Former CDC Director Dr. Susan Monarez spoke during a Senate hearing about her recent firing after serving for less than a month. The hearing also focused on vaccine policy questions.
Key Facts
Dr. Susan Monarez was the CDC Director for less than a month.
She was removed from her position, making her the shortest-serving director in CDC history.
She provided details about her firing during a Senate hearing.
Vaccine policy was a major topic during the Senate hearing.
The hearing involved discussions about her dismissal and future health policy.
Lisa Desjardins, a Congressional correspondent, reported on the hearing.
A U.S. citizen named Andrea Velez was mistakenly arrested during an immigration raid in Los Angeles. She spent two nights in jail and faced a felony charge that was later dropped by the Justice Department.
Key Facts
Andrea Velez is a U.S. citizen.
She was arrested during an ICE raid in Los Angeles.
The arrest took place this past summer.
Velez spent two nights in jail.
She faced a felony charge after her arrest.
The Justice Department eventually dropped the charge.
Velez's case was discussed by her and her lawyer, Luis Carrillo.
Colleen Shogan, the first woman to serve as Archivist of the United States, was fired by President Trump in February 2023 without a stated reason. She has started a national initiative called "More Perfect" to help improve democracy in the U.S.
Key Facts
Colleen Shogan was the first female Archivist of the United States, appointed in 2023.
President Trump removed her from the position in February 2023.
No official reason was provided for her dismissal.
Shogan has launched a bipartisan initiative named "More Perfect."
The goal of "More Perfect" is to work on strengthening U.S. democracy.
Shogan's launch took place on Constitution Day.
This initiative is featured in a series focusing on arts and culture.
At least two people were seriously injured in a shooting involving police in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania. The incident occurred near the Maryland border, and officials, including the Governor, responded to the scene. The situation led to a brief shelter-in-place order for a local school district.
Key Facts
Two people were seriously injured in a police-involved shooting in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania.
The incident happened about 115 miles west of Philadelphia, near the Maryland line.
York Hospital is treating two individuals in serious condition due to the incident.
Multiple police officers were reported injured in the shooting.
The local school district briefly issued a shelter-in-place order as a precaution.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday headed to the scene.
The Mexican Consulate in Philadelphia issued an alert for Mexican residents in the area.
Roads were closed off by police, and many emergency vehicles were on site.
Tyler Robinson, charged with the murder of activist Charlie Kirk, surrendered to police fearing a violent arrest. Prosecutors claim they have strong evidence against Robinson, including DNA and text messages. The incident has heightened political tensions and led to discussions about online extremism.
Key Facts
Tyler Robinson was charged with the murder of Charlie Kirk at Utah Valley University.
Robinson surrendered peacefully after authorities began searching for him.
Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty, citing DNA evidence and incriminating texts.
The incident increased political tensions in the United States.
Robinson's surrender was prompted by his parents recognizing his photo in a police alert.
Kirk was known for his involvement in conservative activism, particularly through his group, Turning Point USA.
Authorities are looking into Robinson's motive and whether he had any support in planning the attack.
The incident has led to discussions on campus security and online extremism.
A new poll shows the Republican candidate for New Jersey governor, Jack Ciattarelli, is trailing the Democratic candidate, Mikie Sherrill, by nine points. The poll highlights taxes as the top concern for voters and indicates that the race is drawing national attention due to its potential impact on future elections.
Key Facts
Jack Ciattarelli, a Republican, is running against Mikie Sherrill, a Democrat, for New Jersey governor.
A poll shows Sherrill with 49% support and Ciattarelli at 41%.
Other candidates in the race, from the Libertarian and Socialist Workers parties, each got 1% support.
The poll surveyed 1,238 likely New Jersey voters and has a margin of error of 3.9%.
Taxes are a major issue for voters, mentioned by 30% of respondents.
Sherrill has a 40% favorability rating and Ciattarelli has a similar 40% favorability rating.
Both candidates are focusing on issues like electricity bills, property taxes, and community safety.
The election is set for November 4, and both campaigns are working to win over undecided voters.
Statues of conservative commentator Charlie Kirk are being planned in Texas and Florida after he was fatally shot. The initiative aims to honor Kirk's contributions and promote free speech and civil discourse. The statues will be privately funded, with specific plans discussed by lawmakers and educational institutions.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, a conservative commentator, was killed on September 10.
Florida and Texas announced plans to erect statues in his memory.
The New College of Florida plans a statue on its campus, funded by community leaders.
The college aims to promote free speech and civil discourse with the statue.
In Texas, lawmakers are planning a statue at the state capitol in Austin.
Texas Representative Jeff Leach will propose a bill to have a Kirk statue in Austin.
The statue initiatives reflect Kirk's influence as a conservative figure.
President Trump ordered flags at half-staff after Kirk's death.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox is involved in the investigation of Charlie Kirk's killing. The situation has brought attention to his "Disagree Better" initiative, which focuses on handling disagreements more constructively.
Key Facts
Utah Governor Spencer Cox is linked to the investigation of Charlie Kirk's death.
The killing of Charlie Kirk has become a high-profile case in Utah.
Gov. Cox's "Disagree Better" initiative is in the spotlight due to this incident.
"Disagree Better" is an approach aimed at encouraging more constructive debates.
The future of "Disagree Better" may depend on public opinion and voter input.
The news is being covered by NPR's All Things Considered program.
A shooting involving police occurred in North Codorus, Pennsylvania, injuring at least two people. Local authorities and emergency services, including the governor, responded to the scene, and investigations are underway. The public was advised to comply with law enforcement instructions, and schools temporarily sheltered in place.
Key Facts
A shooting involving police happened in North Codorus Township, Pennsylvania.
At least two people are seriously injured due to the incident.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Attorney General Dave Sunday went to the scene.
York Hospital is treating the injured persons and has increased security measures.
A local school district issued, and later lifted, a shelter-in-place order as a precaution.
The Mexican Consulate advised its community to follow official instructions.
Over 30 police vehicles are involved in securing the area.
Authorities have not disclosed details about who was involved in the shooting.
Dr. Susan Monarez, the former head of the CDC, testified that she was dismissed for rejecting changes to vaccine policies and refusing to fire CDC vaccine experts on the orders of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Kennedy appointed new members to a vaccine advisory committee and allegedly pressured Monarez to accept their recommendations regardless of scientific evidence. Following her dismissal, other CDC leaders resigned, citing concerns about Kennedy’s approach to science and vaccine policy.
Key Facts
Dr. Susan Monarez was fired as head of the CDC in August, shortly after her appointment.
She claimed her dismissal was due to refusing demands from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.
Kennedy wanted Monarez to approve vaccine policy changes without considering scientific evidence.
Monarez was also asked to remove vaccine experts from the CDC without a valid reason.
Kennedy had previously replaced the advisory committee on vaccines with new members.
Dr. Monarez and other CDC leaders expressed concerns about Kennedy prioritizing politics over science.
Her firing is part of a larger controversy over vaccine policy under Kennedy’s leadership.
Following the incident, other leaders like CDC Chief Medical Officer Debra Houry also resigned.
The former CDC director, Susan Monarez, testified to the Senate that she was fired for refusing to pre-approve vaccine recommendations without reviewing them herself. She claimed that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who fired her, was implementing changes at the health agency that could undermine vaccine science. Kennedy has been replacing members of the vaccine advisory panel, suggesting the previous members had conflicts of interest.
Key Facts
Susan Monarez, former CDC director, was fired after a 29-day tenure.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. dismissed her for not pre-approving vaccine advice without evidence review.
Kennedy leads the "Make America Healthy Again" movement, which some criticize for promoting vaccine skepticism.
Monarez claims Kennedy instructed her to fire vaccine scientists without reason.
Kennedy had removed all 17 members of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP).
Monarez was the first Senate-confirmed CDC director, nominated by former President Trump.
Monarez warned Kennedy's changes could limit access to vaccines without proper scientific checks.
Monarez's testimony points to bipartisan concerns about Kennedy's leadership at the CDC.
Two brother cats named Reagan and Riley were found taped inside a small box in Michigan and are now at the Wyandotte Animal Shelter. The shelter is looking for a calm and understanding home willing to adopt the cats together, as they are not very affectionate yet.
Key Facts
Reagan and Riley, two brother cats, were found taped inside a small box.
The cats were passed around and eventually left unwanted before being rescued.
They are currently at the Wyandotte Animal Shelter in Michigan.
The cats are described as thin, scared of people, and not used to human interaction.
The shelter seeks a quiet home for them where they do not have to be very affectionate.
Over 3,100 people liked and 1,000 shared their story on Facebook, hoping for them to stay together.
The cats are still available for adoption as of the latest update.
Potential adopters can visit the shelter to get more information and apply.
An 18-year-old from Guatemala named Alvaro Velasquez has chosen to leave the United States after being detained by immigration agents shortly before graduating high school. Velasquez, who doesn't have a criminal record, was in the country illegally but had been granted deferred action. He decided to self-deport back to Guatemala, where he has no family.
Key Facts
Alvaro Velasquez, 18, traveled to the U.S. from Guatemala at age 16.
His mother passed away before he moved, and he has no contact with his father.
He was detained by ICE weeks before his high school graduation.
Velasquez agreed to self-deport during a virtual court hearing.
He had been granted deferred action, meaning legal proceedings were delayed.
His attorney said he was frustrated with being held in detention.
The Department of Homeland Security confirmed his arrest and detention.
He plans to return to Guatemala, where he has no relatives.
Research has not proven that taking Tylenol (acetaminophen) during pregnancy causes autism. Experts say that using acetaminophen for pain and fever during pregnancy is safe and could be less risky than leaving such symptoms untreated.
Key Facts
Tylenol (acetaminophen) is often recommended during pregnancy to reduce pain and fever.
Some reports have raised concerns about a link between Tylenol and autism, but no research has proven that acetaminophen causes autism.
There is no known single cause of autism, a condition that affects behavior and communication.
Terms like "association" in studies mean a relationship is noted, not that one thing caused another.
Medical experts, including the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, support acetaminophen use during pregnancy for specific pain and fever treatment.
Other pain relievers, like ibuprofen and naproxen, are not recommended during pregnancy as they can harm fetal development.
An untreated fever during pregnancy can lead to health risks for both the mother and the baby, including birth defects and preterm birth.
JD Vance, the Vice President of the United States, asked conservatives to delay discussions about the words, views, and legacy of activist Charlie Kirk, who was fatally shot during an event in Utah. A suspect, Tyler Robinson, has been arrested and charged with aggravated murder, and officials intend to pursue the death penalty. Vance emphasized focusing on remembering Kirk before debating his legacy.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, a 31-year-old activist, was shot at Utah Valley University on September 10.
Tyler Robinson, age 22, was arrested and charged with aggravated murder.
Officials plan to seek the death penalty against Robinson.
JD Vance asked conservatives to hold off on debating Kirk's legacy until after his funeral.
Vance expressed understanding of people's frustration over how Kirk's words might be interpreted.
The article notes that this is an ongoing story and more updates will be provided.
Vice President Vance hosted an episode of "The Charlie Kirk Show" in Washington after the incident.
The National Park Service has been directed to remove or change signs in parks that negatively describe historical figures. This plan specifically affects sites like George Washington's house in Philadelphia, where slavery was part of history.
Key Facts
The government wants the National Park Service to change signs seen as disparaging historical figures.
The deadline for making these changes is Wednesday.
One of the locations affected is George Washington’s house in Philadelphia.
The signs at this site mention that George Washington owned slaves.
The goal is to adjust or remove content that is viewed as negatively portraying these figures.
A U.S. House panel has invited CEOs from Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit to testify about the role of online platforms in political violence. This comes after the murder of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist. Authorities are investigating the online activity of the murder suspect, Tyler Robinson.
Key Facts
A House committee led by Republicans asked the CEOs of Discord, Steam, Twitch, and Reddit to testify in Congress.
The focus is on how online platforms may contribute to political violence and radicalization.
This investigation follows the murder of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing activist.
Tyler Robinson, the murder suspect, had an active online presence related to gaming and memes.
Robinson reportedly admitted to the murder on Discord, a messaging platform.
Some Republicans claimed the murder is part of a broader political movement, but evidence so far suggests Robinson acted alone.
Officials have considered measures against people who made negative comments about Kirk online.
Free speech advocates worry these actions might infringe on constitutional rights.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis warned students not to deface a new statue of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which the New College of Florida plans to install after Kirk's recent death. The school announced this statue to honor Kirk's legacy and promote free speech. Kirk was killed during an event in Utah, and his death has led to national discussions about political violence and free speech.
Key Facts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued a warning to students about defacing a planned statue of Charlie Kirk.
The New College of Florida announced a statue of Charlie Kirk after his assassination on September 10th.
The statue aims to honor Charlie Kirk's legacy and support free speech.
Charlie Kirk was an influential conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
Kirk was shot during a live event at Utah Valley University.
The statue is funded by community leaders and will be placed on the college campus.
Kirk's death sparked nationwide responses from politicians, celebrities, and community leaders.
Kirk's memorial service will feature speakers including his wife, Erika Kirk, and former President Donald Trump.
FBI Director Kash Patel testified that he has never discussed Jeffrey Epstein files with President Trump. During the testimony, Democratic lawmakers questioned Patel about why he hasn't released all Epstein-related materials. Patel cited court orders as the reason he can't release these documents.
Key Facts
FBI Director Kash Patel testified in Congress on Wednesday.
Patel has not spoken to President Trump about the Epstein files.
Democrats questioned Patel about the Epstein case and document release.
Patel said court orders prevent him from releasing all related documents.
He mentioned Trump was never an informant in the Epstein case.
Patel does not know how often Trump's name appears in the Epstein files.
Patel stated there are no photos of Trump with underage girls.
Democrats previously shared a page allegedly written by Trump to Epstein with a lewd drawing.
Former CDC director Susan Monarez testified that Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. told her not to share her concerns about health policies with Congress. Monarez stated that she felt pressured to compromise her commitment to openness and honesty with lawmakers. Kennedy denies that Monarez was dismissed for refusing to pre-approve vaccine recommendations.
Key Facts
Susan Monarez was the former director at the CDC.
She testified that Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the Health Secretary, instructed her not to speak to Congress about policy concerns.
Monarez claimed she contacted a Senate committee because she felt pressured to go against her pledge of transparency.
Kennedy denies that Monarez was fired for not approving vaccine recommendations in advance.
Monarez and Debra Houry, a former CDC Chief Medical Officer, raised concerns about a committee's vaccine recommendations.
The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices is set to meet to discuss vaccine guidelines.
Monarez and Houry worry about the professional backgrounds of the committee members tasked with determining vaccine recommendations.
