The Trump administration has unveiled controversial conclusions suggesting a link between autism and the use of acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, during pregnancy. President Trump and Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. announced that pregnant women should limit their use of the medication, a claim widely contested by the international scientific community. The administration also promoted further investigation into the drug leucovorin as a potential treatment for some autism symptoms. This announcement has drawn sharp criticism from scientists and medical groups, who label the claims as "fearmongering" and not based on robust scientific evidence.

15/100

An examination of the evidence behind the Trump administration's announcement linking Tylenol to autism reveals the claims are based on limited and inconclusive science. While some small observational studies have suggested an association, they fail to prove causation and are contradicted by larger, more rigorous research, such as a study of 2.5 million children in Sweden that found no link. Medical experts emphasize that fever during pregnancy is a known risk factor for neurodevelopmental issues, and discouraging the use of acetaminophen, a primary treatment, could pose its own health risks. Most scientists attribute the rise in autism diagnoses primarily to increased awareness and evolving diagnostic criteria.

30/100

The Walt Disney Company announced that "Jimmy Kimmel Live!" will return to the air, nearly a week after being indefinitely suspended. The suspension followed comments Kimmel made regarding the death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, which drew criticism from FCC Chairman Brendan Carr and prompted major affiliate station owners like Nexstar and Sinclair to pull the show. Disney stated the suspension was to avoid inflaming a tense national situation, and the decision to reinstate the show came after "thoughtful conversations" with Kimmel. The move had faced significant backlash from free speech advocates and Hollywood figures.

65/100

The Trump administration's new policy imposing a $100,000 fee on new H-1B visa applications is causing confusion and concern among immigration attorneys, employers, and visa holders. The fee, intended to encourage hiring American workers, applies to initial applications and is typically paid by the employer, a cost that could deter many companies from participating in the program. While the White House clarified that the fee does not apply to current visa holders or renewals, ambiguity remains regarding travel for those with pending applications. Immigration lawyers are currently advising H-1B employees to avoid international travel until further guidance is provided.

25/100

Walt Disney Studios has released the first trailer for its upcoming Star Wars film, "The Mandalorian and Grogu," offering fans a glimpse of the next chapter for the popular duo. The teaser showcases the bounty hunter Din Djarin and his force-sensitive charge, Grogu, on a new adventure that picks up after the third season of the Disney+ series. The trailer features fan-favorite elements, including Grogu's adorable antics and interactions with Anzellan droidsmiths, as well as an appearance by Sigourney Weaver as a New Republic colonel. The film is slated for a May 22 release, becoming the first Star Wars movie in theaters since 2019.

85/100

The Trump administration has launched a new immigration pathway, dubbed the "Trump Gold Card," which offers a fast track to permanent residency for wealthy foreigners. The program allows individuals to obtain an EB-1 or EB-2 visa in exchange for a $1 million "unrestricted gift to the Department of Commerce," which the president stated would generally be used to pay down national debt. This policy differs from the existing EB-5 investor visa program, which requires investment in American businesses that create jobs. Critics suggest the new program redefines the American dream as a transaction, prioritizing personal wealth over other qualifications for immigration.

35/100

President Trump is scheduled to meet with Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries as a potential government shutdown looms. With a funding deadline of September 30 approaching, competing Republican and Democratic proposals to extend government funding have failed in the Senate. Democratic leaders have requested the meeting, stating they will not support a spending bill that doesn't address their healthcare priorities and blaming Republican leadership for the impasse. The president has acknowledged the possibility of a shutdown, creating uncertainty as both the House and Senate have left Washington for a recess.

40/100

NASA has introduced its newest class of 10 astronaut candidates, selected from a pool of over 8,000 applicants, who will train for future missions to the International Space Station, the Moon, and Mars. The diverse group is composed of six women and four men, marking the first female-majority astronaut class for the agency. The candidates include pilots, a biomedical engineer, a geologist, an anesthesiologist, and a former SpaceX launch director. After completing two years of intensive training, they will become eligible for flight assignments, potentially playing key roles in NASA's upcoming Artemis moon missions and beyond.

95/100

England's National Health Service (NHS) is introducing a new initiative called "Jess's Rule" to help general practitioners avoid potentially deadly diagnostic errors. The rule urges doctors to "think again" if a patient presents with the same symptoms three times without a clear diagnosis or if their condition worsens. It is named after Jessica Brady, a 27-year-old who died from cancer in 2020 after her symptoms were repeatedly dismissed over five months. The guidance encourages actions like ordering more tests, seeking a second opinion, or referring to a specialist to improve patient safety and prevent similar tragedies.

70/100

China is in the process of drafting its 15th five-year plan, a strategic blueprint that will guide the nation's economic and social development from 2026 to 2030. These plans are a core feature of China's governance, setting long-term priorities to achieve ambitious goals, such as reaching the per capita GDP of a "moderately developed country" by 2035. As officials prepare to discuss the new plan, it is expected to address rising uncertainties both domestically and internationally. Experts suggest that to navigate these challenges, Beijing may need to prioritize qualitative goals over rigid quantitative targets to maintain flexibility.

60/100

Police in Northern California report that a potential school shooting was averted thanks to a tip submitted through the "Say Something" anonymous reporting system. The tip line, created by the Sandy Hook Promise organization, alerted authorities to concerning online posts by a former student referencing Menlo-Atherton High School. Law enforcement quickly located the student and recovered weapons from their home, preventing a credible planned attack. This incident marks the 19th such prevention credited to the system since its launch, highlighting the critical role that community vigilance and anonymous reporting can play in ensuring school safety.

75/100

Dallas Cowboys star wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is expected to be out for three to four weeks after suffering a high ankle sprain during a recent game against the Chicago Bears. The injury occurred in the first quarter when a defender fell on his legs, causing his ankle to twist. Lamb, a key target for quarterback Dak Prescott, was seen in a walking boot after the game, and an MRI later confirmed the sprain. His absence represents a significant blow to the Cowboys' offense as they prepare for an important upcoming matchup against the Green Bay Packers.

40/100

In the lead-up to the Ryder Cup at Bethpage Black, European captain Luke Donald and his American counterpart Keegan Bradley have highlighted their strong personal friendship and mutual respect. Despite expectations of a hostile "bearpit" atmosphere from the New York crowd, the two captains, who are neighbors in Florida, have set a tone of camaraderie. Donald spoke of their "deep, mutual respect," while Bradley noted there are "not many people I like more in the golf world than Luke Donald." Both expressed a desire for the competition to be intense on the course but to conclude in harmony.

85/100

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva met with the chief of TikTok to discuss a potential investment of over $10 billion to establish a major data center in Brazil. The project, which would be one of the largest technology infrastructure investments in the country's history, is centered on the Pecém Industrial and Port Complex in the state of Ceará. This location is a strategic hub for subsea data cables connecting South America with North America, Europe, and Africa. The discussions highlight President Lula's focus on technology and digital policy as key components of his international economic agenda.

80/100

Deion Sanders appeared to confirm reports that his son, quarterback Shedeur Sanders, turned down opportunities with the Baltimore Ravens and Philadelphia Eagles during the 2025 NFL draft before being selected by the Cleveland Browns. Shedeur reportedly did not want to be a long-term backup to established star quarterbacks Lamar Jackson or Jalen Hurts. Speaking on a podcast, Deion Sanders defended his son's desire for a chance to play sooner rather than later, questioning the value of learning from the bench in the NFL. Shedeur, once considered a potential first-round pick, ultimately fell to the fifth round.

60/100

Spain and Barcelona midfielder Aitana Bonmatí has made history by winning the women's Ballon d'Or for the third consecutive year. The 27-year-old was recognized as the world's best female footballer, finishing ahead of her national teammate Mariona Caldentey. Bonmatí's win continues a five-year streak of Barcelona players receiving the honor. Her remarkable season included leading her club to a domestic treble and the Champions League final, where she was named the competition's player of the season, solidifying her status as a dominant force in world football.

95/100

Copenhagen Airport, Denmark's largest, was forced to halt all take-offs and landings on Monday evening after multiple large drones were spotted flying in the vicinity. Danish police confirmed the closure, stating that two to three drones were observed in the area, but the timeline for reopening the airspace was unknown. The incident caused significant disruption, with tracking services reporting that at least 35 flights had to be diverted to other airports. The event occurs amid heightened security concerns in Northern Europe following a recent increase in sabotage activities and airspace incursions in the region.

25/100

Production on the upcoming film "Spider-Man: Brand New Day" has been temporarily halted for one week after star Tom Holland suffered a mild concussion on set. The 29-year-old actor is reportedly resting as a precautionary measure, and the delay is not expected to affect the movie's scheduled release date. Filming is anticipated to resume on September 29. The fourth film in the current Spider-Man series reunites Holland with co-stars Zendaya and Jacob Batalon, and has been in production since early August, with Holland actively sharing behind-the-scenes updates with fans.

55/100

France has officially recognized a Palestinian state, with President Emmanuel Macron announcing the decision at the United Nations and declaring that "the time for peace has come." The move makes France the latest in a wave of Western countries, including the UK, Canada, and Australia, to take the step, increasing international pressure on Israel. Macron emphasized the need for a two-state solution to end the ongoing conflict and humanitarian crisis in Gaza. The recognition comes as France and Saudi Arabia co-host a UN summit focused on peace plans, though Israel has condemned such moves as a reward for Hamas.

50/100

The fate of the Reel Inn, an iconic seafood restaurant in Malibu destroyed by the Palisades fire in January, remains in limbo amid confusing communications with California State Parks. The owners, who leased the land from the state, initially received a letter stating they could not rebuild, but after public outcry, the agency reversed its position, committing to explore a path for the restaurant's return. However, no clear timeline or plan has been provided, leaving the owners uncertain. The state has indicated its intent to bring back the Reel Inn as a key tenant once infrastructure is rebuilt, but the site is also part of a long-term lagoon restoration project.

45/100

The future of TikTok in the United States may depend on a new agreement concerning the control of its powerful recommendation algorithm. Under a proposed deal, TikTok's U.S. operations would be managed by a U.S.-based joint venture that would control a copy of the algorithm, with software company Oracle providing comprehensive security oversight. This arrangement aims to address national security concerns that the Chinese government could access American user data or manipulate content. The algorithm, considered TikTok's "secret sauce" for its user engagement, has been a major sticking point, as Chinese law restricts the export of such technology.

55/100

A new form of user engagement tactic, dubbed "chatbait," is becoming prevalent among AI chatbots like ChatGPT. Similar to clickbait, chatbait uses prodding follow-up questions, unsolicited offers, and proactive messaging to keep users in a conversation for longer periods. This strategy helps AI companies gather more training data and build product loyalty, but it can also be perceived as annoying or manipulative. In some cases, the tactic can be problematic, such as when chatbots offer to perform tasks they are incapable of or, more seriously, engage users in potentially harmful, prolonged discussions on sensitive topics.

45/100

Paris St-Germain forward Ousmane Dembélé has won the men's Ballon d'Or, capping a remarkable career turnaround. Once plagued by injuries and questions about his professionalism at Barcelona, the 28-year-old flourished at PSG, especially after the departure of Kylian Mbappé. Dembélé scored 35 goals and provided 14 assists, leading his club to a treble-winning season. His transformation is attributed to a combination of growing maturity, improved lifestyle habits, and a tactical shift by manager Luis Enrique, who moved him into a more central, goal-scoring role, finally unlocking his long-predicted world-class potential.

95/100

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum, one of the world's few Jewish heads of state, has labeled Israel's military actions in the Gaza Strip a "genocide." This statement marks a significant shift in her government's rhetoric on the conflict and aligns Mexico with a growing number of nations and international bodies critical of Israel's campaign. Having previously supported the Palestinian cause, Sheinbaum's comment reflects increasing pressure from her leftist coalition to take a stronger stance. The declaration places Mexico at odds with the United States, a key ally of Israel, amid a conflict that has resulted in tens of thousands of Palestinian deaths.

15/100

Technology giant Nvidia has announced a strategic partnership with OpenAI, the creator of ChatGPT, which includes an investment of up to $100 billion. As part of the deal, Nvidia, the world's most valuable company, will supply the high-performance chips and infrastructure necessary for OpenAI's next-generation artificial intelligence development. This massive investment marks a significant step in the global AI race, aiming to build the world's most advanced AI infrastructure in collaboration with partners like Microsoft and Oracle. The partnership solidifies the deep ties between the leading AI chipmaker and a premier AI research and deployment company. (not investment advice)

85/100

Struggling low-cost carrier Spirit Airlines plans to furlough about one-third of its flight attendants, affecting approximately 1,800 employees, starting December 1. The move is part of a broader effort to cut costs and rightsize the airline as it works to regain profitability following a second Chapter 11 bankruptcy filing in August. The company's COO stated that while voluntary leave programs were initially used, involuntary furloughs are now necessary for the airline's restructuring. This decision follows recent flight schedule reductions and the suspension of service to several airports as the carrier navigates severe financial challenges.

20/100

Hurricane Gabrielle has rapidly intensified into a major Category 4 hurricane in the central Atlantic, with sustained winds reaching 140 mph. The storm's wind speed increased by 55 mph in just 24 hours, a phenomenon known as rapid intensification that has become more common due to warming oceans. While Gabrielle is not expected to make a direct landfall, it is passing near Bermuda and generating life-threatening surf and rip currents along the U.S. East Coast from North Carolina northward. Forecasters are also monitoring two other weather systems in the Atlantic for potential tropical development in the coming days.

35/100

The Supreme Court has agreed to reconsider a 90-year-old legal precedent that limits a president's power to fire officials at independent federal agencies without cause. The case stems from President Trump's removal of Federal Trade Commission member Rebecca Slaughter, which the court has allowed to proceed for now. The 1935 ruling, Humphrey's Executor, established that officials at agencies like the FTC, designed to be insulated from political pressure, could only be removed for specific reasons. A decision to overturn this precedent could fundamentally reshape the separation of powers, granting the president significantly more control over the federal bureaucracy.

30/100

Nike is set to launch its much-anticipated activewear collection in partnership with Kim Kardashian's brand, Skims, after the initial release was delayed. The collaboration, branded as NikeSKIMS, is a strategic move by Nike to attract more female customers and compete with popular brands like Lululemon and Alo Yoga. The line will feature around 40 new styles that blend performance technology with lifestyle aesthetics, suitable for both athletic activities and everyday wear. The launch is being promoted by top female athletes, including Serena Williams and Sha'Carri Richardson, signaling a major push into the women's activewear market.

75/100

A man accused of firing shots at an ABC affiliate station in Sacramento reportedly left a note citing the government's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein case as a motive. According to a federal court filing, the note also threatened top Trump administration officials, including FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, stating they were "next." Prosecutors believe the shooting was politically motivated, possibly influenced by recent events like the suspension of Jimmy Kimmel's show. The suspect, a retired lobbyist, now faces multiple federal and state weapons charges.

10/100

A 19-year-old man charged with misdemeanor assault for attacking a pro-Palestinian encampment at UCLA with a pipe has been granted judicial diversion. This resolution means he will avoid jail time and a criminal conviction if he completes the program's terms, which include staying away from the UCLA campus, performing community service, and undergoing anti-bias training. The judge cited the man's age and lack of a prior criminal record in the decision, which was made over the objection of prosecutors. The case was one of the few criminal proceedings to arise from the violent mob attack on the student encampment in May 2024.

30/100

Democratic lawmakers are urging treasury watchdogs to investigate allegations that Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar, accepted $50,000 in cash from an undercover FBI agent. The alleged payment was reportedly in exchange for promises of future immigration-related government contracts once Homan officially joined the administration. A Justice Department investigation into the matter was reportedly shut down after Trump took office. Democrats are now calling for scrutiny into whether Homan reported the payment for tax purposes, while the White House has denied the allegation and defended Homan, stating he did nothing wrong.

20/100