Comey Indicted on Federal Charges; Trump Announces Sweeping New Tariffs; Hurricane Humberto Intensifies in Atlantic

A day of significant developments unfolded across the United States, marked by a high-profile indictment, sweeping economic policy shifts, and an active Atlantic hurricane season. Former FBI Director James Comey faces federal charges, the Trump administration has unveiled a substantial new round of tariffs on imported goods, and Tropical Storm Humberto has strengthened into a hurricane, with forecasts predicting further intensification.

Former FBI Director James Comey Indicted on Federal Charges

In a major legal development, former FBI Director James Comey has been indicted by a federal grand jury on two felony counts: making false statements to Congress and obstruction of a congressional proceeding. The indictment, unsealed on September 25, 2025, centers on Comey’s testimony before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2020, related to the FBI’s investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. Prosecutors allege that Comey knowingly provided false and misleading statements to lawmakers, particularly regarding whether he had authorized an FBI official to act as an anonymous source for news media about an investigation. This alleged statement, according to the indictment, was false and intended to obstruct the committee’s inquiry.

Comey, who served as FBI Director from 2013 to 2017, has vehemently denied the charges, stating, “Let’s have a trial.” He is the first former FBI director to face such federal indictment for testimony to Congress. The charges carry potential prison sentences of up to five years. The indictment comes amidst a period of heightened scrutiny on past investigations and political figures, with President Donald Trump celebrating the news on social media as “JUSTICE IN AMERICA!” However, the development has also amplified concerns from critics about the potential for the Department of Justice to be weaponized against political adversaries. Attorney General Pamela Bondi affirmed the department’s commitment to accountability, stating, “No one is above the law,” while FBI Director Kash Patel highlighted efforts to ensure accountability within the FBI.

Trump Administration Slaps New Tariffs on Key Imports

In a significant economic announcement, the Trump administration has declared new tariffs on a broad range of imported goods, set to take effect on October 1. These measures include a 100% tariff on pharmaceutical products, 25% on heavy-duty trucks, 30% on upholstered furniture, and 50% on kitchen cabinets and bathroom vanities, among others. The stated rationale behind these tariffs includes “national security reasons” and the protection of American industries from what the administration describes as “unfair outside competition” and “large scale flooding” of foreign products. This expansion of trade barriers follows previous tariff actions and ongoing trade negotiations with various countries.

Economic analysts and the Federal Reserve have voiced concerns that these new tariffs could exacerbate existing inflation, as higher import costs are likely to be passed on to consumers. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell has previously noted that rising goods prices are a primary driver of current inflation. While the administration touts tariffs as a source of revenue and a tool for bolstering domestic manufacturing, independent analyses suggest potential negative impacts on U.S. Gross Domestic Product (GDP), wages, and overall economic growth. The imposition of these additional tariffs also introduces fresh uncertainty for businesses and could complicate ongoing trade dialogues, particularly with key trading partners like Canada and Mexico.

Hurricane Humberto Forms Amidst Active Atlantic Season

The Atlantic hurricane season is proving to be particularly active, with Tropical Storm Humberto strengthening into a hurricane. Located east-northeast of the northern Leeward Islands, Humberto is forecast to intensify significantly over the coming days, potentially becoming a major hurricane. Current projections indicate a track that will move the storm northwestward and then northward into the open Atlantic, away from the U.S. mainland, though Bermuda remains in the potential path.

This development follows the passage of the former Hurricane Gabrielle, which brought heavy rain and storm surge to the Azores islands as a post-tropical cyclone. Forecasters are also monitoring another disturbance in the western Atlantic, which has a high probability of developing into a tropical storm, potentially threatening the southeastern United States. The potential interaction between these systems, known as the Fujiwhara effect, adds a layer of complexity to the forecast. The National Hurricane Center continues to provide updates as these weather systems evolve, underscoring the dynamic nature of the current hurricane season.

These simultaneous major news events—a federal indictment, significant economic policy shifts, and a strengthening hurricane—underscore a period of considerable national and international focus. The coming days and weeks will reveal the full extent of their impact on American politics, the economy, and public safety. This news continues to develop.