Social Security benefits will go up by 3.6 percent in 2027, as announced by President Donald Trump’s administration. This change means that the average monthly Social Security payment will increase by $75.
Key Facts
The Social Security cost of living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 is 3.6 percent.
This increase will add about $75 per month on average to benefits.
The Social Security Administration (SSA) reported this change.
Last year, the COLA was 2.8 percent.
Nearly 72 million people receive Social Security benefits.
COLA adjusts payments to keep up with inflation or price increases.
The announcement came from the Trump administration.
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A Republican donor involved in the Kimberly Guilfoyle scandal is demanding that officials, including Vice President JD Vance, work to bring back Dr. Abubakar Atiq Durrani from Pakistan. Durrani is accused of doing unnecessary spinal surgeries, even on children, and fled the country.
Key Facts
Eric Deters is a Republican donor tied to the Kimberly Guilfoyle scandal.
Deters wants Vice President JD Vance and others to act on extraditing Dr. Abubakar Atiq Durrani.
Dr. Durrani is accused of performing unnecessary spinal surgeries.
Some surgeries reportedly involved children.
Dr. Durrani escaped to Pakistan to avoid legal consequences.
Deters has warned he will push other administration officials if his demands are ignored.
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UK Prime Minister Burnham met with Ukrainian President Zelensky in London to show support for Ukraine during its ongoing conflict with Russia. Burnham promised to increase military and financial aid but avoided criticizing President Trump, who recently lifted some sanctions on Russia and called for Zelensky to be replaced.
Key Facts
President Zelensky visited London amid the ongoing war between Ukraine and Russia, now in its fifth year.
US President Donald Trump shifted his position by lifting sanctions on Russian diesel and suggesting Zelensky be replaced.
UK Prime Minister Burnham pledged to speed up delivering missiles to help Ukraine defend against Russian drones.
Burnham expressed support for Zelensky but avoided criticizing Trump’s recent actions publicly.
The UK government organized a controlled, low-profile meeting with no full press conference to limit questions.
Burnham emphasized his role as a bridge-builder to bring international support back to Ukraine.
Previously, the UK helped ease tensions between Trump and Zelensky during a 2025 dispute in the Oval Office.
Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey publicly questioned Burnham about his lack of criticism of Trump’s decisions.
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The Texas Senate race between Democrat James Talarico and Republican Ken Paxton is very close. The Texas GOP chair, D’rinda Randall, has commented on the competitive nature of the election.
Key Facts
James Talarico is running as a Democrat for the Texas Senate.
Ken Paxton is the Republican candidate for the same seat.
The race between Talarico and Paxton is considered a toss-up, meaning it is very close and could go either way.
D’rinda Randall is the chair of the Texas Republican Party.
Randall has shared her views on the Senate race’s competitiveness.
This race is attracting attention because of the tight competition in Texas politics.
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Western states face a challenge in building more electricity transmission lines. This is important for delivering cleaner energy and supporting new industries in the region’s future.
Key Facts
Governors from Western states are discussing the need for more transmission lines.
Transmission lines carry electricity over long distances.
Expanding transmission is needed to use more clean energy sources like wind and solar.
Upgrading the electricity grid can help create new jobs and industries.
Without better transmission, the region risks falling behind others in energy development.
The focus is on leading the next generation of energy technology.
This issue is seen as crucial for economic growth and environmental goals.
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Students in France are protesting against poor school conditions, teacher shortages, and fears about their future job security and living costs. The government has responded with police force, causing injuries and detentions, while many people in France support the protests.
Key Facts
Over 160,000 people protested against school problems like overcrowded classes, broken furniture, and missing teachers.
Students are worried about unstable jobs, low pay, and high living costs affecting their future.
French schools teach protest as a civic right, but police used riot gear causing injuries to students and staff.
More than 250 students and about 100 school staff have been hurt during protests.
Over 6,000 mainly young protesters have been detained by police.
The government stopped using stun grenades after public criticism.
A recent poll showed 57% of the French public support the students’ protests.
The protests occur before presidential elections and reflect political tensions in France.
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Katie Zacharia gave her first press briefing as President Donald Trump's new press secretary. The briefing was short, with only a few questions asked, and Zacharia read mainly from prepared notes.
Key Facts
Katie Zacharia is the new White House press secretary for President Donald Trump.
Her first briefing lasted 14 minutes and included just three questions.
She often looked down and read from a script during the briefing.
Zacharia smiled during the briefing but made small mistakes, like mixing up words.
The questions she answered were mostly from media outlets friendly to President Trump.
The briefing was shorter and less confrontational than usual.
Zacharia previously worked as a commentator for Newsmax.
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The fitness industry in the U.S. is shifting its focus from appearance and weight loss to promoting healthy aging and long-term wellness. More adults aged 65 and older are joining gyms, and experts emphasize that consistent exercise improves overall health, not just looks. However, some claims about extending life span lack strong scientific proof.
Key Facts
The fitness industry is increasingly promoting exercise for longevity and healthy aging.
A 2026 survey found that longevity and healthy aging are among the fastest-growing goals for fitness clients.
Gym membership for adults 65 and older increased by 8.6% in one year.
Fitness businesses are marketing services that focus on mobility, resilience, and long-term health.
Coach Oscar Kemjika promotes fitness that prioritizes body function and daily healthy habits over appearance.
The global wellness market was valued at $6.8 trillion in 2024 and is expected to grow to $9.8 trillion by 2029.
Some marketed longevity treatments, like cryotherapy and vitamin infusions, lack strong scientific evidence for extending lifespan.
Experts advise consumers to distinguish between proven preventive medicine and unproven longevity claims.
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Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are a comedy duo and best friends who created the "#IMomSoHard" podcast. They recently talked on CBS Mornings about their new tour, called "The Crashing Out Tour," and their book, "The Middle School Mom's Survival Guide," which helps parents handle life with middle school kids.
Key Facts
Kristin Hensley and Jen Smedley are best friends and comedians.
They created the popular "#IMomSoHard" podcast about parenting.
They have a new tour named "The Crashing Out Tour."
They wrote a book called "The Middle School Mom's Survival Guide."
The book offers advice for parents dealing with middle school challenges.
They appeared on "CBS Mornings" to talk about their tour and book.
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Kimberly Guilfoyle, President Donald Trump’s ambassador to Greece, resigned after allegations from Eric Deters, a Kentucky businessman and Trump supporter, surfaced. Deters accused Guilfoyle of financial and ethical misconduct related to a failed political event he organized called Freedom Fest. Guilfoyle denies the allegations.
Key Facts
Eric Deters canceled the 2026 MAGA Freedom Fest after selling only six $1,000 VIP tickets.
Kimberly Guilfoyle resigned as Trump’s ambassador to Greece shortly after the event’s cancellation.
Deters accused Guilfoyle of asking for large sums of money and offering access to senior Trump administration members.
Guilfoyle’s lawyers say she acted with integrity and denies any wrongdoing.
Deters is a Kentucky businessman, conservative broadcaster, former lawyer, and long-time Trump supporter.
Freedom Fest included high-profile pro-Trump figures like Guilfoyle, Donald Trump Jr., and Candace Owens in past years.
Deters claims he paid Guilfoyle about $300,000 for speaking at his events over several years.
The event’s failure and lack of support led Deters to publicly criticize Guilfoyle and threaten to reveal negative stories.
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Stephanie Grisham, former White House press secretary, said Kimberly Guilfoyle, who recently left her post as ambassador to Greece, has close connections to President Donald Trump’s family beyond what has been suggested. Grisham shared that Guilfoyle spent many holidays with the Trump family over four years.
Key Facts
Kimberly Guilfoyle was recently removed from her ambassador role in Greece.
Stephanie Grisham served as White House press secretary during President Trump’s first term.
Grisham said Guilfoyle spent almost every holiday for four years with the Trump family.
Guilfoyle was present at Trump family locations like Mar-a-Lago and Bedminster.
Grisham disagreed with suggestions that Guilfoyle was just someone Trump’s son dated.
The comments show Guilfoyle had a deeper role or presence within Trump’s family circle.
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Over 300,000 public sector workers, including nurses, doctors, teachers, and civil servants, are striking across the Republic of Ireland for 24 hours due to a pay dispute with the Irish government. The strike may cause school closures, cancelled hospital appointments, and picket lines throughout the country, with another strike planned for October 21.
Key Facts
The strike involves more than 300,000 workers in the public sector in Ireland.
Sectors affected include healthcare, education, and civil service.
The dispute centers on ongoing pay negotiations that have not reached agreement.
Earlier this month, school teachers began work-to-rule actions, working strictly to their contracts.
Forsa, Ireland’s largest public service union, had nearly 97% of its members vote in favor of strike action.
The Irish government says the strike will disrupt the economy and public services.
Teachers report their pay does not keep up with living costs, making it hard to save money or buy homes.
The government’s minister for expenditure called the strike "deeply disappointing."
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Pope Leo XIV is recovering well after lung surgery to remove a cancerous nodule. The Vatican reported that he has started walking, eating normally, and doing breathing exercises as part of his recovery.
Key Facts
Pope Leo XIV had surgery to remove a cancerous nodule from his lung.
Blood tests and chest X-rays show his recovery is progressing normally.
He is doing respiratory physiotherapy to help with breathing.
The Pope has begun walking around his room.
He has resumed eating regular meals, including breakfast and lunch.
Doctors confirm his recovery is going as expected.
The information was released by the Vatican's Holy See Press Office.
Two doctors, Dr. Luigi Carbone and Professor Stefano Margaritora, provided the medical update.
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New York City plans to ban horse-drawn carriages by June 2028. The city aims to protect the horses' welfare while addressing the concerns of workers affected by the ban.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani and City Council Speaker Julie Menin support a bill to ban horse-drawn carriages in New York City.
The ban would start in June 2028, ending a popular tourist attraction in Central Park.
Animal rights groups raised concerns about horse safety after several horses died or collapsed since 2020.
The ban gained momentum after an 18-year-old tourist died from a carriage accident.
Transport Workers Union opposes the ban due to concerns over drivers' income and jobs.
The bill proposes a workforce transition program to help carriage drivers find new jobs.
It also suggests compensation programs for carriage owners.
The bill requires horses to be retired humanely, banning their sale or use in other carriage industries or for slaughter.
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Cornell University President Michael Kotlikoff admitted the university and he made mistakes when a student reported a sexual assault in 2024. He also defended the steps taken afterward and explained his actions as the university’s leader in an interview.
Key Facts
The alleged sexual assault involved a gang rape reported at Cornell University.
The university and President Kotlikoff first learned about the case in November 2024.
Kotlikoff said there were errors made in handling the initial report.
Since then, the university took further actions to address the situation.
Kotlikoff spoke about the case and his role in an interview with The New York Times.
The case has drawn public and media attention to how Cornell handles sexual assault allegations.
President Kotlikoff defended the university’s current efforts to support survivors and improve procedures.
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A conservative group started by former Vice President Mike Pence asked President Donald Trump’s administration to stop Russia from shipping diesel fuel to the United States. Some Republican senators and others also oppose this deal, saying it should not go forward.
Key Facts
The group is called Advancing American Freedom.
It was started by former Vice President Mike Pence.
The group sent a letter to President Trump’s administration.
The letter urges the U.S. to block unsanctioned Russian diesel from entering the country.
Some Republican senators also disagree with the diesel deal.
The diesel deal involves shipping fuel from Russia to the U.S.
This issue is part of broader debates about trade with Russia and sanctions.
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Colombia has opened its embassy in Jerusalem, recognizing the city as Israel's capital. This move reverses a previous policy and joins few countries backing Israel’s claim to the entire city, a point disputed by Palestinians and the international community.
Key Facts
Colombia opened its embassy in Jerusalem under President Abelardo de la Espriella.
The previous Colombian government cut ties with Israel over the Gaza conflict.
Colombia restored a free trade agreement with Israel that had been canceled.
Only about 10 countries have embassies in Jerusalem; most keep embassies in Tel Aviv.
Palestinians and Jordan criticized Colombia’s move as breaking international law.
Jerusalem’s status is a major issue in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.
Israel claims all of Jerusalem as its capital; Palestinians claim East Jerusalem for a future state.
The US moved its embassy to Jerusalem in 2018 under President Trump, sparking controversy.
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Three men, identifying as "English nationalist" content creators, entered a house in Leicestershire where asylum seekers live and filmed themselves without permission. The video was posted online and has caused concern, leading to an investigation by the Home Office and Serco, the company managing the accommodation.
Key Facts
The men filmed themselves entering an asylum seeker’s home through an unlocked back door, claiming to be contractors checking the property.
The video was posted on YouTube and X, gaining over 300,000 views before YouTube removed it for violating rules against harassment.
The filmmakers showed the house’s exact location and internal details, making it easily identifiable.
When confronted, they briefly showed ID on a lanyard, but it was unclear if it was official.
Serco and the Home Office are investigating the incident to protect the safety of asylum seekers and staff.
The group behind the video describe themselves as "English nationalist" and critical of immigration.
Similar incidents have increased, with far-right activists trying to enter asylum accommodations, sometimes using false legal claims.
YouTube removed the video because it contained harassment and revealed personal information about the asylum seekers.
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Social Security recipients will get a 3.6% increase in their monthly payments starting in January 2027, the largest raise in four years. This change will add about $75 a month, or $900 a year, to the average retiree's benefits and raise the income cap subject to Social Security taxes.
Key Facts
The 3.6% cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) is based on the Consumer Price Index (CPI) from July to September 2026.
About 76 million people receiving retirement and disability benefits will get the payment increase.
The average monthly benefit will rise by $75, totaling about $900 more per year.
The income limit for Social Security payroll taxes will increase to $192,300 in 2027 from $184,500 in 2026.
Income above this limit will not be taxed for Social Security purposes.
The higher COLA provides more income to seniors but may speed up depletion of the Social Security trust fund.
The trust fund for Social Security is projected to run out in about six years if current trends continue.
Earlier estimates had predicted a smaller COLA increase of about 2.7% for 2027.
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