Adelita Grijalva, a Democrat, is doing better than expected in a special election in Arizona, outperforming Kamala Harris' previous results in the district by a large margin. Her victory is part of a trend where Democrats are doing well in special elections across the U.S., which they hope will help them in the upcoming 2026 midterms.
Key Facts
Adelita Grijalva won the special election for Arizona's district, succeeding her late father, Raul Grijalva.
Grijalva leads by nearly 39 percentage points with a vote tally of 69% to 30%, with most votes counted.
Kamala Harris previously won this district by 23 points, showing Grijalva’s improved performance.
The district is in the southern part of Arizona, a swing state with mixed political support.
Arizona has two key competitive House races in the upcoming midterms.
Democrat James Walkinshaw also overperformed in a Virginia special election earlier.
Grijalva's win narrows the gap between Republicans and Democrats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
In the United States, infections caused by drug-resistant "nightmare bacteria" increased by 70% from 2019 to 2023, according to a CDC report. The rise involves bacteria with the NDM gene, which can resist even strong antibiotics called carbapenems. Misuse of antibiotics contributes to this increase, and many cases might be undetected, leading to further spread.
Key Facts
Infections by drug-resistant bacteria grew 70% from 2019 to 2023 in the US.
The CDC identified the NDM gene in bacteria as a significant factor in this rise.
Carbapenems are usually effective antibiotics, but NDM-gene bacteria can resist them.
About 4,341 cases of carbapenem-resistant infections were reported in 2023, with 1,831 involving the NDM gene.
Antibiotic misuse contributes to antimicrobial resistance, allowing bacteria to adapt.
The rate of NDM cases increased significantly from 0.25 to 1.35 per 100,000 people.
The COVID-19 pandemic likely increased antibiotic use, contributing to resistance.
Data might be underestimated as many states do not test for these infections, and key states like California and New York were not included in the study.
Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show after a suspension without apologizing for past comments. He discussed the murder of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and received mixed reactions. The show saw a significant increase in viewership online.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel returned to his late-night show after a suspension.
Kimmel spoke emotionally about the killing of Charlie Kirk but did not apologize.
Kimmel's first show back received almost 8 million views on YouTube, much higher than his usual TV audience.
He joked about former President Trump's attempts to cancel him, suggesting it boosted his viewership.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, forgave her husband's killer, which Kimmel praised.
A spokesperson from Turning Point USA criticized Kimmel's monologue as insufficient.
The event sparked discussions about free speech and presidential influence over media.
The audience gave Kimmel a long ovation when he returned.
Houston's mayor and the police chief have addressed and dismissed social media rumors about a serial killer in the city, stating there is no evidence supporting this claim. Concerns arose after the discovery of multiple bodies in Houston's bayous, but the officials clarified the incidents are not connected.
Key Facts
The mayor of Houston, John Whitmire, denied rumors of a serial killer in a news conference.
Five bodies were found in Houston bayous, raising concerns online.
Only one body, of a 20-year-old University of Houston student, has been identified.
Authorities do not suspect foul play in the identified case.
Social media rumors about a serial killer are considered false by local officials.
In 2025, 14 bodies have been recovered from bayous, compared to 24 in 2024.
Further information on the cases will be released after the medical examiner's investigations.
A mother's post on Reddit went viral after her son's school did not allow her homemade cupcakes to be shared due to food policies. The school likely has rules about outside food to address allergy and safety concerns. The incident sparked online discussion about school food guidelines.
Key Facts
A mother made 48 cupcakes for her son's birthday, intending to take them to his new school.
The school did not allow the cupcakes due to policies against bringing homemade food.
The mother shared her experience on Reddit, where the post gained widespread attention.
Comments on Reddit highlighted concerns about food allergies and safety as reasons for the school's decision.
Some commenters supported the school's policy, emphasizing the importance of preventing allergic reactions.
Others mentioned the potential for embarrassment if some students couldn't provide treats, leading to school rules on store-bought sweets only.
The topic sparked a broader discussion about school food policies and children's safety.
A woman named Lucy shared her emotional IVF (In Vitro Fertilization) journey on TikTok, capturing the moment she discovered she was pregnant after years of trying. Her story resonated with many and has been viewed 1.6 million times. Lucy aimed to provide representation for women of color undergoing similar experiences.
Key Facts
Lucy documented her IVF journey on TikTok and shared her positive pregnancy test moment.
Her video received 1.6 million views and widespread support.
Lucy is 37 years old and from South London.
She faced infertility due to blocked fallopian tubes and had to undergo surgery.
IVF was her only option to conceive.
Lucy wanted to increase visibility for women of color going through IVF.
Her journey inspired messages from others in similar situations or dealing with various personal challenges.
The video provided hope and community support, especially among those who felt underrepresented.
A couple named Jenna and Thomas Hendricks started documenting their in vitro fertilization (IVF) journey, highlighting the emotional support they received from their dogs, particularly Rusty. Jenna shared a video on Instagram capturing how closely Rusty stayed by her side throughout the process, providing comfort during a challenging time.
Key Facts
Jenna and Thomas Hendricks began their IVF journey in August, facing challenges due to Jenna's Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
PCOS is a health condition that affects about 1 in 10 women of childbearing age and can cause hormonal imbalances and infertility issues.
The couple experienced two miscarriages in 2024 and decided on IVF after unsuccessful intrauterine inseminations (IUIs).
Jenna documented her IVF journey, including the emotional support from her dog Rusty, and shared the video on Instagram.
Rusty and another dog, Jet, were rescues, with Rusty having been with the couple for nearly eight years.
The video of Rusty’s attentiveness gained over 10,700 views and touched many viewers online.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) is providing $84 million in grants to 176 organizations working to reduce homelessness among veterans. This funding will support legal and case management services to help veterans who are homeless or at risk of losing their housing. The number of homeless veterans has decreased to a record low, with a 7.5% drop since last year.
Key Facts
The VA announced $84 million in grants to combat veteran homelessness.
The funding will assist 176 organizations across the United States.
$42 million will go towards legal services for veterans.
The other $42 million will support case management programs.
The number of homeless veterans has fallen to 32,882, the lowest since tracking began in 2009.
There has been a 55.6% decline in veteran homelessness since 2010.
Legal services will help veterans in landlord disputes, child custody cases, and more.
Case management will create about 100 new case manager positions nationwide.
A shooting took place at an ICE detention facility in Dallas, resulting in one death and two injuries. Texas authorities are currently responding to the incident.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at an ICE detention facility in Dallas, Texas.
One person died in the shooting.
Two people were injured in the incident.
Texas authorities are investigating the scene.
ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement, a U.S. government agency.
The U.S. government announced new rules for H-1B visas, requiring a $100,000 fee and changing the selection process to favor higher-paid workers. These changes could make it harder for foreign employees to enter the U.S. and increase job competition for American workers, especially those with more experience. Critics worry this will raise costs and limit access to skilled foreign talent.
Key Facts
H-1B visas let U.S. companies hire foreign workers in specialized jobs temporarily.
The new rule requires a $100,000 fee with each H-1B visa application.
The Department of Homeland Security wants to prioritize higher-paid foreign workers in the visa process.
The current lottery system might be replaced by a "weighted" system, giving more chances to higher-paying jobs.
Critics argue the changes could limit smaller companies' access to foreign talent and reduce America's edge in technology and AI.
The new fee could make H-1B visas too costly for employees earning below the median salary of $94,000.
Opponents fear the changes will mainly benefit large firms and push down wages for U.S. workers.
The proposal may reduce chances for entry-level foreign workers and increase pressure on mid-career American employees.
The article discusses the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk at a Utah event and highlights the role of political violence in the U.S. The incident intensified racial tensions and the article suggests that the resolution of such violence ultimately depends on white Americans. It looks at Kirk's influence and controversial views on racial issues and gun rights.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist, was killed at a speaking event in Utah.
The suspect is a 22-year-old white male from a Republican family.
The incident led to threats against Black students and heightened racial tensions.
Kirk was known for his critical views on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI).
He hosted a podcast series and debated race and politics on U.S. college campuses.
Pew Research found 49% of white households own guns, compared with 34% of Black and 28% of Hispanic households.
Black and Hispanic people are more likely to be killed by firearms than whites and often support stricter gun laws.
Non-white communities lack significant political influence in the U.S. to drive changes in gun laws.
A mother from Virginia, Laney Morello, was concerned when her 4-year-old daughter, Frankie, said she felt "sad" at bedtime. The reason was that Frankie had learned about the ancient city of Pompeii and its destruction, which made her sad. Laney and her husband believe in openly communicating with their children and providing honest, age-appropriate answers to their questions.
Key Facts
Laney Morello is a mom from Virginia.
Her 4-year-old daughter, Frankie, said she was sad at bedtime.
Frankie was upset because she learned about Pompeii, an ancient city destroyed by a volcanic eruption.
Pompeii was buried under ash after Mount Vesuvius erupted in 79 AD.
Frankie learned about Pompeii during a visit to Busch Gardens, which has a themed ride about Pompeii.
Laney and her husband focus on honest communication and discussing emotional topics with their children.
Laney shared the story on Instagram to highlight the importance of checking in with children about their feelings.
A Michigan mother, Mandi Markosky, expected her kids to fall asleep after a day of swimming but was surprised when her 4-year-old son, Walker, stayed awake. Walker, who has ADHD, chatted the whole way home while his siblings slept, and the family found it amusing, sharing a video online that gained 2.4 million views.
Key Facts
Mandi Markosky is a mom from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
She expected her children to be tired and fall asleep after swimming for 5 hours.
Her 4-year-old son, Walker, stayed awake and chatted during the 45-minute drive home.
Walker was diagnosed with ADHD, which often results in high energy and difficulty with sleep.
The video of Walker talking during the drive was shared on TikTok and viewed 2.4 million times.
In 2022, the CDC reported that 7 million U.S. children aged 3 to 17 have been diagnosed with ADHD.
Mandi Markosky also has ADHD and noticed early on that Walker exhibited similar traits.
Despite challenges of ADHD, Mandi tries to find humor and share light-hearted moments with others.
A viral TikTok video has highlighted the story of Stu, a 5-year-old Chihuahua mix, who has spent most of his life in a shelter in Fresno, California, alongside his three siblings. Despite being friendly with other pets and children, Stu and his siblings have not yet found a forever home. Thousands of dogs in the U.S. are in shelters, with a significant number still awaiting adoption.
Key Facts
Stu is a 5-year-old Chihuahua mix living in a shelter in Fresno, California, with three siblings.
A volunteer shared a TikTok video of Stu, which gained attention but has not led to his adoption yet.
Stu and his siblings were moved from another shelter in June and are still waiting to be adopted.
Stu does well with both dogs and cats and can adapt to being around children who respect his space.
About 3 million dogs enter shelters in the U.S. each year, with only about 2 million getting adopted.
The video of Stu received over 4,200 views and 1,425 likes on TikTok.
Many comments on the video express hope that Stu will find a home.
Jimmy Kimmel, a late-night talk show host, did not apologize but expressed remorse for his comments about Charlie Kirk's death, which sparked controversy. Kimmel made it clear he will not let criticism, especially from Donald Trump, silence him and emphasized the importance of free speech. The article also highlights Trump's ongoing tensions with media companies, including Disney, which owns Kimmel's network.
Key Facts
Jimmy Kimmel expressed regret for comments about Charlie Kirk but did not apologize.
Kimmel's comments led to his temporary suspension by Disney.
Kimmel is determined not to let criticism or Donald Trump silence him.
Trump criticized Kimmel and suggested his return to the show could be damaging to ABC, which is owned by Disney.
Trump referred to a past settlement where Disney paid him $16 million.
Disney suspended and later reinstated Kimmel, who disagreed with the suspension but thanked Disney for letting him return.
Trump has had recent legal interactions with media companies, including settlements with Disney and Paramount.
A judge recently dismissed Trump's defamation lawsuit against the New York Times, allowing time for an amended complaint.
The White House stated it supports a professional handwriting analysis to verify if former President Donald Trump wrote a controversial birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein. Handwriting analysis is a process used in legal settings to determine the authenticity of handwriting, and experts require original documents and comparison samples. The investigation involves reviewing the unique features of a signature to ensure its authenticity.
Key Facts
The White House supports a handwriting analysis to verify Trump's alleged note to Epstein.
Handwriting analysis is commonly used in legal cases to determine the authenticity of documents.
Experts require access to the original document and known samples of Trump's signature for comparison.
The note in question was allegedly written for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003.
Handwriting analysis looks at details like letter proportions and connections to identify authenticity.
Trump denies writing the note and has filed a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times over its reporting.
Critics note that digital images of documents are usually not reliable for analysis.
No timeline for when the handwriting examination might happen has been provided.
The General Services Administration (GSA) is rehiring hundreds of employees who were laid off during a cost-cutting campaign by the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). The employees, who manage federal office spaces, must decide by October 6 if they will return to work.
Key Facts
The GSA is bringing back hundreds of employees after they were laid off in a previous cost-cutting effort.
DOGE originally cut staff to reduce fraud, waste, and abuse within the GSA.
The layoff pushed many employees to resign or retire early, often with incentives to do so.
Employees who agree to return must start working by October 6 after being paid for several months.
The GSA faced staffing shortages, impacting its ability to manage federal office functions.
Other federal agencies, like the IRS and Labor Department, have also been reinstating workers lately.
Democrats argue these rehirings show the initial staff cuts were not well-planned and caused more issues.
John Yang from PBS News hosts a discussion at the University of Virginia about the relationship between the White House and the Office of Management and Budget. The event is part of a series discussing how to have a more effective presidency, featuring several experts and former government officials.
Key Facts
John Yang, a PBS News anchor, moderates the panel discussion.
The event is held at the Miller Center at the University of Virginia.
It focuses on the relationship between the presidency and the Office of Management and Budget.
The discussion is part of a two-day event called "Toward a More Responsible and Effective Presidency."
Panelists include Josh Bolten, former White House chief of staff under President Bush.
Shalanda Young, the current director of the Office of Management and Budget, will participate.
Guian McKee, Rachel Potter, and Andy Rudalevige, all associated with academic or research institutions, are also panelists.
A shooting at a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility in Dallas left two detainees dead and one person injured. The suspected shooter was found dead, believed to have killed himself, on a nearby rooftop.
Key Facts
The shooting happened early Wednesday at the ICE facility in Dallas.
Two detainees lost their lives, and one person got hurt.
The shooter was found dead on the roof of a nearby building.
Police initially searched for any additional suspects but found none.
Roads near the scene, including parts of I-35E, were closed due to the incident.
DHS Secretary Kristi Noem stated the violence was "unprecedented."
Vice President JD Vance condemned the attacks on ICE facilities.
Authorities reported a shooting at an Immigration and Customs Enforcement detention facility in Dallas, resulting in multiple injuries and deaths. The shooter died by suicide, and the motive is unknown.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at a detention facility run by ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) in Dallas.
Several people were injured, and there were fatalities.
The shooter died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
Kristi Noem, Secretary of Homeland Security, commented on the incident.
No known motive for the shooting has been established.
Officials are investigating the event, and new details may emerge as the situation develops.
