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Latest developments and key stories from across the United States

One of America's most wanted evaded the FBI for 21 years - only to be found in Wales

One of America's most wanted evaded the FBI for 21 years - only to be found in Wales

Daniel Andreas San Diego, a suspect in two bombings in California, evaded the FBI for 21 years before being found in Wales. San Diego, allegedly linked to animal rights extremist groups, faces an extradition hearing in the UK to determine if he will be sent back to the United States to face trial.

Key Facts:

  • Daniel Andreas San Diego is suspected of being involved in bombings in the San Francisco Bay Area in 2003.
  • He was on the FBI's most wanted list for 21 years before being found in Wales in 2023.
  • The bombings took place at a biotechnology corporation and a nutritional products company, injuring no one.
  • San Diego was allegedly connected to an animal rights extremist group that claimed responsibility for the bombings.
  • He faces an extradition hearing in London to decide if he will be sent to the US for trial.
  • The FBI offered a $250,000 bounty for information leading to San Diego's capture.
  • Special Agents involved in the case noted missed opportunities to arrest San Diego before he disappeared.

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West Point alumni group scraps prestigious award celebrations honoring Tom Hanks

West Point alumni group scraps prestigious award celebrations honoring Tom Hanks

The West Point Association of Graduates has canceled the official award celebration for actor Tom Hanks, who was set to receive the Sylvanus Thayer Award. The award ceremony was planned for September 25, 2025, but while Hanks still receives the award, no reason was given for canceling the ceremony.

Key Facts:

  • Tom Hanks was chosen to receive the 2025 Sylvanus Thayer Award from the West Point Association of Graduates.
  • The planned ceremony and parade for Hanks on September 25, 2025, were canceled.
  • The decision was reported by The Washington Post and confirmed by a U.S. official.
  • The official did not explain why the ceremony was canceled.
  • A statement indicated the Army's focus on its core mission might be a reason.
  • Hanks is known for his advocacy work for veterans, including involvement with memorials and foundations.
  • Neither West Point nor Hanks' representatives provided comments on the cancellation.

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RFK. Jr’s family members call for his resignation, say he is a ‘threat’ to Americans’ health

RFK. Jr’s family members call for his resignation, say he is a ‘threat’ to Americans’ health

Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s family members are asking him to resign as health secretary. This comes after a recent congressional hearing where he faced questions about his role in leading health agencies.

Key Facts:

  • Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the current health secretary.
  • Family members are publicly asking him to resign from his position.
  • The call for resignation followed a recent congressional hearing.
  • During the hearing, Kennedy faced questions from both political parties.
  • His sister, Kerry Kennedy, is among those asking him to step down.
  • His nephew, Joseph P. Kennedy III, also called for his resignation.
  • The concern focuses on how he manages federal health agencies.

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Pilot who tried to cut off engine midair after taking mushrooms pleads guilty

Pilot who tried to cut off engine midair after taking mushrooms pleads guilty

A former Alaska Airlines pilot, Joseph David Emerson, pleaded guilty in federal court after trying to shut off the engines of a passenger jet mid-flight. He had taken psychedelic mushrooms and later said he was not in a clear state of mind. Emerson received sentences in federal and state courts, including jail time, probation, community service, and financial restitution.

Key Facts:

  • Joseph David Emerson attempted to turn off a plane's engines during a flight from Everett, Washington, to San Francisco, California.
  • He was not on duty but was in the cockpit of an Alaska Airlines flight when the incident happened.
  • Emerson admitted to taking psychedelic mushrooms and said he was struggling with depression.
  • In federal court, he pleaded guilty and prosecutors suggested a one-year prison sentence.
  • In Oregon state court, he received 50 days in jail (already served), five years of probation, and community service.
  • Emerson must compensate for damages with a payment of $60,659.
  • The event resulted in the flight being diverted to Portland, Oregon.
  • Emerson will undergo assessments for drug and alcohol use and has restrictions on proximity to aircraft.

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States join forces to make their own vaccine recommendations amid CDC turmoil

States join forces to make their own vaccine recommendations amid CDC turmoil

Some states in the U.S. are teaming up to evaluate vaccine information and provide their own recommendations. This move comes as there are ongoing disagreements over the federal government’s vaccine policies.

Key Facts:

  • Some U.S. states are forming alliances to review scientific data on vaccines.
  • These states aim to make their own recommendations separate from federal guidelines.
  • The action follows disagreements over the federal vaccine policy managed by the CDC.
  • Hawaii Governor Josh Green, who is also a doctor, has provided insights on this effort.
  • The states are responding to what they see as challenges in federal vaccine guidance.

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Only federal agency that investigates chemical disasters faces shutdown under Trump

Only federal agency that investigates chemical disasters faces shutdown under Trump

The U.S. Chemical Safety Hazard and Investigation Board (CSB), which looks into chemical accidents, may be closed down by the Trump administration. Officials argue that other agencies like the EPA and OSHA can handle its tasks.

Key Facts:

  • The CSB investigates major chemical accidents.
  • It provides recommendations to prevent future chemical disasters.
  • The Trump administration wants to shut down the CSB.
  • Officials claim the CSB's work overlaps with agencies like EPA and OSHA.
  • David Michaels, a former OSHA director, discusses the situation.
  • The shutdown proposal is part of the government reorganization efforts.

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Trump signs order to punish countries that unjustly detain US citizens

Trump signs order to punish countries that unjustly detain US citizens

Donald Trump signed an executive order to penalize countries that wrongfully detain American citizens. The order allows for sanctions and other measures against these nations. The move is intended to protect US nationals from being unjustly held overseas.

Key Facts:

  • Trump signed an order to punish countries that detain Americans unfairly.
  • The order lets the State Department impose sanctions or other actions.
  • It introduces a "state sponsor of wrongful detention" label for countries.
  • The order also applies to non-state actors who control areas but are not recognized as governments.
  • Secretary of State Marco Rubio called it an "unprecedented action."
  • The Foley Foundation says 54 Americans were wrongfully detained in 17 countries in 2024.
  • The White House reported the release of 72 American detainees under Trump's administration.
  • Detentions often follow legitimate law enforcement or judicial actions abroad.

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Chicago responds to President Trump's threats of troop deployment

Chicago is responding to President Trump's threats to send National Guard troops and increase immigration enforcement. Local officials and residents are reacting to these potential federal actions.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump threatened to send National Guard troops to Chicago.
  • He also mentioned increasing Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) activities.
  • Chicago officials are responding to these threats.
  • There has been public reaction in Chicago to the possibility of troop deployment.
  • National Guard is a reserve military force that can be called upon by the government.
  • Increased ICE enforcement means more immigration checks and deportations.

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Home Office clearout as Starmer reshuffles top team

Home Office clearout as Starmer reshuffles top team

The U.K. Prime Minister, Sir Keir Starmer, has reshuffled his government team, moving several ministers to new roles. Key changes include appointing new officials to the Home Office and Cabinet Office, partly to address immigration issues. This reshuffle follows the resignation of the Deputy Prime Minister, Angela Rayner.

Key Facts:

  • Sir Keir Starmer is the U.K. Prime Minister who conducted the reshuffle.
  • The reshuffle included moving Yvette Cooper to the Foreign Office.
  • New appointments at the Home Office include Sarah Jones and Alex Norris.
  • The focus of some changes is on addressing illegal immigration and small boat crossings.
  • Anna Turley is now minister without portfolio in the Cabinet Office and Labour Party chair.
  • Ellie Reeves becomes the Solicitor General, and Lucy Rigby moves to the Treasury.
  • Jason Stockwood becomes a business minister and joins the House of Lords.
  • Poppy Gustaffson and Jim McMahon have left their government positions.

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Trump threatens Chicago with "Department of WAR" ahead of planned crackdown

Trump threatens Chicago with "Department of WAR" ahead of planned crackdown

President Trump has threatened to use "the Department of WAR" in Chicago as immigration enforcement operations increase in the city. The move is in response to immigration issues and has led to protests, with local leaders urging for peaceful demonstrations. The developments coincide with Mexican independence celebrations in the area, which have been affected by the situation.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump made a reference to using "the Department of WAR" in Chicago on his Truth Social account.
  • Trump has already deployed the National Guard in cities like Los Angeles and Washington, D.C., for immigration operations.
  • Around 300 federal agents are conducting increased immigration enforcement in Chicago, using a naval station for logistical support.
  • About 200 protesters blocked an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) center in response to the operations.
  • Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson are encouraging peaceful protests and monitoring for any illegal actions by federal law enforcement.
  • Some Mexican independence events in Chicago have been reduced or canceled due to these enforcement activities.

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WATCH LIVE: Community organizers speak at protest against Trump’s DC takeover

WATCH LIVE: Community organizers speak at protest against Trump’s DC takeover

A protest was held against President Donald Trump's temporary control of Washington D.C.'s police, which will end as scheduled without an extension from Congress. Trump had used an executive order to take control for 30 days to address crime. Despite the control ending, Mayor Muriel Bowser plans to keep working with federal law enforcement.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump temporarily took over Washington D.C.'s police force in August by declaring a "crime emergency."
  • The takeover lasts 30 days and will end on September 10 unless Congress acts for an extension.
  • Congress, particularly Republicans, do not plan to extend the takeover.
  • Protests occurred against Trump's police control and National Guard presence in D.C.
  • Mayor Bowser credited the police control for reducing crime but will continue coordinating with federal law enforcement.
  • Congressional Democrats oppose the takeover, with proposals for the city to regain full control over its police.
  • The city legally challenged the use of the National Guard for domestic law enforcement.
  • Approximately 1,340 National Guard troops remain in Washington, expected to stay through the year.

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Scoop: Biden officials raised concerns with how he issued pardons, used autopen

Scoop: Biden officials raised concerns with how he issued pardons, used autopen

President Biden's administration faced criticism from officials over the way pardons were handled, particularly the use of an autopen to sign pardons and commutations. Most of these actions took place in the last months of his presidency and led to concerns, especially about pardoning family members. The situation is under investigation by the House Oversight Committee.

Key Facts:

  • High-ranking officials in Biden's administration questioned the use of autopen for signing pardons.
  • Most pardons and commutations were issued during the last 3½ months of Biden's presidency.
  • Biden pardoned 4,245 people, the most by any U.S. president.
  • Many pardons, including for Biden's family, were signed using an autopen.
  • An autopen is a machine that reproduces a person's signature.
  • The House Oversight Committee is investigating these actions.
  • There were complaints from Justice Department officials about the clemency process.
  • Biden issued a record 2,490 commutations in one day for nonviolent drug offenses.

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WATCH: ‘Take it down,’ Trump says about White House Peace Vigil that has stood since 1981

WATCH: ‘Take it down,’ Trump says about White House Peace Vigil that has stood since 1981

President Donald Trump ordered the removal of a tent that has stood across from the White House in Lafayette Park since 1981. This tent has been used as part of a long-running peace protest. The decision has raised concerns among protest supporters about the future of the vigil.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump called for the removal of a blue tent that has been used for a peace vigil.
  • The tent has been located in Lafayette Park, across from the White House, for decades.
  • This peace vigil was set up in 1981 as part of an anti-nuclear and peace protest.
  • Trump made the removal order during a meeting in the Oval Office.
  • A reporter described the tent as an "eyesore" to Trump, leading to his decision.
  • The peace vigil is known as the longest-running protest vigil in U.S. history.
  • Supporters worry about the potential ending of this long-standing protest.

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White House opens door to lower tariffs on some food, pharma products

White House opens door to lower tariffs on some food, pharma products

The White House is considering reducing tariffs on various products like food and pharmaceuticals. This decision aims to help ease inflation and lower costs for consumers. The changes depend on agreements made with other countries.

Key Facts:

  • The White House may reduce tariffs on some products in food and pharmaceuticals sectors.
  • The move could help lower inflation and ease consumer costs.
  • A new tariff plan called "Potential Tariff Adjustment for Aligned Partners" (PTAAP) has been introduced.
  • Tariffs may be cut if countries make deals addressing trade deficits.
  • The products include aircraft parts, pharmaceuticals, natural resources, and certain foods.
  • Food items affected include fruits like bananas and spices like cinnamon.
  • The pharmaceutical list covers amino acids and vitamins.
  • Changes will depend on the agreements with exporting countries.

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Man discovered secretly living in Oregon home

Man discovered secretly living in Oregon home

A man named Beniamin Bucur was found living in a crawl space of a home near Portland, Oregon without the owner's knowledge. Police arrested him on charges of burglary and possessing methamphetamine after discovering he had set up a living area with lights and a bed inside the crawl space.

Key Facts:

  • Beniamin Bucur was living in a crawl space of a home near Portland, Oregon.
  • The homeowner did not know Bucur was living there and heard strange noises from the space.
  • Police found Bucur after a witness saw a man parking and walking toward a housing complex in Happy Valley.
  • Deputies found the crawl space door damaged and locked, and the owner's keys did not work.
  • Inside the crawl space, they discovered a bed, television, lights, and chargers connected to the house's electricity.
  • A methamphetamine pipe was also found in the crawl space.
  • Bucur was arrested and charged with burglary and unlawful possession of methamphetamine.
  • His bail amount was set at $75,000.

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Fact check: Have US workers gained $500 in wages this year?

Fact check: Have US workers gained $500 in wages this year?

President Donald Trump claimed that American workers saw a $500 wage increase this year due to his economic policies. The White House used a specific dataset to support this claim, but experts believe a more reliable dataset shows a much smaller increase. The measure also overlooks factors like inflation and part-time workers when calculating wage changes.

Key Facts:

  • Trump stated that workers received a $500 wage increase this year due to his policies.
  • The White House based this claim on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for full-time workers.
  • This data suggested a $546 increase in median weekly earnings when multiplied over 26 weeks.
  • The data excludes part-time workers, who make up about a quarter of the workforce, and does not account for inflation.
  • Economists prefer a different dataset, which shows a $121 increase for all private-sector employees.
  • The more accurate and larger dataset includes part-time workers and surveys 121,000 businesses.
  • After accounting for inflation, the wage increase was about $26 over six months according to yet another measure.
  • The claim is partly accurate but omits important contextual details, such as inflation impacts.

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Opinion: Susan Stamberg, trailblazer and NPR Founding Mother, retires

Opinion: Susan Stamberg, trailblazer and NPR Founding Mother, retires

Susan Stamberg, one of the founding figures at NPR, is retiring after over 50 years of work. She was the first woman to be a full-time anchor on a national nightly news program in the United States.

Key Facts:

  • Susan Stamberg is retiring from NPR after more than 50 years.
  • She was the first woman to be a full-time anchor of a U.S. national nightly news broadcast.
  • Stamberg won numerous major broadcasting awards.
  • She started co-hosting "All Things Considered" in 1972.
  • She has a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
  • Her contributions helped diversify the broadcasting field, which was mostly male at the time.
  • Stamberg's work helped shape NPR and influenced many who followed in her path.

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Why some longtime gerrymandering opponents are reconsidering their views

Some groups that used to oppose gerrymandering are rethinking their stance. This change is because of recent battles over how congressional districts are drawn in states like Texas, California, and Missouri.

Key Facts:

  • Gerrymandering involves drawing voting district lines to favor a particular political party.
  • Recent redistricting fights occurred in Texas, California, and Missouri.
  • President Trump's actions have sparked new debates about district drawing.
  • Advocacy groups are reconsidering their views on partisan gerrymandering.
  • Redistricting can affect election outcomes and political power balance.

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Amid debate about U.S. history, Harlem Hellfighters receive Congressional Gold Medal

Amid debate about U.S. history, Harlem Hellfighters receive Congressional Gold Medal

The Harlem Hellfighters, a unit from the New York National Guard's 369th Infantry Regiment, received the Congressional Gold Medal posthumously. This award comes as part of ongoing discussions about U.S. history and recognizes the Black soldiers' contributions during World War I, despite facing significant discrimination at home and in the military.

Key Facts:

  • The Harlem Hellfighters were part of the 369th Infantry Regiment, a majority-Black unit that served in World War I.
  • They received the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian award from Congress.
  • The unit became known for their bravery and effectiveness in battle, serving 191 days in the trenches.
  • The soldiers faced intense racism and were initially stationed in the segregated United States before being sent to France.
  • The unit fought alongside the French forces due to segregation policies in the U.S. military.
  • Members of Congress and descendants of the soldiers praised the recognition of the Hellfighters' service and legacy.
  • The medal will be displayed at the Smithsonian Institution, allowing for public viewing and research.

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'We are the troops': Inside Chicago's split communities as Trump vows to deploy National Guard

'We are the troops': Inside Chicago's split communities as Trump vows to deploy National Guard

President Trump plans to deploy the National Guard to help address crime in Chicago, a proposition met with resistance from city and state leaders who believe local efforts are already reducing crime. Despite crime in Chicago being higher than the national average, there has been a significant reduction in violent incidents recently. Local community leaders argue that deploying troops is unnecessary and emphasize the need for funding crime prevention programs.

Key Facts:

  • President Trump announced intentions to deploy the National Guard to Chicago to tackle crime.
  • Local community leaders argue that this approach is not needed and stress the importance of existing crime reduction efforts.
  • In recent years, violent crime in Chicago has decreased, with homicides down by a third from the previous year.
  • Community leader Rob White expressed that community efforts are helping to reduce crime without outside intervention.
  • Chicago leaders, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker, oppose the deployment of the National Guard.
  • The National Guard lacks police powers such as arrest, needing coordination with local police if deployed.
  • There have been funding cuts to crime prevention programs in Chicago, criticized by local leaders.
  • President Trump defends these funding cuts, claiming them to be against "radical left" criminal justice policies.

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