that he wants the death penalty for people who commit murder in Washington, D.C. He made this statement during a public appearance.

Key Facts:

Donald Trump spoke about the death penalty on a Tuesday.
He wants capital punishment for murders in Washington, D.C.
Trump specifically mentioned seeking the death penalty when someone kills another person in D.C.
The statement refers to future actions for dealing with murder cases in the nation's capital.
The announcement was made during a public event.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump vs. Fed hits critical point: If he can fire Cook, many others might follow

August 26, 2025

President Trump announced he was firing Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook due to alleged false claims in her mortgage applications. Cook plans to contest this decision legally, leading to uncertainty over her current status at the Fed. The situation could affect the independence of the Federal Reserve and future presidential influence.

Key Facts:

President Trump stated he is firing Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, for alleged false claims in her mortgage applications.
Lisa Cook intends to legally fight the decision, claiming it is an illegal dismissal.
The issue could impact the independence of the Federal Reserve, a central bank meant to operate separately from political influence.
The legal outcome may affect the president's power to remove Fed officials for cause in the future.
The situation raises questions about who controls the Federal Reserve board and its decision-making.
Cook's current status at the Fed, including access to her office and role in meetings, is unclear.
There is potential for Cook to seek a court order to stay in her position while the case is handled.
The Fed's next policy meeting is in three weeks, during which it might cut interest rates.

Source Information

Axios

WATCH: Pritzker says alleged Trump plan to deploy military to Chicago is illegal and un-American

August 26, 2025

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed opposition to a plan by then-President Donald Trump to deploy federal forces to Chicago. Trump had already sent the National Guard to other cities and was considering similar action in Chicago, which Pritzker condemned as illegal.

Key Facts:

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized a proposed plan by then-President Donald Trump to send federal forces to Chicago.
Trump had previously deployed the National Guard to cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C.
The plan involved targeting Chicago and Baltimore, which are major Democratic cities.
Pritzker described the potential deployment to Chicago as illegal.
The dispute highlights a conflict over states' rights to manage their own affairs.
The situation was part of broader political tensions over public safety.

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PBS NewsHour

WATCH: Rubio jokes this Labor Day is most meaningful ever ‘as someone with 4 jobs’

August 26, 2025

Marco Rubio made a joke at a Cabinet meeting led by President Donald Trump, saying this Labor Day was the most meaningful for him because he has four jobs. The remark was intended to be humorous and received laughter from the attendees.

Key Facts:

Marco Rubio is the Secretary of State.
Rubio made a joke about Labor Day being significant for him.
He mentioned he has four jobs.
The comment was made during a Cabinet meeting with President Donald Trump.
The room responded to his joke with laughter.

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PBS NewsHour

NEA cancels decades-long creative writing fellowship

August 26, 2025

The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) has canceled its Creative Writing Fellowship program, which has been around since 1966. The fellowship provided grants to fiction and non-fiction writers, but recent changes in priorities led to its cancellation.

Key Facts:

The NEA Creative Writing Fellowships have been active since 1966.
The fellowship supported American fiction, non-fiction, and poetry.
Recipients of the fellowship included well-known authors like Alice Walker and Charles Bukowski.
The latest fellowship offered a $50,000 grant for fiction and creative non-fiction writers.
Applications were submitted in March, with notifications originally planned for December.
An email notified applicants that the fellowship program was canceled.
The NEA is shifting focus to projects related to HBCUs, Hispanic serving institutions, the U.S.'s 250th anniversary, and AI development.
The Trump administration had earlier made cuts to the NEA, suggesting eliminating the agency.

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NPR Home

Can Trump expand the National Guard? A law professor weighs in

August 26, 2025

NPR interviewed a law professor about the legal aspects of President Trump's use of the National Guard in Washington D.C. and other cities. The discussion focused on whether Trump has the authority to expand the National Guard's deployment.

Key Facts:

NPR's Ailsa Chang hosted the interview.
The interview was with Steve Vladeck, a law professor from Georgetown University.
They talked about President Trump's legal ability to use the National Guard.
The focus was on deployment in Washington, D.C., and other cities.
The discussion aimed to clarify legal permissions and restrictions.

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NPR National

Trump vs the Fed: Why this row could rattle the US economy

August 26, 2025

Donald Trump is in a conflict with the Federal Reserve, the central bank of the United States. He has criticized its chair, Jay Powell, and wants to replace some board members with people who agree with his views. This situation is raising concerns about the independence of the Federal Reserve and its role in managing the economy.

Key Facts:

Donald Trump has criticized Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell publicly.
Trump wants to fire Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook, but she refuses to step down and is considering legal action.
The Federal Reserve has been independent since 1913 and can change interest rates without needing approval from Congress or the president.
Trump is pressuring the Fed for interest rate cuts to boost the US economy.
Economists and investors are worried about Trump's desire to change the Fed's board to align with his political views.
Historically, presidents have clashed with the Federal Reserve, but it's unusual for a president to try to change its board heavily.
The Fed's independence is crucial for maintaining economic stability and controlling inflation.
If the Fed's independence is questioned, it could impact global markets and increase borrowing costs.

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BBC Business

US judge rejects Trump’s lawsuit against Maryland federal court system

August 26, 2025

A United States court dismissed a lawsuit from President Donald Trump that accused all federal judges in Maryland of abusing their powers. Judge Thomas Cullen, based in Virginia, handled the case because all Maryland judges were defendants. Trump's lawsuit opposed certain court actions that blocked his immigration policies.

Key Facts:

A United States court dismissed Trump's lawsuit against all Maryland federal judges.
Judge Thomas Cullen, appointed by Trump, managed the case since Maryland judges were defendants.
The lawsuit objected to judicial actions that hindered Trump's immigration policies.
Trump filed the lawsuit on June 25, citing issues with injunctions affecting deportations.
The complaint mentioned a court order preventing immediate deportation of certain immigrants.
Trump's administration has faced legal challenges on immigration policies in Maryland courts.

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Al Jazeera

WATCH: Trump reacts to Fed’s Lisa Cook vowing legal action against firing

August 26, 2025

Former President Donald Trump mentioned he might take legal action to proceed with his decision to fire Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Cook plans to challenge this decision in court, calling it illegal. Trump downplayed the legal challenge, suggesting there are always legal battles.

Key Facts:

Donald Trump was the president at the time of the statement.
Trump discussed his intention to legally enforce the firing of Lisa Cook.
Lisa Cook held the position of a Federal Reserve Governor.
Cook is preparing a legal response, claiming Trump's actions are illegal.
Trump made his comments during a Cabinet meeting.
Trump expressed a casual attitude towards the potential legal fight.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump admin threatens to cut US state funds over trucker English rules

August 26, 2025

The U.S. Department of Transportation is threatening to withhold federal funding from California, New Mexico, and Washington unless these states enforce English proficiency requirements for commercial truck drivers. The action follows concerns over safety, as truck drivers need to read road signs and communicate with authorities in English. An investigation revealed that these states were not enforcing the existing rules effectively.

Key Facts:

The U.S. Department of Transportation is pressuring three states to enforce English proficiency rules for truck drivers.
California, New Mexico, and Washington could lose federal funds if they do not comply.
The English language requirement is meant to improve road safety by ensuring truckers can read signs and talk to law officers.
Since the rule took effect, California found only one serious language violation among 34,000 inspections.
Washington uncovered over 6,000 safety rule violations, but only pulled four drivers for English language issues.
New Mexico has not removed any drivers for language violations since the rule was applied.
The failure to enforce these standards is linked to concerns about road safety and potential accidents.
A recent fatal crash involving a non-English speaking driver highlighted the safety risks.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

WATCH: Trump wishes Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce ‘a lot of luck’ on their engagement

August 26, 2025

A reporter asked former President Donald Trump about the engagement of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce. Trump wished them luck and praised both as great individuals.

Key Facts:

A reporter asked Trump about Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's engagement.
Trump wished them "a lot of luck."
Trump called Kelce a great player and guy.
Trump referred to Swift as a terrific person.
In 2024, Taylor Swift supported Kamala Harris for president.
Trump’s past online response to Swift's endorsement of Harris was negative.

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PBS NewsHour

Scoop: Dan Scavino takes over hiring in Trump's White House

August 26, 2025

Dan Scavino has been appointed as the director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office. He is responsible for staffing the administration and has been a long-time adviser to former President Donald Trump. Scavino replaces Sergio Gor, who is set to become the ambassador to India.

Key Facts:

Dan Scavino is now in charge of hiring staff for the White House.
Scavino has worked with Donald Trump since 2015.
Sergio Gor, the previous director, is nominated to be ambassador to India.
Scavino was initially involved with Trump by managing one of his golf clubs.
He managed Trump's social media during his first campaign and presidency.
He stayed with Trump after the January 6, 2021, Capitol incident.
Scavino was a White House deputy chief of staff before this role.

Source Information

Axios

WATCH: Trump promises to revive North Carolina furniture industry ‘like magic’

August 26, 2025

President Donald Trump announced plans to impose tariffs on furniture imports to support the local furniture industry in North Carolina and South Carolina. He urged people in these states to pass on furniture-making skills to younger generations. Trump did not provide a specific timeline for when the tariffs would start.

Key Facts:

Trump plans to introduce tariffs on furniture imports.
The intention is to support the furniture industry in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Trump stated that furniture-making skills should be taught to younger generations.
He emphasized the talent of local woodworkers.
Trump did not say when the tariffs will begin.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

WATCH: Trump celebrates private business job creation while touting federal job cuts

August 26, 2025

President Trump announced that since he took office, more than 500,000 private sector jobs have been added in the U.S. At the same time, he stated that 84,000 federal government jobs have been cut.

Key Facts:

President Trump says over 500,000 new private sector jobs were created since his inauguration.
Trump mentioned these private jobs help people earn money and improve their lives.
He also noted a reduction in federal government jobs, with 84,000 positions cut.
Trump recently dismissed the head of the agency responsible for publishing job statistics.
The removal followed a report indicating slower job growth in July than anticipated.

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PBS NewsHour

Whistleblower says Trump officials copied millions of Social Security numbers

August 26, 2025

A whistleblower claims former Trump officials moved Social Security data of over 300 million Americans to a server lacking strong security. The copied data includes Social Security numbers and other personal information. The server, used by certain Social Security Administration employees, is said to have fewer safety measures than standard procedures require.

Key Facts:

A whistleblower alleges senior Trump officials copied personal data to a private server.
The data includes Social Security numbers, names, and birth dates.
The server reportedly has inadequate security controls.
Over 300 million Americans' data could be at risk.
The server was within the SSA's cloud infrastructure managed by Amazon.
SSA claims its data remains secure and separated from the internet.
The issue arose after previous concerns about how DOGE handled personal information.
The U.S. Supreme Court recently allowed DOGE temporary access to sensitive SSA data.

Source Information

NPR Home

WATCH: Trump claims ‘we maybe know’ the cause of autism, teases September announcement

August 26, 2025

Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. informed President Donald Trump about planned announcements in September concerning research into the cause of autism. It is unclear what scientific studies will support these upcoming findings, and the promised research effort has not been publicly started yet.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and President Trump discussed upcoming announcements about autism research.
Kennedy mentioned a planned announcement in September.
Autism is a developmental disorder affecting the brain.
The research aims to find out more about the cause of autism.
There is no information yet on the scientific studies that will support Kennedy's claims.
Kennedy previously promised a global research effort to President Trump in April.
The health department has not publicly launched the promised research effort.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Civility unfolds in a Missouri GOP congressman’s town hall

August 26, 2025

A Republican congressman, Mark Alford, held a town hall meeting in Bolivar, Missouri, where he discussed topics like Medicaid and tax cuts with his constituents. The gathering was mostly civil, despite occasional disagreements and concerns about Medicaid and tax policies affecting the community. Alford plans to hold more town hall meetings in the district.

Key Facts:

Rep. Mark Alford held a town hall meeting in Bolivar, Missouri.
About 100 people attended the event at Southwest Baptist University.
Discussions included Medicaid, National Guard deployment, and tax cut policies.
The event was mostly civil, unlike some other town halls with more confrontational audiences.
Alford responded calmly to concerns and disagreements from the audience.
The congressman plans to hold five more town hall meetings in his district.
Mark Alford had previously faced confrontational audiences but remains open to public forums.
Alford has strong support in his district, winning 70% of the vote last year.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Will Trump’s latest attack on the Fed erode central bank’s independence?

August 26, 2025

President Trump plans to remove Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over unproven accusations of mortgage fraud. This move could challenge the independence of the Federal Reserve, a central bank in the United States. Trump's actions and statements are affecting financial markets and raising concerns about political influence on the Fed.

Key Facts:

President Trump announced he will fire Fed Governor Lisa Cook due to unproven mortgage fraud allegations.
Trump claims Cook misled about her primary residence for mortgages in 2021.
Lisa Cook, appointed by former President Biden, refuses to resign and plans to address any financial questions.
Trump's announcement impacted financial markets, causing a drop in the US dollar and treasuries.
The Federal Reserve typically operates independently of direct political influence.
Removal of a Fed governor by a president is rare and would test the Fed's independence.
Trump's actions are part of ongoing criticisms of the Federal Reserve, particularly regarding interest rate decisions.

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Al Jazeera

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