In a significant move to address growing labor market vulnerabilities, the Federal Reserve announced a quarter-percentage-point reduction in its benchmark interest rate on September 17, 2025. This marks the first rate cut since December and signals potential further reductions in the coming months. The decision, which lowers the rate to a range of 4.00%-4.25%, reflects heightened concerns over rising unemployment, particularly among minority groups and younger workers, as well as a declining average workweek and sluggish payroll growth. Fed Chair Jerome Powell emphasized that the softening job market has become a top priority for policymakers, stating, ‘We don’t need it to soften anymore.’ The Fed’s projections indicate two additional rate cuts before the end of the year, though the decision fell short of the more aggressive half-percentage-point cut advocated by newly appointed Fed Governor Stephen Miran, who cast the sole dissenting vote. Miran’s year-end rate projection suggests he supports further significant reductions, potentially bringing the policy rate below 3%. The decision comes amid political tensions, with President Donald Trump’s attempts to influence the Fed through criticism and personnel changes, including an unsuccessful effort to remove Governor Lisa Cook. Despite these pressures, the Fed maintained its independence, with Powell asserting that decisions are driven by data rather than external influences. While inflation remains above the Fed’s 2% target, policymakers prioritized employment risks, reflecting a shift in focus from price stability to labor market health. The announcement briefly buoyed stock markets, though they later closed mixed, while the dollar strengthened modestly. Treasury yields remained stable, and rate futures markets indicated a high probability of another cut at the Fed’s October meeting.
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Unresolved questions hang over case against Charlie Kirk’s accused killer
In a high-profile court appearance, Tyler Robinson, the 22-year-old suspect in the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, faced charges of capital murder via video feed from jail in Provo, Utah. The case, which has sparked a political firestorm, continues to raise questions about Robinson’s motives, preparation, and potential accomplices. Prosecutors have yet to provide a comprehensive account of how Robinson planned the attack or what specifically drove him to commit the crime.
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West Coast states recommend COVID shots for all adults and children, breaking with federal policy
In a notable divergence from federal guidelines, the West Coast Health Alliance, encompassing California, Oregon, and Hawaii, has issued updated recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations. On Wednesday, the alliance urged all adults and children seeking protection to receive the updated vaccines, particularly emphasizing the importance for children aged six to 23 months and those aged two to 18 with risk factors or no prior vaccination history. This stance contrasts sharply with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) recent approval, which limited the updated vaccines to individuals with health conditions and those aged 65 and older. The alliance’s recommendations come in response to sweeping changes in federal vaccine policy under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., which included the withdrawal of COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and healthy children in May. These federal shifts have prompted medical organizations and states to establish their own guidelines ahead of the fall immunization campaign, aiming to ensure continued access to vaccines. Typically, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, a federal advisory body to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), provides guidance on vaccine administration post-FDA approval. Notably, the West Coast Health Alliance’s recommendations for respiratory syncytial virus and influenza vaccines align with those of the CDC.
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White House readies executive order on political violence as liberal groups sound warning
The White House is reportedly drafting an executive order aimed at addressing political violence and hate speech, according to a Trump administration official. This move comes in the wake of heightened scrutiny of left-leaning organizations following the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a prominent Trump ally. The administration has accused liberal groups of exacerbating societal divisions and inciting violence, while critics argue that the focus on left-wing organizations overlooks the administration’s own controversial actions, including the pardoning of individuals involved in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack. President Trump has suggested using federal racketeering laws to prosecute groups he claims fund left-wing violence and has even floated the idea of designating some as terrorist organizations. Over 120 nonprofits, including the Ford Foundation and Open Society Foundations, have publicly opposed these efforts, asserting that their charitable work is being mischaracterized. The executive order, which could be unveiled soon, is being finalized by Trump’s top advisers, including White House Deputy Chief of Staff Stephen Miller. This development marks the latest escalation in the Trump administration’s broader campaign to challenge institutions it perceives as adversarial, including withholding federal funds from universities like Harvard and Columbia and investigating Democratic fundraising platforms like ActBlue.
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US judge orders deportation of Palestinian activist Mahmoud Khalil
A US immigration judge has mandated the deportation of Mahmoud Khalil, a pro-Palestinian activist, to either Algeria or Syria, citing alleged omissions in his green card application. Judge Jamee Comans of Louisiana asserted that Khalil intentionally misrepresented facts to bypass immigration procedures. Khalil, a permanent US resident of Palestinian descent, gained prominence during the 2024 Gaza war protests at Columbia University, where he was a student. His legal team has announced plans to appeal the decision, emphasizing that existing federal court orders prevent his deportation or detention. Khalil was previously detained by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) in March as part of the Trump administration’s crackdown on universities accused of failing to address antisemitism. After three months in a Louisiana immigration facility, a federal judge ruled his release, citing no flight risk or community threat. During his detention, Khalil’s wife, a US citizen, gave birth to their son. The US government has also accused Khalil of omitting details about his past affiliations, including his work with UNRWA and the British Embassy in Beirut. Khalil has condemned the deportation order as a retaliatory measure for his activism, stating, ‘They resorted to fabricating baseless allegations to silence me.’ In June, his lawyers filed a $20 million damages claim for false imprisonment and malicious prosecution. Trump has labeled pro-Palestinian activists, including Khalil, as Hamas supporters, advocating for their deportation. Khalil played a significant role in Columbia University’s 2024 protests, mediating between activists and university officials. While accused of leading the Columbia University Apartheid Divest (CUAD) group, Khalil denies the claim, stating he merely served as a spokesperson and mediator.
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Katty Kay: Why America is at a dangerous crossroads following the Charlie Kirk shooting
The United States finds itself in a tumultuous period, grappling with a surge in political violence and deepening societal divisions. The recent assassination of Charlie Kirk, a prominent conservative figure, has only exacerbated the nation’s fractured state. Utah Governor Spencer Cox has called for calm, urging Americans to ‘log off, turn off, touch grass, hug a family member, go out and do good in the community.’ However, his plea for unity seems unlikely to be heeded, as the country’s political camps have already retreated to opposing narratives. The incentives driving American political life reward those who escalate tensions rather than those who seek to bridge divides. This dynamic is further fueled by social media, which amplifies extreme voices and stokes outrage. Governor Cox has pointedly criticized social media platforms, attributing them to the rise in political violence. ‘I believe that social media has played a direct role in every single assassination and assassination attempt that we have seen over the last five, six years,’ he stated. The situation is reminiscent of past eras of political violence, such as the 1960s and 1970s, but the current climate is uniquely shaped by the pervasive influence of digital platforms. Despite the grim outlook, some remain hopeful. Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia, one of the country’s most senior black officials, condemned political violence but also highlighted the progress America has made on issues like race. ‘The story of any family is always more complicated than the stories we tell ourselves at the family reunion,’ he remarked. Yet, the path to reconciliation remains unclear. As historian Ken Burns noted, ‘History doesn’t repeat itself, but it often rhymes.’ This moment of tension feels like it rhymes with so many other periods of discord in American history, but it isn’t quite repeating them. The United States’ internal divisions are not just a domestic issue; they are a national security concern. Former Defence Secretary Bob Gates once identified the three greatest threats to America’s national security as a rising China, a declining Russia, and the country’s own internal divisions. As America’s adversaries exploit these divisions online, the nation’s ability to heal and unite remains in question.
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Body found in car registered to D4vd identified as missing teen
A decomposing body discovered in a Tesla registered to singer D4vd has been identified as Celeste Rivas, a 15-year-old girl who had been missing since April 2024, according to US authorities. The remains were found in the trunk of the impounded vehicle on September 8 at a Hollywood tow yard in Los Angeles, following reports of a foul odor. The cause and time of death remain undetermined. Rivas, from Lake Elsinore, California, was last seen on April 5, 2024, when she was 13 years old, as per a missing person flyer cited by CBS. The Tesla, with Texas license plates, had been abandoned in the Hollywood Hills five days prior and was likely at the tow yard for several days before the discovery. The car is registered to David Anthony Burke, the legal name of singer D4vd. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner described the remains as belonging to a 5ft 2in (157cm) individual with wavy black hair, wearing a tube top and black leggings, and bearing a tattoo on the right index finger that reads ‘Shhh.’ Law enforcement sources cited by NBC News indicated the remains were not intact, suggesting the girl had been deceased for an extended period. D4vd, known for his viral hits ‘Here With Me’ and ‘Romantic Homicide,’ released his debut album in April and was on tour when the remains were found. His scheduled show in Seattle was subsequently canceled. Police confirmed that D4vd is cooperating with the ongoing investigation.
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Jimmy Kimmel taken off air over Charlie Kirk comments
In a dramatic turn of events, ABC has indefinitely suspended ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ following the host’s controversial remarks about the shooting of right-wing influencer Charlie Kirk. The decision, announced by the Disney-owned network, has sparked widespread debate over freedom of speech and the role of media in public discourse. Kimmel, known for his sharp political commentary, had criticized the ‘Maga gang’ for politicizing Kirk’s death and mocked President Donald Trump’s reaction to the tragedy. His comments, made during a monologue earlier this week, were deemed ‘offensive and insensitive’ by Nexstar Media, one of the largest TV station owners in the U.S., which also pulled the show from its lineup. President Trump celebrated the suspension, calling it ‘great news for America,’ while FCC Chair Brendan Carr praised Nexstar for ‘doing the right thing.’ However, the decision has drawn criticism from various quarters, including the Writers Guild of America and Sag-Aftra, which condemned it as a violation of free speech. Kimmel, who has not been fired, is expected to discuss his return with network executives. The suspension comes amid a broader shift in late-night television, with CBS recently announcing the end of ‘The Late Show With Stephen Colbert’ next year. As the industry grapples with changing viewer habits and political pressures, the future of traditional network programming remains uncertain.
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What was on the menu and who was on guest list at state banquet?
President Donald Trump’s state visit to Windsor Castle was a spectacle of grandeur, blending royal tradition with diplomatic nuance. The state banquet, held in the opulent St George’s Hall, was a meticulously orchestrated affair, designed to impress and honor the visiting leader. The setting, reminiscent of a medieval feast with a touch of cinematic flair, featured elaborately uniformed staff, immaculate table settings, and a menu crafted to perfection. Each course, from the Hampshire Watercress Panna Cotta to the Vanilla Ice Cream Bombe, was paired with a curated selection of fine wines, including a symbolic 1945 vintage port to commemorate Trump’s presidency. Despite the absence of Hollywood celebrities, the guest list was a who’s who of political and tech elites, including Apple CEO Tim Cook, press magnate Rupert Murdoch, and OpenAI’s Sam Altman. The seating arrangement sparked intrigue, with Trump placed between King Charles III and the Princess of Wales, while other notable figures like Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and US Secretary of State Marco Rubio mingled with royalty and business leaders. The event, a mix of tradition and modernity, underscored the enduring significance of royal diplomacy in global politics.
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The Summer I Turned Pretty to conclude with feature film
Prime Video has officially announced that the beloved series ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ will culminate in a feature film, marking the final chapter of the global franchise. The announcement was made during the Season 3 premiere celebration in Paris, where series stars Lola Tung (Belly) and Christopher Briney (Conrad) posed on the red carpet in front of a billboard promoting the upcoming film.
Jenny Han, the author of the original coming-of-age trilogy and the creative force behind the series, will return to write and direct the film. Han expressed her excitement, stating that a movie was the only fitting medium to properly conclude Belly’s journey. ‘There is another big milestone left in Belly’s journey, and I thought only a movie could give it its proper due,’ Han said in a statement. She also extended her gratitude to Prime Video for supporting her vision and enabling her to share the final chapter with fans.
The series, which premiered in 2022, has captivated audiences worldwide with its portrayal of Belly’s complex love triangle with brothers Conrad and Jeremiah. The third and final season, recently released in the US and UK, leaves Belly at a pivotal crossroads in her relationships. While details of the film remain undisclosed, it is expected to provide a satisfying conclusion to the story.
‘The Summer I Turned Pretty’ has become a cultural phenomenon, sparking passionate debates among fans and even leading to online abuse directed at the lead actors. Han has urged fans to engage more respectfully, emphasizing the importance of creating a positive online environment.
Courtenay Valenti of Amazon MGM Studios and Vernon Sanders of Prime Video and Amazon MGM Studios praised the series for its global impact, stating, ‘The Summer I Turned Pretty has struck a chord with audiences everywhere, creating moments of joy, nostalgia, and connection that have made it a global sensation. We’re proud of the series’ extraordinary success and couldn’t be more excited to partner again with Jenny Han to bring fans an unforgettable next chapter.’