Some Department of Education employees say that their out-of-office emails were changed without permission during a government shutdown. These changes included messages blaming Democrats for the shutdown. The changes may violate the Hatch Act, a law that prevents federal employees from engaging in political activities.
Key Facts
Department of Education employees reported their automated emails were changed without consent.
The emails reportedly blamed Democrats for the government shutdown.
The government shutdown occurred after Congress did not agree on a funding measure.
Approximately 87% of the 2,500 employees at the Education Department have been furloughed.
Changing emails without consent might violate the Hatch Act, a law prohibiting political activities by federal employees.
Some advocacy groups filed complaints about government communications that may violate federal laws.
Newsweek reached out to the Education Department for comments but had not verified employee claims at the time of reporting.
The Hatch Act prevents federal employees from participating in political campaigns and other political activities.
The United States government shutdown has reached its third day because the Senate has not agreed on a spending bill. Due to Yom Kippur, the Senate did not vote on Thursday, and a successful vote on Friday seems unlikely. The shutdown is expected to extend into next week.
Key Facts
The US government shutdown has lasted for three days without a spending bill agreement.
The Senate did not vote on Thursday because of the Yom Kippur holiday.
A vote is scheduled for Friday, but Senate Majority Leader predicts a weekend vote is unlikely.
Both Republican and Democratic spending bills did not get enough votes to pass in the Senate.
The House of Representatives is working on a new bill to present to the Senate.
Republicans have a majority in the Senate, but some Democrats and independents have voted with them.
Former President Trump has suggested using the shutdown to reduce the federal workforce.
The White House has already frozen $26 billion in programs in Democratic states.
The U.S. government has shut down because Congress did not pass a funding resolution by the deadline. This is the first shutdown in six years, with both major political parties blaming each other. The shutdown's effects and possible resolutions are under discussion.
Key Facts
The government shutdown happened because the Senate did not pass a funding resolution by the deadline.
This is the first shutdown since 2019.
Both Republicans and Democrats are blaming each other for the shutdown.
President Donald Trump mentioned using the shutdown to reduce federal workforce and change government operations.
Key issues in the funding deadlock include healthcare provisions and the cost of government.
Millions of Americans are affected by the shutdown.
Three scenarios are being considered as possible ways to end the shutdown.
More Americans are starting to think legal sports betting is bad for society and sports, according to a recent survey. The trend shows a significant increase in negative views since 2022. This change comes after the Supreme Court allowed states to legalize sports betting in 2018.
Key Facts
A recent Pew Research Center survey shows 43% of Americans view legal sports betting as bad for society, up from 34% in 2022.
The percentage of people who think legal sports betting is good for society dropped slightly from 8% in 2022 to 7% in 2025.
The survey noted a significant opinion shift among 18 to 29-year-olds, with negative views rising from 23% to 41% from 2022 to 2025.
Older age groups, specifically those over 65, also showed an increase in negative views, from 45% to 49%.
40% of respondents believed legal sports betting was bad for sports, up from 33% in 2022.
The survey included responses from 9,916 U.S. adults and had a margin of error of plus or minus 1.3 percentage points.
22% of those surveyed said they placed bets on sports in the past year, including online and in-person betting.
Discussions among lawmakers, like Texas Governor Greg Abbott and Senator Richard Durbin, indicate ongoing debates about the regulation of sports betting.
President Donald Trump announced a new website, TrumpRx, set to launch in early 2026. This site will allow Americans to buy prescription drugs at discounted prices directly from pharmaceutical companies. Pfizer has agreed to offer significant discounts on its medicines as part of the program.
Key Facts
TrumpRx is a website for buying discounted prescription drugs directly from pharmaceutical companies.
The website is expected to launch in early 2026.
Pfizer, a major pharmaceutical company, will provide discounts up to 85% for drugs purchased through TrumpRx.
The program includes discounts for people without insurance and participants in Medicaid, a government insurance program for low-income individuals.
"Most favoured nation" prices refer to lower drug prices that other countries pay and are part of this initiative.
The stock prices of pharmaceutical companies rose following the announcement of TrumpRx.
President Trump aims to lower drug prices in the US, arguing that Americans currently pay higher prices to subsidize healthcare in other countries.
The article discusses the U.S. government shutdown and White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt's remarks on cutting government spending as a response. The shutdown occurred because the Senate did not pass a temporary funding agreement, mainly due to disagreements over health care subsidies. The White House suggests layoffs as a potential measure to address the shutdown.
Key Facts
The federal government is in its third day of a shutdown.
The shutdown happened because the Senate did not pass a short-term spending agreement.
Republicans control the Senate but need Democratic support to pass funding.
Democrats want the agreement to include health care subsidies and undo cuts from previous legislation.
The White House has proposed layoffs in response to the shutdown.
Typically, in shutdowns, many federal workers are temporarily furloughed, not laid off.
Leavitt stated that President Trump is meeting with budget officials to find spending cuts.
The White House blames Democrats for the shutdown due to disagreement on health care issues.
Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia stated that the federal government shutdown is not a matter of political victory for Democrats or Republicans. The shutdown impacts people, particularly in Georgia, where concerns about healthcare access and job security are rising. Both parties are firm in their positions, with Democrats wanting to extend healthcare subsidies and Republicans preferring to discuss these after government funding is resolved.
Key Facts
The federal government is experiencing a shutdown.
Democrats aim to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies and undo health spending cuts.
Republicans want to address subsidies after funding the government.
Senator Warnock expressed concerns over healthcare access in Georgia's rural areas.
A Georgia business owner closed her business due to high insurance costs without ACA subsidies.
The White House blamed Democrats for the shutdown and defended layoff plans.
Over 100,000 federal employees are based in Georgia.
Senator Warnock supported a proposal to keep the government open and maintain healthcare funding.
Donald Trump's approval rating has decreased in seven important states he won in the 2024 election: Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, and Arizona. This decrease could affect Republican chances in the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Donald Trump's approval ratings are negative in Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Georgia, Nevada, North Carolina, and Arizona.
These states were crucial in Trump's victory in the 2024 presidential election.
Trump's approval rating is -10 in Wisconsin, -12 in Michigan, -13 in Pennsylvania, -11 in Georgia, -12 in Nevada, -9 in North Carolina, and -7 in Arizona.
Craig Agranoff, a political marketing expert, noted that low presidential approval could lead to Republican challenges in the 2026 midterms.
Economic issues and immigration policies might be reasons for Trump's lower approval ratings.
A May survey by Civiqs also showed a decline in Trump's approval in these swing states.
Trump’s national approval rating could cause a swing in his popularity in state polls, as analyzed by G. Elliott Morris.
The FDA approved a new generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, prompting strong reactions from various Republican figures. Former Vice President Mike Pence called the decision a betrayal of the pro-life movement. The approval has led to renewed debates over abortion in the United States.
Key Facts
The FDA approved a new generic version of mifepristone, used for medication abortions.
This decision led to criticism from Republican figures, including Mike Pence and Josh Hawley.
Mike Pence urged Donald Trump to reverse the FDA's decision.
Mifepristone, used with misoprostol, was first approved in 2000 and is widely used for abortions.
Critics argue about the safety and moral implications of the drug's use.
The FDA originally planned a safety review but approved the generic version without it.
Generic drug approvals happen when drug patents expire, allowing multiple manufacturers to offer cheaper alternatives.
Starbucks is closing hundreds of stores in the United States as part of a restructuring plan that also includes cutting 900 corporate jobs. This year, they plan to finish with 18,300 locations across the U.S. and Canada. Some workers are upset about the closures, especially those in unions.
Key Facts
Starbucks is closing hundreds of poorly performing stores in the U.S.
The company plans to reduce its North American store count by about 1%.
Starbucks will also cut 900 corporate jobs.
This restructuring will leave Starbucks with 18,300 locations in the U.S. and Canada by the end of the year.
Worker unions have responded negatively to the closures.
Some stores have already closed, prompting picket lines from unionized workers.
Specific locations in several states, including California, Illinois, and Massachusetts, are affected.
News outlets like Business Insider and ABC News confirmed some of the closures.
California Governor Gavin Newsom has warned universities that they will lose state funding if they agree to a Trump administration proposal. The proposal ties federal funding to adopting conservative campus policies. This disagreement highlights ongoing debates over how higher education should be run in the U.S.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom threatened to cut state funding to universities that accept a Trump administration compact.
The compact encourages universities to adopt conservative policies related to admissions, gender identity, and diversity.
Universities agreeing to the compact would receive priority access to federal funding.
The proposal asks universities to limit international students and reinstate SAT or ACT testing requirements.
Nine universities have been approached with this compact, including USC and MIT.
Opponents believe the compact infringes on academic freedom and free speech.
The White House claims the compact will protect conservative views and support scientific research.
USC is still considering the proposal and has not made a decision yet.
South Dakota Public Broadcasting is cutting back on local news and increasing coverage of youth sports after losing federal funding. The federal government, under pressure from President Trump, has withdrawn $1.1 billion in funding for public media, affecting local PBS and NPR stations.
Key Facts
South Dakota Public Broadcasting has lost federal funding.
The funding cut is part of a broader federal decision to withdraw $1.1 billion from public media.
The broadcaster plans to focus more on youth sports and less on local news.
The loss of funds amounts to $2.3 million for South Dakota's network.
Public media supporters are concerned about the impact on educational content and local journalism.
Some local people see this funding cut as a positive move due to beliefs about media bias.
South Dakota's public media network operates both TV and radio stations.
The network was already under financial stress before the federal cuts.
The U.S. government, under President Trump, has started a federal intervention in Memphis, Tennessee, to reduce violent crime. This plan includes deploying National Guard troops and increasing the presence of federal policing agencies. Local leaders express mixed feelings but hope it will improve safety in the city.
Key Facts
Memphis has a high violent crime rate, even though crime numbers have recently declined.
President Trump's federal intervention plan is specifically targeting cities, and Memphis is the first effort in a Republican-led state.
The plan involves more than a dozen federal policing agencies and the National Guard.
Nearly 100 arrests have been made in the initial phase of the federal intervention in Memphis.
An ongoing similar operation in Washington D.C. has resulted in over 2,000 arrests, mostly for misdemeanors.
Tennessee Governor Bill Lee supports the intervention and expects it to unfold slowly over weeks or months.
State Representative Antonio Parkinson emphasizes making the best of the federal assistance despite political differences.
Some Democrats criticize working with Republicans, but others see involvement as necessary for progress.
The U.S. federal government shutdown has closed national parks and affected many people in Georgia. Federal workers at key locations like airports and the CDC are furloughed or working without pay. Local organizations and communities are worried about the prolonged impact on food aid and other essential services.
Key Facts
The U.S. federal government shutdown has entered its third day, closing national parks and furloughing federal workers.
Atlanta's airport employees, like the TSA, are working without pay, similar to previous shutdowns.
The Atlanta Community Food Bank is preparing for an increase in demand if federal aid programs, such as WIC, run out of funds.
The CDC in Atlanta is already short-staffed due to prior job cuts and furloughs thousands more employees because of the shutdown.
Georgia farmers face delays in essential funding and data due to the congressional standstill affecting the Farm Bill.
The Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area may have to cancel school trips due to the shutdown.
Political disagreements between Republicans and Democrats are at the center of who is responsible for the shutdown’s impact.
Searches for "help with mortgage" in the U.S. are at their highest since 2009, as mortgage rates increase despite recent interest rate cuts by the Federal Reserve. This increase in searches signals financial stress among homeowners amid rising borrowing costs. The rise in foreclosure rates in several states adds to concerns but experts caution against directly comparing the current situation to the 2008 housing crisis.
Key Facts
Google searches for "help with mortgage" are the highest since 2009.
The Federal Reserve recently cut interest rates, but mortgage rates are rising again.
The average 30-year fixed-rate mortgage reached 6.34% as of October 2.
The U.S. is experiencing a government shutdown, impacting economic data releases.
Experts say Google Trends data should be interpreted cautiously over long periods.
Serious mortgage delinquencies are increasing, with a rise of 30,000 reported in July.
Foreclosure filings increased by nearly 6% compared to the previous year’s first half.
Nevada, South Carolina, and Florida have the highest foreclosure rates.
In Florida, about 700,000 children lost their Medicaid health coverage over the last two years. This decrease happened after states could start removing people from the program, following expanded coverage during the COVID-19 pandemic. The decline in coverage is part of a broader nationwide trend where Medicaid enrollment is shrinking.
Key Facts
Florida removed approximately 700,000 children from Medicaid in two years.
The removal process started after March 2023, when states were allowed to reassess eligibility.
Medicaid coverage was initially expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic under the Affordable Care Act (ACA).
Before removing people from the program, Florida had over 3 million children enrolled in Medicaid as of March 2023.
The decrease represents nearly one-quarter of enrolled children, one of the largest drops in the U.S.
The rate of uninsured children in the U.S. has increased by about half a million since the removal process started.
States have different methods of managing the transition, affecting how many people lose coverage.
Confusing procedures and communication issues may have led eligible families to lose coverage without realizing it.
A recent study found that over 60% of American children use Medicaid or CHIP at some point in their childhood. Changes in Medicaid and CHIP funding could leave many children without health insurance. The study, along with various experts, warns that these changes could negatively affect children's health coverage in the United States.
Key Facts
President Trump's tax package included significant cuts to Medicaid and CHIP funding.
The Congressional Budget Office projected that these cuts could lead to 7.5 million more uninsured Americans by 2034.
Over 60% of American children rely on Medicaid or CHIP before age 18.
40% of children are enrolled in Medicaid at birth.
42% of children experience periods without insurance during childhood.
In states expanding Medicaid, 36% of children had insurance gaps, compared to 59% in non-expanding states.
Reasons for losing coverage include changes in family employment and benefits.
Cuts to Medicaid are expected to heavily impact both children's and adults' health coverage in the U.S.
The U.S. government is in its third day of a shutdown with no agreement reached to end it. Due to the shutdown, the release of the monthly jobs report is postponed. Additionally, the White House is encouraging universities to adopt a policy that aligns with former President Trump's agenda.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown has lasted three days.
There is currently no agreement on how to end the shutdown.
The monthly jobs report, which gives important employment data, is delayed.
The White House is urging universities to follow a policy that matches former President Trump's views.
The article was presented by Steve Inskeep and Leila Fadel on NPR's Morning Edition.
Michigan officials propose a rule to limit how long drivers can stay at rest stops to 48 hours. This may impact people who live in their vehicles, as these rest stops are one of the few safe places they have.
Key Facts
Michigan plans to limit stay at rest stops to 48 hours.
The proposal comes from Michigan transportation officials.
People who live in their vehicles may face challenges due to this proposed rule.
Rest stops are considered safe places for those living in cars.
The information was shared through a morning radio program.
A man named Mark Gaskin became homeless after losing his job due to an injury. Despite his own hardships, he chose to care for his elderly aunt who needed help.
Key Facts
Mark Gaskin lost his job following an injury.
As a result of losing his job, Mark became homeless.
Despite his challenges, Mark decided to care for his elderly aunt.
Mark’s story highlights personal caregiving in difficult circumstances.
