A new study reviewed existing research and found no strong links between taking Tylenol during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children. The study highlighted flaws in earlier research that suggested a connection. There has been public debate after President Donald Trump claimed that acetaminophen use during pregnancy could be a cause of autism.
Key Facts
The study reviewed nine previous studies and found no strong evidence linking Tylenol during pregnancy to autism or ADHD.
President Donald Trump suggested earlier that acetaminophen use while pregnant could lead to autism.
Pregnant women publicly disagreed with President Trump's warnings, sharing videos of themselves taking Tylenol.
All nine earlier reviews found some connection between Tylenol during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental issues but had methodological flaws.
The study pointed out that previous research often did not thoroughly check for bias or consider the full range of evidence.
Seven of the nine reviewed studies advised against assuming a direct link due to lack of rigorous data.
The study was published in the British Medical Journal and looks at 40 different primary studies related to the topic.
The authors called for more investment in research about medication use during pregnancy.
SNAP benefits, which help low-income Americans buy groceries, have been disrupted because of a government shutdown and legal issues. Some states have started distributing these benefits, but many recipients are still waiting. A Senate-approved funding bill could soon resolve the issue if passed by the House and signed by President Trump.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits were delayed due to the U.S. government shutdown and legal disputes.
SNAP helps 42 million Americans purchase food and is similar to food stamps.
Funding for the program ran out on October 1, causing disruptions.
A court order required the federal government to distribute benefits, but a Supreme Court order temporarily halted this.
Some states have begun to release November SNAP payments following a court ruling.
A new funding bill, if approved, would ensure SNAP benefits through September 2026.
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to halt full funding despite lower court decisions.
The USDA is working on providing November benefits but has faced legal and internal challenges.
President Donald Trump is demolishing the White House's East Wing to construct a large ballroom, despite a government shutdown. The East Wing, which housed the office of the first lady, is being replaced without formal approval, prompting mixed reactions among Americans.
Key Facts
President Trump is removing the East Wing of the White House.
The East Wing contained the office of the first lady.
The new addition is a ballroom, twice the size of the current White House.
Construction of the $300 million ballroom will end in 2029.
The decision is controversial as Trump did not get approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
Some Americans are upset because Trump previously promised to preserve the East Wing.
The ballroom project is criticized amid a government shutdown impacting public workers' pay.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing calls to resign due to his handling of the recent government shutdown. The Senate reached a deal to end the shutdown, but some Democrats are unhappy with Schumer's actions, fearing future compromises with Republicans on healthcare. If Schumer resigns, several high-profile Democrats are potential replacements.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer is the Senate Minority Leader facing criticism over his handling of the government shutdown.
The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended with a Senate vote needing 60 approvals.
Some Democrats are worried about Schumer potentially compromising with Republicans on healthcare issues.
The deal included a promise for Republicans to vote on healthcare subsidies by mid-December.
Potential replacements for Schumer, if he resigns, include Brian Schatz, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Mark Warner, and Tammy Baldwin.
Schumer's critics think he didn't effectively unite Democrats against Republicans during the shutdown.
On Veterans Day 2025, many restaurants in the U.S. are offering free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military members as a way to thank them for their service. Restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, In-N-Out Burger, and Chili’s are among those participating. These deals are available on Veterans Day, November 11, and generally require proof of military service.
Key Facts
Veterans Day is observed on November 11.
California Pizza Kitchen offers veterans a free entrée and drink from a special menu.
In-N-Out Burger provides veterans with a free burger, fries, and a beverage.
Red Robin offers a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side to veterans.
Red Lobster provides a free Shrimp & Chips entrée to veterans who show proof of service.
Chipotle offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrées for veterans between 4-8 p.m.
Logan’s Roadhouse offers a free lunch to veterans from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Golden Corral hosts Military Appreciation Night with a free dinner buffet.
Chili’s offers veterans a complimentary entrée from a special menu.
Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday on November 11, honoring those who served in the military. The American flag is generally flown at full staff on this day because it is a celebration of service. The U.S. Flag Code gives guidelines on flag displays, but does not specify rules for Veterans Day.
Key Facts
Veterans Day is celebrated every year on November 11.
This day honors U.S. military veterans.
The American flag is usually flown at full staff on Veterans Day.
The U.S. Flag Code was established in 1942.
The president or a state governor can order the flag to be flown at half-staff.
On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then at full staff.
If the flag is displayed 24 hours a day, it must be illuminated at night.
President Trump's approval rating dropped significantly during the government shutdown, which started on October 1 due to a funding disagreement affecting the Affordable Care Act tax credits. The shutdown caused disruptions in public services and led to widespread disapproval, influenced by issues such as reduced food stamp benefits.
Key Facts
The government shutdown began on October 1 after a funding conflict between Republicans and Democrats.
The shutdown became the longest in U.S. history, affecting thousands of federal workers and public services.
President Trump's approval rating fell during the shutdown, reaching as low as -13 points in some polls.
Polls from organizations like Quinnipiac University, YouGov/The Economist, and Ipsos/Reuters showed high disapproval ratings for Trump.
Food stamp benefits (SNAP) were reduced, impacting around 42 million Americans, which increased public discontent.
Two federal judges ruled that withholding SNAP benefits violated federal law, ordering full payments to resume.
President Trump stated he wanted benefits to resume once Democrats reopened the government.
The shutdown had political implications, contributing to Democratic victories in recent elections.
President Donald Trump announced a plan to distribute $2,000 checks to lower- and middle-income Americans using revenue from tariffs. He stated that the rest of the tariff money would help reduce national debt. However, details on how and when these payments would occur have not been confirmed by his administration.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to give $2,000 checks to Americans using tariff revenue.
Only lower- and middle-income people would get the checks; high-income earners are excluded.
The distribution of the checks has not yet been confirmed by Trump's administration.
Tariffs have brought in $195 billion through September, not the claimed "trillions."
The Tax Foundation predicts tariffs might raise $2.4 trillion over ten years, though it’s estimated to drop to $1.8 trillion when considering economic impacts.
Analysts say tariffs could cost the average household up to $2,600 by 2026.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned the $2,000 might come in forms such as tax cuts but had not discussed it with Trump.
The proposed checks have been discussed by Trump but lack detailed plans for implementation.
ICE is trying to recruit police officers from the New York Police Department (NYPD) after Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York City's mayor. ICE is focusing on hiring people with local law enforcement experience to increase their workforce. The recruitment effort follows new funding and incentives to strengthen immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
ICE is targeting NYPD officers for recruitment after Zohran Mamdani's election as New York City's mayor.
ICE has launched a nationwide campaign to hire more personnel for enforcement and deportation operations.
Over 200,000 people have applied to join ICE, with more than 18,000 tentative job offers already issued.
ICE is offering signing bonuses of up to $50,000 and student loan repayment programs to attract candidates.
ICE has been advertising in cities like New York City since late July 2023.
President Trump's administration is cracking down on sanctuary cities and increasing ICE enforcement.
A law signed by President Trump earlier this year gives ICE $75 billion in extra funding over four years to hire and expand operations.
The law aims to hire 10,000 new ICE agents and provides funds for technology upgrades and other resources.
President Donald Trump stated that the U.S. should have up to 600,000 Chinese students studying in the country. This comment led to criticism from some of his MAGA supporters who are concerned about national security and the potential for these students to engage in spying. Trump defended his stance by emphasizing the financial importance of foreign students to American colleges and universities.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested allowing up to 600,000 Chinese students into the U.S.
This statement came during trade talks with China.
MAGA supporters have criticized this idea, concerned it might lead to spying and intellectual property theft.
Trump argued that foreign students are crucial for the financial well-being of U.S. colleges and universities.
Former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn expressed opposition to Trump’s plan.
Critics argue the presence of so many Chinese students might not align with MAGA objectives of focusing on domestic priorities.
A federal court in Maryland has temporarily stopped a plan from the Trump administration that would have required asylum-seekers to pay a $100 annual fee. This fee was part of a law called the "One Big Beautiful Bill" and was meant to help cover immigration processing costs. The court decision means that asylum-seekers do not have to pay this fee while the legal case is ongoing.
Key Facts
A federal court in Maryland stopped the enforcement of a $100 fee for asylum-seekers.
The fee was introduced under a law signed by President Trump, called the "One Big Beautiful Bill."
The planned fee was meant to cover immigration processing costs.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) paused any payment demands for this fee.
Fees that have already been paid will not be refunded but will stay valid while the court case continues.
The lawsuit argues that charging asylum-seekers violates U.S. laws and international rules.
Supporters say the fee prevents taxpayers from paying immigration processing costs.
This court ruling is the first to stop a fee from the new law's provisions.
A report by WalletHub highlights the best U.S. cities to visit for Thanksgiving in 2025, with San Antonio, Texas, ranking first. The report evaluates cities based on factors like affordability, dining options, and weather. Atlanta and Virginia Beach also rank highly due to their restaurant quality and generosity of residents.
Key Facts
WalletHub named San Antonio, Texas, the best U.S. city for Thanksgiving 2025.
San Antonio offers many highly-rated restaurants and affordable Thanksgiving dinners.
Atlanta, ranked second, is praised for having a low rate of flight delays and high charitable donations.
Virginia Beach, ranked third, is noted for budget-friendly lodging prices and low crime rates.
The rankings are based on factors such as celebrations, cost, safety, charity, and weather.
WalletHub used data from sources like the FBI, AccuWeather, and Google Ads to calculate their scores.
The top ten cities include San Antonio, Atlanta, Virginia Beach, Dallas, and others.
A government shutdown is close to ending in the U.S., and Republicans face pressure to release files on Jeffrey Epstein. Representative Thomas Massie has gathered nearly enough signatures on a petition to force a vote for these files. A final signature from Representative-elect Adelita Grijalva is required, but her swearing-in is delayed until the government reopens.
Key Facts
The U.S. is experiencing its longest government shutdown in history.
There is a push to release government files on Jeffrey Epstein's investigation.
President Trump has called the focus on Epstein a "hoax."
Representative Thomas Massie has nearly enough signatures to demand a vote on the files.
Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat, is set to provide the final needed signature.
Her swearing-in is delayed due to the government shutdown.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is waiting to swear in Grijalva until the shutdown ends.
The Senate has passed legislation to end the shutdown, and the House will vote soon.
President Donald Trump announced success after the Senate voted to end a government shutdown, with the bill moving to the House next. Despite this, public sentiment and some economic indicators are low, and blame for the shutdown is mostly attributed to Republicans, according to polls.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed victory after the Senate ended the government shutdown.
The bill to end the shutdown will go to the House for approval, with the White House ready to sign it.
Consumer sentiment is low, close to levels seen during the pandemic, except among wealthy households.
The FAA reduced capacity at major airports, causing flight disruptions for over 3 million passengers.
Federal energy assistance has stopped, leading to rising unpaid utility bills totaling $23 billion.
Most polls indicate the public mainly blames Republicans for the shutdown, though Democrats also shoulder some blame.
There is an ongoing debate about extending ACA premium tax credits that affect health insurance costs.
Enrollment in ACA plans has risen significantly in states won by Trump, which face potential subsidy cuts.
A government shutdown in the United States ended after 40 days due to a Senate deal. The shutdown caused various issues like disruptions in air travel and strained government workers. President Trump was blamed for the shutdown and its impacts after resolving it.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown lasted for 40 days.
President Trump was held responsible for the impacts of the shutdown.
A Senate deal, requiring Democratic votes, ended the shutdown.
The shutdown affected air travel, with many flights canceled.
Air traffic controllers worked extra hours without pay during this period.
Some Democratic leaders faced criticism for their handling of the situation.
Car rental demand increased due to canceled flights from the shutdown.
Jonathan Braun, a convicted drug dealer, was sent back to prison for 27 months after violating the terms of his release. President Donald Trump had previously commuted Braun's sentence, but Braun was later accused of various offenses including assault and violating supervised release conditions. The case has brought attention to the debates over Trump's use of presidential clemency.
Key Facts
Jonathan Braun was originally sentenced to 10 years in prison for drug trafficking and money laundering.
President Donald Trump commuted Braun's sentence in early 2021, freeing him after about one year in prison.
Braun was accused of several offenses after his release, including assault and violating release terms.
Prosecutors recommended a five-year prison term for Braun at his revocation hearing.
A judge sentenced Braun to 27 months in prison, though he will serve 20 months due to time already served.
He must also complete three and a half years of supervised release and undergo treatment for drug abuse and mental health.
Braun admitted responsibility for his actions and thanked the judge for an earlier detention that helped him.
A truck driver from Mauritania named Ahmed Nenni was taken into custody by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in Indiana. He entered the U.S. illegally in 2023 and has pending asylum and green card applications. ICE's "Operation Midway Blitz" targets undocumented drivers, like Ahmed, focusing on deportations.
Key Facts
Ahmed Nenni is a 29-year-old truck driver from Mauritania.
He was detained by ICE and Indiana State Police during a routine inspection in Indiana.
Ahmed has a pending asylum claim and a marriage-based green card application.
The Department of Homeland Security noted he entered the U.S. illegally in September 2023.
His immigration court hearing is scheduled for 2027 in New York.
ICE’s "Operation Midway Blitz" is aimed at undocumented truck drivers, with 140 arrests reportedly made.
During detention, Ahmed experienced restricted access to food and water, with concerns about religious dietary restrictions.
Ahmed has accepted voluntary deportation as advised by his lawyer.
The federal government shutdown is nearing an end, but flight delays and cancellations are expected to continue. The issue arises from reduced staffing levels, especially among air traffic controllers who are working without pay. Recent legislation to reopen the government has passed the Senate, but it still requires approval in the House for the shutdown to officially end.
Key Facts
The federal government shutdown has led to flight delays and cancellations across the U.S.
Air traffic controllers are working without pay, causing stress and some to take second jobs.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy mentioned a 50% reduction in staffing in some areas.
Over 2,300 flights were canceled on a recent Monday with more than 1,000 on the following Tuesday.
President Trump offers a $10,000 bonus to air traffic controllers who work without pay and threatens pay cuts for those who do not show up.
The Senate passed a bill to reopen the government, but it still needs approval from the House.
As of recent data, 1,156 flights were canceled nationwide with more already marked for cancellation.
The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued winter storm warnings for multiple U.S. states. These areas could see up to 10 inches of snow and strong winds, affecting travel and possibly causing power outages. People in these regions are advised to follow safety precautions, especially while traveling.
Key Facts
The NWS warns of winter storms bringing up to 10 inches of snow in some states.
Areas affected include New York, California, Maryland, Nevada, Alaska, and North Carolina.
Swain County, North Carolina, may see up to a foot of snow and 45 mph winds above 5,000 feet.
New York counties like Niagara and Orleans may experience lake-effect snow, totaling up to 6 inches.
Counties in West Virginia and Maryland could see 3 to 6 inches of snow and 45 mph winds.
Parts of central California might get up to 12 inches of snow above 5,000 feet, with possible 2-feet snow in higher altitudes.
The Greater Lake Tahoe Area could have snow accumulations of up to 18 inches, with winds over 100 mph on ridges.
The NWS advises against travel unless necessary and recommends carrying emergency supplies.
Zohran Mamdani's recent electoral victory in New York City was significantly influenced by a distinctive visual strategy. The design incorporated elements familiar to New Yorkers and those reflective of South Asian culture, crafted by designer Aneesh Bhoopathy. This strategy helped to communicate key campaign messages and connect with the community effectively.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani's campaign used bold colors and South Asian design elements.
Aneesh Bhoopathy was the designer behind this visual strategy.
The design used elements like taxi cab yellows and bodega awning colors.
The campaign included promises such as "Freeze the Rent" and "Fast & Free Buses."
Aneesh Bhoopathy has worked on other progressive campaigns in New York.
Music from South Asian culture was part of Mamdani's campaign events.
The visual identity aimed to resonate with both New Yorkers and a broader audience.
The campaign's visual elements were adapted for various media, including mailers and digital ads.
