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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

In clouds and in dreams, a family's love lives on

August 08, 2025 • NPR National

Summary

The article tells the story of Rayford Junior Miles, a World War II veteran from Alabama. His granddaughter, Melanie Harrison, and her father, Jim Miles, share memories of him as both a strong man and a loving grandfather.

Key Facts

  • Rayford Junior Miles was a World War II veteran.
  • He was from Alabama.
  • His granddaughter is Melanie Harrison.
  • She remembers him as 'Papa.'
  • Melanie and her father, Jim Miles, shared memories about Rayford.

Source Verification

NPR National

The political battle over redrawing congressional maps continues to escalate

August 08, 2025 • NPR National

Summary

The ongoing dispute over redrawing congressional maps in the United States is intensifying. Texas Democratic lawmakers are still spread out across the country, while a U.S. Senator has asked the FBI to help find them.

Key Facts

  • Texas Democratic lawmakers are away from the state to avoid voting on redistricting.
  • Redistricting involves changing the boundaries of electoral districts.
  • U.S. Senator John Cornyn is involved in the situation.
  • Senator Cornyn has asked the FBI for assistance in locating these lawmakers.
  • The situation is part of a larger debate on congressional map drawing.

Source Verification

NPR National

Texas State Representative Gene Wu on Democrats' efforts to stop redistricting

August 08, 2025 • NPR National

Summary

Texas State Representative Gene Wu is leading efforts by Democrats to stop a redistricting plan proposed by Republicans in the state. Wu needs to return to Texas by Friday to continue his work on this issue.

Key Facts

  • Gene Wu is a state representative from Texas.
  • Wu is leading the Democrats in opposing a redistricting plan.
  • The redistricting plan is proposed by Republicans in Texas.
  • Wu must be back in Texas by Friday to continue his work.
  • This is a part of the larger political process in Texas involving legislative district boundaries.

Source Verification

NPR National
Trump admin doubles reward for arrest of Venezuelan leader Maduro to $50M

Trump admin doubles reward for arrest of Venezuelan leader Maduro to $50M

August 08, 2025 • Axios

Summary

The U.S. government has increased the reward for capturing Venezuela's President Nicolás Maduro to $50 million. This move is part of claims that Maduro is involved in drug trafficking activities affecting the United States.

Key Facts

  • The reward for apprehending Nicolás Maduro was raised from $25 million to $50 million.
  • U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the reward in a video.
  • The U.S. government accuses Maduro of using criminal groups to bring drugs into the U.S.
  • These groups allegedly include Tren de Aragua (TDA) and the Sinaloa Cartel.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio claims Maduro leads a drug cartel called Cartel de los Soles.
  • Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yván Gil criticized the reward as political propaganda.
  • The Trump administration previously linked Maduro to drug trafficking and applied wartime laws to deport undocumented Venezuelan immigrants.

Source Verification

Axios
U.S. Air Force to deny early retirement benefits to some transgender service members

U.S. Air Force to deny early retirement benefits to some transgender service members

August 08, 2025 • NPR Home

Summary

The U.S. Air Force announced it will not allow transgender service members who have served for 15 to 18 years to retire early with benefits. Instead, they can choose a one-time separation payment or face being separated without benefits. This decision follows a policy shift under the Trump administration's ban on transgender military personnel.

Key Facts

  • The policy affects transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service.
  • These members cannot retire early and receive benefits.
  • They face a choice between a lump-sum payment or separation without benefits.
  • The decision aligns with the Supreme Court’s allowance of the ban on transgender troops.
  • The Air Force spokesperson said no policy exceptions were approved.
  • About a dozen members were initially told they could retire early before the decision changed.
  • Legal challenges are expected against the decision.
  • As of late 2024, there were 4,240 active duty troops diagnosed with gender dysphoria.

Source Verification

NPR Home
"It's existential now": House Democrats prepare to go scorched earth on redistricting

"It's existential now": House Democrats prepare to go scorched earth on redistricting

August 07, 2025 • Axios

Summary

Democrats in Congress are planning to aggressively counter Republican efforts to redraw political district maps in a way that might favor Republicans in future elections. Democratic leaders and governors in several states may respond by doing the same to Republican-held areas. The strategy has gained support among Democratic leaders and their voters.

Key Facts

  • House Democrats plan to respond strongly to Republicans' redistricting efforts.
  • Texas Republicans are trying to change congressional maps to favor the GOP in future elections.
  • Democratic leaders, including Hakeem Jeffries, support retaliating through similar tactics.
  • Democratic governors in states like California and New York are considering drawing maps favoring Democrats.
  • Redistricting is being used as a political strategy on both sides to gain an advantage.
  • States including Ohio, Indiana, Missouri, and Florida are also targets for Republican redistricting.
  • Key Democratic figures agree the party should abandon fair redistricting principles to compete with Republicans.

Source Verification

Axios
Redistricting desperation is going viral ahead of 2026

Redistricting desperation is going viral ahead of 2026

August 07, 2025 • Axios

Summary

The article discusses a growing trend of political efforts to reshape voting districts in the United States, which could influence the balance of power in the House of Representatives. Both major political parties are involved in actions that could alter district maps to gain more seats. These actions have been highlighted by recent activity in several states, including Texas and California.

Key Facts

  • Redistricting is the process of drawing new political district boundaries.
  • There is a push from both political parties to change district boundaries that could shift power in the House.
  • Former President Trump and Texas Republicans are seeking mid-decade redistricting to add seats for their party.
  • California Governor Gavin Newsom is considering changing the state Constitution to add Democratic seats.
  • New York's Governor Kathy Hochul mentioned a potential amendment to bypass the state's redistricting commission.
  • Texas Democrats left the state to prevent a vote on a new districting plan.
  • Senator John Cornyn requested the FBI to locate missing Texas Democrats.
  • Florida's House Speaker plans to examine changes to its congressional district maps.

Source Verification

Axios
Trump to nominate ‘loyalist’ Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve board

Trump to nominate ‘loyalist’ Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve board

August 07, 2025 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump plans to nominate Stephen Miran as a temporary member of the Federal Reserve Board. Miran will fill a vacancy for four months following the departure of a Biden appointee, with the Senate needing to confirm his appointment. Trump aims to have a nominee who aligns with his economic views.

Key Facts

  • Stephen Miran is nominated to temporarily fill a vacancy on the Federal Reserve Board.
  • The vacancy was created by Adriana Kugler stepping down from the board.
  • Miran has previously served as an economic adviser in the Treasury Department during Trump's first term.
  • Miran supports a reformation of the Federal Reserve, including shortening board member terms.
  • The nomination requires Senate confirmation, and the Senate is on recess until September 2.
  • Trump has criticized current Fed Chair Jerome Powell for not lowering interest rates.
  • Miran supports Trump's tax cuts and tariffs, believing they will boost economic growth.
  • The term for the seat expires on January 31, 2026.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera
CDC reports ultraprocessed foods comprise more than half of the US diet

CDC reports ultraprocessed foods comprise more than half of the US diet

August 07, 2025 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that more than half of the calories in the American diet come from ultra-processed foods. The survey highlighted that young people consume even more of these foods compared to adults. The study noted the influence of income on diet, with lower-income households eating more ultra-processed foods.

Key Facts

  • Ultra-processed foods make up more than 55% of the calories in the American diet.
  • From 2021 to 2023, those aged 1 to 18 consumed 62% of their calories from ultra-processed foods.
  • Adults over 19 consumed 53% of their calories from these foods.
  • Ultra-processed foods include items like pre-packaged snacks, frozen foods, and sodas.
  • Income impacts diet, with lower-income families eating more ultra-processed foods.
  • Sandwiches and burgers are the biggest sources of ultra-processed calories.
  • The survey, NHANES, has been tracking American diets since the 1960s.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera
NYC shooter had two 'mental health holds' in Las Vegas. They didn't affect his legal right to own guns

NYC shooter had two 'mental health holds' in Las Vegas. They didn't affect his legal right to own guns

August 07, 2025 • NPR Home

Summary

Shane Tamura, who killed four people in New York City, had two previous mental health crisis treatments in Las Vegas. Despite these interventions, he was able to legally purchase firearms, including the rifle he used in the attack. Nevada's laws do not automatically report temporary mental health holds to the national background check system, which affects gun purchase eligibility.

Key Facts

  • Shane Tamura was involved in two emergency psychiatric interventions in Las Vegas in 2022 and 2024.
  • Despite these, Tamura was able to purchase guns legally, including the one used in the New York attack.
  • Tamura's mother had contacted authorities about his mental health issues, including anxiety and depression.
  • Nevada doesn't report temporary mental health holds to the National Instant Criminal Background Check System (NICS).
  • Almost half of U.S. states have laws that would make such holds disqualifying for gun purchases, but Nevada does not.
  • Under federal law, only court-adjudicated mental health cases are added to the NICS.
  • Red flag laws could potentially prevent individuals in crisis from accessing firearms; Nevada has such a law.
  • Tamura's shootings occurred on July 28, 2025, resulting in four deaths.

Source Verification

NPR Home
Trump says undocumented immigrants will not be counted in new US Census

Trump says undocumented immigrants will not be counted in new US Census

August 07, 2025 • Al Jazeera

Summary

President Donald Trump announced plans to exclude undocumented immigrants from the U.S. Census, a survey conducted every ten years to count the population. This proposal may face legal challenges, as the U.S. Constitution requires counting every person regardless of citizenship status.

Key Facts

  • President Trump directed officials to exclude undocumented immigrants from the Census count.
  • The next official Census is scheduled for 2030, but Trump suggested changes ahead of this.
  • Trump's previous efforts to add a citizenship question to the Census were blocked by courts in 2019.
  • Legal challenges to this policy could be reviewed by a more conservative Supreme Court.
  • Critics argue excluding undocumented immigrants violates the U.S. Constitution and could affect federal resources for communities.
  • The 14th Amendment requires counting "the whole number of persons in each state" for congressional representation.
  • Census data helps draw congressional districts and allocate resources across states.
  • Some Republicans support the move, saying it ensures fair representation and does not reward states that harbor undocumented immigrants.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera
What is a visa bond? Here’s who is affected by the U.S. State Department’s new program

What is a visa bond? Here’s who is affected by the U.S. State Department’s new program

August 07, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

The U.S. State Department introduced a new program requiring travelers from some countries to post a visa bond of up to $15,000. This rule affects business and tourist visa applicants from countries with high rates of visa overstays, beginning August 20. The visa bond aims to ensure that visitors comply with their visa terms.

Key Facts

  • The visa bond requirement applies to travelers from certain countries with high visa overstay rates.
  • The bond amounts are set at $5,000, $10,000, and $15,000.
  • About 2,000 visa applicants are expected to be affected.
  • The program starts on August 20 and will last for 12 months as a trial.
  • The visa bond will be refunded if the visitor follows the visa terms.
  • Mexico, Canada, and countries in the U.S. Visa Waiver Program are not affected.
  • The program was previously attempted in 2020 but not fully implemented due to COVID-19.
  • Consular officers will decide bond amounts based on personal circumstances and can request waivers for certain cases.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
WHO says US ending mRNA vaccine contracts a ‘significant blow’

WHO says US ending mRNA vaccine contracts a ‘significant blow’

August 07, 2025 • Al Jazeera

Summary

The U.S. government, under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., is ending 22 federal contracts for mRNA vaccine development. The World Health Organization (WHO) states this decision is a setback for vaccine technology. The contracts' termination affects various companies and involves projects totaling nearly $500 million.

Key Facts

  • The U.S. is terminating 22 contracts related to mRNA vaccine development.
  • This decision impacts projects worth about $500 million.
  • Terminology: mRNA vaccines deliver genetic instructions to cells, unlike traditional vaccines.
  • The WHO has expressed concern over the end of these contracts, describing the move as a significant setback.
  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr., known for skeptical views on vaccines, leads the U.S. Health Department making these changes.
  • Affected companies include Moderna, Pfizer, Sanofi Pasteur, CSL Seqirus, and others.
  • The U.S. plans to redirect funds to other vaccine platforms that remain effective as viruses mutate.
  • The decision follows a review of mRNA vaccine investments initiated during the COVID-19 emergency.

Source Verification

Al Jazeera
Homelessness Minister Rushanari Ali quits over rent hike claims

Homelessness Minister Rushanari Ali quits over rent hike claims

August 07, 2025 • BBC Top Stories

Summary

Rushanara Ali has resigned as the Homelessness Minister. Her decision follows accusations regarding a rent increase on a property she owns. Ali said she resigned to avoid distracting from government work.

Key Facts

  • Rushanara Ali stepped down as Homelessness Minister.
  • Accusations were made about Ali increasing rent on her property in East London.
  • The rent was raised by £700 a month after tenants were told their lease would not be renewed.
  • She stated she complied with legal requirements but resigned to prevent distractions.
  • Ali had previously transferred some duties related to building safety after attending a criticized conference.
  • The Renters' Rights Bill in Parliament aims to prevent similar rent increase issues.
  • London Renters Union and other organizations criticized her actions.
  • Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer thanked Ali for her service and noted her contributions.

Source Verification

BBC Top Stories
Two Pennsylvania state troopers injured in ‘ambush’ shooting, suspect killed, officials say

Two Pennsylvania state troopers injured in ‘ambush’ shooting, suspect killed, officials say

August 07, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Two Pennsylvania state troopers were injured in an ambush shooting near Thompson. The suspect, who shot at them, was killed during the incident. The troopers were taken to the hospital and are in stable condition.

Key Facts

  • Two Pennsylvania state troopers were shot and injured during an ambush near Thompson.
  • The suspect, a man armed with a rifle, was shot and killed in the incident.
  • The troopers were checking on someone after reports of shots being fired when they were attacked.
  • Trooper Joseph Perechinsky used a tourniquet to help his injured colleague, William Jenkins.
  • The injured troopers were evacuated by helicopter to hospitals for treatment.
  • Officials described the troopers' quick actions as heroic and credited them with saving lives.
  • The attack happened in a rural area, roughly 163 miles north of Philadelphia.
  • The state police vehicles involved were damaged by multiple bullets.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
‘Mutually assured destruction’: GOP Rep. Lawler calls for redistricting battles to end

‘Mutually assured destruction’: GOP Rep. Lawler calls for redistricting battles to end

August 07, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

GOP Representative Mike Lawler is urging an end to redistricting battles. These battles often involve changing voting district lines, which can affect election outcomes. Lawler believes ending these fights could make elections fairer.

Key Facts

  • Redistricting refers to changing the boundaries of voting districts.
  • These changes can affect which party has more voters in certain areas.
  • GOP Representative Mike Lawler wants to stop these redistricting battles.
  • Lawler believes these battles lead to negative consequences for both political parties.
  • The concept of "Mutually assured destruction" highlights the idea that both sides suffer losses.
  • Lawler suggests that ending these conflicts could make elections more fair.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
Federal judge halts construction at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz'

Federal judge halts construction at Florida's 'Alligator Alcatraz'

August 07, 2025 • NPR Home

Summary

A federal judge has temporarily stopped construction at a migrant detention facility in Florida, known as "Alligator Alcatraz." The decision comes while the court considers an environmental lawsuit claiming that building at the site, which is in the Everglades, violates federal laws. Despite the halt in construction, immigration operations at the facility continue.

Key Facts

  • A federal judge issued a temporary restraining order to stop construction at a migrant detention site in the Everglades.
  • The facility is known as "Alligator Alcatraz" and can house up to 5,000 detainees.
  • Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued, claiming construction breaks federal laws by lacking proper permits and environmental reviews.
  • Concerns include potential harm to the endangered Florida panther and water quality in the Everglades.
  • The judge's order stops construction work for 14 days but does not affect ongoing immigration detentions.
  • The state of Florida argues that federal law does not apply because the facility is state-managed.
  • The lawsuit highlights the absence of public input and a complete environmental impact statement for the site.

Source Verification

NPR Home
Louisiana’s high Medicaid reliance places state on frontlines of health care cuts

Louisiana’s high Medicaid reliance places state on frontlines of health care cuts

August 07, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

Louisiana relies heavily on Medicaid to provide health insurance to many of its residents. Planned budget cuts to Medicaid could significantly impact this state, which has a high number of people enrolled in the program.

Key Facts

  • Medicaid is a health insurance program for low-income Americans.
  • President Trump's budget law plans to make significant cuts to Medicaid.
  • Medicaid currently helps about 70 million people across the United States.
  • Louisiana has one of the highest rates of Medicaid enrollment in the country.
  • The changes in Medicaid funding are expected to impact Louisiana strongly.
  • House Speaker Mike Johnson represents Louisiana in the U.S. government.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
A look at Trump’s legal authority over DC as he threatens federal takeover

A look at Trump’s legal authority over DC as he threatens federal takeover

August 07, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Trump criticized Democrat-run cities for crime issues, claiming it's out of control. He suggested taking federal control over Washington D.C., although crime rates have actually decreased, according to FBI data. The issue was discussed with an expert on D.C.'s history and governance.

Key Facts

  • President Trump focused on criticizing crime management in cities led by Democrats.
  • Trump claimed there is a crime wave, though FBI data shows a decrease in crime rates.
  • He has threatened to take federal control over Washington D.C.
  • The discussion involved George Derek Musgrove, an expert on D.C.'s history and politics.
  • "Chocolate City: A History of Race and Democracy in the Nation's Capital" is a book by Musgrove related to this topic.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour
Trump says he is nominating top economic aide Stephen Miran to Federal Reserve board

Trump says he is nominating top economic aide Stephen Miran to Federal Reserve board

August 07, 2025 • PBS NewsHour

Summary

President Donald Trump announced he wants to appoint Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve's board of governors for a few months. This appointment would temporarily replace Adriana Kugler, who is leaving the position. Miran would serve until the end of January 2026 if the Senate approves him.

Key Facts

  • Trump plans to nominate Stephen Miran to the Federal Reserve board.
  • Miran is currently the chair of the White House’s Council of Economic Advisers.
  • The nomination is for a short-term role lasting until January 31, 2026.
  • The position became open after Adriana Kugler, a Biden appointee, announced her departure.
  • The Senate must approve Miran's appointment.
  • Trump has criticized the current Fed chair, Jerome Powell, over interest rates.

Source Verification

PBS NewsHour