Congress is back in session after a break and needs to prevent a government shutdown by agreeing to fund federal agencies. They have 14 legislative days to pass a funding bill, or the government will shut down. There is disagreement on a proposed funding bill, with differing opinions on budget cuts and allocations.
Key Facts
Congress has 14 legislative days to prevent a government shutdown by the end of September.
Lawmakers may use a short-term funding solution called a continuing resolution to keep agencies running temporarily.
A proposed funding bill for the fiscal year 2026 suggests $184.5 billion for discretionary spending, a reduction from the previous year.
Some cuts in the proposal include reductions in funding for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the National Institutes of Health.
Democratic members criticized the funding cuts, stating they harm essential services needed by Americans.
The White House announced a $5 billion foreign aid cut, called a "pocket rescission," which some lawmakers see as unlawful.
There is tension between the White House and Congress over the balance of legislative power.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer urged Republicans to stand up for Congress against what he calls the administration's overreach.
A federal judge in California stopped President Trump's plan to send the National Guard to Los Angeles after protests against immigration raids. The judge said it violated a law that limits military use within the U.S. The decision is temporarily on hold, and Trump might appeal.
Key Facts
A federal judge in California blocked Trump from sending the National Guard to Los Angeles.
Trump sent the troops in response to protests against immigration raids.
The judge said the plan went against the Posse Comitatus Act.
The Posse Comitatus Act limits the federal government's use of the military in domestic issues.
The ruling is paused until 12 September.
President Trump is likely to appeal the judge's decision.
The Pentagon has authorized up to 600 military lawyers to temporarily serve as immigration judges at the Justice Department's request. The lawyers, who include both military personnel and civilians, will be deployed in groups of 150 starting soon, with each assignment lasting up to 179 days but possibly being renewed.
Key Facts
The Defense Secretary approved sending military lawyers to serve as temporary immigration judges.
Up to 600 lawyers will be involved in this effort.
The Justice Department requested this support from the military.
The first group of 150 lawyers will be sent out soon.
Each deployment is initially for no more than 179 days, but could be extended.
The move is an attempt to address the backlog of immigration cases.
The White House is also considering hiring more immigration judges.
Questions about the plan were referred to various departments, including the White House and the Defense Department.
The Trump administration started requiring parents who want to reunite with their children, who entered the U.S. alone, to attend interviews with immigration officers. These interviews might lead to arrests of some parents, although the Department of Homeland Security did not confirm this. The policy aims to ensure that sponsors are thoroughly checked before children in U.S. custody are released to them.
Key Facts
The Trump administration now requires in-person interviews for parents seeking to reunite with their children who crossed into the U.S. alone.
Immigration officers may question parents during these interviews.
Some parents have been arrested as a result of these interviews.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not confirm the arrests or discuss the policy.
The Office of Refugee Resettlement issued the directive to ensure sponsors are properly checked.
Sponsors, often parents or guardians, must now verify their identity in person.
Parents have the option to refuse ICE interviews without it affecting their children’s release.
The aim of the policy is to ensure children are placed in safe and stable environments.
Former CDC officials have criticized Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s actions, saying they are harmful to American health. They objected to his policies like cutting support for vaccines and firing healthcare workers, and stated these actions could increase the risk of disease outbreaks.
Key Facts
Former CDC leaders criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for his healthcare policies.
He has restricted vaccine access and pulled funding for medical research.
Kennedy fired thousands of healthcare workers.
The CDC's former director, Dr. Susan Monarez, was fired for not aligning with the administration's policies.
Kennedy's actions led to at least 600 CDC staff being fired.
He reduced $500 million in funding for mRNA vaccine research.
Critics say his policies might lead to disease outbreaks and affect healthcare insurance through Medicare.
RFK Jr. has a history of doubting vaccine effectiveness, promoting alternative treatments instead.
A federal judge decided that the Trump administration broke the law by ordering the National Guard to do police work in Los Angeles during protests. The judge's ruling is only for California but might affect similar situations in other places.
Key Facts
The Trump administration used the National Guard for law enforcement during protests in Los Angeles.
A federal judge ruled that this action was illegal.
The judge's decision is based on the Posse Comitatus Act, which stops the military from acting as police in the U.S.
The ruling is specific to California but may influence actions in other states.
The events in California are similar to concerns in Chicago about potential federal actions.
The Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB), a nonprofit that has supported public media like PBS and NPR, will receive a major television award at the Creative Arts Emmy Awards. The organization is closing down this year because the U.S. government stopped its funding.
Key Facts
The CPB will receive the Television Academy’s Governors Award for its contributions to television.
The award ceremony will take place on September 7, where Patricia de Stacy Harrison, the CPB's longest-serving president, will accept it.
The U.S. government cut funding, effective with the end of the fiscal year on September 30.
A transition team will remain until January to finish any remaining tasks.
The CPB has supported 1,500 local radio and TV stations and programs like “Sesame Street.”
The CPB was founded in 1968 and operated for nearly 60 years.
President Trump's administration canceled $1.1 billion for public broadcasting, citing perceived political bias and expense.
The closure affects public radio and TV stations, particularly in small U.S. communities.
Democratic Representative Jerry Nadler from New York announced he will not seek reelection in 2026. He cited the need for younger leaders in the party as a reason for his decision. Nadler has served in Congress for 17 terms and has held leadership roles, including chairing the House Judiciary Committee.
Key Facts
Jerry Nadler is a Democratic representative from New York.
He announced he will not run for an 18th term in 2026.
Nadler is 78 years old and has served 17 terms in Congress.
He mentioned the need for generational change in the Democratic Party.
Nadler was the chairman of the House Judiciary Committee from 2019 to 2023.
After 2023, he served as the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee.
He stepped down from his role as ranking member last year.
A California judge ruled that President Trump's use of the National Guard in Los Angeles was illegal because they acted like police, which is against the rules for military forces. The judge delayed enforcing his decision so the Trump administration could appeal.
Key Facts
A California federal judge found Trump's deployment of the National Guard in Los Angeles to be illegal.
The judge stated that the National Guard was involved in law enforcement activities, which is not allowed.
The ruling is postponed until September 12 to allow time for an appeal.
The National Guard unit involved was called Task Force 51.
Evidence showed Task Force 51 set up roadblocks and could not be distinguished from federal law enforcement.
The Secretary of Defense ordered troops to patrol areas to show a federal presence.
Trump had previously deployed the guard to stop a "rebellion" and support immigration agents.
An earlier ruling in June was overturned, allowing Trump to keep control of the troops.
A judge has ruled that it was illegal for the Trump administration to use National Guard troops during immigration protests in Los Angeles. The ruling stated that sending these troops violated a federal law meant to prevent the military from enforcing domestic laws. However, the judge did not order the removal of the remaining troops.
Key Facts
A judge found the Trump administration's use of the National Guard during protests in Los Angeles illegal.
The ruling was made by Judge Charles Breyer.
The administration was found to have violated federal law.
The judge did not require the troops to be withdrawn immediately.
California argued that deploying these troops breached a law against military enforcement of domestic laws.
The Trump administration claimed they were protecting federal officers, not enforcing laws.
They argued the Posse Comitatus Act did not apply in this situation.
The legal authority cited allowed presidential deployment of troops.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is taking steps that could change the leadership and policies of the CDC. He plans to release reports and changes related to vaccines and child health this month. This could affect his support within the White House and among policymakers.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is focusing on changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
In September, Kennedy plans to report on environmental causes of autism and discuss COVID vaccine availability.
Changes are expected in dietary guidelines and a report on reducing chronic diseases in children.
President Trump questioned the safety of COVID vaccines after Kennedy's limits on their access.
Nine former CDC leaders criticized Kennedy's actions to change the agency.
Senate health committee Chair Bill Cassidy mentioned the leadership changes at the CDC may need congressional oversight.
Kennedy's support is seen as valuable for Republicans in the upcoming midterm elections.
Kennedy stated he is not planning to run for president in 2028.
Representative Ro Khanna from California talks about both Democratic and Republican members of Congress wanting the Department of Justice (DOJ) to release more information about Jeffrey Epstein. This request is part of a wider push for transparency.
Key Facts
Ro Khanna is a Democratic Representative from California.
There is a bipartisan demand, meaning both Democrats and Republicans agree, for the DOJ to release more details on Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein was a financier who was accused of serious crimes and his case involves many influential people.
The request aims to increase transparency from the DOJ.
The discussion was aired on NPR's Morning Edition program.
The bipartisan call suggests there is interest from both parties for more government accountability.
Congress is back in Washington after a break, and some lawmakers are pushing to make documents related to Jeffrey Epstein public. This effort is supported by members of both major political parties.
Key Facts
Congress reconvenes in Washington after an August break.
There is a push to release documents about Jeffrey Epstein.
Lawmakers from both parties are involved in this effort.
Two legislators plan to push for a vote on making the files public.
The focus of this initiative is transparency regarding Epstein's activities.
People held protests against former President Trump in different places across the U.S. on Labor Day. One of the largest protests took place in Chicago, where Trump had threatened to send National Guard troops.
Key Facts
Protests against Trump happened on Labor Day.
Demonstrations were observed across various U.S. cities.
Chicago had some of the most notable protests.
Former President Trump threatened to send the National Guard to Chicago.
The protests were specifically loud and spirited in nature.
The news was reported on a program called Morning Edition.
A guidance counselor named Clyde Archibeque helped Patrick Furlong during a difficult time in his teenage years after his parents' divorce. Archibeque's support made a lasting impression on Furlong, who later reflected on this kindness while helping his own son.
Key Facts
Patrick Furlong's parents divorced when he was about 13 years old.
Around age 15, Furlong struggled to tie a tie for a school event.
His guidance counselor, Clyde Archibeque, noticed his distress and helped him tie the tie.
Archibeque offered words of comfort, saying, "We're gonna be OK."
Furlong remembered this experience 23 years later when helping his own son with a tie.
Furlong currently works as an educator at Loyola Marymount University.
Across the United States, over 1,000 protests named "Workers Over Billionaires" took place on Labor Day. The demonstrations criticized wealthy individuals and the policies of then-President Trump, with many leading Democrats and labor unions, like the AFL-CIO, involved.
Key Facts
Over 1,000 "Workers Over Billionaires" protests occurred in the U.S. on Labor Day.
The protests targeted President Trump and wealthy Americans.
Several leading Democrats, including Chicago's mayor, participated.
The rallies were organized by the AFL-CIO and other unions.
Protests occurred in cities such as Chicago, Atlanta, New York City, San Francisco, and Houston.
Chicago's mayor led chants against the possible deployment of the National Guard.
Nurses and union members participated in various locations.
The California Labor Movement had a strong presence at the events.
Rep. Jerry Nadler from New York, who is 78 years old, announced he will retire in 2026 instead of running for reelection. Nadler's decision reflects a broader push within the Democratic Party for younger leaders. This move sets the stage for a competitive race to fill his congressional seat in Manhattan.
Key Facts
Jerry Nadler, a long-serving New York Congressman, plans to retire in 2026.
Nadler is 78 years old and is seen as a prominent figure in Congress.
He faced pressure due to increasing calls for younger leadership in the Democratic Party.
Last year, Nadler lost his position as House Judiciary Committee ranking member.
Nadler hinted at the importance of generational change in a recent interview.
His retirement adds to a small list of other Democrats not seeking reelection for other positions.
Nadler has been a member of Congress since 1992, making him one of the most senior members.
He is also the longest-serving Jewish member in Congress.
The justice secretary will gain the ability to block new sentencing guidelines proposed by an independent body. This change is part of the Sentencing Bill introduced in the House of Commons, aimed at increasing oversight over sentencing guidelines. The new powers require both the justice secretary and the head of the judiciary to approve any future guidelines before they are issued.
Key Facts
The justice secretary can veto new sentencing guidelines from an independent public body.
The change is part of the new Sentencing Bill introduced in the House of Commons.
Both the justice secretary and the lady chief justice must now approve guidelines before they are issued.
The reforms aim to address criticisms of the Sentencing Council's previous plans.
The changes are meant to increase democratic and judicial oversight of sentencing guidelines.
The justice secretary stated that individual sentencing decisions will remain with judges.
The new powers were introduced after previous guidelines for considering offender backgrounds were blocked.
Critics had called the previous guidelines biased, claiming they resulted in unequal treatment based on demographics.
President Donald Trump announced he will give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Rudy Giuliani, the former New York City mayor. Giuliani is known for leading New York after the September 11 attacks and for trying to help Trump stay in office after losing the 2020 election. Recently, Giuliani was in a car accident but is expected to recover soon.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to honor Rudy Giuliani with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Giuliani was the mayor of New York City during and after the 9/11 attacks.
He worked as a lawyer for Trump and supported efforts to challenge the 2020 election results.
Giuliani was disbarred for his actions related to the election claims.
Two Georgia election workers won a defamation case against Giuliani, receiving $148 million.
Rudy Giuliani was recently in a car accident but is expected to be released from the hospital soon.
The Presidential Medal of Freedom was first introduced in 1963 and is awarded for significant contributions to the United States.
