The Trump administration has reached a deal with Pfizer, a major U.S. drug company, to lower the prices of its medications for the Medicaid program, based on prices in other wealthy countries. Pfizer will also offer discounts through a new online platform called TrumpRx and plans to invest $70 billion in U.S.-based manufacturing projects. Lower drug prices from this deal are expected to be seen by consumers in 2026.
Key Facts
The deal involves Pfizer reducing medication costs for the U.S. Medicaid program.
Pfizer will sell drugs to Medicaid patients at the lowest price available in developed countries.
New U.S. drugs by Pfizer will be priced the same as in other high-income countries.
Pfizer will offer discounts averaging 50% through TrumpRx, an online drug purchasing platform.
The price reductions are expected to take effect in 2026.
Pfizer plans to invest $70 billion in U.S. domestic manufacturing and infrastructure.
Trump previously signed an executive order to push drug companies to lower prices or face government price caps.
Trump announced a potential tariff on pharmaceutical imports unless drug companies increase U.S. production.
Ben Cohen, co-founder of Ben & Jerry's, held a protest outside the U.S. Capitol to criticize what he sees as excessive U.S. military spending. He used a chainsaw to cut apart a model of the Pentagon filled with fake dollar bills to symbolize wasteful defense budgets. The protest is part of the DOPE campaign, which argues for reducing military expenses and reallocating funds to social programs.
Key Facts
Ben Cohen is a co-founder of the ice cream company Ben & Jerry's and a progressive activist.
He protested against U.S. military spending, calling it excessive.
The protest took place in front of the U.S. Capitol and was part of the DOPE campaign.
DOPE stands for "Department of Pentagon Excess" and opposes high defense budgets.
Cohen used a chainsaw to dismantle a model of the Pentagon stuffed with fake money during the protest.
He argued that military funds should be redirected to social programs instead.
He criticized the Pentagon's high spending on items like soap dispensers and the proposed Golden Dome defense system.
Retired Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson and Josephine Guilbeau, a former intelligence analyst, also spoke at the event.
Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert appeared on each other's late-night TV shows and made jokes about former President Donald Trump. This crossover happened during a time of controversy, as Kimmel recently faced suspension from ABC and Colbert's show was canceled by CBS. Their collaboration highlights ongoing tensions between politics, media, and entertainment.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert appeared on each other's shows as guests.
Both hosts have faced professional setbacks, with Colbert's show canceled and Kimmel temporarily suspended.
President Trump has criticized both hosts, calling their content biased.
The crossover happened amid debates about political comedy and government regulation.
Kimmel was suspended by ABC after comments about activist Charlie Kirk's death.
Both hosts used their appearances to mock President Trump.
Trump responded via a social media post, criticizing Kimmel's return to television.
The crossover reflects broader tensions in late-night TV regarding political influence and audience reception.
The Virginia governor's race is getting tighter, with Republican Winsome Earle-Sears closing in on Democrat Abigail Spanberger's lead. A recent poll shows Spanberger leading by only three percentage points, indicating a more competitive contest in a state that usually favors Democrats.
Key Facts
A new poll shows Republican Winsome Earle-Sears is only three points behind Democrat Abigail Spanberger in the Virginia governor's race.
Spanberger is polling at 48 percent, while Earle-Sears is at 45 percent.
The survey was done between September 26-28.
The race is more competitive, even though Virginia typically leans Democratic in presidential elections.
In a similar tight contest in 2021, Republican Glenn Youngkin won the governor's race against Democrat Terry McAuliffe.
Youngkin won with about 50.58 percent of the vote compared to McAuliffe's 48.64 percent.
Parts of the U.S. federal government stopped working because Congress did not agree on a budget by the deadline. This situation started on October 1, 2025.
Key Facts
A government shutdown began on October 1, 2025.
Congress did not agree on a spending bill to fund government operations.
Many government services and programs are now paused.
The shutdown started at midnight after the deadline was missed.
This shutdown affects federal workers and services nationwide.
Six frozen food items sold at Kroger stores in 17 states have been recalled because they may contain wood fragments, posing health risks. The recall involves products made by Hillshire Brands, totaling about 58 million pounds, and affects many retail locations and some school and military facilities.
Key Facts
Six frozen food products sold at Kroger stores are recalled due to possible wood contamination.
Items include State Fair corn dogs and Jimmy Dean pancake and sausage sticks.
The Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) issued the recall after injury reports.
The recall is classified as Class I, indicating serious health risks.
The affected items were sold in 17 states across the Midwest, South, and Mid-Atlantic regions.
About 58 million pounds of products made between March 17 and September 26, 2023, are included in the recall.
Consumers should check establishment numbers “EST-582” or “P-894” on packaging.
Recalled items should be returned to stores or discarded, with detailed lists available on the FSIS website.
Nick Tomasso from New Jersey takes annual photos with his son, each wearing Batman T-shirts. This tradition began spontaneously but has become a cherished ritual they plan to continue. Nick shares these moments online, aiming to bring joy and remind parents of the importance of cherishing time with their children.
Key Facts
Nick Tomasso and his son have posed in Batman T-shirts annually for over a decade.
The tradition started when Nick took a photo of his son wearing a Batman baby outfit.
They have taken 11 photos so far and plan to continue this tradition.
Nick, a Batman fan, uses this ritual to show their growth over time.
He shares these photos on Reddit and Instagram to spread joy.
Nick hopes to remind parents to cherish moments with their children.
Family traditions can increase enjoyment and strengthen family bonds, according to research.
The U.S. began a federal government shutdown after the Senate did not pass a funding bill before the deadline. Federal agencies are reducing services and furloughing workers until Democrats and Republicans agree on a solution. Essential services like Social Security are not affected.
Key Facts
The government shutdown began because the Senate could not pass a funding bill in time.
Federal workers are facing unpaid leave until a funding solution is reached.
Essential services funded by mandatory spending, such as Social Security, continue without interruptions.
President Trump warned of layoffs if the government shuts down and plans to remove certain programs he associates with Democrats.
Republicans and Democrats blame each other for the shutdown.
Democrats want to extend subsidies for Obamacare, focusing on rising health care costs.
Republicans offered a temporary funding bill for seven weeks to keep the government running.
Senate leaders have differing views on how to resolve the shutdown, with no negotiations planned until the government is reopened.
Ohio's task force on property taxes proposed 20 recommendations to address high property tax bills but did not agree on a single solution. This working group, created by Governor Mike DeWine, aims to help Ohio homeowners without affecting funding for public services. Ohio has seen property values and corresponding taxes rise significantly in recent years.
Key Facts
The task force was set up by Ohio's Governor Mike DeWine to tackle high property taxes.
The group suggested 20 recommendations but did not settle on one solution.
Governor DeWine vetoed 67 provisions for immediate property tax relief in June.
Ohio ranks eighth in the U.S. for property tax burden, while it ranks 40th for median household income.
Property values in Ohio have risen steeply, with the median home price increasing to $271,700.
Recommendations include refining county budget commissions and limiting carry-over balances.
Suggestions also involve closing loopholes, supporting property tax reduction bills, and improving levy transparency.
Late-night TV hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert appeared as guests on each other's shows. They discussed the cancellations of their TV programs, with Kimmel's being temporarily suspended and Colbert's ending permanently. The hosts also joked about political figures and recent news events.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert were guests on each other's late-night shows on October 1, 2025.
Kimmel's show was suspended temporarily due to comments he made about political figures.
Stephen Colbert's show is ending next year.
Kimmel's comments during a monologue led to backlash and a temporary suspension by his network, ABC, owned by Disney.
Both shows included a crossover broadcast with a stunt involving both hosts.
Kimmel's suspension sparked a debate about free speech and media criticism by political figures.
ABC later reversed its decision, allowing Kimmel to return to hosting his show.
The U.S. government has shut down because lawmakers could not agree on a budget. This will affect many services and people, including unpaid federal workers, air travel, and national parks. Essential workers must work without pay, while others are on leave, and some public services will face disruptions.
Key Facts
The shutdown happened because Republicans and Democrats could not agree on a government budget.
About 40% of federal workers, or around 800,000 people, will not receive pay and many are on unpaid leave.
Air traffic controllers and TSA workers must work without pay, possibly leading to airport delays.
National parks may be left open without staff, causing concerns about vandalism and damage.
The Smithsonian museums will stay open using leftover funds, but some services like zoo webcams will close.
Some government agency workers, like those at health research agencies, are on leave, impacting ongoing projects.
Contractors working for federal agencies will not receive backpay for missed work during the shutdown.
The US government has shut down for the first time in nearly seven years because Congress couldn't agree on a funding bill. As a result, many federal workers might be temporarily out of work, and public services could face disruptions. Both Republicans and Democrats blame each other for the failure to reach a deal, with disagreements mainly centered around healthcare funding.
Key Facts
The US government shutdown occurred due to Congress not agreeing on a funding plan.
Many federal workers may be furloughed, meaning they are temporarily out of work without pay.
National parks and museums might close, and air travel could be disrupted due to staff shortages.
Both political parties blame each other for the shutdown, primarily over disagreements on healthcare spending.
A Senate vote saw 55 in favor and 45 against the Republican-led funding bill, which was not enough to pass.
President Trump has threatened to cut programs important to Democrats if the shutdown continues.
The last government shutdown during Trump's presidency affected similar numbers of federal employees.
Essential workers continue to work during the shutdown, but may not get paid immediately.
A Scottish woman named June Bunyan was found murdered in Los Angeles. She had previously sought but later dropped a restraining order against her boyfriend, Jonathan Renteria, who is now accused of her murder. Renteria has been charged with murder and other offenses, and he has pleaded not guilty.
Key Facts
June Bunyan, 37, was originally from Arran, Scotland, and moved to the U.S. to pursue a legal career.
She was found dead on September 11 in Los Angeles with traumatic neck injuries.
Bunyan had applied for a restraining order against her boyfriend, Jonathan Renteria, citing domestic violence in December 2023.
The restraining order case was dropped after Bunyan did not appear in court.
Jonathan Renteria, 25, has been charged with murder and mutilation, and he has pleaded not guilty; his bail is set at $4 million.
Bunyan and Renteria are believed to have been married and had a young child together.
Bunyan studied law at Robert Gordon University and started a paralegal service in the U.S.
A friend described Bunyan as kind, funny, and determined to succeed in the U.S.
The U.S. government has shut down because Congress did not agree on a new budget. Federal workers are preparing for the impact. Former President Trump spoke about using the military against domestic threats.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown started after Congress couldn't agree on a budget.
Federal employees are getting ready to deal with the shutdown's effects on their jobs.
The shutdown may lead to a halt in non-essential government services.
Former President Trump mentioned using the military to handle threats inside the country.
The shutdown affects many government-funded services and operations.
A recent poll shows that nearly 30% of Americans believe violence might be needed to fix the country, an increase from 19% reported 18 months ago. This belief has increased among Democrats, Republicans, and independents.
Key Facts
30% of Americans think violence may be necessary to fix the country.
This is up from 19% who thought the same 18 months ago.
The poll was conducted by PBS News, NPR, and Marist.
Among Republicans, the belief increased by 3 percentage points since last April.
Among independents, the increase was 7 percentage points.
Democrats showed the largest increase, with a rise of 16 percentage points.
Now, 28% of Democrats believe violence might be needed.
Federal agents used Black Hawk helicopters to rappel onto Chicago rooftops in a major immigration operation targeting members of a Venezuelan gang. The operation was led by ICE, with help from the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol, resulting in the arrest of around 30 undocumented immigrants, some with suspected gang ties. The effort is part of a broader initiative to increase immigration enforcement in Chicago under the Trump administration.
Key Facts
Federal agents targeted a five-story apartment complex in Chicago's South Shore neighborhood.
ICE worked with the FBI and U.S. Border Patrol for this operation.
About 300 agents participated in the raid.
Roughly 30 undocumented immigrants were arrested, some suspected of being gang members.
The operation specifically targeted members of the Tren de Aragua, a Venezuelan gang.
The operation is known as "Midway Blitz" and focuses on undocumented immigrants with criminal records.
Chicago is expected to see more federal agents in the coming weeks.
The immigration operation has faced criticism from immigrant advocacy groups and state Democratic officials.
The Trump administration plans to open 13 million acres of federal land for coal mining to support the U.S. coal industry. This plan includes financial subsidies and reduced royalty rates for mining companies. Supporters claim this will create jobs, while critics are concerned about environmental impacts and question the economic benefits.
Key Facts
The U.S. government plans to open 13 million acres of public land for coal mining.
This plan is part of efforts to support the coal industry and increase domestic energy production.
The government will provide $625 million in subsidies to update coal-fired power plants.
The policy will lower the royalty rates for coal miners from 12.5% to 7%.
Potential coal mining areas include Wyoming, Montana, Utah, Alabama, and North Dakota.
Critics are worried about increased pollution and setbacks in reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Environmental groups argue the move could harm national parks and increase electricity bills.
The share of coal in U.S. electricity production has decreased from 45% in 2010 to an expected 15% by 2024.
Republican efforts continue to place more voting restrictions on U.S. citizens living overseas, including military members, before the 2026 midterm elections. These measures primarily affect American citizens born abroad who have never lived in the U.S., with some states now limiting their voting to federal elections only.
Key Facts
Around 2.8 million U.S. citizens living abroad were eligible to vote in 2022.
Voting turnout for overseas citizens is significantly lower than domestic voters (3.4% compared to 62.5% in 2022).
Republicans are working to restrict voting for U.S. citizens born overseas who have never lived in the U.S.
Thirty-seven states and Washington, D.C., currently allow these individuals to vote based on a relative's last state residency.
Legal challenges in swing states like Michigan and North Carolina have attempted to invalidate votes from these citizens.
North Carolina has changed its rules, allowing these voters to only participate in federal elections, not state or local races.
The Republican National Committee's challenges were mostly dismissed, but some legal battles have led to changes in voting policy.
The Mothman Festival in Point Pleasant, West Virginia, attracts fans of the mysterious creature known as Mothman. The festival, held every September, brings economic benefits and new life to the town through events, tours, and merchandise sales.
Key Facts
The Mothman Festival happens every September in Point Pleasant, West Virginia.
Mothman is a legendary creature that people first reported seeing in Point Pleasant in 1966.
The festival features vendors selling items like Mothman masks, food, and drinks.
Attendees enjoy music, food, and tours related to the Mothman legend.
The festival is popular and draws visitors from different places, boosting the local economy.
A notable attraction is the large silver Mothman statue, which is a popular spot for photos.
The event includes costumes, and many visitors dress up as Mothman or related themes.
Federal agencies in the U.S. are rehiring workers and increasing spending after a government initiative aimed at reducing costs did not meet expectations. The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) had pushed for cost-cutting measures, but agencies found they needed to hire back workers to continue operations. Despite attempts to reduce expenses, recent data shows federal spending has increased.
Key Facts
Federal agencies are rehiring workers they previously let go.
The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) aimed to cut costs but did not achieve expected goals.
Agencies found it difficult to operate effectively without rehired staff.
Federal spending has increased by hundreds of billions of dollars compared to the previous year.
Most spending is on debt service, national defense, and programs like Social Security and Medicare.
Some workers accepted a buyout offer called "Fork in the Road" but are now being rehired.
The government is facing a complicated situation due to a shutdown.
