Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr stated that the declining fertility rate in the U.S. is a concern for national security, as it is not high enough to keep the population stable. He also mentioned that President Trump has made agreements to lower fertility medication costs to address this issue. The Trump administration has prioritized fertility rates as a significant focus of its policies.
Key Facts
The U.S. fertility rate is declining, which may affect national security.
Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr shared these concerns at a White House press briefing.
The average teenager now has a lower sperm count and testosterone levels compared to older men.
Girls are experiencing puberty about six years earlier than before.
President Trump announced a new deal to reduce the costs of fertility medication.
Fertility rates are a global concern, and the Trump administration is making this a key policy issue.
Three people have died in a small plane crash in Bath Township, Michigan. Officials confirmed that all three passengers on the aircraft were found and deceased. This situation is still developing with more information expected later.
Key Facts
A small plane crashed in Bath Township, Michigan.
The crash happened on Thursday evening.
Three people were on the plane.
All three passengers were confirmed dead.
Officials released this information in a statement.
More details will be provided as this is a developing story.
In a New York City mayoral debate, candidates Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo discussed key issues ahead of early voting. Mamdani has a lead in the polls, with significant focus on his views about Israel and Palestine, while Cuomo addressed past controversies. President Trump and his policies toward New York City were also a major topic.
Key Facts
The debate took place at Rockefeller Center in Manhattan.
Zohran Mamdani leads the polls with 46%, Andrew Cuomo follows at 33%.
Mamdani supports Palestinian statehood and criticized Israel's actions in Gaza.
Andrew Cuomo resigned as governor in 2021 due to a sexual harassment investigation.
President Trump plans actions affecting New York City, such as involving the National Guard and immigration policies.
Curtis Sliwa, the Republican candidate, promotes a public safety program.
The election could influence national Democratic and Republican strategies.
Verizon experienced a significant network outage across the United States early Friday morning. Many users reported problems with mobile and internet services, especially in major cities like New York and Boston.
Key Facts
Verizon customers began experiencing outages early Friday morning.
The number of reported issues increased sharply from 83 to 7,531 around midnight.
Major cities affected included New York City, Boston, Washington D.C., Detroit, and Minneapolis.
As of 2:45 a.m. ET, 52% of affected users had mobile phone issues, 40% experienced signal loss, and 8% had problems with 5G home internet.
Verizon was contacted for comment, but this was outside of normal office hours.
Downdetector provided a map showing the spread of the outages across the U.S.
New York City mayoral candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa participated in their first debate at Rockefeller Center. They discussed topics like the conflict in Gaza, the National Guard, and living costs in NYC. A second debate is set for October 22.
Key Facts
The debate featured three candidates: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa.
It took place at Rockefeller Center in New York City.
The candidates talked about various subjects, including the war in Gaza and the National Guard.
Affordability and security in New York City were also debate topics.
During a quick-question round, candidates discussed their personal living expenses.
John Bolton, who was President Trump’s national security adviser, was indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland. The indictment involves charges related to his handling of classified documents and using a private email account to share sensitive information. Bolton's response includes criticism of the administration, while the Trump administration denies the investigation is politically motivated.
Key Facts
John Bolton, former national security adviser under President Trump, was indicted on handling classified information.
A federal grand jury in Maryland charged Bolton with eight counts of transmitting and ten counts of retaining national defense information.
The indictment accuses Bolton of using a private email hacked by a "foreign entity" and sharing classified documents.
Bolton issued a statement comparing the Trump administration's actions to Stalin's secret police and claims the DOJ was "weaponized."
Bolton’s attorney argues the charges are based on Bolton's personal diaries, which have been known to the FBI since 2021.
President Trump denied any knowledge of the indictment, calling Bolton a "bad guy."
Prosecutors claim Bolton shared classified information up to the "top secret" level with unauthorized individuals.
If convicted, the grand jury wants Bolton to forfeit any property connected to these charges.
Federal prosecutors in Texas have charged two individuals with terrorism-related offenses linked to the antifa movement. These charges follow President Trump’s designation of antifa as a terrorist group. The charges relate to a shooting incident at an immigration detention center in Texas.
Key Facts
The FBI, led by Director Kash Patel, announced the terrorism charges.
This is the first time antifa-related terrorism charges have been filed in the U.S.
President Donald Trump recently designated antifa as a terrorist organization.
Cameron Arnold and Zachary Evetts are charged with providing support to terrorists.
The incident involved a shooting at an ICE detention facility in Texas.
Neither Arnold nor Evetts has entered a plea; a court hearing is set for October 22.
Their lawyers claim there is no evidence to support the charges.
The charges do not specifically accuse them of supporting a terrorist organization.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Speaker Mike Johnson for not addressing accusations against Representative Cory Mills, who is under a protective order for alleged misconduct. Greene questions Johnson's actions, highlighting her pattern of supporting leaders only when it aligns with her agenda. Johnson previously expressed concerns about expelling members of Congress before a criminal conviction, following the expulsion of George Santos.
Key Facts
Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene accused Speaker Mike Johnson of being hypocritical for ignoring issues concerning Rep. Cory Mills.
Cory Mills faces a protective order for allegedly threatening to release explicit content of his ex-girlfriend.
Mike Johnson expressed a preference to focus on more serious matters than the allegations against Mills.
Greene criticized Johnson for expelling George Santos while not acting similarly with Mills.
Johnson did not support expelling Santos initially, citing the need for due process and the rule of law.
Greene has challenged other Republicans and plans to read Epstein-related information in Congress.
Greene plans to run for reelection in the House in 2026 but has ruled out running for the Senate or as a governor.
Greene has previously opposed her party's strategies, contributing to internal conflicts.
In recent months, six House Democrats aged 70 or older have raised less money than their younger opponents in primary elections. This indicates a trend where younger Democrats are challenging older incumbents and pushing for change. Some incumbents have struggled significantly against their competitors in terms of fundraising.
Key Facts
Six House Democrats aged 70 or older raised less money than their younger opponents between July and September.
Rep. Stephen Lynch raised around $61,000, while his opponent, Patrick Roath, raised nearly $143,000.
Former venture capitalist Eric Jones, 34, raised $1.5 million, surpassing Rep. Mike Thompson who raised about $612,000.
Rep. Ed Case raised $109,000, whereas his competitor, state Sen. Jarrett Keohokalole, raised $228,003.
Eleanor Holmes Norton, 88, raised just $3,227, compared to challenger Kinney Zalesne who raised $435,000.
Rep. Shri Thanedar raised nearly $500,000, but only a small part was from donations, the rest was from cryptocurrency investments.
Younger Democrats are gaining significant financial backing, indicating a demand for generational change.
Some incumbents have expressed that they are not concerned about being out-fundraised, focusing on overall financial strategy.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer are not speaking directly during an ongoing government shutdown, instead communicating through the media. Both leaders see President Trump as crucial for starting real negotiations on health care. Thune is optimistic about collaborating with Democrats to end the shutdown, while Schumer insists on solid commitments from the GOP.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has been ongoing for two weeks.
Senate leaders John Thune and Chuck Schumer are not personally communicating.
Both leaders think President Trump is key to starting serious talks on health care.
Thune offers a vote on Affordable Care Act subsidies but can't promise an outcome.
Democrats want guarantees that a health care bill will pass, not just be voted on.
President Trump is expected to join discussions after the shutdown ends.
The White House advises Republicans to maintain their position during the shutdown.
Direct talks between Thune and the White House are ongoing about future funding packages.
Congressman Seth Moulton has announced he will return donations from AIPAC, citing the group's support for Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. This move shows a shift among some U.S. Democrats who are distancing themselves from AIPAC due to its current political ties. AIPAC's influence is under increased scrutiny, particularly among Democrats, as its support for certain candidates is seen as controversial.
Key Facts
Congressman Seth Moulton decided to return AIPAC donations.
Moulton cited AIPAC’s support for Israel's Prime Minister Netanyahu as the reason.
AIPAC is a powerful pro-Israel lobby group in the United States.
AIPAC's influence is declining among Democrats due to its political decisions.
In 2022, AIPAC formed a committee to influence U.S. elections against progressive candidates.
AIPAC has been criticized for supporting candidates who back controversial Israeli policies.
Some Democrats view AIPAC's support as politically harmful.
AIPAC has been compared to the NRA, showing a similar decline in bipartisan support.
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic candidate for New York City mayor, chose not to endorse Kathy Hochul for her reelection as New York State governor during a debate. This is notable because Hochul had previously endorsed Mamdani for his mayoral run, indicating a possible division within the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is running for mayor of New York City.
Kathy Hochul endorsed Mamdani for his mayoral campaign.
Mamdani did not endorse Hochul for her reelection as governor during a recent debate.
The mayoral debate also included Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
The moderator asked candidates if they supported Hochul, but no one showed support.
The New York City mayoral election will take place on November 4.
Mamdani acknowledged Hochul’s efforts against President Trump in the debate.
Mamdani has been leading in the polls since winning the Democratic primary.
President Trump announced a plan to make in vitro fertilization (IVF) more affordable by working with the company EMD Serono to offer discounted fertility drugs on a new prescription website, TrumpRx. He also promoted new government guidance that allows companies to offer supplemental insurance for fertility, similar to vision or dental insurance.
Key Facts
President Trump promised to make IVF free during his 2024 presidential campaign, but the plan has not been realized yet.
On Thursday, Trump announced that EMD Serono will provide discounted fertility drugs in the U.S.
This initiative is part of TrumpRx, a prescription marketplace set to start in 2026.
Trump previously threatened 100-percent tariffs on drug companies unless they manufactured in the U.S., which he credits for getting companies on board.
Trump noted that companies can now legally offer supplemental insurance specifically for fertility treatments.
Laws vary in the U.S. regarding insurance coverage of fertility treatments like IVF.
More than 26 million Americans do not have health insurance, and many lack supplemental insurance for dental and vision care.
John Bolton, who once served as President Donald Trump's national security adviser, has been indicted by a federal grand jury in Maryland. He is accused of mishandling classified documents and faces charges under the Espionage Act for allegedly retaining and sharing national defense information.
Key Facts
John Bolton served as President Donald Trump's national security adviser.
A federal grand jury in Maryland indicted Bolton for handling classified documents.
He faces charges for transmitting and retaining national defense information.
The charges include eight counts of transmission and ten counts of retention of classified information.
Each count could lead to a sentence of up to 10 years in prison if convicted.
The FBI searched Bolton's home and office two months prior to the indictment.
Items seized included Bolton's cellphones and documents labeled with security classifications.
Bolton allegedly shared over 1,000 pages of sensitive government information with relatives.
Prosecutors claim a cyber actor linked to Iran accessed Bolton's personal email, which contained classified data.
President Trump announced plans for a deal to reduce rising beef prices. He highlighted the role of inflation and a shortage of cattle due to drought as reasons for the price increase. The details of the deal are not yet clear, but it aims to make beef more affordable for consumers.
Key Facts
President Trump promised a deal to lower beef prices.
Beef prices have risen rapidly, leading inflation.
The price of lean ground beef increased by 12% this year.
Over the past five years, beef prices have gone up by 38%.
A shortage of cattle, partly due to drought, has contributed to the price increase.
Cattle inventories are at their lowest in 75 years.
The specifics of the deal to address beef prices are not yet defined.
John Bolton, a former adviser to President Donald Trump, has been indicted on federal charges. The indictment follows an investigation into his handling of classified information, linked to a book he published. Bolton has not commented on the charges but denies any wrongdoing.
Key Facts
John Bolton served as President Trump’s national security adviser and was fired in 2019.
Bolton has been indicted on federal charges concerning classified information handling.
The Department of Justice presented the case to a grand jury in Maryland.
FBI agents searched Bolton’s home and office in August as part of the investigation.
Bolton's book, released in 2020, led to a lawsuit attempted by the White House, but it was published as scheduled.
The Department of Justice previously investigated Bolton in connection with his book for alleged mishandling of classified info.
Bolton is the third critic of President Trump to face criminal charges in recent weeks.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani faced criticism during a debate against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa over his stance on the phrase "globalize the intifada" and views on Israel and Hamas. Mamdani's opponents accused him of not clearly condemning antisemitic views, while Mamdani defended his position on seeking peace and respecting international law.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is a candidate for mayor of New York City and is aiming to be the city's first Muslim mayor.
During a debate, Mamdani was questioned about the phrase “globalize the intifada,” which some view as antisemitic.
Mamdani has faced criticism for his stance on the conflict between Israel and Hamas, particularly on condemning violence.
He stated his belief in a ceasefire and the need for lasting peace that addresses issues like occupation and apartheid.
Opponent Andrew Cuomo challenged Mamdani, implying he won't denounce antisemitic expressions.
Curtis Sliwa criticized Mamdani and Cuomo for not crediting President Trump for peace efforts between Israel and Hamas.
Mamdani argued that his references to occupation are based on international law.
The debate focused on how Mamdani’s statements align with accusations of antisemitism and his stance on Palestinian activism.
John Bolton, who was once a national security advisor, has been charged by a federal grand jury in Maryland. He faces 18 charges related to handling classified documents. These charges involve passing this information to two family members.
Key Facts
John Bolton is a former national security advisor.
He was indicted on 18 charges.
The charges are about retaining and sharing classified information.
A federal grand jury in Maryland issued the indictment.
The information was allegedly shared with two of Bolton's relatives.
Bolton has been a vocal critic of President Trump.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor criticized the U.S. Supreme Court for not stopping the execution of Charles Ray Crawford in Mississippi. She argued that the Court ignored important constitutional questions about his trial. The decision affects how the death penalty is applied in the U.S., where many states, including Mississippi, still use it.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court denied a request to stop Charles Ray Crawford’s execution.
Justice Sonia Sotomayor wrote a dissent, saying the Court ignored an important legal question.
Crawford was executed for crimes committed in 1993, including kidnapping, rape, and murder.
He argued that his Sixth Amendment rights were violated because his lawyers admitted guilt against his wishes.
The McCoy v. Louisiana case guarantees a defendant the right to decide his defense strategy.
Over 40% of Americans believe the Supreme Court is too conservative, according to a recent poll.
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority.
More than half of U.S. states, including Mississippi, have the death penalty.
A judge has ordered immigration officers in Chicago to wear body cameras. President Trump plans to meet with Vladimir Putin to talk about ending the Ukraine war. The Senate did not pass a measure to reopen the government, and some states are improving in the fight against obesity.
Key Facts
A judge mandated that immigration officers in Chicago must wear body cameras.
President Donald Trump announced a meeting with Vladimir Putin to discuss the Ukraine conflict.
The meeting with Putin is expected to take place in Budapest.
The U.S. Senate did not approve a proposal to reopen the federal government.
Some states in the U.S. are making progress in reducing obesity rates.
