US News - The Actual News

Faith leaders challenge Texas law requiring Ten Commandments in classrooms

June 25, 2025

A group of religious leaders in the United States has filed a lawsuit to stop a new Texas law that requires public schools to display the Ten Commandments in classrooms. This legal challenge follows the signing of the law by Governor Greg Abbott, which would impact nearly six million students across the state's schools.

Key Facts:

Religious leaders from Christian and Muslim faiths filed the lawsuit.
The Ten Commandments are biblical rules found in the Old Testament.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott recently signed the new law.
The law requires public classrooms in Texas to display the Ten Commandments.
The lawsuit argues the law imposes religious rules on students daily.
The US Constitution protects freedom of religion and the idea of separating church and state.
Other states like Louisiana and Arkansas have tried similar laws, facing legal challenges.
Groups like the American Civil Liberties Union plan to challenge the Texas law.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

RFK Jr. says U.S. will stop funding global vaccine group over 'vaccine safety' issues

June 25, 2025

Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that the United States would stop funding Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, unless it addresses concerns about vaccine safety. Gavi responded by rejecting Kennedy's claims, emphasizing that its decisions are based on scientific recommendations aimed at child safety and health.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary.
Kennedy stated the U.S. will halt funding to Gavi over vaccine safety concerns.
Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, is an international group that helps provide vaccines worldwide.
Gavi claims to have vaccinated 1.1 billion children and saved 20 million lives since 2000.
The U.S. has been a significant donor to Gavi, contributing about 13% of its budget.
Under the Biden Administration, the U.S. pledged $2.53 billion to Gavi until 2030.
Gavi asserts its practices align with guidelines from independent experts and the World Health Organization.
Concerns exist that cutting funding could affect vaccine distribution in low-resource countries.

Source Information

NPR Home

Judge orders Kilmar Abrego Garcia to be released from prison in El Salvador

June 25, 2025

A federal judge in Tennessee decided that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, who was mistakenly sent to a prison in El Salvador, should be released from prison until his trial in the United States.

Key Facts:

Kilmar Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador.
He was sent to a prison there.
A federal judge in Tennessee ruled for his release.
Garcia's release is until his trial in the U.S.
The trial is on federal charges.

Source Information

NPR National

More than a thousand schools in Peru have faced threats from criminal gangs

June 25, 2025

In Peru, over a thousand schools have received threats from criminal gangs. These gangs are demanding money from the schools and threatening violence if they do not pay.

Key Facts:

More than a thousand schools in Peru are receiving threats from gangs.
The threats include blowing up schools and harming teachers.
The gangs are demanding extortion payments, which means they want money in exchange for not carrying out their threats.
This situation is affecting schools in the South American country of Peru.
The threats and demands are causing fear and safety concerns among school staff and students.

Source Information

NPR World

US lawmaker denies charges stemming from immigration centre visit

June 25, 2025

U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver has pleaded not guilty to charges related to an incident at an immigrant detention center in New Jersey. She faces charges of assaulting and interfering with federal officials during a visit. Her trial is scheduled for November 10.

Key Facts:

LaMonica McIver is a U.S. Representative from New Jersey.
She pleaded not guilty to charges from an incident at an immigration center.
The charges include assaulting and resisting federal officers.
The incident happened during a congressional visit on May 9.
Two charges carry up to eight years in prison, while a third is a misdemeanor with a one-year maximum.
Interim U.S. Attorney Alina Habba, linked to the Trump administration, charged McIver.
A video shows McIver in a crowd with officers, but it's unclear if her actions were intentional.
Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, arrested at the protest, has filed a lawsuit after charges against him were dropped.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

4 ways Trump’s big bill could change the U.S. immigration system

June 25, 2025

President Trump's proposed spending cuts and border security plan could add about $150 billion to immigration enforcement efforts over the next four years. This funding would support extending the U.S.-Mexico border wall, building more detention centers, and hiring additional law enforcement personnel. Congress is discussing this bill, with varying opinions on its specifics and its potential impact on the immigration system.

Key Facts:

The plan includes $150 billion for immigration enforcement over four years.
The annual budget for Immigration and Customs Enforcement is currently about $10 billion.
The bill proposes $46.5 billion for border wall and barrier construction along the U.S.-Mexico border.
It allocates $45 billion to expand detention facilities for immigrants.
The Senate is reviewing a version of the bill similar to the House's proposal.
Some Republicans argue the bill is necessary for border security.
The bill's details on spending are unclear, according to some analysts.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump insists U.S. strikes ‘obliterated’ nuclear sites and talks with Iran could resume

June 25, 2025

President Trump stated that the bombing of Iranian nuclear facilities completely destroyed them. CIA Director John Ratcliffe supported this claim, explaining that the facilities would take years to rebuild.

Key Facts:

President Trump ordered bombings on Iranian nuclear sites.
He claimed the bombings completely destroyed these sites.
CIA Director John Ratcliffe confirmed the effectiveness of the strikes.
Ratcliffe mentioned it would take Iran years to rebuild the facilities.
The information was reported by Nick Schifrin.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

What Zohran Mamdani’s primary win in New York means for Democrats nationwide

June 25, 2025

Zohran Mamdani, who is 33 years old, won the Democratic primary for New York City mayor. The final results will be confirmed in a few days.

Key Facts:

Zohran Mamdani won the Democratic primary for New York City's mayoral race.
He is 33 years old.
The official confirmation of the results will take several days.
Amna Nawaz interviewed Errol Lewis about Mamdani's win.
Errol Lewis is a political anchor for Spectrum News NY1 and hosts Inside City Hall.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Senate committee hears White House request to claw back foreign aid, public media funding

June 25, 2025

Senators asked questions to President Trump's budget director about why the administration wants to take back money that was planned for foreign aid and public media. This happened during a session on Capitol Hill.

Key Facts:

The questioning took place on Capitol Hill.
Senators are involved in questioning the budget director.
The focus was on the administration's plan to take back funds.
The funds in question are meant for foreign aid and public media.
President Trump's budget director is the one being questioned.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Watch: Moment twin waterspouts are spotted over Florida river

June 25, 2025

Twin waterspouts appeared over the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida, causing drivers to pull over to watch. These waterspouts were formed due to a large storm, and such weather events are common in Florida's warmer months and usually don't last long.

Key Facts:

Twin waterspouts were seen over the Manatee River in Bradenton, Florida.
A waterspout is a rotating column of air over water, usually seen as a funnel.
Drivers stopped on a bridge to watch the waterspouts.
The waterspouts formed because of a large storm.
Waterspouts in Florida are mostly seen during warmer months.
They typically do not last long.

Source Information

BBC US

Trump judicial nominee faces scrutiny for willingness to defy court orders

June 25, 2025

A Justice Department official named Emil Bove, who was nominated by former President Trump to be a federal judge, answered challenging questions from Senate Democrats. Bove has been closely examined for his role in recent DOJ actions like firing investigators who looked into the former president and the January 6 events.

Key Facts:

Emil Bove is a Justice Department official.
He was nominated by former President Trump to be a federal judge.
Senate Democrats questioned him rigorously.
Bove is involved in recent Justice Department activities.
These activities include the firing of prosecutors and FBI agents.
The prosecutors and agents who were fired had investigated former President Trump.
They also investigated the events of January 6.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Eastern U.S. sees one more sizzling hot day before temperatures are set to plunge

June 25, 2025

A heat wave hit the U.S. East Coast, causing record high temperatures and a high demand for power. The heat is expected to drop significantly as a cold front moves in, bringing cooler weather by the end of the week.

Key Facts:

A heat wave on the U.S. East Coast broke over 50 heat records, with 21 places reaching temperatures over 100 degrees Fahrenheit.
About 127 million Americans were under heat advisories as issued by the National Weather Service.
Temperatures will drop by 30 degrees as a cold front from New England moves in.
Record temperatures on Tuesday included 105 degrees in Baltimore and 102 degrees in Boston.
The heat caused a spike in power demand, with the largest grid operator reaching peak levels not seen since 2011.
The phenomenon of “weather whiplash” describes rapidly changing weather patterns, which scientists associate with climate change.
The extreme heat affected a range from North Carolina to New York and west to West Virginia.
Slightly warmer than usual temperatures are expected to return after the cold front passes.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Rio Grande Valley voters explain why the area shifted support to GOP in last election

June 25, 2025

In the 2024 presidential election, many counties in the U.S. voted more for the Republican side. A region in southern Texas, with many Hispanic residents, changed its support from Democrats to Republicans. Judy Woodruff explored how this change affects the local community.

Key Facts:

The 2024 presidential election showed a move toward the Republican party in several U.S. counties.
A district in southern Texas, known for its large Hispanic population, shifted its political support from Democrats to Republicans.
Judy Woodruff reported on this political change in Texas.
The exploration is part of a series called "America at a Crossroads."
The focus was on understanding the reasons behind this political shift.
The report also looked at how the change impacts community divisions.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Acclaimed poet Arthur Sze on bridging Western and Chinese traditions

June 25, 2025

Arthur Sze is a well-known poet who writes about nature, human experiences, and how different cultures connect. He is a second-generation Chinese American living in Santa Fe, New Mexico, and his poetry encourages readers to think more about their surroundings.

Key Facts:

Arthur Sze is a respected poet.
He focuses on themes like nature, human life, and cultural connections in his work.
Sze is a second-generation Chinese American.
He resides in Santa Fe, New Mexico.
His poetry aims to help readers reflect on their environment.
Jeffrey Brown interviewed Sze for an arts and culture series called CANVAS.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump administration sues Maryland federal judges over order blocking immediate removal of immigrants

June 25, 2025

The Trump administration filed a lawsuit against federal judges in Maryland to challenge an order that blocks the immediate deportation of detained immigrants who ask for a court hearing. They argue this order interferes with the enforcement of immigration laws.

Key Facts:

The lawsuit was filed by the Trump administration against Maryland federal judges in Baltimore.
The Maryland order blocks deportations until the second business day after a legal request is filed.
The administration claims this order goes against a Supreme Court decision and limits the President's ability to enforce immigration rules.
The lawsuit was filed by the United States and the Department of Homeland Security.
One Maryland judge involved in the lawsuit had previously challenged the legality of a specific deportation case.
The lawsuit highlights ongoing conflicts between the Trump administration and federal judges over immigration actions.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

Trump administration sues Maryland court system over deportation rulings

June 25, 2025

The Trump administration has filed a lawsuit against Maryland's federal courts, claiming that they have unlawfully blocked deportations. The lawsuit argues that the courts' actions are limiting the executive branch's power to enforce immigration policies and requests an injunction to stop certain judicial orders.

Key Facts:

The lawsuit was filed by the Trump administration against Maryland's federal courts and judges.
It accuses the courts of interfering with Trump's deportation policies.
Fifteen district judges and a court clerk are named as defendants.
A key issue is a recent order by Chief Judge George Russell III that delays deportations when immigrants file a legal petition.
The administration claims these court orders undermine its authority over immigration.
The lawsuit highlights increased judicial actions against Trump's immigration policies.
The Supreme Court has supported immigrants' right to legal process but has reversed some lower court decisions.
The lawsuit questions if immediate harm is likely in deportation cases and claims courts are stopping executive action on deportations.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

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.

Source Information

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.

Source Information

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.

Source Information

NPR Home