Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s approval rating as Secretary of Health and Human Services has dropped significantly, mainly due to controversy over his stance on vaccines. CNN's chief data analyst Harry Enten highlighted that Kennedy's net approval fell by 10 points from March to September. Recently, Kennedy has canceled funding for vaccine projects and faced backlash for changes in the Centers for Disease Control leadership.
Key Facts
Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s net approval rating decreased from -11 to -21 points from March to September.
54% of voters disapprove of Kennedy's job performance, while 33% approve.
Only 37% of people trust Kennedy on vaccination information, according to recent polling.
Kennedy recently canceled federal funding for 22 mRNA vaccine research projects in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control saw leadership changes, sparking backlash from health officials.
Nine former CDC officials published a letter urging Kennedy to resign over concerns about public health safety.
Michigan Democrat Haley Stevens announced plans to introduce impeachment articles against Kennedy, unlikely to pass due to Republican control of Congress.
A federal grand jury has indicted former FBI Director James Comey on charges related to false statements he allegedly made during a 2020 Senate testimony. The charges concern claims about his role in the FBI’s handling of the Russia investigation. The case could affect the Justice Department's image if the prosecutors do not present strong evidence.
Key Facts
James Comey, former FBI Director, faces two charges for allegedly making false statements to Congress.
The charges relate to Comey's 2020 testimony about the FBI's actions during the Russia investigation.
Each of these charges could lead to up to five years in prison if Comey is found guilty.
Comey has declared his innocence and looks forward to defending himself in court.
Prosecutors must prove that Comey’s statements were deliberately false and relevant to the investigation.
There is concern that political pressure influenced the decision to charge Comey.
Former President Donald Trump has openly called for action against Comey.
Legal experts suggest the case could risk damaging the perception of the Justice Department.
A couple renovating their home found a hidden, taller ceiling above the false ceiling tiles in their bedroom. Their discovery, shared on Instagram, gained significant attention and excitement from online users. Home renovation remains popular in the U.S., with many people updating or repairing their homes each year.
Key Facts
A couple discovered a taller ceiling hidden above the false ceiling tiles in their bedroom.
They shared their exciting find on Instagram, where it received many views and likes.
Home renovation is popular across the U.S., with about 43% of homeowners engaging in renovation activities recently.
Common renovation projects include kitchens, bathrooms, and upgrades for energy efficiency.
Home renovation costs can range from $10,000 to $50,000, often funded through savings or loans.
Regions like California, Texas, and Florida have high levels of renovation activity.
The couple's surprise discovery is part of a trend where homeowners find unexpected things during renovation projects.
The U.S. Secret Service is investigating a video where a man seems to threaten former President Donald Trump. The video has been widely shared on social media. The Secret Service stated they take all threats against protected individuals seriously.
Key Facts
The video was shared on social media by a user named Shane Ginsburg.
In the video, the man mentions a threat to Donald Trump.
The video has been viewed more than 1.2 million times.
The Secret Service said it takes all threats seriously and does not usually comment on such cases.
Newsweek reached out to Shane Ginsburg for a comment.
There is concern over rising political violence in the U.S.
Latino support for Trump is decreasing, mainly due to dissatisfaction with his economic and immigration policies. Polls show a decline in approval among Latino voters, which could impact future elections and political efforts in states like Texas. Concerns center around rising costs and immigration enforcement tactics.
Key Facts
Latino support for Trump is dropping, with a noticeable decrease in approval rates.
Economic issues like higher costs for goods and tariffs affecting farmers and businesses concern Latino voters.
Trump's immigration policies, including raids and deportations, have led to protests and accusations of racial profiling.
A poll by Somos Votantes showed Trump's favorability rating down by 20 points among Latinos.
In a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, only 32% of Hispanic voters approved of Trump's performance.
A UnidosUS poll from April showed high disapproval of Trump's presidency among Texas Hispanics.
In previous elections, Trump gained significant Latino support, but this is now declining.
Economic dissatisfaction is a key factor in the drop in Latino support for Trump.
Donnie Birchfield Jr., the son of a pastor in South Carolina, was arrested and charged with keeping four vulnerable adults captive and using their money for his own benefit. The investigation began after police discovered a deceased woman and three other people in a basement. Birchfield claims he is innocent, and the case is still under investigation.
Key Facts
Donnie Birchfield Jr. is charged with false imprisonment and exploitation of vulnerable adults.
Police found three people held in a basement during an investigation of a woman's death at a home.
The people reportedly included the deceased woman's husband and two women Birchfield knew.
Authorities allege Birchfield denied these individuals basic needs and financial autonomy.
Birchfield's father is a pastor at Friendship Baptist Church in Lancaster, South Carolina.
Birchfield's family has expressed doubts about the news coverage of the case.
Birchfield is currently out on a $150,000 bond, and the investigation is ongoing.
Julia Yuro, a woman from New Jersey, has a condition called dermatillomania, which causes her to compulsively pick at her skin for hours. She first noticed these tendencies as a teenager and was diagnosed in July 2025. Dermatillomania affects about 2% of people and can lead to skin damage and emotional distress.
Key Facts
Julia Yuro lives in Monmouth County, New Jersey.
She has a condition called dermatillomania, which causes her to pick at her skin for long periods.
Yuro started picking her skin at age 14 and showed compulsive tendencies at age 16.
She can spend from 30 minutes to 4 hours picking her skin, mainly her face.
Dermatillomania is an obsessive compulsive disorder affecting about 2% of people.
The condition often leads to skin damage, scarring, and emotional issues like feeling self-conscious.
Yuro was diagnosed in July 2025, after unknowingly living with the condition for years.
Dermatillomania is more common among women and can be triggered by conditions like acne or eczema.
A former Turning Point USA staff member, Caroline Stout, shared her experience of changing her political views after leaving the organization. Initially involved in conservative activism, she began to question her beliefs, especially after the 2016 Presidential election, and now supports progressive values. Stout discussed her journey online, and her story gained widespread attention.
Key Facts
Caroline Stout joined Turning Point USA in 2014 at age 17 and worked there for several years.
She was involved as a student activist, field staffer, and intern within the organization.
Stout's views began to change around the 2016 Presidential election due to the rhetoric that did not align with her beliefs.
Studying political science at Texas A&M University gave her a broader perspective and encouraged her to think critically.
She realized that people on the political left were not as she had been taught and began rejecting her past conservative beliefs.
Stout has shared her experience and evolving political views on social media, where her story went viral with millions of views.
Former President Donald Trump criticized former FBI Director James Comey in an ongoing legal case, claiming Comey lied. Trump also suggested that a judge appointed by President Biden, who is overseeing the case, gives Comey an unfair advantage.
Key Facts
Donald Trump made accusations against James Comey on his social media platform, Truth Social.
Trump called James Comey a "Dirty Cop" in his post.
Trump claimed that Comey lied in a legal case managed by a judge.
The judge overseeing the case was appointed by President Joe Biden.
Trump suggested that the judge's involvement gives Comey an unfair benefit.
The story is still developing, indicating more information might be available soon.
President Donald Trump and his Vice President, JD Vance, have different views on the importance of a meeting organized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth with top military officials. This meeting will take place at a Marine Corps base in northern Virginia, with around 800 generals and admirals expected to attend. The purpose of the meeting has not been disclosed, but it involves high-ranking military personnel.
Key Facts
President Trump and Vice President JD Vance disagreed on whether the meeting of military officers is a significant event.
The meeting is organized by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and will happen at a Marine Corps base in northern Virginia.
Around 800 generals and admirals, ranked one-star or higher, are expected to attend.
The meeting is scheduled for next Tuesday at Quantico.
The reason for the meeting has not been publicly stated.
Trump mentioned the meeting might involve reviewing military equipment.
Trump recently announced that the Department of Defense would be renamed the Department of War.
There have been recent cuts in top military positions ordered by Hegseth.
U.S. President Donald Trump announced new tariffs on medicines, large trucks, and furniture. The tariffs aim to encourage domestic manufacturing and are based on national security reasons. These measures include a 100% tariff on some pharmaceutical products unless manufacturing moves to the U.S., as well as 25% and higher tariffs on trucks and home renovation items.
Key Facts
Trump announced a 100% tariff on branded or patented drugs unless they are made in the U.S.
Companies like Samsung Biologics, with significant U.S. market exposure, saw stock drops after the announcement.
A 25% tariff was set for heavy trucks made outside the U.S. to support domestic manufacturers.
Trucks from foreign companies like Volvo and Daimler are affected by the new tariffs.
A 50% tariff is applied on home renovation materials and 30% on upholstered furniture.
These decisions are linked to national security, based on a Section 232 probe.
Past tariffs included a baseline 10% and more for specific issues like trade balances and security concerns.
Shares of some U.S. furniture retailers, which rely on imports, fell after the tariffs were announced.
Dr. Mehmet Oz explained that it is safe for pregnant women to take Tylenol for high fevers, as it is one of the few options available. President Trump recently claimed a possible link between Tylenol use during pregnancy and autism, though this connection is not proven. The FDA advises cautious use but still considers acetaminophen safe during pregnancy.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz clarified that it's safe for pregnant women to take Tylenol for high fevers.
President Trump suggested a link between Tylenol (acetaminophen) and autism, but experts say it is unproven.
The FDA advises doctors to limit acetaminophen use for low-grade fevers during pregnancy.
Acetaminophen is still considered one of the safest over-the-counter pain and fever medicines during pregnancy.
Autism rates in the U.S. have increased, with a CDC report showing a rise from 1 in 150 children in 2000 to 1 in 31 in recent years.
The increase in autism rates may relate to better awareness and changes in diagnostic criteria.
A large 2024 study found no link between acetaminophen use during pregnancy and autism or ADHD.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune, a Republican from South Dakota, is trying to find a way to avoid a government shutdown. He believes a "clean" bill without additional demands like health care reform could help reach a deal before the funding deadline. Thune's comments reflect ongoing tensions between political parties over federal spending and policy.
Key Facts
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader.
Thune suggests a "clean" funding bill to prevent a government shutdown.
A government shutdown could happen if no funding agreement is reached by Wednesday.
Democrats are demanding health care reform, which Thune considers unrealistic.
Tensions between Democrats and Republicans are high over spending and policy issues.
Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer has not shown willingness to compromise.
Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with lying to Congress. The charges relate to his 2020 testimony about the Russian interference investigation in the 2016 election, not the investigation itself. Comey could face up to five years in prison if found guilty.
Key Facts
James Comey was the FBI Director from 2013 to 2017.
He was fired by President Donald Trump during an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election.
The investigation, led later by Robert Mueller, found Russia attempted to influence the election but didn't prove Trump's campaign conspired with Russia.
Comey is charged with making false statements and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
The charges stem from Comey's 2020 testimony where he allegedly lied about authorizing leaks to the press.
Republican Senator Ted Cruz questioned Comey in a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing about leaks related to Hillary Clinton's emails and the Trump-Russia investigation.
Former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe testified that Comey did approve such leaks, contradicting Comey's testimony.
An indictment means a grand jury believes there is enough evidence to charge a person with a crime.
Former FBI Director James Comey has been charged with obstructing justice and lying to Congress. The charges follow long-standing criticism from former President Trump. Separately, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has called for a meeting with top military leaders, though the reason remains unclear.
Key Facts
James Comey, the ex-FBI Director, is charged with obstructing justice and making a false statement to Congress.
A grand jury in Virginia issued the indictment.
Former President Trump has criticized Comey, holding him responsible for certain investigations during Trump's presidency.
Charges allege that the Justice Department believes Comey knowingly lied about important matters.
Pete Hegseth, the U.S. Defense Secretary, has called a meeting with top Pentagon commanders.
The purpose and agenda for Hegseth's meeting with military leaders are not publicly known.
This large-scale meeting is unusual compared to typical Pentagon gatherings.
Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that American soldiers who received medals after the 1890 Wounded Knee Massacre should keep them. This decision has caused disagreement because the incident involved a large number of Lakota Native Americans being killed, some of whom were women and children.
Key Facts
Pete Hegseth is the Secretary of War and a former Fox News presenter and National Guard officer.
He decided that soldiers awarded medals after the Wounded Knee Massacre will keep their honors.
The Wounded Knee Massacre occurred on December 29, 1890, where 250-300 Lakota Native Americans were killed.
20 American soldiers received Medals of Honor for their actions at Wounded Knee.
The massacre involved the U.S. 7th Cavalry Regiment trying to disarm a Lakota camp.
A review was conducted to reassess these medals under President Biden's Defense Secretary, Lloyd Austin.
Pete Hegseth has also been involved in other military history discussions, such as maintaining a Confederate Memorial at Arlington.
Public responses on social media platforms like X have been critical of Hegseth's decision.
Allegations have arisen that Tom Homan, a White House border advisor, took money from fake business executives, who were undercover FBI agents, to help them get government contracts if Donald Trump was re-elected. The Department of Justice (DOJ) reportedly started and then stopped an investigation into these claims. The DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR), rather than the independent Office of Inspector General (OIG), may handle the case, leading to concerns about a lack of independent oversight.
Key Facts
Tom Homan is accused of taking $50,000 from supposed business executives, who were actually FBI agents.
The DOJ and FBI began investigating these claims but the inquiry was halted.
The DOJ's Inspector General (OIG) cannot review this case due to a legal carve-out.
This carve-out requires cases involving DOJ attorneys and staff doing their jobs to be handled by the DOJ's Office of Professional Responsibility (OPR).
The OIG has more independence compared to the OPR since it reports both to DOJ and Congress.
Critics say that having the OPR handle the case means the DOJ is essentially investigating its own actions.
Efforts to close the OIG's carve-out in law have been unsuccessful in Congress.
There are concerns about public confidence in investigations led by the same department accused of mishandling previous inquiries.
Jimmy Kimmel returned to hosting his show after a weeklong suspension due to comments about conservative activist Charlie Kirk's death. The return episode achieved record viewership, sparking debates on free speech and media neutrality. The controversy involved critical reactions from both political sides, including comments from former President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel was suspended for nearly a week.
His comments related to the death of Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist.
Kimmel's return episode had record viewership with 6.26 million viewers.
The episode led to discussions about freedom of speech and media influence.
Former President Donald Trump criticized Kimmel's return.
Some conservatives felt Kimmel did not fully apologize for his comments.
The FCC regulates what can be said on broadcast TV, unlike private speech.
Kimmel's show is said to have taken a more neutral tone since his return.
A car wash owner in Los Angeles has filed a $50 million lawsuit claiming that federal agents injured him during an immigration raid. The lawsuit alleges that the agents forcefully detained Rafie Ollah Shouhed, a U.S. citizen, and ignored his attempts to show legal documents for his employees.
Key Facts
Rafie Ollah Shouhed, 79, owns a car wash in Los Angeles.
He filed a lawsuit for $50 million, claiming civil rights violations.
Shouhed says federal agents pinned him during an immigration raid on September 9.
The agents were reportedly from the Department of Homeland Security.
Shouhed is a U.S. citizen who tried to show legal paperwork for his workers.
He claims agents held him at the Metropolitan Detention Center for almost 12 hours without medical care.
Surveillance footage allegedly shows the incident.
The story is still developing with more updates expected.
A 73-year-old woman named Harjit Kaur, who lived in the U.S. for over 30 years, was deported to India after her asylum application was denied. Her arrest and treatment by U.S. immigration officials caused shock and anger within the Sikh community.
Key Facts
Harjit Kaur, 73, was deported from the U.S. to India after living there for over three decades.
She originally moved to the U.S. in 1991 to escape political issues in Punjab, India.
She applied for asylum several times but was unsuccessful.
Her lawyer claims she was treated poorly by U.S. immigration officials, including being detained without a bed.
Kaur lived legally in the U.S. while her asylum claim was processed and worked as a seamstress, paying taxes.
She was arrested during a routine check-in with immigration authorities.
Her deportation led to protests in the Sikh community.
This action is part of a broader immigration crackdown during the Trump administration.
