President Donald Trump announced a new policy requiring a $100,000 fee for applications for the H-1B visa, which lets U.S. employers hire skilled foreign workers temporarily. This move could greatly affect American technology companies and the states that rely on these workers. The new fee applies only to new applications, not to current visa holders or renewals.
Key Facts
The H-1B visa allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers in specialized fields, like technology.
A new $100,000 application fee has been introduced to reduce what the government says are abuses of the visa program.
About 71% of H-1B visa holders are from India, with China accounting for 12%.
As of June 2023, over 280,000 H-1B visas were approved, with California having the highest number.
Amazon is the largest employer of H-1B workers in the U.S., followed by Tata Consultancy Services, Microsoft, Meta, Apple, and Google.
The new fee applies to new applicants only, not to existing visa holders or those renewing.
The median salary for new H-1B visa holders in 2023 was $94,000, making the fee challenging for some employers and workers.
An open letter organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), signed by over 400 entertainers, supports Jimmy Kimmel after ABC suspended his show. This suspension followed comments from FCC chairman Brendan Carr and is perceived as a concern for free speech. Prominent figures like Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, and Pedro Pascal signed the letter.
Key Facts
Over 400 entertainers signed an ACLU letter supporting Jimmy Kimmel.
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's late-night show under pressure from the FCC.
The letter argues that this situation is a threat to freedom of speech.
Notable signatories include Tom Hanks, Selena Gomez, and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
Jimmy Kimmel's suspension followed his criticism of conservative responses to the assassination of Charlie Kirk.
Ryan Routh, accused of attempting to assassinate Donald Trump at a golf course, presented his defense briefly in court before resting his case. Routh, who represented himself, called three witnesses and chose not to testify. The court will hear closing arguments next.
Key Facts
Ryan Routh is charged with trying to assassinate Donald Trump last year.
He presented his defense in a few hours and called three witnesses.
Routh decided to represent himself in the trial, not using a lawyer.
A courtroom issue was communication difficulty, with the judge repeatedly reminding Routh to follow rules.
One witness, a former Marine sniper, talked about the rifle used in the incident.
The rifle reportedly malfunctioned during a test after Routh's arrest.
Routh has pleaded not guilty to all five charges.
Closing arguments in the trial are scheduled for Tuesday.
The murder of a Ukrainian woman in North Carolina is becoming a key issue in the 2026 Senate race between Republican Michael Whatley and Democratic former Governor Roy Cooper. Whatley criticizes Cooper for policies that he claims led to the crime increase, while Cooper defends his record on crime. The race is expected to be very competitive and costly, with both candidates aiming to secure a Senate seat.
Key Facts
A Ukrainian woman was killed on a Charlotte commuter train, sparking political debate.
Republican Michael Whatley blames Democrat Roy Cooper for the crime due to policies aimed at addressing racial inequity.
Cooper, a former North Carolina governor, defends his record on crime and policy.
The murder and accusations have become central in the 2026 North Carolina Senate race.
Cooper aims to capture an open Senate seat, seen as a crucial win for Democrats.
Both candidates have shown sympathy for the victim's death and engaged in a political standoff.
The Senate race could become one of the most expensive in U.S. history.
Whatley is using the incident to increase his visibility and name recognition among voters.
The White House press secretary announced that President Trump plans to label antifa as a domestic terror organization. Antifa is a movement of far-left activists, not a formal group, which makes it challenging to classify as a terror group. The administration aims to investigate and identify its funding sources.
Key Facts
The White House plans for Trump to sign an order labeling antifa as a domestic terror group.
Antifa stands for "anti-fascist" and is a loose network opposing fascism and white supremacy.
The administration wants to probe who funds antifa and other similar groups.
Trump is considering the designation based on support from officials like Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Antifa cannot be listed as a foreign terrorist organization due to its domestic status.
No U.S. law currently allows for a list of domestic terror organizations as there is for foreign groups.
In the past, figures like Senators Cassidy and Cruz pushed for antifa's designation as a terror group.
Former FBI Director Wray noted antifa's ideological nature, lacking typical organizational structure.
Turning Point USA received a lot of donations and interest in forming new chapters after the death of its founder, Charlie Kirk, who was shot on September 10, 2023. A suspect is in custody, and the organization continues to see growth and support from conservatives.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, was killed on September 10, 2023, while speaking at Utah Valley University.
Tyler Robinson, 22, is in custody and charged with aggravated murder related to Kirk's death.
Turning Point USA has seen a surge in donations and requests to form new chapters since Kirk's passing.
The organization received over 54,000 requests from students wanting to start or join chapters of the group.
Notable donations include $1 million from Lynn Friess, with more fundraisers bringing in millions for Kirk's family.
A funeral for Charlie Kirk took place in Glendale, Arizona, where President Donald Trump and others spoke.
Kirk's organization, Turning Point USA, aims to engage young Republicans and has grown significantly after his death.
President Donald Trump announced plans for a major announcement related to Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) policies in the U.S. Reports suggest the announcement may involve claims about the effects of acetaminophen use during pregnancy and potential treatments like leucovorin. The CDC's data on autism prevalence differs from Trump's remarks.
Key Facts
President Trump announced plans for a significant policy announcement on autism.
Reports indicate the announcement may link acetaminophen use during pregnancy to autism.
Leucovorin is mentioned as a potential treatment in the new plans.
The CDC data states that 1 in 31 8-year-olds are diagnosed with autism.
Trump referenced higher figures in his remarks about autism prevalence.
There are differences between Trump's figures and established CDC data.
Top health officials, such as the FDA and NIH directors, are involved.
Trump's remarks included controversial views about vaccines and autism.
On Friday, the U.S. President announced that companies must now pay $100,000 for each new H-1B visa application. This fee increase aims to reduce the number of foreign workers brought to the U.S. under the H-1B visa program. The new rule applies to new applications only and exempts existing visa holders and those who applied before September 21.
Key Facts
The H-1B visa program allows companies to hire foreign workers with special skills.
The application fee for H-1B visas has increased to $100,000 from a range of $2,000 to $5,000.
The fee hike starts at 12:01 am ET on Sunday.
Existing H-1B visa holders and applications submitted before September 21 are not affected.
The Department of Labor plans to update wage rules to ensure visas go to highly skilled workers.
Indian workers constitute the majority of H-1B visa recipients, making up 71% of approvals.
Historical data shows Indian tech companies receiving the most H-1B visas over recent years.
President Donald Trump announced changes to the H-1B visa program, proposing a new $100,000 fee, which led to confusion among visa holders and officials. The announcement led to concerns about its impact on people with H-1B visas and their ability to return to the U.S. Trump and his administration later clarified that the fee was a one-time charge, not annual, and current visa holders abroad would not have to pay it to re-enter the country.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa applications.
The initial announcement caused confusion and concern among H-1B visa holders and immigration attorneys.
The fee was clarified to be a one-time charge, not an annual fee.
The White House and related departments had to issue explanations due to the confusion.
The new fee does not apply to current H-1B visa holders re-entering the U.S. from abroad.
Previously, filing fees for H-1B visas were up to $995, with additional optional premium processing fees.
The announcement drew comparisons to Trump's earlier travel bans, indicating similar confusion and rapid changes.
President Donald Trump plans to make an announcement about autism. The White House will hold a briefing before the announcement. The announcement follows previous comments linking autism to vaccines, which are not supported by scientific evidence.
Key Facts
President Trump is set to announce something related to autism on Monday.
The White House press briefing will occur at 1 p.m. ET.
The main event is scheduled for 4 p.m. ET.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. promised to identify the cause of autism this year.
Kennedy has spread unsupported claims that vaccines cause autism.
Trump suggested that children might receive too many vaccines.
Trump's previous remarks on autism have concerned experts in the field.
The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has decided to stop its annual survey that tracks food insecurity, which is the difficulty some families face in getting enough food. This decision follows a new law that changes requirements for food assistance, potentially affecting 2.4 million people.
Key Facts
The USDA announced it will end its yearly food insecurity survey.
This survey has been conducted for 30 years and helps shape policies on hunger.
The decision comes after a new law affecting food assistance requirements was signed.
An estimated 2.4 million people may lose food aid due to these new requirements.
In 2023, about 47.4 million people lived in food-insecure households, including nearly 14 million children.
Last year's report showed the highest food insecurity rates since 2014.
Experts argue that the survey is crucial for understanding and addressing food insecurity.
The final survey report, covering 2024 data, will be released on October 22.
The Trump administration plans to announce a possible link between autism and the use of Tylenol during pregnancy, though scientific research has not proven this connection. They also propose using a form of vitamin B, leucovorin, as a potential treatment for autism. Scientific communities have challenged these claims, emphasizing the established role of genetics in autism and the continued recommendation for acetaminophen use during pregnancy.
Key Facts
The Trump administration claims there may be a link between acetaminophen use in pregnancy and autism risk.
Scientific research has not found a conclusive link between acetaminophen and autism.
Leucovorin, a form of vitamin B, is suggested as a potential autism treatment by the administration.
Genetic factors are widely accepted as a significant risk for autism.
Acetaminophen is still recommended for treating fever and pain in pregnant women by medical groups.
Small studies have suggested a possible association, but the largest study found no increased risk.
The Autism Science Foundation acknowledges limited studies on folate levels affecting autism risk.
New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani canceled a scheduled televised town hall with an ABC affiliate. He did this because ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel's show following pressure from the FCC over Kimmel's comments. Mamdani disagreed with the government's influence on media censorship.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is a candidate for New York City mayor.
He canceled a town hall event that was to be broadcast by an ABC affiliate.
ABC suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live! after the FCC Chair suggested regulatory action.
The FCC's concern was over Jimmy Kimmel's comments about Charlie Kirk.
Mamdani opposed the suspension, seeing it as government censorship.
He emphasized that the First Amendment rights should protect free speech.
Mamdani plans to consider other town halls in the coming weeks.
A couple in Oklahoma faces murder charges related to a 2014 incident. James Larson allegedly killed Dustin Carver, after his wife, Penny Larson, told him she wanted Carver gone. The case came to light when James spoke to another inmate about the murder.
Key Facts
James and Penny Larson are accused of murdering Dustin Carver in 2014.
The couple allegedly confronted Carver about an alleged rape of Penny, which Carver denied.
James Larson mentioned the crime to a cellmate, who reported it to authorities.
Human remains and evidence of burning were found at the Larsons' property in 2014.
No charges were filed at that time because the remains were not positively identified.
Witnesses claimed Penny cleaned up blood from the scene and participated in disposing of the body.
James allegedly threatened a witness to stay silent about the incident.
Penny Larson is currently held in custody without bond.
A federal judge has ordered New York State to ensure mentally ill inmates at the Mid-State Correctional Facility receive more time outside their cells and better access to therapy. This decision comes from a lawsuit where prisoners claimed they were kept in near-isolation without the necessary treatment.
Key Facts
A judge ordered New York State to improve treatment for mentally ill prisoners at the Mid-State Correctional Facility.
The order requires more time out of cells and better therapeutic programs for these inmates.
Nine prisoners filed a lawsuit saying they were kept in near-solitary confinement, violating laws.
The ruling addresses potential noncompliance with New York's laws aimed at reducing solitary confinement.
The HALT Solitary Confinement Act limits solitary confinement and promotes rehabilitation-focused units.
This case could influence prison treatment reforms across New York and potentially other states.
The ruling calls for balancing human rights with prison safety and management needs.
The lawsuit includes claims under the Eighth and Fourteenth Amendments, which protect against cruel and unusual punishment and ensure due process.
Hundreds of celebrities have signed a letter in support of free speech after Jimmy Kimmel's show was suspended over comments he made. The letter, organized by the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU), argues that silencing voices sets a harmful precedent.
Key Facts
Over 430 individuals from Hollywood and Broadway signed the letter.
The signers include well-known stars like Robert De Niro, Ben Affleck, and Meryl Streep.
Jimmy Kimmel's show was suspended by ABC over remarks about a conservative activist.
A group of ABC-affiliated stations decided not to air his show.
Disney pulled "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" from airing, leading to a debate on free speech.
The ACLU letter claims this action threatens the right to free speech.
Celebrities urge Americans to join the ACLU in defending constitutional rights.
More than 400 artists and the ACLU signed an open letter criticizing the government's role in the suspension of the "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" show. They argue that the action against Kimmel, following FCC criticism, threatens free speech. The letter urges Americans to protect their right to free expression.
Key Facts
An open letter by the ACLU and over 400 artists criticizes the suspension of "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" by Disney and ABC.
The signatories include well-known figures like Jennifer Aniston, Robert De Niro, and Tom Hanks.
The group claims that the suspension is an attack on free speech and unconstitutional.
The letter stresses that pressure from leaders to punish speech violates the principles of a free country.
It warns that free speech issues affect various groups, like teachers and students, not just Hollywood.
FCC Chair Brendan Carr criticized Kimmel after a monologue, suggesting possible regulatory consequences for his show.
The open letter calls for unity in defending the First Amendment rights.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will stop sending out benefit payments by mail starting September 30, 2025. All payments, including Social Security and other federal benefits, will be made electronically to reduce costs and prevent fraud. Beneficiaries must choose direct deposit or a prepaid card to continue receiving payments.
Key Facts
The SSA will no longer issue benefit payments by paper check starting September 30, 2025.
Beneficiaries need to switch to electronic payments using direct deposit or the Direct Express card.
An executive order signed by former President Trump requires all federal payments to be electronic by this date.
Over 521,000 payments were still made as checks as of July 2025, but these are a small fraction of total beneficiaries.
The switch aims to reduce costs, prevent fraud, and avoid delays associated with paper checks.
Exceptions to the rule exist for recipients without any electronic payment options available.
The SSA provides assistance to help beneficiaries through the transition process.
Complaints of mail theft have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic, making electronic payments more secure.
President Donald Trump is set to make an announcement about autism at the White House. Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had pledged to find the cause of autism by September, raising concerns because of his past support for theories linking vaccines to autism.
Key Facts
President Trump will speak about autism at the White House on Monday at 4 p.m. ET.
Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. previously promised to identify the cause of autism by September.
Kennedy has supported theories that vaccines are linked to autism, which are widely discredited by experts.
Trump mentioned at an event on Sunday that he believes an answer to autism has been found.
During a flight, Trump suggested that children might be receiving too many vaccines.
The announcement has raised concerns among experts due to the nature of the claims involved.
President Trump introduced a $1 million "Gold Card" visa program, which is causing concern about potential misuse by wealthy individuals. The program offers a fast track to U.S. residency for those investing at least $1 million. Some politicians argue this could favor the wealthy and might be illegal.
Key Facts
The "Gold Card" visa program allows foreign nationals to gain U.S. residency for a $1 million investment.
Senator Dick Durbin claims the program may welcome wealthy foreign individuals with controversial backgrounds.
The program will replace EB-1 and EB-2 visa categories, which are for individuals with exceptional abilities.
The Trump administration plans to issue about 80,000 Gold Cards.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick says the program is still in the "implementation phase."
A more expensive "Trump Platinum Card" could allow longer U.S. stays without tax obligations on non-U.S. income, pending Congress's approval.
A new $100,000 application fee has been introduced for H-1B visas, often used by tech companies.
President Trump expects the Gold Card program to raise over $100 billion, claiming it will help reduce taxes and national debt.
