Dr. Mehmet Oz, head of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS), discussed new health care regulations at a summit. He focused on managing the CMS budget, using technology, and the impact of the One Big Beautiful Bill. Oz highlighted a $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program to improve rural health care.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz is the leader of the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS).
He spoke at the Sanford Rural Health Summit about future CMS plans and health care regulations.
Oz supports managing the CMS budget, reducing Medicaid costs, and using technology in health care.
The One Big Beautiful Bill aims to lower drug prices through Most-Favored-Nation pricing.
A $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program aims to improve health care in rural areas.
Oz's nomination by President Donald Trump took place in November 2024, and he began his role in April 2025.
CMS announced efforts to reduce Medicaid and investigate Medicare overpayments.
There is concern that CMS program cuts might lead to decreased access to health care for vulnerable groups.
A man named Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to attempting to murder Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and setting fire to Shapiro's home. The attack happened in April, but Shapiro and his family were not harmed. Balmer was sentenced to 25-50 years in prison for the crime.
Key Facts
Cody Balmer pleaded guilty to 22 counts of arson, among other charges.
He targeted the home of Governor Josh Shapiro of Pennsylvania.
The attack included throwing Molotov cocktails into the dining room.
Shapiro and his family were home but managed to evacuate safely.
Balmer received a prison sentence ranging from 25 to 50 years.
His mother stated Balmer suffers from schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Police did not have enough evidence beforehand to commit Balmer involuntarily.
Governor Shapiro has dealt with significant criticism over his views on the Gaza war.
Melissa Tran, a mother from Maryland, spent five months in detention by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) due to a crime she committed over two decades ago. President Donald Trump's administration has increased deportations, affecting individuals with past or minor legal issues. Tran was released after her case was highlighted and a judge ordered her release.
Key Facts
Melissa Tran was detained by ICE for five months because of a legal issue from more than 20 years ago.
Tran immigrated to the U.S. from Vietnam as a refugee in the early 1990s.
In her youth, she pleaded guilty to forgery and larceny, involving checks from her summer job.
Vietnam initially did not accept deportees from the U.S. who arrived before 1995, which led to her release back then.
Tran had been regularly checking in with immigration officials for 21 years without problems until May 2025.
She was detained during a routine check-in, with no immediate explanation, and transferred to various detention centers.
During her detention, she faced long transfers, limited communication with family, and inadequate living conditions.
Tran was eventually released after a judge's order following community support and media coverage.
Los Angeles County officials are planning to vote on declaring a state of emergency to support residents affected by federal immigration raids. This declaration could enable the county to offer financial help like rent relief to those impacted and potentially lead to an eviction moratorium. The decision comes amid ongoing raids in the area as part of President Trump's immigration policies.
Key Facts
Los Angeles County will vote on declaring a state of emergency due to federal immigration raids.
If passed, the emergency declaration would allow for rent relief and legal aid.
An online portal for rent assistance applications would be set up within two months.
The measure may lead to an eviction moratorium, but a separate decision is needed.
Immigration raids have led to detentions at public places and included some U.S. citizens.
The county board had earlier voted 4-1 to propose the emergency declaration.
There are concerns among landlords about the economic impact on housing providers.
Los Angeles has been a focus of immigration enforcement under President Trump's administration.
Airports around the U.S. are choosing not to show a video from Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. The video blames congressional Democrats for the government shutdown, which some airports believe violates a law that prohibits political messaging using public resources.
Key Facts
Secretary Kristi Noem's video blames Democrats for the government shutdown.
Airports like those in Seattle, Portland, and Phoenix refuse to show the video.
These airports believe showing the video violates the Hatch Act, a law against using public assets for partisan purposes.
The Hatch Act aims to keep federal programs nonpartisan.
TSA requested airports to display the video at checkpoints, but many declined.
Port of Portland and Phoenix Sky Harbor among others cited policies against political content.
Staffing shortages are affecting airports due to the ongoing government shutdown.
President Donald Trump will posthumously give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk, a notable conservative activist. Kirk, who started Turning Point USA, was killed in a shooting at Utah Valley University. The medal is the highest award for a civilian in the United States.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump will award Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously.
The ceremony is scheduled for 4 p.m. EDT.
Kirk passed away after a shooting last month at Utah Valley University.
He was the founder of Turning Point USA, which supports conservative politics among young people.
Turning Point USA is known for its activities on college campuses.
Kirk was considered influential in right-wing political circles.
A public memorial service for Kirk took place in Glendale, Arizona.
President Trump referred to Kirk as a "martyr" for American freedom during the memorial service.
President Donald Trump will award the Presidential Medal of Freedom posthumously to conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a White House event on October 14, which would have been Kirk's 32nd birthday. Kirk was shot and killed last month while speaking at Utah Valley University. The award highlights Kirk's influence and relationship with the Trump administration.
Key Facts
President Trump will give the Presidential Medal of Freedom to Charlie Kirk on October 14.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and co-founder of Turning Point USA.
Kirk was shot and killed on September 10, 2025, during an event in Utah.
The suspect in the shooting, Tyler Robinson, faces charges including aggravated murder.
The Medal of Freedom is the highest civilian award in the U.S.
This is the first time Trump awards the Medal of Freedom during his second term.
Observances and memorials for Kirk will occur in Arizona and other places.
The White House will stream the ceremony live online.
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker suggested that state prosecutors might consider looking into the actions of ICE agents for possible misconduct. This comes amid public scrutiny of federal immigration enforcement practices, particularly in Chicago. Governor Pritzker's comments reflect growing tensions around immigration enforcement under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker mentioned that state prosecutors might examine ICE agents' actions.
Pritzker’s remarks come amid criticism of federal immigration enforcement tactics in Chicago.
ICE and CBP agents have faced accusations of racial profiling and civil rights violations.
The Trump administration has increased ICE activity under "Operation Midway Blitz" in Chicago, especially in immigrant neighborhoods.
A federal appeals court prevented the Trump administration from sending National Guard troops to Illinois.
Federal officials claim their actions are necessary to enforce immigration laws, while critics argue they harm community trust.
The situation has resulted in increased tensions between state authorities and the Trump administration over federal immigration policies.
A U.S. citizen named Maria Greeley was detained by federal immigration agents in Chicago despite having documents proving her citizenship. The agents questioned the validity of her passport and released her after about an hour. The incident is part of a trend where U.S. citizens report being questioned by immigration officials.
Key Facts
Maria Greeley is a U.S. citizen who was reportedly detained by federal immigration agents.
The incident occurred outside her workplace in Chicago.
Greeley had documentation to prove her citizenship but was still detained.
Agents questioned her for around one hour and doubted her passport's validity.
Greeley mentioned her appearance and Latino heritage as reasons agents might have targeted her.
This incident highlights concerns over racial profiling and identification verification by immigration authorities.
Similar incidents have occurred, with other U.S. citizens facing questioning by immigration officials.
Increased immigration enforcement activities are being observed in Chicago.
A federal judge, appointed by President George W. Bush, criticized President Donald Trump's administration for imposing conditions on FEMA grants that were previously ruled unlawful. The judge accused the administration of requiring states to agree to assist with immigration enforcement to receive federal disaster funding. The judge described the new conditions as an attempt to pressure states against his earlier order.
Key Facts
A federal judge rebuked President Trump's administration for unlawful FEMA grant conditions.
The judge had previously ordered FEMA not to link grants to immigration enforcement help.
The judge said the administration violated this prior order with new requirements.
The contested conditions may force states to choose between compliance or losing funding.
The judge argued the new conditions were not in good faith but a coercive tactic.
This matter concerns disaster funding essential for states, appropriated by Congress.
Alyssa Farah Griffin, a former aide to President Donald Trump and current co-host of "The View," is under scrutiny for past comments related to wearing a MAGA hat. These comments resurfaced after all 20 Israeli hostages were released from Gaza following a peace agreement signed by President Trump.
Key Facts
Alyssa Farah Griffin worked as a key aide to President Trump and is now a co-host of "The View."
She had promised to wear a "Make America Great Again" (MAGA) hat if Trump helped free Israeli hostages from Hamas.
A peace agreement was signed by President Trump, leading to the release of 20 Israeli hostages from Gaza.
In response, Griffin praised Trump and his team for the release and the peace agreement.
Griffin has publicly shared her thoughts about the peace deal on social media.
MAGA supporters are calling for Griffin to fulfill her promise on social media.
As of the article's publication, Griffin had not worn the MAGA hat on air.
Democratic Governor Janet Mills from Maine announced her campaign to run for the U.S. Senate against Republican Senator Susan Collins. Mills highlights her opposition to President Trump on issues like transgender athletes and spending cuts as reasons for her candidacy. The race is significant for Democrats as Maine is a key target in their efforts to gain Senate seats.
Key Facts
Governor Janet Mills is running for the U.S. Senate seat held by Republican Senator Susan Collins.
Mills plans to challenge Trump’s policies, including his past executive order on transgender athletes.
She criticizes President Trump for cutting food and health care aid for low-income Americans.
Mills’ campaign focuses on representing the people of Maine and their future.
Democrats are targeting Maine as a major opportunity in the 2026 Senate elections.
Susan Collins has historically been seen as independent but has voted with Trump on key issues.
Collins voted to confirm Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh, affecting decisions like Roe v. Wade.
The National Republican Senatorial Committee released a video countering Mills’ campaign announcement.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune from South Dakota posted about Native American Day instead of Columbus Day, which sparked criticism from some conservatives. South Dakota was the first state to replace Columbus Day with Native American Day in 1990.
Key Facts
John Thune is the Senate Majority Leader and a Republican from South Dakota.
Thune's social media post celebrated Native American Day and not Columbus Day.
South Dakota stopped recognizing Columbus Day in 1990, replacing it with Native American Day.
Thune's post received over 2 million views and 7,000 comments.
Some conservatives criticized Thune for his post, arguing it disregarded American history.
South Dakota has a significant Native American population, over 11% according to the 2020 U.S. Census.
Other South Dakota leaders, like Governor Larry Rhoden, also acknowledged Native American Day.
The debate over Columbus Day versus Native American Day reflects a broader cultural conflict in the U.S.
The U.S. government is experiencing a shutdown, with House Speaker Mike Johnson saying it could become the longest in history. The shutdown continues amid disagreements between Republicans and Democrats over health care demands, particularly concerning the Affordable Care Act subsidies. Several government operations are halted, creating disruptions and uncertainty.
Key Facts
The shutdown is in its 13th day with no resolution in sight.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has stated he will not negotiate with Democrats until they pause their health care demands.
Government operations, including museums and airports, are affected by the shutdown.
President Donald Trump has ensured that military personnel, including the Coast Guard, are paid despite the shutdown.
The shutdown is primarily over a debate about extending health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
House Democrats, led by Hakeem Jeffries, state there have been no real negotiations with Republicans so far.
If the health care subsidies are not renewed, insurance premiums could rise significantly for many Americans.
The current situation is reminiscent of past shutdowns involving the Affordable Care Act, including efforts during President Trump's first term to change the law.
An Oregon jury found Jason Steiner not guilty of murder after he shot and killed two men who attempted to rob the cannabis store where he worked. The incident took place in October 2024, when Steiner shot the robbers as they were leaving the store. The jury cleared Steiner of all charges, including unlawful use of a weapon and attempted murder.
Key Facts
Jason Steiner, 35, was found not guilty of murder in Oregon.
The incident happened at a cannabis store called La Mota in Portland.
Two robbers, King Lawrence and Tahir Burley, were shot and killed.
A third suspect, Jalen Hudson, escaped unharmed but was later killed in an unrelated event.
Surveillance footage showed the robbers entering the store and holding Steiner at gunpoint.
Steiner claimed he was threatened and acted in self-defense.
The jury cleared Steiner of all charges, including first-degree murder and unlawful use of a weapon.
Dr. Leah Rappaport, a pediatrician at Boston Children's Hospital, has shared advice for parents as flu season begins in the U.S. She advises that frequent sickness in young children is typical as their immune systems grow and that hygiene and nutrition alone cannot prevent all illnesses. She encourages parents to prepare for flu season by ensuring vaccinations and having basic health supplies on hand.
Key Facts
Dr. Leah Rappaport works at Boston Children’s Hospital.
She posted advice on Instagram for parents about flu season.
Dr. Rappaport says frequent illness in young kids is normal and part of how they develop immunity.
Antibiotics do not treat viral infections.
She recommends simple remedies like honey and humidifiers for viral symptoms.
Parents should make sure their children are vaccinated against flu, COVID, and RSV.
Common signs to contact a doctor include fast breathing, dehydration, persistent fever, or unusual sleepiness.
Parents should stock up on health supplies like thermometers and medicines before kids get sick.
A report by WalletHub ranks over 500 American colleges and universities for 2026. Princeton University and Swarthmore College top the list as the best university and best college, respectively. The rankings consider factors like acceptance rates, graduation outcomes, and cost.
Key Facts
WalletHub ranked more than 500 colleges and universities in America for 2026.
Princeton University was rated as the best overall for its low acceptance rate and high student success after graduation.
The best colleges were led by Swarthmore College, noted for a high graduation rate and good post-graduation earnings.
Students from Princeton tend to earn $1.05 million more than those with only a high school diploma over 20 years.
Grand Valley State University, Radford University, and Longwood University ranked lowest.
Rankings factors included student selectivity, cost, campus safety, and career outcomes.
The report evaluated nearly 800 institutions using 30 key measures.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has announced her candidacy for the U.S. Senate, aiming to unseat Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 elections. This move has sparked significant interest within the Democratic Party, where Mills' candidacy will face challenger Graham Platner, a progressive candidate endorsed by Senator Bernie Sanders.
Key Facts
Janet Mills, the Governor of Maine, is campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat.
Mills aims to challenge Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 election.
Mills has clashed with President Trump over transgender athletes' rights.
A federal judge ruled in Mills' favor in a court case against the Trump administration.
Progressive candidate Graham Platner is also running for the Senate seat, supported by Senator Bernie Sanders.
The Democratic primary is highlighting issues of age, ideology, and experience within the party.
Several youth groups support Platner, advocating for generational change in leadership.
Other Democrats in the race include Dan Kleban and Jordan Wood.
A new Gallup survey shows that most Republicans support major changes to Social Security and Medicare to reduce their costs. These programs face funding shortfalls and contribute to the large U.S. federal deficit.
Key Facts
56% of Republicans support changes to Social Security and Medicare.
Only 18% of Democrats agree with making these changes.
Social Security and Medicare support around 70 million people each.
The U.S. federal deficit has reached roughly $2 trillion.
By 2034, Social Security could face a 19% cut to benefits.
The Gallup poll included 1,000 U.S. adults surveyed in September.
Most Americans favor increasing taxes for high-income earners.
Nearly 40% of people over age 65 could be in poverty without Social Security.
Winter weather alerts have been issued in several parts of the United States, with heavy snowfall expected in regions like central and north central California. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns of dangerous travel conditions due to snow and frost, impacting areas like the Sierra Nevada and parts of North Dakota.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are in effect for central and north central California.
Up to 16 inches of snow is expected in parts of California above 7,000 feet.
Communities along Highway 395 in California could see one to four inches of snow.
Dangerous driving conditions are forecasted, especially in mountain passes.
Freeze warnings and frost advisories are issued for parts of North Dakota, Oregon, and Washington.
Subfreezing temperatures, as low as 25 degrees Fahrenheit, are expected in North Dakota.
The NWS warns that frost can harm crops and sensitive plants.
The heaviest snow in California is expected Tuesday morning through late afternoon.
