US News

In tense hearing, RFK Jr. challenged on vaccine views and trust in health agencies

September 04, 2025

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was questioned by the Senate Finance Committee about his views on vaccines and their impact on public trust in health agencies. The hearing took place shortly after he removed the director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Health Secretary.
Kennedy was questioned during a Senate Finance Committee hearing.
The discussion focused on his views about vaccines.
Senators were concerned about public trust in health agencies.
The hearing occurred after Kennedy fired the CDC director, Dr. Susan Monarez.
Lisa Desjardins provided the report on the hearing.

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PBS NewsHour

RFK Jr defends leadership as lawmakers grill him on vaccines

September 04, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the U.S. Health Secretary, faced tough questions from lawmakers about his vaccine policies and recent changes in health agencies during a three-hour hearing. The discussion included accusations from Democrats and some Republicans, questioning the impact of his leadership on vaccine access and agency management changes. The hearing happened shortly after he made significant staffing changes at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and related departments.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the U.S. Health Secretary.
He was questioned by lawmakers about his vaccine policies during a three-hour hearing.
Kennedy has made several agency changes since becoming Health Secretary, including firing the CDC leader.
A panel of independent vaccine experts was replaced by new members under his leadership, raising concerns from public health experts.
Kennedy denied accusations that he restricted vaccine access and defended his agency decisions.
A former CDC head claimed she was fired for not supporting Kennedy's vaccine policies.
Kennedy faced bipartisan criticism but also received some support from Republicans during the hearings.
The U.S. FDA, under his leadership, approved Covid booster shots for limited groups, sparking additional questions from lawmakers.

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BBC Top Stories

Examining RFK Jr.’s claims about vaccines, COVID and the health of Americans

September 04, 2025

The article examines claims made by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about vaccines, COVID-19, and the health of Americans. It discusses how these claims are received and their impact on public health discussions.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has made public statements about vaccines and COVID-19.
Some of his claims involve questioning the safety and efficacy of vaccines.
Vaccines help prevent diseases and save lives, according to medical experts.
There is ongoing debate about the influence of public figures like RFK Jr. on vaccine acceptance.
RFK Jr. has chosen to stop some government-funded vaccine research efforts.
Public health agencies, like the CDC, recommend vaccines based on scientific evidence.
The article discusses concerns about how misinformation can affect public health.

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PBS NewsHour

Here are the biggest takeaways from RFK Jr.'s fiery Senate appearance

September 04, 2025

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faced tough questions from senators during a hearing about his vaccine policies. He defended his recent firings at the CDC and was criticized by some senators who are worried about the impact of his actions on public health.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is the Health Secretary dealing with issues related to COVID-19 vaccines.
Kennedy recently fired the CDC Director and 17 panel members, causing concern.
He claims these actions are to remove bias, while others see it as politically motivated.
Some senators, like John Barrasso, are worried his policies threaten public safety by affecting vaccine availability.
There is tension between Kennedy's vaccine stance and President Trump's previous efforts with Operation Warp Speed.
Sen. Bill Cassidy raised concerns about the cancellation of grants for new vaccines and its impact on vaccine access.
Kennedy did not provide clear answers about future vaccine recommendations from the CDC.

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Axios

Senate clashes with RFK Jr over vaccine policies and CDC firings

September 04, 2025

U.S. Senators questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr during a hearing about vaccine access and the COVID-19 pandemic response. Kennedy criticized CDC policies, especially about masks and school closures, and faced strong opposition for his views against the scientific consensus on vaccines. The hearing highlighted disagreements on public health policy between lawmakers and Kennedy, who has been a controversial figure due to his anti-vaccine stance.

Key Facts:

The hearing focused on the Trump administration’s plan to reduce vaccine access.
Kennedy criticized CDC policies related to masks and school closures during the pandemic.
Senators, both Democrats and some Republicans, criticized Kennedy's stance.
Kennedy wants changes at the CDC and has fired officials like Sue Monarez.
Kennedy has faced backlash for promoting ideas that conflict with established science.
Kennedy is a known anti-vaccine activist, which aligns with his controversial policies.
The hearing came shortly after the CDC director, Sue Monarez, was removed from her position.

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Al Jazeera

Parents mourning daughter lost in Texas floods push state to strengthen camp safety rules

September 04, 2025

Families are urging Texas lawmakers to strengthen safety rules for camps after flash floods in the Texas Hill Country killed at least 135 people. Lacey and Lars Hollis, who lost their daughter in the floods, are actively supporting new legislation for better camp and flood safety standards.

Key Facts:

Flash floods in the Texas Hill Country resulted in at least 135 deaths.
The floods occurred two months ago.
Virginia Hollis, an 8-year-old girl, was one of the victims at Camp Mystic.
Families of the victims are advocating for new safety laws.
Lacey and Lars Hollis are supporting legislation for improved camp safety.
The proposed laws focus on preventing future flood-related tragedies at campsites.

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PBS NewsHour

Trump's Fed pick says he will keep White House job

September 04, 2025

Stephen Miran, nominated by President Trump to join the Federal Reserve, stated he will not resign from his current White House job if confirmed. During his confirmation hearing, Miran emphasized his commitment to acting independently and not being influenced by the president. Democrats voiced concerns about his potential political bias, but Republicans largely supported his nomination.

Key Facts:

Stephen Miran is President Trump's nominee for a Federal Reserve vacancy.
Miran currently works at the White House as part of the Council of Economic Advisers.
He plans to take a leave of absence from the White House if confirmed to the Fed role.
Democrats are worried about Miran's independence and potential political influence by Trump.
Miran insists he values the Federal Reserve's independence and has not promised policy changes to the White House.
His nomination is likely to move forward in the Senate, where Republicans have a majority.
Senator Elizabeth Warren criticized the potential impact on the Fed's independence.
Miran stated he would resign from his White House job if offered a long-term position at the Fed.

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BBC Business

Massachusetts becomes first state to impose its own vaccine coverage rules

September 04, 2025

Massachusetts is the first state in the U.S. to require health insurers to cover vaccines recommended by its own public health department. This decision comes amid potential federal rollbacks on vaccine recommendations. The move is supported by major local health insurance organizations.

Key Facts:

Massachusetts will make health insurers cover vaccines recommended by its public health department.
This new rule applies even if the federal government changes its vaccine coverage guidelines.
Currently, health insurers must cover vaccines recommended by the CDC without charging patients extra money.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts and the Massachusetts Association of Health Plans support this directive.
Governor Maura Healey proposed legislation allowing state health officials to set their own vaccine standards.
The state is considering working with other northeastern states to create shared vaccine guidelines and public health policies.
This initiative is part of a broader response to potential changes in federal vaccine policies.

Source Information

Axios

WATCH: Noem, Bondi discuss plans for ICE detention facility in notorious Louisiana prison

September 04, 2025

Federal officials have chosen the Louisiana State Penitentiary, known as Angola, to house immigration detainees to encourage self-deportation among people in the U.S. illegally. The facility is intended for high-risk detainees and currently houses 51 people, but it is expected to hold over 400. Officials indicate that the decision is part of a larger effort to enhance immigration enforcement.

Key Facts:

The Louisiana State Penitentiary, called Angola, will hold immigration detainees.
Department of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem stated the goal is to encourage self-deportation.
The facility is designed for high-risk ICE detainees.
Officials expect the number of detainees to exceed 400 in the coming months.
The prison's history includes being called "the bloodiest prison in America" due to past violence.
The site for the new facility is a refurbished building that was previously unused.
Angola prison still houses over 50 death row inmates.
The decision fits into a broader strategy to increase deportations, with similar facilities being established elsewhere.

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PBS NewsHour

Watch: RFK Jr questioned during fiery hearing

September 04, 2025

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., U.S. Health Secretary, was questioned about his stance on COVID-19 deaths and vaccines during a heated Senate hearing. He expressed uncertainty about the exact number of COVID deaths in the U.S. Recently, CDC leadership saw changes following the dismissal of its director, Susan Monarez.

Key Facts:

Robert F. Kennedy Jr. attended a Senate hearing about COVID-19.
He was questioned about the number of COVID-19 deaths in the U.S.
Kennedy stated he was unsure of the exact death toll.
There have been recent changes in leadership at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Susan Monarez, the former CDC director, was recently dismissed.
Other CDC leaders resigned following Monarez’s dismissal.

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BBC World

Maine residents hold a party to toast with their future neighbors... at the cemetery

September 04, 2025

Residents of Weld, Maine, have a yearly tradition where plot owners at Mountain View Cemetery gather at the undertaker's home. The event is meant for community members to meet and mingle with others who have plots in the cemetery.

Key Facts:

The gathering is an annual event in Weld, Maine.
Anyone who owns a plot at Mountain View Cemetery is invited.
The event takes place at the undertaker's home.
The idea is for people to meet others who may be buried nearby in the future.
Locals refer to the event as a chance to "get to know who you'll spend eternity with."

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NPR National

Appeals court panel stops order to wind down ‘Alligator Alcatraz’ operations in Florida

September 04, 2025

A federal appeals court temporarily stopped a lower court's order to close an immigration detention center in Florida's Everglades known as "Alligator Alcatraz." The appeals court's decision allows the facility to continue operating while the case is under review. The detention center has faced legal challenges for allegedly bypassing environmental review processes.

Key Facts:

A federal appeals court in Atlanta voted 2-1 to put on hold a decision to shut down the "Alligator Alcatraz" detention center.
The initial shutdown order came from U.S. District Judge Kathleen Williams in Miami, who planned for the closure by the end of October.
The facility is in the Everglades and was built quickly on a former airstrip to help with deportation efforts.
Environmental groups and the Miccosukee Tribe sued, arguing the center violated federal environmental laws.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and the Department of Homeland Security support keeping the center open.
The federal government claims it hasn't funded the facility, though Florida seeks federal grants for funding.
The court's stay means detainees can continue to be held at the facility during the appeal.
The state argues that the requirement for an environmental impact statement doesn't apply to their actions.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

WATCH: RFK Jr. ‘taking away vaccines’ from people who want them, Warren says

September 04, 2025

Senator Elizabeth Warren and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a disagreement over vaccine access rules. Warren questioned Kennedy over his previous promise to provide COVID vaccines to those who want them. Kennedy explained that while boosters are available to anyone, they are not recommended for healthy individuals.

Key Facts:

Elizabeth Warren talked to Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about COVID vaccine access.
Kennedy was accused of limiting access to COVID vaccines.
During a Senate hearing, Warren asked Kennedy about vaccine availability.
Kennedy stated that boosters are available but not recommended for healthy people.
Insurance may not cover vaccines that aren't federally recommended.
Over 20 medical groups called for Kennedy's resignation.
Kennedy, a former anti-vaccine advocate, changed U.S. vaccine recommendations.
He replaced a panel of medical experts with new candidates.

Source Information

PBS NewsHour

"Charlatan," "ignorant": Democrats blast RFK Jr. on vaccines

September 04, 2025

Senate Democrats criticized Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for questioning the safety and use of vaccines. During his confirmation, Kennedy promised not to discourage vaccine use, but lawmakers say he has caused confusion and hindered vaccine access. The criticism was part of a heated Senate Finance Committee meeting, where Kennedy faced tough questions about his actions and statements on vaccines.

Key Facts:

Senate Democrats criticized Robert F. Kennedy Jr. for questioning vaccine safety and effectiveness.
Kennedy had promised during his confirmation that he would not discourage vaccine use.
Lawmakers say Kennedy has caused confusion among doctors and families about vaccines.
Sen. Michael Bennet criticized Kennedy's changes to the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Sen. Maria Cantwell called Kennedy a "charlatan" for his comments on vaccines and chronic diseases.
Kennedy faced questions from Sen. Mark Warner about COVID-19 deaths and vaccine effectiveness.
Sen. Maggie Hassan accused Kennedy of lacking transparency regarding new COVID vaccine policies.
Kennedy also received criticism from Sen. Bill Cassidy for his inconsistent views on vaccine funding and policies.

Source Information

Axios

WATCH: Sen. Barrasso presses RFK Jr. on whether policy decisions are based on science or politics

September 04, 2025

Sen. John Barrasso questioned Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. about whether vaccine policies are decided based on science or politics. The hearing also touched on concerns about recent changes in vaccine recommendations and leadership at health organizations. Kennedy responded by emphasizing the need to restore public trust by providing truthful information.

Key Facts:

Sen. John Barrasso is concerned about how vaccine policies are determined.
Barrasso stated that vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives globally in the last 50 years.
Kennedy promised during his confirmation to maintain high standards for vaccines.
Recent issues, like measles outbreaks and leadership changes, have raised concerns.
Barrasso questioned the safeguards to keep vaccine decisions based on science.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. aims to restore public trust in health organizations by ensuring truthful information is shared.
Kennedy faced criticism from over 20 medical groups calling for his resignation.
These groups accused him of undermining science and public health by altering vaccine recommendations.

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PBS NewsHour

For mixed status families, deportation fears cast shadow over new academic year

September 04, 2025

The new school year is causing increased worry for families with mixed immigration statuses, as there are fears of deportation. The concerns are particularly high among immigrant families due to increased immigration enforcement actions. Legal experts clarify that school environments have protections against immigration enforcement activities.

Key Facts:

Families with mixed immigration statuses are experiencing fear as the new school year begins.
Immigration enforcement actions, particularly in some cities, are heightening these concerns.
A mother from Maryland shared how deportation fears affected her family's summer, causing them to avoid public places.
Her family has lived in the U.S. for about 15 years, and their children are U.S. citizens.
Concerns include whether immigration agents can enter schools or question children about their parents' status.
Legal experts explain that immigration agents need a warrant to enter schools.
Laws protect students' access to public education regardless of their immigration status.
Some cities have specific rules to prevent school administrators from asking about immigration status.

Source Information

NPR Home

Texas law will allow residents to sue mail-order abortion pill providers

September 04, 2025

Texas is set to pass a law that allows people to sue companies and individuals from outside the state that provide abortion pills to Texas residents. The law enables successful lawsuits to result in at least $100,000 in damages. The legislation is anticipated to face legal challenges.

Key Facts:

Texas will soon sign a law allowing residents to sue out-of-state abortion pill providers.
The law allows for lawsuits against those who manufacture or distribute abortion pills to Texans.
Successful plaintiffs can receive at least $100,000 in damages.
Nearly two-thirds of abortions in the US involve abortion pills like mifepristone and misoprostol.
Women taking the medication cannot be sued, but providers can.
If someone unrelated files the lawsuit, they receive $10,000, and $90,000 goes to charity.
The law is expected to face legal challenges, similar to past abortion restrictions.
Some states have "shield laws" to protect their abortion providers from out-of-state lawsuits, but Texas' law says these can't be used as a defense.

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BBC US

Judge blocks Trump’s bid to cut $4bn in US foreign aid

September 04, 2025

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration's attempt to reduce about $4 billion in U.S. foreign aid funds that were approved by Congress. The ruling states that only Congress has the authority to decide on how this money is spent.

Key Facts:

A federal judge in Washington stopped the Trump administration from cutting $4 billion in foreign aid.
The aid was previously approved by Congress for international assistance.
The judge said the White House didn't provide a good reason to override Congress's decision.
This ruling is part of ongoing legal challenges over the administration's foreign aid decisions.
The administration tried to cut the funds using a method called "pocket rescission," last used in 1977.
The judge ordered the funds to be available by September 30 unless Congress agrees to cut them.
The government might appeal the ruling, although similar appeals have been rejected recently.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

US Justice Department launches fraud probe into Fed Gov Lisa Cook: Report

September 04, 2025

The U.S. Department of Justice is investigating Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook for alleged mortgage fraud. This involves claims that Cook listed more than one property as her primary residence to obtain lower mortgage rates. The investigation follows a referral by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte and involves grand juries in Georgia and Michigan.

Key Facts:

The investigation into Lisa Cook is about alleged mortgage fraud by the U.S. Department of Justice.
The allegations suggest Cook falsely listed multiple homes as her primary residence to receive better mortgage rates.
Grand jury subpoenas have been issued in Georgia and Michigan.
The investigation began after a referral from Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte.
Cook's termination by former President Trump over these claims is being legally challenged by Cook.
Ed Martin, a special assistant U.S. attorney, is handling the investigation.
The case may affect the Federal Reserve's independence in setting interest rates, a significant policy area.
Cook has stated she disclosed the mortgages when she was appointed to the Fed.

Source Information

Al Jazeera

Washington DC sues Trump administration over National Guard deployment

September 04, 2025

Washington DC has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration, claiming that the deployment of the National Guard in the capital city was done without permission from local leaders and violates federal law. The lawsuit was filed by DC Attorney General Brian Schwalb and argues that the presence of troops interferes with the city's autonomy and economy. The Trump administration has defended its actions, stating they aim to reduce crime and violence in the city.

Key Facts:

Washington DC is suing the Trump administration over National Guard deployment.
The lawsuit claims President Trump sent troops to DC without local leaders' consent.
DC Attorney General says the deployment undermines city autonomy and harms the economy.
The lawsuit was filed on the grounds of illegal federal overreach.
President Trump began deploying troops on August 11, 2023.
The deployment includes National Guard and federal law enforcement agents.
A federal judge ruled a previous deployment to Los Angeles violated federal law.
The White House claims the troops reduce crime, stating crime rates have decreased.
DC's mayor opposes the deployment, saying it's expensive and unnecessary.

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BBC US

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