Florida Governor Ron DeSantis suggested changing health care for people under 50 to focus on catastrophic health plans and health savings accounts. Catastrophic plans have lower monthly costs and cover severe medical costs but not routine care. This idea arises during President Trump's second term, as health care costs and insurance coverage are debated.
Key Facts
Governor Ron DeSantis suggested that health care for those under 50 should focus on catastrophic plans.
Catastrophic health plans are intended to cover severe medical cases with lower premiums but do not cover routine health care.
In the U.S., catastrophic plans are generally for people under 30 or those facing significant hardships.
DeSantis also proposed using health savings accounts, which allow pre-tax savings for medical expenses.
These ideas come amid debates on health care costs during President Trump's term.
Eligibility criteria for catastrophic plans have expanded based on income levels.
Critics note high deductible plans may lead people to skip necessary care, potentially worsening health outcomes.
High deductible plans are common and involve a personal choice based on individual needs and financial situations.
Millions of people in California who rely on SNAP benefits might not receive their food assistance payments in November due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The state uses a program called CalFresh, and if Congress doesn't fund the program by October 23, payments could be delayed. This affects about 5.5 million Californians, up from 4.3 million in 2021.
Key Facts
The federal government shutdown may delay SNAP benefits for millions in California.
CalFresh is California's version of SNAP that helps low-income people buy food.
About 5.5 million Californians use CalFresh, an increase from 4.3 million in 2021.
Payments are fully funded by the federal government, and a delay could affect November benefits.
Most SNAP participants in California are children or elderly, making up 63.2% of recipients.
The average monthly SNAP benefit for a household in California is $189.
The state has informed counties about potential delays if the shutdown continues.
Governor Gavin Newsom criticized President Trump and Congress for the shutdown's impact.
A Florida lawmaker has proposed a bill that would let some workers earn less than the state’s current minimum wage. The bill targets students and trainees in structured learning programs like internships or work-study opportunities, allowing them to waive the state minimum wage while ensuring they still earn at least the federal minimum wage.
Key Facts
A new bill in Florida could let certain workers earn less than the state's minimum wage of $14 per hour.
The bill is called HB 221 and was introduced by Republican Representative Ryan Chamberlin.
It applies to students and trainees in programs such as internships or work-study opportunities.
Participants must voluntarily agree to the lower wage and will be paid at least the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour.
The programs can last up to nine months or two full-time college semesters.
Employers cannot force workers to accept these terms, and for minors, a parent or guardian must co-sign.
After the program ends, employers must pay the higher of the federal or state minimum wage.
The bill is similar to a previous proposal that did not pass.
In Washington, the government shutdown has entered its fourth week, with little progress toward a resolution. Senate Republicans, along with President Donald Trump, remain firm against negotiating on Democratic demands, including health care subsidies. The shutdown is affecting federal workers and programs, as federal employees miss paychecks and certain services risk losing funding.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has lasted for four weeks.
Senate Republicans met with President Trump for a display of unity, not negotiations.
Democrats want to negotiate on extending health care subsidies that expire at year-end.
The shutdown affects federal workers, who are missing paychecks.
Key government programs like WIC and Head Start could lose funding.
The National Nuclear Security Administration is furloughing 1,400 workers.
Air controller shortages are causing flight delays across the U.S.
Both parties are stuck in their positions with no urgent resolution in sight.
Police arrested a man at Atlanta Airport after his family reported that he planned to attack the airport. Authorities found a weapon and ammunition in the suspect's vehicle. The man, identified as Billy Joe Cagle, faces several charges.
Key Facts
Billy Joe Cagle was arrested at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.
Cagle's family tipped off police about his plan to attack the airport.
Police found an assault rifle and 27 rounds of ammunition in Cagle's truck.
Cagle is a 49-year-old convicted felon from Cartersville, Georgia.
He faces charges including making terroristic threats and firearm possession.
Police used surveillance and body-camera footage to monitor and arrest him.
Cagle reportedly struggles with mental health issues and is schizophrenic.
Authorities are investigating how Cagle acquired the firearm illegally.
An Ohio pastor named Silas Shelton has been charged with various sexual offenses, including rape and unlawful sexual conduct with a minor. Previously, Shelton spoke out against a book series featuring gay characters at a local school meeting. He was arrested without any trouble and is being held on a $2-million bond.
Key Facts
Silas Shelton is a pastor in Ohio.
He was charged with rape and other sexual offenses involving a minor.
Shelton had criticized a book series with gay characters at a local school meeting.
He was arrested by the Wilmington Police Department and is held on a $2-million bond.
Shelton pleaded not guilty to all charges.
The police believe more victims might come forward.
A preliminary court hearing is scheduled for Shelton.
Wegmans Food Markets has recalled six types of cheesecake because the packaging did not list pecans, a major allergen. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has given this recall the highest risk warning, meaning the product could cause serious health issues or even death due to allergies. The recall affects products distributed in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
Wegmans Food Markets issued a recall for six cheesecake varieties on September 26.
The recall is because the cheesecakes contain pecans that were not listed on the packaging.
The FDA classified it as a Class I recall, which is the most serious kind.
A Class I recall is used when a product could cause serious health issues or death.
Tree nut allergies, like those to pecans, can be life-threatening.
The recalled products were sold from September 19 to September 26.
The affected states are Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, and Washington, D.C.
Portland voters will decide on a property tax increase to fund the city's parks and recreation services. The measure, if approved, will extend and increase the existing park levy, potentially affecting both residential and commercial property taxes. The funds are meant to address maintenance and service costs for city parks and amenities, which are currently in poor condition.
Key Facts
The proposed tax measure is called Measure 26-260.
It aims to extend Portland's existing parks levy for five more years.
The levy would increase by 75%, going from 80 cents to $1.40 per $1,000 of assessed property value.
Homeowners would pay an extra $133 annually, resulting in a total of $310.
Commercial property owners would pay an additional $188, totaling $439.
The funds are needed to address a maintenance backlog estimated between $550 million and $800 million.
Portland Parks & Recreation reports 86% of its assets are in poor or very bad condition.
If the measure fails, the bureau might cut operations and staff by up to 50%.
The article discusses concerns over actions taken by President Trump's administration that may affect religious freedoms in the United States. It highlights specific instances where policies or actions could undermine the freedom of religion for various groups. The article suggests a pattern of using national crises to restrict civil liberties.
Key Facts
The article claims President Trump has taken actions that could threaten religious freedom in the U.S.
The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) allegedly threatened late-night show hosts as part of recent actions.
Vice President J.D. Vance reportedly threatened the tax-exempt status of two major foundations.
President Trump previously enacted a travel ban affecting primarily Muslim countries during his first term.
The administration reportedly removed protections for churches from Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) raids.
There was an incident where ICE officers allegedly used force against a pastor who was praying outside a facility.
The article raises concerns that policies are framing religious protections as prioritizing one particular religious perspective.
An appeals court allowed President Trump to take control of 200 Oregon National Guard troops, but he cannot deploy them yet. This decision overruled a previous court order but does not permit immediate deployment due to another ongoing restriction.
Key Facts
President Trump is permitted to take command of 200 Oregon National Guard troops.
An appeals court made this decision, reversing a lower court's ruling.
President Trump is currently blocked from deploying the troops to Portland.
A judge issued two orders: one blocked calling up troops; the other blocked their deployment to Oregon.
The Justice Department contested the order preventing troop call-up, and the appeals court agreed with the President.
The court said the President might have the authority to federalize the National Guard troops.
No troops can be deployed until further legal decisions are made.
Senate Republicans visited the White House to show support for President Trump as the government shutdown continues into its fourth week. Both political parties remain firm in their positions, with Democrats refusing to pass a bill to reopen the government without extending health care subsidies. The shutdown is causing missed paychecks for federal workers and potential funding cuts for important programs.
Key Facts
Senate Republicans went to the White House to show unity with President Trump.
The government shutdown is in its fourth week, with no sign of ending soon.
Democrats are voting against a House bill to reopen the government, demanding health care subsidies continue.
Hundreds of thousands of federal workers are missing paychecks due to the shutdown.
Important government programs like WIC and Head Start may lose funding soon.
The Federal Aviation Administration reports air controller shortages and flight delays.
The Energy Secretary announced furloughs for 1,400 workers at the National Nuclear Security Administration.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detained a Texas man, Roman Surovtsev, whose green card was revoked because of crimes he committed as a teenager. Surovtsev has lived in the U.S. since he was 4 years old and is considered stateless, with no other country recognizing him as a citizen. He has complied with ICE check-ins for years without issues but is now held in a Texas detention facility.
Key Facts
Roman Surovtsev immigrated to the U.S. from the Soviet Union at age 4.
His green card was revoked due to carjacking and burglary charges from when he was a teenager.
Surovtsev is stateless, with neither Russia nor Ukraine acknowledging him as a citizen.
He was detained by ICE in August during a routine check-in that he has done for years.
He is currently held at the Bluebonnet Detention Facility in Texas.
Surovtsev has two young daughters and a wife who are U.S. citizens.
His wife expressed concern that deportation could lead to him being drafted into the Ukrainian military.
President Trump’s administration has focused on deporting undocumented immigrants, particularly those with criminal records.
A Texas man named Nicholas Ray was arrested for making death threats to Jewish conservative media figures, including Laura Loomer. Authorities in Florida issued an arrest warrant for Ray, who will face charges such as extortion and making written threats to kill.
Key Facts
Nicholas Ray, from Spring, Texas, was arrested for making death threats.
Florida officials identified Ray's threats against Jewish conservative media members living in Florida.
Laura Loomer and other individuals were targeted by these threats.
Ray will face charges of extortion, written threats to kill, and unlawful use of a communication device.
His social media activity included posts critical of Israel and anti-Republican content.
Ray is currently in custody and will be sent to Florida for legal proceedings.
The Florida Attorney General's Office and law enforcement took the threats seriously, leading to the arrest.
A long-time Republican fundraising strategist, Miles Bruner, announced he is leaving the GOP. He criticized President Donald Trump and said the party has focused too much on Trump's personality. Bruner shared that he disagrees with the party's direction and the influence of Trump's leadership.
Key Facts
Miles Bruner is a veteran Republican fundraising strategist.
He worked at Campaign Solutions, a digital fundraising firm.
Bruner wrote a detailed piece explaining why he left the GOP.
He criticized the party's focus on President Trump and compared it to authoritarian regimes.
Bruner began his political career in 2013 with a California state Senate campaign.
He was not initially concerned by Trump's 2015 presidential run.
He had disagreements with his former boss on handling reactions to the 2017 Charlottesville rally.
Bruner left the GOP due to the Supreme Court's direction and threats to legal precedents.
Graham Platner, a Democratic Senate candidate from Maine, is facing controversy over old Reddit posts where he jokingly used the term "antifa supersoldier" and shared pro-gun views. Platner is backed by progressive politicians but is in a tense nomination battle against Maine Governor Janet Mills. The posts are drawing attention as Republicans might use them to criticize him, especially since President Trump declared antifa a "domestic terrorist organization."
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine.
In 2020, Platner referred to himself as having an "antifa supersoldier" label in a Reddit post.
President Trump designated antifa as a "domestic terrorist organization."
Platner's older posts also show him endorsing the Socialist Rifle Association.
Platner's comments from Reddit are causing challenges in his campaign against Sen. Susan Collins.
Platner apologized for these posts, describing them as jokes during a tough time in his life.
His political director resigned due to the controversy surrounding these comments.
Many Democratic congressional candidates are unhappy with their party's leadership and want a more aggressive approach against President Trump's administration. They feel the current leadership is not effectively responding to voter anger and challenges posed by the administration. Some candidates are openly refusing to support the current House Minority Leader for future leadership roles.
Key Facts
Democratic candidates are criticizing their own party's leadership for not being aggressive enough.
Texas state Rep. Jolanda Jones believes in fighting back instead of taking the high road.
Former Houston councilwoman Amanda Edwards emphasizes the need for a strong strategy against President Trump.
Some candidates, like Saikat Chakrabarti, are calling for direct action against certain government activities.
Many candidates are unwilling to support House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries for a leadership position.
There is a growing frustration among voters, not just with Trump but also with Democratic leaders.
Several House Democrats are facing well-funded primary challenges.
The Democratic leadership may struggle to control the crowded primaries resulting from retirements and shifts in the party.
A mother in Arkansas shared her concerns on social media about her baby sleeping in a new position. This worries her due to the risk of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), though her baby's ability to move suggests it's not a major issue. Her video gained significant attention from other parents who share similar concerns.
Key Facts
Michaela Webb from Arkansas posted a video of her baby sleeping in a new position on TikTok.
She worries about SIDS, a syndrome that can unexpectedly lead to infant death.
In 2022, there were around 3,700 sudden unexpected infant deaths in the U.S., according to the CDC.
Experts recommend that babies sleep on their back to reduce the risk of SIDS.
Webb’s baby, Gemma, can now roll over, which is common but causes stress due to changing sleep habits.
Webb's video received over 518,000 views, highlighting shared concerns among parents.
Other parents commented on similar experiences with their babies’ sleep positions.
ICE is using a large amount of money from a recent $75 billion funding bill to expand its surveillance abilities. This includes contracts for facial recognition, biometric identification, and smartphone data access. There are concerns this could lead to increased surveillance of both undocumented immigrants and U.S. citizens.
Key Facts
ICE received $75 billion from a recent funding bill for expansion.
The funding is used for biometric systems, cellphone tracking, and facial recognition technology.
ICE has a contract with Clearview AI for facial recognition.
ICE renewed its contract with Paragon Solutions for accessing smartphone data.
The agency plans to increase detention capacity by about 50,000 beds, aiming for a total of 100,000 beds.
ICE is recruiting new agents and has a goal to hire 10,000 more.
Concerns exist about surveillance possibly targeting American citizens as well as undocumented immigrants.
There are claims that ICE is not transparent about how it uses this new funding.
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a new law to help homeowners deal with the high costs of wildfire insurance. The law creates grants for homeowners to improve their properties and reduce fire risk. This move aims to stabilize the state's wildfire insurance market.
Key Facts
California introduced a new legislative package to help stabilize its wildfire insurance market.
A grant program under the California Safe Homes program will support homeowners in making fire safety improvements.
These improvements include removing flammable vegetation to help protect homes from wildfires.
Fire insurance costs have increased in California due to more frequent and severe wildfires.
Some private insurers have raised premiums or stopped offering policies in high-risk areas.
Many homeowners have turned to the FAIR Plan, a state-provided insurance option, which often offers less coverage.
Governor Newsom signed multiple bipartisan bills to address the insurance market challenges.
To qualify for the grant, homeowners must reside in high-fire-risk areas and meet certain income criteria.
A photo shared on social media shows a person appearing to mock the killing of Charlie Kirk, the founder of Turning Point USA, at a recent protest in Georgia. This incident follows Kirk’s death from a shooting at an event in Utah, and the photo has caused anger, particularly among conservative groups.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, founder of Turning Point USA, was shot and killed on September 10 at Utah Valley University.
Tyler Robinson has been charged with murder for Kirk's death, and prosecutors plan to seek the death penalty.
A photo shared on social media shows someone seemingly mocking Kirk's death during a protest in Georgia.
The individual in the photo wore a shirt similar to Kirk's and had fake blood on it.
The image was shared by the 'Libs of TikTok' account, but its authenticity has not been independently verified.
The protest where the incident occurred is part of a larger group called 'No Kings.'
Conservative activists and commentators have expressed outrage and are discussing reactions to Kirk’s murder on social platforms.
