Here’s a concise look at today’s reporting across politics, national security, courts, global affairs, and sports. Each brief is an editorial summary of our published coverage with a direct link to the full story.
HHS workers call for RFK Jr. to resign
More than 1,000 current and former Health and Human Services employees signed a public letter calling for HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to step down, citing policy disagreements and leadership concerns. The letter, released Wednesday, urges Congress to exercise oversight and asks the department to reaffirm evidence-based standards. The organizers said the appeal reflects months of internal dissent. The Secretary’s office has not issued a detailed response. Lawmakers signaled they will review the demands.
Fifth Circuit blocks use of Alien Enemies Act
A divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit halted the administration’s attempt to use the 1798 Alien Enemies Act to summarily deport Venezuelan migrants allegedly tied to the Tren de Aragua gang. The court said the record did not show an “invasion” or “predatory incursion,” and returned the case for more proceedings. One judge dissented in part. The government defended its national-security rationale and signaled further litigation could follow soon.
U.S. strike kills 11 Tren de Aragua militants
The White House said U.S. forces conducted a maritime strike against Tren de Aragua narcoterrorists in international waters, killing eleven militants linked to drug trafficking. President Donald Trump wrote that he ordered the operation after intelligence confirmed the targets and their route toward the United States. Officials said no U.S. personnel were injured. The announcement did not specify the platform used or the exact location, citing operational security. Further details may be released pending assessments.
Ukraine says it downed 430 drones
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Ukraine faced a massive overnight assault of more than five hundred drones and missiles, claiming air defenses shot down at least 430 drones and 24 missiles targeted at energy sites, transport nodes, and residential areas. Emergency crews worked to restore power and rail service after reported damage across several regions. Kyiv urged additional air-defense support from partners and warned that Russia was testing gaps in Ukraine’s layered defenses nationwide today repeatedly.
China unveils new weapons at Victory Day parade
China marked the 80th anniversary of World War II’s end with a large military parade in Beijing featuring missiles, drones, armored vehicles, and precision-marching troops. President Xi Jinping reviewed the formations alongside Russia’s Vladimir Putin and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un. State media highlighted new unmanned systems and long-range capabilities. Analysts said the display was aimed at signaling deterrence and tightening strategic alignment. Western capitals monitored the event for indicators of intent closely.
Trump slams Xi, Putin and Kim over Beijing summit
President Donald Trump criticized China’s Xi Jinping, Russia’s Vladimir Putin, and North Korea’s Kim Jong Un after their joint appearance in Beijing, accusing them of aligning against U.S. interests. In a Truth Social post, he referenced America’s World War II support to China and offered pointed remarks to the leaders. The comments followed a Chinese Victory Day parade showcasing new hardware. Diplomats said rhetoric may harden positions as Washington weighs responses and calibrates strategic messaging.
DHS raising CBP travel fees Sept. 30
The Department of Homeland Security finalized higher travel-related fees effective Monday, September 30. The Electronic System for Travel Authorization rises to $40 for Visa Waiver travelers, a new $30 fee applies to China’s EVUS enrollment, and the I-94 fee at land borders increases to $30. The rule, published in the Federal Register, cites cost recovery. Travel groups urged clear communication to avoid confusion during the transition period and peak autumn travel demand nationwide for visitors.
Judge rules Harvard grant freeze unlawful
A federal judge ruled that the administration’s freeze and termination of roughly $2.2 billion in federal payments to Harvard University violated Title VI procedures and constitutional limits. U.S. District Judge Allison D. Burroughs vacated the orders, issued a permanent injunction against similar actions, and criticized the government for conditioning funds on unrelated demands. The opinion argued that academic-freedom prerogatives were implicated. The administration is expected to consider appeals or further action soon.
Colorado AG vows fight over Space Command move
Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser said the state is prepared to sue if the administration relocates U.S. Space Command headquarters from Colorado Springs to Huntsville, Alabama. He argued the proposed shift would disrupt readiness and harm service members’ families. The Attorney General’s office said legal options are ready should a final decision proceed. The Pentagon has not formally announced a change, while state and local leaders pressed the case to keep the command.
NFL Week 1: Eagles-Cowboys, Chiefs-Chargers in São Paulo
The NFL opens Thursday, September 4, with the champion Eagles hosting the Cowboys at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC, followed by a Friday showcase in São Paulo where the Chiefs face the Chargers, and a Sunday slate headlined by Ravens-Bills. Early weeks often feature condensed play-calling, special-teams swings, and rookie growing pains. Expect an upset or two to scramble preseason narratives as contenders settle in and new coordinators reveal their tendencies very quickly this weekend.
Coverage reflects stories published by Virginia Times as of Tuesday, September 3, 2025. Ai tools are used for style and formatting.
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