The government shutdown in the United States is affecting a town in West Virginia where federal workers make up a significant part of the population. As services are halted, local residents, including veterans, face challenges while political leaders argue over funding issues.
Key Facts
Jonathan Giba, a homeless veteran in West Virginia, is experiencing delays in medical care due to the government shutdown.
The VA hospital in Martinsburg continues to provide medical care but has stopped other support programs for veterans.
Martinsburg, West Virginia relies heavily on federal employment, with over 3,300 federal workers in the town.
The government shutdown has put over 700,000 federal employees on unpaid leave, with others working without pay.
There is frustration in the town about the lack of progress in resolving the shutdown, impacting small businesses and causing economic concerns.
The shutdown is a result of a stalemate between Republicans and Democrats over government funding since October 1.
The Trump administration has begun laying off federal employees in response to the shutdown.
The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo closed due to a government shutdown. The closures will last until political leaders reach an agreement to end the shutdown.
Key Facts
The Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo closed on a Sunday due to the government shutdown.
All Smithsonian institutions, including 21 museums, are affected by the closure.
The Smithsonian had used leftover funds to stay open at first but eventually had to close.
The National Zoo's website says animals, including pandas, will continue to receive care.
Live animal cameras require federal staff to operate and are considered non-essential, so they are not working during the shutdown.
The shutdown continues until Republicans and Democrats make a deal.
As of Sunday night, there was no agreement to end the shutdown.
The Trump administration claims that 2 million undocumented immigrants have been "removed or self-deported" since he took office. A large part of this number relies on self-reported data, which experts say can be unreliable. The Department of Homeland Security has not regularly shared detailed deportation statistics as previous administrations did.
Key Facts
The Trump administration reports 2 million undocumented immigrants were removed or self-deported since President Trump took office.
80% (1.6 million) of these are counted as "self-deported" based on survey data.
Experts caution that using survey data for deportation numbers can be unreliable.
The survey data comes from the Current Population Survey, which surveys about 60,000 households.
Critics say this survey data should not be used to estimate the number of foreign-born people.
DHS has stopped regularly publishing some deportation data that was available in previous administrations.
DHS reported almost 330,000 removals and 447,600 returns in fiscal 2024.
President Trump’s administration introduced a "self-deportation" app but did not provide data on its usage.
Measles cases in the U.S. have risen significantly, with outbreaks occurring in multiple states. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reports the highest number of measles cases in over 30 years. Most of these cases are among unvaccinated individuals.
Key Facts
The U.S. has 1,563 confirmed measles cases this year, according to the CDC.
Experts believe the actual number of measles cases could be closer to 5,000.
An outbreak in South Carolina has led to a quarantine for more than 150 unvaccinated children.
Measles outbreaks are also reported in Arizona, Utah, and Minnesota.
The CDC has confirmed 44 measles outbreaks in 41 states this year.
Most measles cases occur in unvaccinated individuals, with children under five making up 27%.
Measles is highly contagious and can spread quickly without adequate vaccination coverage.
Vice-President JD Vance has warned that more federal job cuts could happen if the U.S. government shutdown continues. Some CDC employees who were mistakenly laid off have gotten their jobs back. The shutdown is part of President Trump's plan to reduce government spending while ensuring military personnel receive pay during the funding lapse.
Key Facts
Vice-President JD Vance said more job cuts could happen if the government shutdown continues.
Some CDC workers mistakenly laid off were reinstated soon after.
The laid-off CDC workers were part of a larger group of over 4,000 federal employees affected by the shutdown.
President Trump is focused on reducing the size of the federal workforce and cutting government spending.
During the shutdown, essential workers must work without pay, while others are sent home without pay.
U.S. military personnel are an exception, as funds have been found to continue their paychecks.
The shutdown continues as Democrats and Republicans disagree on budget issues, particularly healthcare subsidies.
Some Smithsonian museums and other public services have closed due to the shutdown.
A blast at an explosives factory in Bucksnort, Tennessee, has left 16 people presumed dead. The local community gathered for a vigil to mourn the victims. Authorities are still investigating the cause of the explosion.
Key Facts
The explosion occurred at Accurate Energetic Systems (AES) factory in Bucksnort, Tennessee.
Sixteen people are presumed dead following the blast.
The local community held a candlelight vigil at Maple Valley Baptist Church.
Police have not yet publicly identified the victims.
Authorities have shifted their focus from rescue to recovery operations.
The national Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is investigating the cause of the explosion.
The site remains dangerous due to volatile explosive materials.
Rapid DNA analysis and controlled detonations are part of the ongoing response efforts.
The U.S. government shutdown has reached day 12, leading Vice President JD Vance to announce that more federal worker cuts may happen if the shutdown continues. The Trump administration is trying to ensure the military is paid and some services for low-income Americans remain, but thousands of workers are already furloughed without pay.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance warned of deeper cuts to federal workers during the shutdown.
The shutdown has entered its 12th day, causing uncertainty for many furloughed workers.
The Trump administration plans to pay the military and preserve some low-income services.
Over 4,000 federal employees are expected to lose their jobs if the shutdown continues.
The Smithsonian museums, research centers, and the National Zoo have temporarily closed due to the shutdown.
A labor union lawsuit has been filed against the aggressive budget cuts by the Trump administration.
Democrats demanded an extension of health insurance subsidies as part of the budget negotiations.
Negotiations between both parties are stalled, with leaders blaming each other for the deadlock.
Vice President JD Vance defended the Department of Justice (DOJ) against claims that President Trump is influencing legal actions against political opponents. Vance stated that the DOJ's indictments rely on legal grounds, not the President's opinions.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance spoke in defense of the DOJ's recent indictment decisions.
There are concerns that President Trump is influencing the DOJ to target political opponents.
President Trump mentioned individuals like New York Attorney General Letitia James and former FBI Director James Comey in a social media post.
Letitia James and James Comey were indicted on federal charges, but these actions were not directly ordered by Trump.
JD Vance stated that the DOJ prosecutes people based on legal justification, not the President's opinions.
Letitia James faced charges of bank fraud and making false statements.
Vance dismissed claims about Trump administration members having multiple mortgages, calling the reporting outlet biased.
Schiff was accused by Trump of mortgage fraud but has not been charged.
Vice President JD Vance stated that the U.S. government might cut more jobs if the government shutdown continues. President Trump has allowed significant reductions in federal workforce, and layoffs of over 4,000 employees are planned. Labor unions are suing the administration, claiming these actions are different from standard shutdown procedures.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance warned of possible deeper job cuts if the shutdown lasts longer.
The government shutdown has been ongoing for 11 days.
President Trump has approved job cuts in the federal workforce during the shutdown.
Over 4,000 federal employees are expected to be let go soon.
Labor unions are challenging the layoffs, referring to them as a sharp shift from normal protocol.
Typically, federal workers are furloughed but return after a shutdown; the current plan involves actual layoffs.
Democrats have criticized the job cuts as politically motivated.
President Trump has discussed which federal agencies could face cuts, suggesting some could be permanent.
A mass shooting at a bar in South Carolina resulted in four deaths and at least 20 injuries. The incident occurred early Sunday morning at Willie's Bar and Grill on St Helena Island. The authorities are investigating the event and have not yet determined whether it was random or targeted.
Key Facts
Four people died in the shooting at a South Carolina bar.
At least 20 people were injured, with four in critical condition.
The incident happened early on Sunday at Willie's Bar and Grill.
The bar was crowded, and many people ran to nearby businesses for safety.
The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating the shooting.
It is unclear if the attack was random or targeted.
The bar offers Gullah-inspired food and promotes Gullah Geechee culture.
Local authorities have not released additional details about possible suspects.
Late Friday, about 700 employees at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) were told they were fired but were later reinstated due to an error. This came as part of President Donald Trump's plan to reduce government workforce size, affecting 1,300 CDC staff, with 600 still not reinstated.
Key Facts
Around 1,300 CDC employees received layoff notices, with about 700 later reinstated.
The reinstatement followed a mistake due to coding errors in the layoff notices, as confirmed by the Department of Health and Human Services.
President Trump is working on reducing the federal workforce, known as Reduction in Force (RIF).
The unexpected layoffs disrupted critical CDC operations during public health challenges, such as the severe measles outbreak.
Key divisions affected initially included disease surveillance and immunization programs.
Affected employees included those involved in publishing the Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report and parts of the Global Health Center.
The decisions have led to significant operational issues at the CDC amidst ongoing public health priorities.
A shooting at a bar on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, resulted in four deaths and over 20 injuries. The incident happened at Willie’s Bar and Grill, involving a large crowd that sought safety in nearby areas. Authorities are investigating, and some of the victims are still in critical condition.
Key Facts
A shooting occurred at Willie’s Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island, South Carolina.
Four people died, and more than 20 others were injured in the incident.
The event took place early on a Sunday morning.
Four of the injured individuals are in critical condition at local hospitals.
The identities of the victims have not been released yet.
St. Helena Island has a large Gullah community with deep historical roots.
The Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office is leading the investigation.
The Trump administration plans to continue legal efforts to send the National Guard to Chicago despite a court ruling that blocks their deployment. Vice President JD Vance stated the administration believes it has the right to ensure safety in cities like Chicago. The legal dispute is part of a broader effort to deploy federal forces to several Democratic-led cities.
Key Facts
A federal appeals court blocked the Trump administration from deploying the National Guard in Chicago.
Vice President JD Vance stated the administration will keep fighting in court to deploy the troops.
The Trump administration believes sending the National Guard is necessary for safety.
Leaders in Chicago and other cities argue the federal troops are not needed and accuse the administration of overreach.
The legal battle is ongoing, with varying decisions from different courts.
No National Guard troops are currently on the streets of Chicago due to court rulings.
The Chicago Marathon took place with concerns about potential immigration enforcement not materializing.
The case is part of a wider push by the Trump administration to send federal forces to Democratic-led cities.
Hedge fund billionaire Ray Dalio warned that the U.S. might be facing a "civil war" due to growing inequality, high debt, and increased geopolitical tension. He spoke about how these issues contribute to economic instability and a breakdown of the world order. Dalio compared the current situation to the late 1930s, highlighting financial and political problems.
Key Facts
Ray Dalio is the founder of Bridgewater Associates, a major hedge fund.
Dalio warned of a potential "civil war" in the U.S. due to economic and political issues.
The U.S. national debt is nearly $38 trillion.
The country's debt-to-income ratio is about 120 percent.
Dalio mentioned five forces shaping history: money, internal order, geopolitics, acts of nature, and technological developments.
Dalio compared current global tensions to those of the late 1930s.
Other economists, like Steve Hanke and Mark Zandi, share concerns about U.S. economic indicators.
Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom, both prominent figures in California politics, are potential contenders for the 2028 U.S. presidential race. Their relationship, characterized by public politeness but private tension, is under scrutiny as they prepare for possible campaigns. Both have been active on the national stage, with Harris promoting a new book and Newsom being vocal about his opposition to President Trump.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom have known each other for over 20 years in California politics.
Both are potential candidates for the 2028 U.S. presidential election.
Harris recently released a book titled "107 Days."
There is reported tension between Harris and Newsom, despite their public politeness.
Newsom has been critical of Harris's responses to political issues and campaigns.
Many former staffers of Harris are now working with Newsom.
Harris and Newsom both play significant roles within the Democratic Party.
President Trump recently announced a new agreement to reduce prescription drug prices, putting aside an earlier plan to impose 100% tariffs on drugs made outside the U.S. This decision came after confusion and conflict among White House officials over the proposed tariffs and their potential to increase drug prices. The agreement involved negotiations with pharmaceutical companies, highlighting the administration's focus on drug affordability and trade.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a deal to lower prescription drug costs in the U.S.
A proposal to impose 100% tariffs on foreign-made pharmaceuticals was paused.
Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick supported tariffs; Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. focused on drug negotiations.
The proposed tariffs could have made prescription drugs more expensive for Americans.
Confusion arose when Trump posted about tariffs without consulting key officials.
The White House Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, intervened to address the communication issue.
A new deal with pharmaceutical companies, including AstraZeneca, was secured.
Trump stated that the tariff discussions helped bring drug companies to negotiate.
President Donald Trump is considering using the Insurrection Act to deploy military forces if courts continue to block efforts to send National Guard troops to U.S. cities. This act allows the President to use the military to restore order during disturbances or rebellions. The decision comes amid an increase in violent attacks against immigration officers and ongoing debates about federal and state powers.
Key Facts
President Trump is thinking about using the Insurrection Act to send military forces to cities if necessary.
The Insurrection Act allows military use to restore order or enforce federal law in cases of rebellion.
An appeals court recently ruled that Trump cannot deploy the National Guard in Illinois.
There is a significant increase in violent attacks against immigration officers, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The potential use of the Insurrection Act has sparked discussions on federal power and state rights.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker has spoken against using the Insurrection Act, emphasizing it requires a rebellion to be valid.
Protests have occurred in response to possible military deployments and ICE activities in cities.
President Trump has authorized National Guard deployment to Chicago as part of immigration enforcement efforts.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) will announce the 2026 Cost-of-Living Adjustment (COLA) on October 24. This update was delayed due to a government shutdown. Adjustments affect the benefits of over 75 million Americans starting January 2026.
Key Facts
The announcement of the 2026 COLA is set for October 24.
The delay was due to a government shutdown impacting the release of necessary inflation data.
Over 70 million people in the U.S. depend on Social Security for income.
The COLA is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
The adjustments ensure benefits keep up with costs like housing and groceries.
The projected COLA increase for 2026 is 2.7 percent according to The Senior Citizen's League.
The COLA impacts various programs such as retirement and disability benefits.
"Saturday Night Live" started this week's episode with a comedic skit featuring Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent Senate committee appearance. Amy Poehler played Bondi and Tina Fey played Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the sketch. The skit humorously depicted Bondi's deflection of questions during the hearing.
Key Facts
"Saturday Night Live" opened with a parody of Attorney General Pam Bondi's Senate committee hearing.
Amy Poehler portrayed Pam Bondi, using humor to show Bondi's responses to questions.
Tina Fey played Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem in the skit.
The sketch highlighted Bondi's avoidance of discussing actions by the Trump administration.
During the hearing, Bondi faced Democratic criticism over the Justice Department's independence under President Trump.
The skit included jokes about Bondi's unwillingness to answer questions and personal insults aimed at senators.
The portrayal also referenced Bondi's interaction with President Trump and involved ICE recruitment ad mockeries.
A shooting at a bar on St. Helena Island, South Carolina, left four people dead and at least 20 injured. The Beaufort County Sheriff's Office is investigating, but no suspect information has been released yet.
Key Facts
The shooting happened on Sunday morning at Willie’s Bar and Grill.
Four people died at the scene.
At least 20 other people were injured and taken to hospitals.
Four of the injured are in critical condition.
The incident occurred on St. Helena Island, known for its beaches and cultural heritage.
Police are questioning witnesses and examining evidence.
The identities of the victims and details about any suspects have not been released.
