Today’s Top Stories in the US, September 18, 2025

Major Headlines

1. CDC Set to Vote on Childhood Vaccines

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) will vote in a special advisory meeting on expanding and updating vaccine recommendations for children, including for MMRV (measles, mumps, rubella & varicella) and hepatitis B. The vote comes amid broader changes in vaccine policy, including recent upheaval in the CDC’s leadership and expert committees. Reuters+1

2. Congress Ramps Up Fight Over Funding & Healthcare in Budget Talks

With the fiscal year end looming (September 30), Democrats unveiled a counter-proposal to prevent a government shutdown. Their stopgap funding bill includes healthcare provisions opposed by Republicans, such as restoring funds to the National Institutes of Health and extending Affordable Care Act tax credits. Republicans have pushed back. Reuters

3. U.S. President Labels Antifa a “Terrorist Organization”

President Trump targeted the anti-fascist movement known as “antifa,” signaling plans to formally designate it as a terrorist organization. The move follows the assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Critics warn this could intensify political polarization and free speech battles. Reuters

4. Federal Reserve Cuts Interest Rates, But Signals Caution

The Fed has cut interest rates to 4.00–4.25%, its first rate cut of the year. Officials made clear that while this is a downward adjustment, future cuts will be cautious and dependent on economic data. Markets showed mixed reactions, with investors optimistic but wary of risks ahead. Reuters+1

5. U.S.–UK State Visit: Trump Meets with PM Starmer

President Trump’s state visit to the United Kingdom continued, including a meeting with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. They are expected to highlight new U.S. investment in the U.K., though there are some divisions, especially over foreign policy issues like Ukraine and Israel. Reuters+2Wikipedia+2

6. Trade Fallout: Swiss Exports Plummet After U.S. Tariffs

Swiss exports to the U.S. dropped by over 20% in August after the U.S. imposed steep tariffs on Swiss goods. The decline underscores the broader global economic disruptions tied to trade policy changes under the current administration. Reuters

7. Exxon Pushes Back on European Climate Laws

ExxonMobil is lobbying the U.S. government to challenge the EU’s climate legislation, arguing that some of the new regulations could unfairly disadvantage U.S. energy and industry interests. This adds to growing tensions between the U.S. and EU over climate policy. Reuters