CDC Vaccine Autism Link; Mamdani Meets Trump – NPR

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Today’s top stories

The Centers for Disease control and Prevention’s website now says a link between vaccines and autism cannot be ruled out. This is a reversal from the agency’s longstanding position that there is no link. This message aligns with Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s opinion that vaccines are dangerous.

CDC Denies Website Changes Amid Autism-Vaccine Claims, Trump Presents Peace Plan to Ukraine

🎧 CDC scientists say they didn’t change their website and the Department of Health and Human Services wouldn’t divulge who ordered the adjustment to the wording, NPR’s Pien Huang tells up first. There is no new scientific evidence to support the claim of a link between vaccines and autism. Huang notes that it is interesting that a headline on the CDC’s webpage still states that vaccines don’t cause autism. However, there is an asterisk next to this statement, which explains that the agency will not remove it due to an agreement with Republican Sen. Bill Cassidy of Louisiana, who provided a key confirmation vote for Kennedy to become the HHS secretary.

President Trump’s chief negotiator has presented a new 28-point plan for peace to Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelenskyy. International observers are encouraged that Trump has not given up on peace between Ukraine and Russia, but the proposal requires major territorial concessions.

The rise of ‘de-influencing’ on tiktok: Why some creators are telling you not to buy

For years, TikTok has been a powerful engine for consumerism. A viral video could send sales of a product soaring – think Stanley cups, cloud slippers, or countless beauty items. But a new trend is emerging on the platform, one that’s pushing back against that constant stream of recommendations: “de-influencing.”

De-influencing isn’t about rejecting all products. Instead,it’s about critically evaluating what’s being promoted and encouraging viewers to avoid impulse purchases,especially of items that are overhyped or simply not worth the money. Creators are sharing videos pointing out products that didn’t live up to the hype, offering cheaper alternatives, or encouraging people to use what they already have.

“It’s about being more mindful of your spending and not falling into the trap of buying things just as someone online told you to,” explains TikTok creator Ava Parekh, who has become a prominent figure in the de-influencing space with over 800,000 followers. “A lot of these products are just… unnecessary.”

The trend seems to be a reaction to the oversaturation of sponsored content and the pressure to constantly consume. Many viewers feel bombarded with ads disguised as authentic recommendations. De-influencing offers a refreshing counterpoint, promoting a more realistic and sustainable approach to shopping.

But the rise of de-influencing hasn’t been without controversy. Some accuse de-influencers of being hypocritical, pointing out that they often benefit from brand deals themselves. Others argue that it’s simply a form of negativity that discourages businesses.

However, proponents say that de-influencing isn’t about demonizing all consumerism, but about fostering a more honest and obvious relationship between creators and their audience. It’s about empowering viewers to make informed decisions and resist the pressure to constantly buy, buy, buy.

“I think people are just tired of being sold to,” Parekh says. “They want authenticity, and they want to feel like they’re being given honest advice.” And in a world saturated with advertising, that’s a message that’s resonating with a growing number of TikTok users.

Climate Tipping Points: What They Are and Why They Matter

The planet has warmed about 1.3 degrees Celsius, according to the World Meteorological Organization. Communities are already experiencing more severe storms, flooding, and heatwaves.Scientists warn that when the planet heats up beyond 1.5 degrees, there could be massive, self-reinforcing changes that could have devastating impacts worldwide. These changes are sometimes referred to as climate tipping points. They can unfold over decades or centuries and may be partially reversible. But they all have enormous and lasting implications for life on Earth. Here are some of the most vital and well-studied changes:

the surprising way scientists are tracking monarch butterflies

For decades, scientists have tagged monarch butterflies with tiny stickers to track their incredible multi-generational migration from Canada and the U.S. to overwintering sites in Mexico.But now, a new method is offering a much more detailed picture of these iconic insects’ journeys: analyzing the unique chemical signatures in their wings.

“It’s like a fingerprint,” explains Dr. Elise Zipkin, an ecologist at Michigan State University and lead author of a recent study published in the journal Ecology Letters. “The water and plants that caterpillars consume leave a unique isotopic signature in the butterfly’s wings.”

By analyzing these isotopes – variations of elements like hydrogen and carbon – researchers can pinpoint where a monarch butterfly originated, even after it’s flown thousands of miles. This is a significant leap forward from traditional tagging, which relies on butterflies being recaptured, a rare event.

“Tagging is great,but it’s limited by recapture rates,” says Zipkin. “We might tag thousands of butterflies, but only a handful get reported back to us.”

The new technique allows scientists to analyze hundreds of butterflies from museum collections and citizen science projects, providing a much broader dataset. The study used data from over 6,000 monarchs collected across eastern North America.

What have they learned?

The research has already revealed some surprising insights. Such as, it confirmed that monarchs from different regions tend to migrate to different overwintering sites in Mexico. It also showed that monarchs breeding in the northern U.S.and Canada contribute considerably to the population that overwinters in the oyamel fir forests of central Mexico.

“We found that the eastern monarch population isn’t just one big mixing pot,” says Zipkin. “There’s a lot of regional structure, and monarchs from different breeding areas tend to stick together during migration.”

Why is this critically important?

Understanding the origins and migratory patterns of monarchs is crucial for conservation efforts. Monarch populations have declined dramatically in recent decades due to habitat loss, climate change, and pesticide use.

By identifying the key breeding areas that contribute to the overwintering population, scientists can focus conservation efforts on protecting those critical habitats. The technique can also help assess the impact of environmental changes on monarch migration routes.

“This method gives us a powerful new tool to track monarch populations and understand how they’re responding to a changing world,” says Zipkin. “It’s helping us to refine our conservation strategies and ensure that these majestic butterflies continue to grace our skies for generations to come.”

The research team is now working to refine the technique and expand its submission to other migratory insects. They hope that this innovative approach will provide valuable insights into the complex lives of these important pollinators and help to protect them for the future.

Check out what NPR is watching, reading and listening to this weekend:

🍿 Movies: Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are back on the big screen this weekend in Wicked: For Good. The sequel features more songs, magic, and extravagant production design. But does it live up to the hype of the first film? Here’s NPR’s Aisha Harris’ verdict.

📺 TV: In The Beast In Me a writer struggles to find her next book topic until a nefarious real estate tycoon moves in next door. He is suspected of murdering his first wife, though the incident was deemed a suicide. As they get acquainted,she seeks to uncover the truth.

📚 Books: Three new poetry collections explore identity, suffering, and hope, reflecting a form of shared experience and the inner life of a country in deep pain and uncertainty.

🎵 Music: Cabin In the Sky is the hip-hop group De La Soul’s first full-length release since founding member Trugoy the Dove died in 2023. It features 20 songs with guest

The Rise of ‘De-Influencing’ and Why Creators Are Rejecting Consumerism

For years, the world of social media has been dominated by “influencers” – individuals who leverage their online presence to promote products and lifestyles, often encouraging their followers to buy, buy, buy. But a new trend is emerging, one that seems to directly contradict the very foundation of influencer culture: de-influencing.

De-influencing isn’t about promoting products; it’s about discouraging purchases. Creators participating in this movement are actively advising their audiences against buying certain items, pointing out flaws, suggesting cheaper alternatives, or simply questioning the need for constant consumption.

Why the Shift?

Several factors are driving this change.A growing awareness of the environmental impact of fast fashion and overconsumption is a major contributor. Many consumers, especially Gen Z, are becoming more conscious of their spending habits and are rejecting the pressure to keep up with trends.

The authenticity factor also plays a significant role.Years of carefully curated, often unrealistic, influencer content have led to a sense of distrust. Viewers are craving honesty and clarity, and de-influencing provides that. By admitting that a product isn’t worth the hype, or that they simply don’t need it, creators are building a stronger connection with their audience based on genuine recommendations.

What Does De-Influencing Look Like?

De-influencing takes many forms.Some creators share “dupes” – affordable alternatives to expensive products.Others create videos highlighting products that are overhyped or don’t live up to their promises. Still others simply encourage their followers to shop their closets, repair existing items, or embrace a more minimalist lifestyle.

TikTok has become a hotbed for de-influencing content, with hashtags like #deinfluencer and #buyless gaining millions of views. The trend is also spreading to other platforms like Instagram and YouTube.

Is it a Threat to Influencer Marketing?

While de-influencing might seem like a direct attack on the influencer industry, it could also be an evolution of it. Brands are beginning to recognize the value of authenticity and are seeking out creators who can provide honest reviews and build trust with their audience.

Ultimately, de-influencing represents a broader cultural shift towards mindful consumption and a rejection of the relentless pursuit of material possessions. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the best purchase is no purchase at all.

November 20, 2025: Jobs Report Delayed, Plastic’s Lethal Impact on Wildlife

Here’s a quick rundown of today’s headlines: a delayed jobs report reveals a slight increase in unemployment, and new research highlights the devastating effects of plastic pollution on marine life, even in small quantities.

Labor Department Releases Delayed September Jobs Report

The U.S. Labor Department finally released its September jobs report, nearly seven weeks behind schedule. The report indicates that employers added 119,000 jobs during the month. Though, the unemployment rate also saw a slight increase, rising to 4.4%.The delay was attributed to technical issues within the department, raising concerns about data reporting efficiency.

Tiny Amounts of Plastic Can Be Deadly to Marine Animals

A new study published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (PNAS) quantifies the surprisingly small amount of plastic ingestion that can be fatal to marine animals. Researchers found that even minimal plastic consumption can have lethal consequences.

Specifically, the study determined that for an Atlantic puffin, ingesting plastic equivalent to less than three sugar cubes’ worth is enough to cause death. This finding underscores the pervasive and dangerous impact of plastic pollution on ocean ecosystems. The research emphasizes that the problem isn’t just large plastic debris, but also the accumulation of microplastics within the food chain. Researchers are urging increased efforts to reduce plastic waste and mitigate its effects on vulnerable wildlife populations.

Key takeaways:

* Delayed Jobs Report: The September jobs report showed moderate job growth (119,000) and a slight increase in the unemployment rate (4.4%).
* Plastic Pollution: Even small amounts of plastic ingestion – less than three sugar cubes for an Atlantic puffin – can be lethal to marine animals.
* Urgent Need for Action: The study highlights the critical need to reduce plastic waste and protect ocean ecosystems.

looking Ahead

These developments underscore the ongoing challenges facing the U.S. economy and the global environment. continued monitoring of economic indicators and increased efforts to address plastic pollution will be crucial in the coming months.

This newsletter was edited by Suzanne Nuyen.