A new study reveals that fewer young Americans are identifying as transgender or queer, with many returning to identifying as heterosexual. The researchers suggest that changes in mental health after the COVID-19 pandemic might play a role, rather than political or cultural influences.
Key Facts
The study shows a decline in young Americans identifying as transgender or queer between 2023 and 2025.
Researchers used several surveys, including those from universities and academic polls, for their analysis.
The number of students identifying as non-binary dropped 3 to 6 percent from 2023 to 2025.
Identification as heterosexual remains lower than in 2020 but shows an increase compared to past years.
Bisexual identification rose from 10 to 17 percent from 2020 to 2023 but fell to 12 percent by 2025.
The study suggests a decline in young people's identification with terms like "trans" and "queer."
Mental health concerns after the pandemic are suggested as contributing factors to these trends.
Political and cultural stability from 2023 to 2025 appeared to have little effect on these changes.
A federal judge ruled that a Washington state law requiring Catholic priests to report child abuse learned in confession violates the U.S. Constitution. This decision stops the state from enforcing the law, which had removed the confidentiality usually given to confessions. Both parties agreed to the decision, so there will be no appeals.
Key Facts
The law, Senate Bill 5375, was supposed to start on July 27, 2025.
It added clergy to the list of mandatory reporters for child abuse but removed the confidentiality of confession.
Violating the law would have resulted in jail time and fines for priests.
Three Catholic bishops sued, stating the law forced priests to break their religious vows.
The court ruled this law unconstitutional as it infringed on religious practices protected under the First Amendment.
The United States Department of Justice supported the Catholic bishops' lawsuit.
The decision has been finalized, and no party will appeal the ruling.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized President Donald Trump's actions in deploying federal officers in Chicago. Pritzker compared Trump's approach to historical authoritarian regimes and expressed concerns about the potential for future military involvement in U.S. politics.
Key Facts
JB Pritzker is the Governor of Illinois.
Pritzker made his comments in an interview on SiriusXM.
He suggested that President Trump is dealing with "mental health issues."
Pritzker compared the situation to authoritarian regimes, referencing Nazi Germany.
He expressed concerns about federal officers being sent to Chicago.
Pritzker warned about potential military involvement in future U.S. elections.
The interview focused on the impact of these actions on American democracy.
President Donald Trump is handling the current government shutdown differently than past ones. His budget chief, Russ Vought, has been given special authority to decide which federal programs and employees are prioritized or cut. This has led to legal challenges.
Key Facts
President Trump is managing the government shutdown in a new way.
Russ Vought, the budget chief, is choosing which programs get funding.
The shutdown has lasted for three weeks so far.
The Office of Management and Budget plans to make more cuts.
The military is continuing to get paid during the shutdown.
Jobs in health, education, and sciences are being reduced.
Some actions taken are challenged in court for legality.
Programs that Democrats favor are being particularly targeted.
A recall has been issued for nearly 1,000 cases of Scott & Jon's Honey Sesame Salmon Rice Bowls because they may contain undeclared wheat, which is an allergen. The FDA labeled this as a Class III recall, the lowest risk level, because the issue is unlikely to cause health problems. The products were sold in nine states, and no illnesses have been reported.
Key Facts
Nearly 1,000 rice bowl products were recalled due to undeclared wheat.
The FDA labeled the recall as Class III, meaning it's unlikely to cause health issues.
The recall affects products sold in nine states, including Florida and California.
No illnesses or adverse reactions have been reported from the rice bowls.
Wheat is a major allergen that must be clearly labeled on food products.
Consumers with wheat allergies should avoid the recalled product and may return it.
The FDA advises people to always check food labels for allergen information.
A U.S. court ruled that James Comey, the former FBI Director, can have more access to evidence in his criminal case. The judge rejected the Justice Department's request to keep most evidence secret. This decision allows Comey and his lawyers to better prepare for his trial.
Key Facts
James Comey is involved in a criminal case in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The judge, Michael S. Nachmanoff, denied the Justice Department's request to restrict how Comey's legal team can use discovery materials, which are evidence shared before a trial.
The request from prosecutors aimed to keep nearly all evidence as "Protective Material," meaning restricted access.
The judge ruled that the government's proposal was too broad and not clear enough about what should be secret.
This decision allows Comey's legal team to share evidence with potential witnesses more freely.
Comey plans to challenge the appointment of the U.S. Attorney involved in his case.
The court's decision raises questions about transparency and fairness in handling cases with sensitive evidence.
The IRS reminded millions of taxpayers that their 2024 tax returns are due by October 15, particularly for those who received extensions. Despite the ongoing government shutdown, the IRS maintained that the tax filing deadline remains in effect, and interest and penalties apply for late submissions.
Key Facts
The deadline for filing extended 2024 tax returns is October 15.
The original tax filing deadline was April 15.
Over 20 million taxpayers are expected to file by the extended deadline.
The government shutdown does not impact the tax filing deadline.
Failing to file or pay on time may result in a 5% penalty per month on taxes owed.
The IRS encourages electronic filing and has multiple payment options available.
Certain taxpayers affected by terrorist actions in Israel have deadlines extended to September 30, 2026.
People affected by federally declared disasters may also receive deadline extensions.
Airports across the United States are choosing not to show a video by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, which blames Democrats for the government's shutdown. These airports avoid political messages due to their policies, and the video has sparked debate over its alignment with federal guidelines on political activities.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem is the Homeland Security Secretary.
The video blames Democrats for the federal government shutdown.
Many airports, including those in major cities like New York, Atlanta, and Chicago, refuse to show the video.
These airports cite policies against political content as their reason for not showing it.
The Hatch Act is a law that limits political actions by federal employees.
Some experts suggest that the video's message might violate the Hatch Act.
The government shutdown affects Transportation Security Administration (TSA) operations.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among Republicans has slightly decreased in several recent polls. Meanwhile, a government shutdown is ongoing, focusing on funding disagreements related to the Affordable Care Act. As the shutdown continues, it is having a growing impact on the U.S. economy.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among Republicans dropped in a John Zogby Strategies poll from 85% in August to 80% in October.
A YouGov poll showed a decrease from 88% in September to 84% in October among Republicans.
The government shutdown started at the beginning of October due to a funding disagreement in Congress.
The main issue in the shutdown is whether to include Affordable Care Act subsidies in the funding bill.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated the shutdown is affecting the U.S. economy.
Analysts estimate the shutdown could reduce economic growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage points each week.
Senate votes on a stopgap spending bill have repeatedly failed to pass.
Some Republican support for Trump is declining due to the shutdown, with Trump's approval on this issue dropping from 79% to 75%.
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development announced that non-permanent residents, including H-1B visa holders, are no longer eligible for FHA-insured mortgages. This change, which began on May 25, impacts the ability of these residents to buy homes in the U.S. and has led to a sharp drop in FHA loans to them.
Key Facts
A new rule prevents non-permanent residents from getting FHA-backed mortgages.
This rule took effect on May 25, following an executive order by President Trump.
H-1B visa holders are included in the group affected by this rule.
In June, less than 1% of FHA loans went to non-permanent residents, a significant drop from previous months.
The change aims to reserve economic opportunities and federal benefits for U.S. citizens and permanent residents.
Non-permanent residents must now seek other loan options, which often have stricter requirements.
The policy may deter H-1B visa holders from staying in the U.S., impacting businesses that rely on skilled workers.
On October 18, millions are expected to join "No Kings" protests across the United States. The demonstrations aim to express frustration over the government shutdown and opposition to President Trump's military actions in Democratic-led cities. Critics include Republican lawmakers who argue that the rallies are politically motivated.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" protests are planned for October 18 across all 50 states.
Organizers expect millions to participate, with over 2,500 events scheduled.
The protests express opposition to President Trump's handling of Democratic-led cities and the ongoing government shutdown.
The American Civil Liberties Union, American Federation of Teachers, and Human Rights Campaign are among the participating groups.
Republican lawmakers have criticized the protests as politically motivated, calling them a "hate America rally."
The protests are part of broader resistance activities against the Trump administration.
Home of the Brave, a nonprofit, has launched a $1 million ad campaign to promote the rallies.
Previous related protests include one on June 14 in response to a planned military parade by President Trump.
President Donald Trump is managing the current government shutdown by allowing his budget office to make decisions about which programs to cut or keep. The shutdown has entered its third week, with significant impacts on federal workers and programs. The Senate is meeting, but there is no agreement yet on reopening the government.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is in its third week and is becoming one of the longest in history.
President Trump’s budget office has unusual control over deciding program funding and worker layoffs.
Many federal programs, especially those related to health, education, and sciences, are facing cuts.
Over 4,100 federal workers received layoff notices recently.
The administration is focusing on funding the military and mass deportation efforts.
Democrats have demanded health care funding, leading to a deadlock in Congress.
There are ongoing court challenges to the legality of the budget office's actions.
Senate Democrats have rejected proposals to reopen the government multiple times.
A high-speed chase by Border Patrol agents on Chicago's South Side ended with an arrest and a protest where tear gas was used. The incident involved federal agents using tear gas to control protesters who gathered after the arrest. The situation is part of ongoing tensions regarding immigration enforcement in Chicago.
Key Facts
A high-speed chase involving Border Patrol agents ended in an arrest on Chicago's South Side.
The chase began after a driver suspected of being in the U.S. illegally hit a Border Patrol vehicle.
Protesters gathered at the scene, leading agents to use tear gas for crowd control.
Thirteen Chicago police officers were exposed to the tear gas during the incident.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker criticized the federal agents' use of force.
Federal agents have used tear gas in other parts of Chicago recently.
Protests in Chicago have been increasing due to ongoing federal immigration enforcement actions.
"Sanctuary city" protections are being discussed by activists in response to these federal actions.
Millions of Texans are being told to avoid drive-thru lanes due to high air pollution levels. Texas cities like San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Houston-Galveston are under Ozone Action Day alerts as forecasted conditions may lead to unsafe ozone levels.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued Ozone Action Day alerts for several Texas areas.
These alerts cover San Antonio, Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Galveston, and Brazoria.
Ground-level ozone can cause health problems, such as reduced lung function and asthma symptoms.
An estimated 17.3 million people live in the affected metropolitan areas.
Ozone forms when nitrogen oxides and volatile organic compounds react in sunlight.
Motor vehicle emissions, gasoline vapors, and chemical solvents contribute to ozone pollution.
High-pressure systems and clear skies in Texas can lead to higher ozone formation.
The current alert is in effect for Wednesday, with potential updates expected for Thursday.
President Trump plans to use redirected funds to pay military members and fund a food assistance program during a government shutdown. While Democrats argue that these actions are illegal because only Congress can allocate federal funds, they are hesitant to challenge them in court. The situation is politically delicate, as Democrats do not want to be seen as opposing payments to troops and aid for needy families.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to redirect $8 billion from military projects to pay troops.
Trump also plans to use tariff revenue to fund the Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) program.
Democrats claim only Congress has the power to allocate federal money.
Some Democrats acknowledge the moves might lead to legal challenges, but the situation is politically complex.
House Speaker Mike Johnson supports the administration's actions to reallocate funds.
Many Democrats refrain from actively opposing due to potential political repercussions.
There is general agreement about the importance of ensuring payment to military personnel and funding for food assistance.
President Donald Trump is making extensive renovations to the White House, including new installations and designs like a $250 million ballroom and modifications to the Rose Garden. He frequently involves guests in design decisions and showcases the updates during meetings. His plans include future projects like a large arch near the Memorial Bridge.
Key Facts
President Trump is renovating the White House with projects like a $250 million ballroom and redesigned Rose Garden.
He has added gold details to the Oval Office and hung new art and mirrors.
Trump often engages with guests to get their opinions on design choices.
He showed off renovations during meetings with international leaders and tech CEOs.
Trump intends to build a large arch near the Memorial Bridge, inspired by the Arc de Triomphe.
Future architectural projects include models printed in 3-D to assist planning.
Costs for certain projects may be covered by private funding, but total expenses remain unclear.
Some experts are concerned about the impact of these changes on historical preservation.
President Trump is supporting Jack Ciattarelli, the Republican candidate for New Jersey governor. Trump plans to use his influence and allies to help Ciattarelli in the upcoming election. This effort includes fundraising and events to energize voter turnout in a state traditionally leaning Democratic.
Key Facts
President Trump is endorsing Jack Ciattarelli for New Jersey governor and planning to support him with fundraising.
Ciattarelli is running against Democratic Rep. Mikie Sherrill.
The election will take place on November 4 and will reflect voter attitudes in Trump's second term.
Trump will host phone rallies to engage supporters.
Trump lost New Jersey in the last presidential election, creating a cautious approach to his involvement.
Ciattarelli, although endorsed by Trump, has differing views on some policy issues.
No in-person visits by Trump to New Jersey are planned at this time.
Trump is also considering late involvement in the Virginia elections, but is less likely to support the GOP governor candidate there.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is running the most expensive political ad campaign of 2025, spending $51 million to thank President Trump for his border security efforts. The ads are described as public service announcements encouraging self-deportation, with DHS emphasizing that they are not political. The campaign is part of a larger $200 million contract.
Key Facts
DHS is spending $51 million on ads supporting President Trump's border security efforts.
The ads aim to promote self-deportation and feature Secretary Kristi Noem.
They are part of a $200 million contract awarded quickly due to "unusual and compelling urgency."
The ads thank President Trump and emphasize border security.
Meta data shows ads are targeting users who like Latin music and culture, with ads in English and Spanish subtitles.
Fox News is the largest host of the ads, with about $9 million in content aired there.
Ads also appear on morning shows and Spanish-language programs.
The ad companies, People Who Think and Safe America Media, received the contract without the normal bidding process.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has turned negative in every major swing state for the first time since he took office. This shift is notable as these states are key for determining political control in upcoming elections, including the 2026 midterms. Trump's dropping approval ratings could impact the Republican Party's performance in these critical areas.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is negative in seven key swing states: Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Arizona, Georgia, Nevada, and North Carolina.
These states are important for deciding control in the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump previously had positive approval in Arizona and Georgia, which have now flipped to negative.
In Pennsylvania, Trump's net approval dropped from zero to -2 points.
In Virginia, Trump's approval fell from 47% to 43%, with disapproval rising to 54%.
The 2025 gubernatorial elections in Virginia and New Jersey are high-profile contests that are attracting national attention.
Historical trends show that the president's party often loses seats in Congress during midterms.
A woman named Barbie from Michigan had a tough day at work but felt better after receiving a sweet message from her mom through her Ring doorbell camera. Her mom, knowing Barbie was stressed, visited her house just to leave a loving message, which lifted Barbie's spirits. This heartwarming gesture came at a time when many U.S. workers report high levels of burnout.
Key Facts
Barbie is from Kentwood, Michigan.
She had a hard day at work before seeing her mom's message.
The message was captured on a Ring doorbell camera.
Barbie’s mom visited the house specifically to leave a supportive message.
Burnout among U.S. workers is reportedly at a six-year high.
Aflac’s survey showed that about 75% of U.S. employees are experiencing moderate to high burnout.
The mom’s visit was one of her "just because" visits to show she cares.
