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The Actual News

Just the Facts, from multiple news sources.

US News

Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

Live updates: Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah college event

Live updates: Turning Point USA co-founder Charlie Kirk fatally shot at Utah college event

Summary

Charlie Kirk, a leader of the group Turning Point USA, was shot at an event at Utah Valley University. He was speaking at the time of the shooting and is currently in critical condition.

Key Facts

  • Charlie Kirk is the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, a conservative youth organization.
  • The shooting happened at an event at Utah Valley University.
  • Videos from social media show Kirk speaking at the event outdoors.
  • The event took place at Sorensen Center courtyard at the university.
  • The area had a tent with slogans "The American Comeback" and "Prove Me Wrong."
  • Kirk is in critical condition after the incident.

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Emma Heming Willis talks about husband Bruce's diagnosis and care

Emma Heming Willis talks about husband Bruce's diagnosis and care

Summary

Emma Heming Willis discussed her husband Bruce Willis's diagnosis of frontotemporal dementia on CBS Mornings. She also talked about her new book aimed at helping caregivers. Bruce Willis's family went public with his diagnosis in 2023.

Key Facts

  • Bruce Willis, a well-known actor, has been diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia.
  • Frontotemporal dementia is a condition that affects parts of the brain responsible for behavior and language.
  • Emma Heming Willis, Bruce's wife, spoke about his diagnosis on CBS Mornings with Gayle King.
  • She has written a book aimed at helping people who take care of others with similar conditions.
  • The family publicly announced Bruce Willis's diagnosis in 2023.

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Manhunt in New York City after 'horrific' murders of elderly couple at home

Manhunt in New York City after 'horrific' murders of elderly couple at home

Summary

Police in New York City are searching for Jamel McGriff, who is suspected of killing an elderly couple and setting their house on fire in Queens. The suspect was seen on surveillance video and left the home with bags shortly before the fire was reported. The motive for the crime is still unknown, and the suspect was last seen in the Bronx.

Key Facts

  • Jamel McGriff is the suspect in the murder of Frank and Maureen Olton.
  • The couple lived in Queens, New York City, and were in their seventies.
  • McGriff spent five hours in their home before leaving with bags.
  • The house was set on fire shortly after he left, and the Oltons were later found dead.
  • McGriff has a history of crime and was on parole when the incident happened.
  • There is no known prior connection between McGriff and the Oltons.
  • McGriff was last seen in the Bronx.
  • The New York City police have warned the public not to let strangers into their homes.

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What we know about the shooting at the Charlie Kirk event

Summary

Charlie Kirk, the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA, was shot during a rally at a Utah college. The event took place on a Wednesday.

Key Facts

  • Charlie Kirk is the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
  • He was shot at an outdoor rally.
  • The shooting occurred at a college in Utah.
  • The event took place on a Wednesday.
  • Turning Point USA is a conservative youth organization.

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Kamala Harris calls Joe Biden's re-election bid 'recklessness'

Kamala Harris calls Joe Biden's re-election bid 'recklessness'

Summary

Kamala Harris criticized Joe Biden's decision to run for re-election as "recklessness" in her upcoming book. She wrote about feeling sidelined by Biden's team and expressed concerns about Biden's age and decision-making. Her book will be released later this month, detailing her political experiences and perspectives.

Key Facts

  • Kamala Harris called Joe Biden's decision to run for a second term "recklessness."
  • Harris wrote about feeling left out by Biden's team during her vice-presidency.
  • She mentioned concerns over Biden's age and ability to serve effectively.
  • Harris denied any conspiracy to hide Biden's health issues.
  • Harris felt that the White House didn't support her well in public disputes.
  • Her book "107 Days" covers her political experiences and will release this month.
  • Harris plans a book tour including stops in the UK and Canada.
  • Biden's re-election campaign faced criticism due to his age and health.

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event, spokesperson says

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk shot at Utah Valley University event, spokesperson says

Summary

Charlie Kirk, a leader of a conservative group, was shot during an event at Utah Valley University. The incident was met with broad condemnation and is part of a wider trend of political violence in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • Charlie Kirk is the CEO and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
  • The shooting happened at Utah Valley University in Utah.
  • Kirk was participating in an event called "The American Comeback."
  • Videos show the moment Kirk was shot and then reached for his neck.
  • Reactions from political figures, including former President Donald Trump and Governor Gavin Newsom, condemned the violence.
  • This incident is part of a larger increase in political violence across the U.S.
  • The story is still developing and more details may emerge.

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US federal court temporarily blocks Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s firing

US federal court temporarily blocks Fed Governor Lisa Cook’s firing

Summary

A federal judge has temporarily stopped President Donald Trump from firing Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over allegations of mortgage fraud. The judge found that these claims likely do not justify her removal from her position. The legal case will continue, which could impact the Federal Reserve's independence in decision-making.

Key Facts

  • A U.S. judge blocked President Trump from removing Fed Governor Lisa Cook for now.
  • Trump wanted to fire Cook over mortgage fraud claims from before her Fed position.
  • The judge stated the claims don't seem enough to justify firing Cook.
  • Cook filed a lawsuit to stop her removal and denies any wrongdoing.
  • The case highlights the Federal Reserve's need to be free from political influence.
  • Federal Reserve governors have specific protections to prevent political firings.
  • The law says Fed governors can only be removed "for cause," but this term is not clearly defined.
  • The case may eventually go to the US Supreme Court.

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Trump demands death penalty for Charlotte stabbing suspect

Trump demands death penalty for Charlotte stabbing suspect

Summary

Former President Trump called for the death penalty for Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr., who is accused of murdering a Ukrainian refugee on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina. The attack has been used by some Republicans to justify sending federal forces to combat crime in cities. Brown faces a possible life sentence or execution if found guilty of federal charges related to the crime.

Key Facts

  • Former President Trump made a statement on social media urging a quick trial and death penalty for Decarlos Dejuan Brown Jr.
  • Brown is accused of killing Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee, on a train in Charlotte.
  • Trump has also previously advocated for the death penalty in other cases involving violent crimes.
  • The suspect, Brown, was charged with a federal crime that could lead to life imprisonment or the death penalty.
  • Brown has been previously diagnosed with schizophrenia and has a history of violent criminal activity.
  • The incident has been highlighted by some Republicans as justification for deploying federal forces to address crime in cities.

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DeSantis’ court victory on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ sets up a funding dilemma for Florida

DeSantis’ court victory on ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ sets up a funding dilemma for Florida

Summary

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is dealing with a funding issue for an immigration detention center called "Alligator Alcatraz" in the Everglades. An appeals court temporarily blocked a decision to close the facility, leading to a choice: accept federal money and risk needing an environmental review or decline the funds to avoid it. The facility was built with state funds, and the need for federal involvement could change its required environmental assessments.

Key Facts

  • Governor Ron DeSantis is facing a funding issue for the "Alligator Alcatraz" immigration detention center.
  • An appellate court temporarily blocked the closure of the facility.
  • Florida can either take federal money, which may require an environmental review or not take the money and avoid it.
  • The facility is built on sensitive wetlands in the Everglades.
  • No federal money has yet been spent on the facility.
  • If Florida accepts federal funding, a federal environmental impact study might be needed.
  • The facility's discussions have involved U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem.
  • Florida has already spent at least $405 million on building and operating the center.

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Trump’s signature under new scrutiny thanks to the Epstein case

Trump’s signature under new scrutiny thanks to the Epstein case

Summary

Documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein have brought attention to Donald Trump's signature, with claims it appears on items in a birthday book given to Epstein. Trump denies signing these documents, while the discussion highlights broader themes around the authenticity and significance of signatures. A U.S. House committee is examining these documents as part of larger investigations.

Key Facts

  • Two documents supposedly show Donald Trump's signature in Jeffrey Epstein's birthday album.
  • Trump denies signing these documents and calls the situation a "dead issue."
  • The examination of Trump's signature is part of a broader investigation into ties with Epstein.
  • The Justice Department is sharing Epstein-related records with the House Oversight Committee.
  • Handwriting experts and memorabilia firms note that proving signature authenticity is challenging.
  • The question of authenticity is complicated by modern issues like AI and fraudulent signatures.
  • The debate includes historical context on the authority and importance of handwritten signatures.

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Fired FBI officials sue Patel, claiming he bowed to Trump’s ‘campaign of retribution’

Fired FBI officials sue Patel, claiming he bowed to Trump’s ‘campaign of retribution’

Summary

Three former FBI officials have filed a lawsuit claiming they were fired due to political pressure from the Trump administration. They argue that FBI Director Kash Patel removed them illegally to appease the White House, which aimed to eliminate agents involved in investigations against President Donald Trump. They seek reinstatement, back pay, and a declaration that their firings were illegal.

Key Facts

  • Three senior FBI officials were fired last month.
  • The lawsuit claims the firings were due to political pressure from the Trump administration.
  • Kash Patel, the FBI Director, is accused of firing the agents to keep his position.
  • The lawsuit also names Attorney General Pam Bondi and other entities as defendants.
  • The plaintiffs are seeking reinstatement, back pay, and legal recognition that the firings were illegal.
  • The removed agents had been involved in major FBI operations, including terrorism investigations.
  • The suit claims that firing these agents compromised national security.
  • The lawsuit challenges the reputation-damaging statements that accused the agents of wrongdoing.

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WATCH: Senate committee approves Stephen Miran’s nomination for Federal Reserve governor

WATCH: Senate committee approves Stephen Miran’s nomination for Federal Reserve governor

Summary

A Senate committee voted to approve Stephen Miran's nomination for the Federal Reserve’s board, moving it closer to a full Senate vote. Miran, a White House economic adviser, would replace former Fed governor Adriana Kugler until her term ends in January. Critics are concerned about Miran's plan to keep his current White House job while serving on the Fed's board.

Key Facts

  • Stephen Miran's nomination to the Federal Reserve board was approved by a Senate committee.
  • Miran is currently a White House economic adviser.
  • He was nominated by President Donald Trump to replace Adriana Kugler.
  • If the full Senate approves, Miran will serve until Kugler's term ends in January.
  • The committee's vote was 13-11 along party lines, with Democrats opposed.
  • Miran plans to remain in his White House role while on the Fed board.
  • This decision has raised concerns about the Fed's independence from politics.
  • A federal court has blocked Trump's effort to fire another Fed governor, Lisa Cook.

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An election law expert weighs in on Trump's effort to reshape our democracy

Summary

President Trump plans to change how Americans vote before the 2026 midterm elections. He wants to stop using mail-in ballots and electronic voting machines and make new voting rules. An election law expert, Richard Hasen, talks about what these changes could mean for elections in the U.S.

Key Facts

  • President Trump aims to change voting methods before the 2026 elections.
  • He wants to ban mail-in ballots.
  • He also wants to stop using electronic voting machines.
  • Trump proposes changes to voting rules.
  • Election law expert Richard Hasen gives his views on the impact of these changes.
  • The focus is on how these changes could affect free and fair elections in the future.

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Harris says leaving reelection decision to Biden was ‘recklessness,’ but she defends his abilities

Harris says leaving reelection decision to Biden was ‘recklessness,’ but she defends his abilities

Summary

In her new book, former Vice President Kamala Harris discusses President Biden's decision to run for reelection, calling it reckless to leave the choice solely to him. Although she defends Biden's abilities, she also describes challenges during his campaign and criticizes his staff's handling of media coverage, particularly regarding her role.

Key Facts

  • Kamala Harris considers it reckless to have left the 2024 reelection decision to President Joe Biden.
  • Biden dropped out of the 2024 race after a poor debate performance, leaving Harris to lead the Democratic ticket, which she lost to Donald Trump.
  • Harris highlights Biden's ability but notes his tiredness affected his performance, particularly after extensive travel.
  • She claims Biden's staff did not adequately support her against negative media and narratives while she was vice president.
  • Harris accuses Biden's team of diminishing her success to prevent her from overshadowing him.
  • Harris's book, "107 Days," is scheduled for release on September 23 by Simon & Schuster.

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How Republicans are trying to change Senate rules to push through Trump nominees

How Republicans are trying to change Senate rules to push through Trump nominees

Summary

Senate Republicans want to change the rules to make it easier to confirm President Trump's non-judicial nominees by grouping them together. Currently, each nominee is approved one at a time, which can take days. This change aims to speed up the process because Democrats have slowed it down through full Senate procedures.

Key Facts

  • The Senate confirms over 1,300 government positions, but each is currently approved individually.
  • Senate Democrats are using full procedures for each nomination, slowing the process.
  • Republicans propose grouping non-judicial nominees for faster confirmation.
  • The change doesn't apply to Cabinet positions with longer procedures.
  • The goal is to address a backlog of about 150 nominees.
  • John Thune leads the Republican effort for this rule change.
  • The proposal involves overruling a Senate parliamentarian decision without needing a two-thirds majority.
  • Votes and debate on the rule change are expected on Thursday, with a large group of nominees possibly confirmed next week.

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Trump makes a rare D.C. restaurant visit to tout his federal crackdown on crime

Trump makes a rare D.C. restaurant visit to tout his federal crackdown on crime

Summary

President Trump visited a D.C. restaurant shortly before his special authority over local police operations was due to expire. His visit highlighted his past efforts to crack down on crime in the city, which he claims have been successful. The outing included protests from some people and cheers from restaurant patrons.

Key Facts

  • President Trump visited Joe's Seafood restaurant in Washington, D.C., making it his first restaurant outing in the city during his second term.
  • His visit followed a month after he declared a crime emergency in D.C., where federal and local law enforcement teamed up to reduce crime.
  • Trump's special control over the D.C. police was set to end shortly after his restaurant visit.
  • He claimed crime in D.C. had significantly dropped and stated the city was now safe.
  • Protests occurred outside the restaurant, including members of the group CODEPINK, who voiced their opposition to Trump's policies.
  • The restaurant received mixed reviews online after hosting Trump, with some people critical of the decision.
  • Trump's previous outings, like his visit to the U.S. Open, have also seen both support and opposition from the public.

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3 ways Americans are trying to overcome polarization

3 ways Americans are trying to overcome polarization

Summary

Various efforts across the United States aim to reduce political and social divisions. These efforts include mentoring programs for young men, using artificial intelligence to gather community opinions, and creating a system to promote respectful political discourse. Each approach focuses on building understanding and trust among people.

Key Facts

  • Jordan Bowman founded "Journeymen" in Raleigh, NC, to help young men who feel isolated and lack direction.
  • Journeymen provides mentorship to encourage young men to express their emotions healthily.
  • In Bowling Green, KY, leaders used AI from Google's Jigsaw to gather community input for future planning.
  • The AI survey engaged one-tenth of residents and found 80% agreement on community goals.
  • Tim Shriver introduced "The Dignity Index" to evaluate the respectfulness of political speech.
  • The Dignity Index aims to promote discourse that respects and values others.
  • Each initiative attempts to bridge societal and political divides in the U.S.

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In new book, Harris laments "recklessness" that led to Biden's 2024 campaign

In new book, Harris laments "recklessness" that led to Biden's 2024 campaign

Summary

Former Vice President Kamala Harris discusses decisions around President Biden's 2024 presidential campaign in her new book. She describes these decisions as reckless and criticizes how they were handled, emphasizing the impact on her own role and the political environment. The book covers events between Biden exiting the race and Trump winning the election.

Key Facts

  • Harris blames "recklessness" for Biden's 2024 campaign decision.
  • She believes the decision was more about personal ambition than considering the high stakes.
  • Harris' book, "107 Days," will be released on September 23.
  • The book covers the time frame when Biden left the race and Trump won.
  • Harris notes Biden’s poor debate was due to exhaustion, not incapacity.
  • She felt Biden’s White House did not defend her enough against attacks.
  • Harris believes the White House halted positive comments on her work.
  • Her presidential campaign was the shortest in modern U.S. history.

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Missouri Republicans advance Trump-backed plan to redraw U.S. House districts

Missouri Republicans advance Trump-backed plan to redraw U.S. House districts

Summary

Missouri's Republican-controlled House approved a plan to change the state's U.S. House districts to help Republicans win an extra seat. This redistricting, supported by former President Donald Trump, aims to boost Republican chances in the next elections. The new plan will now go to the state Senate for further approval.

Key Facts

  • Missouri Republicans want to redraw congressional districts to gain an extra seat.
  • The plan is backed by former President Donald Trump.
  • The proposal targets a Kansas City district currently held by Democrat Emanuel Cleaver.
  • If passed, Republicans could hold seven of Missouri's eight House seats.
  • Former President Trump supports the plan to help keep a Republican majority in Congress.
  • The Missouri House also passed a separate measure changing the rules for citizen-led ballot initiatives.
  • The redistricting plan is part of a larger national political strategy by the Republican Party.
  • The proposed changes may face legal challenges and could be delayed by a public referendum.

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Fired FBI agents allege retribution, incompetence at top security agency

Fired FBI agents allege retribution, incompetence at top security agency

Summary

Three fired FBI agents have filed a lawsuit claiming they were dismissed for not showing loyalty to former President Trump. The lawsuit says the FBI leadership acted on political motives, which led to the removal of these agents before they could retire. The dismissed agents were experienced in national security and other important FBI operations.

Key Facts

  • Three senior FBI agents have been fired and are now suing the FBI and the Justice Department.
  • The lawsuit claims the firings were politically motivated as a way to show loyalty to former President Trump.
  • Kash Patel, the FBI Director, is accused of prioritizing the White House's directives over federal law.
  • The agents, known for their expertise in security and crime prevention, argue that this hurts national security.
  • The lawsuit mentions violations of the agents' First and Fifth Amendment rights, including free speech and due process.
  • The fired agents are Brian Driscoll, Steven Jensen, and Spencer Evans, each with notable service histories.
  • The FBI has not commented on the firings, citing no comment on personnel matters.
  • This lawsuit is the second against the FBI by its agents this year.

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