5 things to know for Sept. 19: Kimmel suspension, Vaccines, Erika Kirk, Israeli hostages, Roller coaster death
By Alexandra Banner, CNN
Astronomers are studying an exoplanet about 40 light-years away from Earth that could be habitable. With the help of the James Webb Space Telescope, some researchers are close to confirming if it has an Earth-like atmosphere and the potential to sustain liquid water.
Here’s what else you need to know to get up to speed and on with your day.
1️⃣ Kimmel suspension
President Donald Trump is now suggesting that the federal government could revoke the licenses of broadcast networks if they air negative coverage of him. The president’s stark warning comes in the wake of ABC’s decision to pull Jimmy Kimmel’s late-night talk show off the air. Trump told reporters on Thursday that he would endorse moves by the FCC to pull licenses, and suggested networks should have to reapply for them periodically. He added that not airing conservative views could be a rationale for removing a network’s license. Trump said he would leave the decision to Brendan Carr, the FCC chairman at the center of this week’s Kimmel controversy. Carr has suggested that ABC’s move to suspend Kimmel’s show is just the beginning of what’s to come.
2️⃣ Vaccines
A CDC advisory committee chosen by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is calling for changes to childhood vaccines. The advisors voted to recommend that children under the age of four should receive the combined measles, mumps and rubella (MMR) vaccine separately from the varicella vaccine for the virus that causes chickenpox. While Thursday’s vote against the combo shot may seem like a small tweak, experts said the fact that the panel was revisiting older vaccines can erode confidence in the overall vaccine process. The advisory group is scheduled to continue its two-day meeting today with a discussion and vote on Covid-19 vaccines for all age groups, in addition to a vote on hepatitis B shots for newborns.
3️⃣ Erika Kirk
Erika Kirk has been named CEO of Turning Point USA, taking over the organization that her husband, Charlie Kirk, helped found and led until his assassination last week. The move was announced by the organization’s board on Thursday, in accordance with her late husband’s wishes. Charlie Kirk co-founded Turning Point USA in 2012 and transformed it into one of the most influential conservative organizations that was credited with galvanizing youth toward Donald Trump’s MAGA movement. In her first remarks since her husband’s assassination, Kirk said she was committed to continuing his legacy. Kirk will attend her husband’s memorial on Sunday, where she is due to be one of the speakers in a lineup that includes President Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
4️⃣ Israeli hostages
Hamas has issued its strongest warning about the fate of the remaining Israeli hostages amid Israel’s Gaza City offensive. In a message written in Hebrew and addressed to Israel’s leadership, Hamas’ military wing said that Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s ground incursion in Gaza City means that Israel has lost any chance of getting its hostages out of the territory – dead or alive. Hamas’ statement comes as public anger against Netanyahu and his government continues to mount inside Israel, with weekly demonstrations in Tel Aviv demanding an end to the war and a ceasefire reaching a fever pitch.
5️⃣ Roller coaster death
A man riding a roller coaster at Universal Orlando Resort’s newest theme park died from blunt impact injuries. “We are devastated by this tragic event and extend our sincerest sympathies to the guest’s loved ones,” a spokesperson for Universal Orlando Resorts said. Authorities are working to determine what caused the accident at Epic Universe on Wednesday. The man in his 30s was found unresponsive after riding the coaster and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he was pronounced dead. A medical examiner ruled the death an accident after an autopsy, though the investigation remains ongoing.
Breakfast browse
Ocean Photographer of the Year winners
This captivating shot of two “ladybugs of the sea” has earned the Ocean Photographer of the Year 2025 award.
‘SNL’ announces first three hosts of Season 51
The first three hosts and musical guests of the upcoming season of “Saturday Night Live” have been revealed.
A sprint to glory
American track star Sydney McLaughlin-Levrone won gold in the women’s 400m at the World Athletics Championships on Thursday, running the second-fastest time ever.
Los Angeles Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw to retire at end of season
One of baseball’s very best is set to hang up his cleats.
No, Mount St. Helens isn’t erupting again
A plume of ash over Mount St. Helens this week looked like the volcano might be erupting again. Fortunately, that wasn’t the case.
Quiz time
Which tech giant unveiled AI-powered smart glasses this week?
A. Apple
B. Meta
C. Microsoft
D. Google
Number of the day
2,500
That’s roughly how many soldiers Venezuela mobilized for military drills this week. The country also recently showcased its Russian-built fighter jets in a show of force aimed at the US.
Quote of the day
Ferguson announced on Thursday that the federal government is suing Ticketmaster and its parent company, Live Nation Entertainment, for failing to crack down on ticket resellers.
Weather
🌤️ Check your local forecast to see what you can expect.
And finally…
▶️ Check out what’s new in the iPhone Air
The new iPhone Air is Apple’s thinnest phone ever. In this video, CNN’s Lisa Eadicicco shows off some of the phone’s new features.
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Today’s edition of 5 Things AM was edited and produced by CNN’s Andrew Torgan.
