Thursday September 4th, 2025
RFK Jr. Grilled, Florida’s Vaccine Gamble, and Harvard’s Payday
Tomorrow, the political ER keeps humming: Congress preps to grill RFK Jr., Florida’s vaccine wild west starts dominoes falling, West Coast states thumb their noses at the CDC, Epstein’s survivors force a showdown, Harvard gets its money—and Newsmax wants Fox’s blood.
Today in one sentence: RFK Jr. faces a Senate inquisition after a staff revolt, Florida’s vaccine rollback starts an anti-mandate stampede, blue states form their own science club, Epstein’s survivors turn up the political heat, Harvard gets its research cash back, and cable news eats its own.
1. RFK Jr. Faces Senate Over CDC Shakeup
Senate Majority Leader Thune confirmed RFK Jr. is set for a grilling about his CDC purge and the mass resignations, with lawmakers demanding answers about politicized science and public health risks (Politico). Expect fireworks—Democrats look to force a public pledge, while Republicans quietly sweat the optics. Watch for HHS morale to crater even further as Kennedy doubles down on the MAGA playbook.
2. Florida Vaccine Mandate Rollback Sparks National Backlash
Florida’s push to ditch all childhood vaccine mandates draws sharp condemnation from medical groups and state Democrats (Los Angeles Times, AP). The health industry worries about spiraling outbreaks, while travel and conventions quietly reconsider Florida bookings. Expect copycat bills in red states as anti-vaxers seize momentum—and blue states start quietly requiring proof of immunization for entry to schools and public venues.
3. West Coast Health Alliance Defies Trump’s CDC
California, Oregon, and Washington’s new vaccine alliance signals a formal break with federal guidance (New York Times, NBC News, LA Times). No imminent federal court action yet, but White House officials privately fume about ‘rogue’ states. Public health agencies brace for dueling immunization schedules—and parents are left to navigate a cross-country patchwork. Ripple: Pharma lobbyists see billable hours galore as legislation splinters national standards.
4. Epstein Files Showdown Intensifies on the Hill
Epstein survivors’ emotional appeals push more lawmakers to back a bipartisan House measure forcing DOJ to cough up the files (ABC News, LA Times). Trump world keeps yelling ‘hoax,’ but public pressure grows as Oversight releases another trove of mostly-redundant documents. Wild card: Lists of Epstein’s associates could leak, triggering fresh panic among the rich and famous and a spike in conspiracy-fueled fundraising emails.
5. Harvard Celebrates Court Win As Fox Faces Lawsuit Blitz
A federal court’s smackdown of the Trump administration’s $2.2B Harvard grant freeze gives college presidents a rare reason to toast (CBS News, Washington Post, BBC). Market impact muted, but universities nationwide eye new legal defenses. Meanwhile, Newsmax’s antitrust lawsuit against Fox News (CNN, Business Insider) puts right-wing media lawyers on speed dial. Third-order: Smaller conservative networks may start poaching Fox talent amid legal distractions.
Notables
Federal Troops In New Orleans?
Trump teases deploying troops to New Orleans despite falling crime rates. Local officials and civil rights groups prepare lawsuits, but MAGA base eats it up.
Pentagon Cancels Warner’s Intel Visit
After Laura Loomer’s online trolling, the Pentagon blocks Sen. Warner’s classified NGA trip. Senate Democrats fume over security leaks and politicized access.
Missouri Clerks Resist DOJ On Voting Machines
Trump DOJ’s push to access old Dominion voting machines faces bipartisan resistance. Watch for a wave of legal filings from election security watchdogs.
Pray for your newsfeed. See you in the ER tomorrow.