The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has issued a warning about a rise in rabies exposures and the use of treatments following contact with potentially rabid animals across several states. A notable outbreak in North Carolina involved rabid baby goats from a petting zoo that exposed hundreds of people, leading to increased demand for post-exposure rabies treatment.
Key Facts
The CDC reported a 17% increase in rabies-related inquiries during July and August 2026 compared to last year.
Eight state health departments noted increased use of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) treatments or errors in administering them.
There is no current shortage of rabies vaccines or immunoglobulin in the U.S., but proper use of treatment is important to avoid unnecessary risks and costs.
A major event in North Carolina involved rabid baby goats from a mobile petting zoo exposing nearly 300 people; over 200 were advised to get treatment.
The baby goats were unvaccinated and likely became infected after being bitten by a rabid skunk.
Rabies is a deadly viral disease affecting the nervous system; it is almost always fatal once symptoms appear but can be prevented if treated promptly after exposure.
Early symptoms are vague and can be mistaken for other illnesses, making timely treatment essential.
The CDC believes multiple local outbreaks, greater public awareness, and more testing contribute to the national increase in rabies exposures.
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New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani and former Mayor Rudy Giuliani shook hands at the 9/11 memorial ceremony at Ground Zero. This happened despite Giuliani previously asking Mamdani not to attend the event.
Key Facts
The ceremony took place at Ground Zero, the site of the September 11 attacks.
Rudy Giuliani was the mayor of New York City during the 9/11 attacks in 2001.
Giuliani had publicly told Newsmax that Mamdani should not attend the memorial.
Zohran Mamdani is the current mayor of New York City.
Both mayors shook hands during the ceremony, signaling a moment of unity.
The event was a commemoration to remember the victims of the September 11 attacks.
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New York City health officials have reported a new cluster of Legionnaires' disease in the South Bronx, with five cases and one death so far. Authorities are investigating cooling towers in the area as a possible source and advising people with symptoms to seek medical care.
Key Facts
Five cases and one death have been reported in the Melrose and Morrisania areas of the South Bronx (ZIP codes 10451 and 10456).
The New York City Health Department is testing cooling towers, which can harbor the Legionella bacteria causing the disease.
Legionnaires' disease is a serious type of pneumonia caused by inhaling water droplets with the bacteria.
The bacteria often grow in warm water, like in cooling towers, hot water tanks, and plumbing systems.
The disease usually does not spread from person to person.
An earlier outbreak in Manhattan's Upper East Side this summer had more than 90 cases and 11 deaths linked to cooling towers.
People who live, work, or visited the affected area since late August are urged to watch for symptoms such as fever, cough, and shortness of breath.
About 1 in 10 people who get Legionnaires' disease die, but those with weak immune systems or lung problems face higher risks.
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During the 25th anniversary ceremony of the 9/11 attacks, several family members of victims asked President Donald Trump to hold Saudi Arabia responsible for the attacks. They said previous U.S. administrations protected Saudi Arabia and urged Trump to release classified documents that could show Saudi involvement.
Key Facts
The ceremony marked 25 years since the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Terry Strada, who lost her husband in the attacks, criticized past presidents for protecting Saudi Arabia.
Many 9/11 hijackers were Saudi nationals, but Saudi Arabia denies involvement.
Families of victims are suing Saudi Arabia, seeking accountability.
President Trump was attending a ceremony at the Pentagon during the New York memorial event.
Family members asked Vice President JD Vance to deliver the message to the White House.
A relative of a victim called on President Trump to release unredacted files that could provide evidence.
Some U.S. lawmakers have requested a review of classified documents related to Saudi Arabia’s role.
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U.S. health officials declared the cyclospora outbreak linked to recalled iceberg lettuce over, saying the risky lettuce is no longer sold. The outbreak caused nearly 13,000 confirmed cases, over 570 hospitalizations, and two deaths across 21 states.
Key Facts
The cyclospora outbreak was linked to iceberg lettuce from Taylor Farms de Mexico.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said no new illnesses are expected from this outbreak.
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will keep investigating the source of the infections.
Nearly 13,000 people got sick during the outbreak, which affected 21 states.
Over 570 people were hospitalized, and two people died, mostly in Michigan.
Cyclospora is a parasite spread through contaminated feces that causes diarrhea.
The recalled lettuce was shipped to major U.S. restaurant chains like Taco Bell, Pizza Hut, and KFC.
The FDA stopped on-site inspections after sample collections but will analyze those samples soon.
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Democratic State Representative James Talarico and survivors of Jeffrey Epstein's abuse held an event in Dallas. They asked Republican Attorney General Ken Paxton to support their cause and take legal action against the Department of Justice for how Epstein's files were handled.
Key Facts
James Talarico is a Democratic State Representative.
The event took place in Dallas and used a traveling exhibit.
Jeffrey Epstein survivors participated in the exhibit.
They want Attorney General Ken Paxton, a Republican, to support them.
They urged Paxton to sue the Department of Justice (DOJ).
The lawsuit would focus on the DOJ’s handling of Epstein’s files.
Epstein’s files were reported to have been redacted, meaning some parts were hidden or removed.
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Sixteen former players from the University of Michigan men's hockey team have filed a lawsuit. They say they experienced hazing and sexual abuse during their time on the team between 1984 and 2001.
Key Facts
Sixteen former University of Michigan hockey players are the plaintiffs.
They played for the men's hockey team from 1984 to 2001.
The lawsuit claims they were victims of hazing.
The lawsuit also alleges sexual abuse occurred during that time.
The players say this mistreatment happened while they were on the team.
The case highlights concerns about player safety in college sports.
Hazing means forcing new team members to do risky or harmful acts.
Sexual abuse refers to unwanted or harmful sexual behavior.
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The price of lettuce in the US dropped sharply this summer due to a cyclospora parasite outbreak linked to iceberg lettuce, causing demand for greens to fall. Despite the drop in lettuce prices, the overall cost of many goods remains high because of fuel costs, trade disputes, and other factors.
Key Facts
A cyclospora parasite outbreak caused over 19,500 confirmed illness cases across 20 states since May 2026.
The outbreak led to a recall of iceberg lettuce, which was linked to the parasite.
Lettuce prices dropped 6.2% from July to August after a previous 16.4% decline.
The outbreak reduced demand not only for lettuce but also other produce, affecting food chains’ sales.
Before the outbreak, lettuce prices were rising due to weather problems and plant diseases.
Fuel costs are high, with diesel over $6 a gallon and gas prices $1.10 more than last year, increasing overall costs.
Trade tensions with Canada, a key agricultural partner, may raise prices on many products.
President Donald Trump has claimed prices are falling and predicted oil prices will drop after the election.
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Since the September 11 attacks, the U.S. government introduced many new laws and policies aimed at national security, which have limited freedoms protected by the First Amendment. The Supreme Court has largely accepted these restrictions, weakening protections for free speech, free press, and public access to government information during the "war on terror."
Key Facts
The First Amendment protects free speech, free press, and freedom of association.
After 9/11, the government increased censorship, surveillance, and secrecy citing national security.
Laws like the Patriot Act expanded government surveillance powers significantly.
The government blocked press access to some immigration hearings and used secrecy to hide information about controversial policies.
The government restricted visas for foreign critics of U.S. foreign policy.
Some laws expanded the definition of illegal support to groups, affecting some types of speech.
The Supreme Court declined to review multiple national security cases related to surveillance and gag orders.
Legal groups and officials have asked the court to address access to opinions from the Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Court but were turned down.
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President Donald Trump promised to give every adult American $5,000 if the Republican Party wins both the House and Senate in the November midterm elections. The plan could cost over a trillion dollars, but there are no details yet on how it would be funded or how it would follow federal laws about voting.
Key Facts
President Trump made the $5,000 payment promise at the Republicans' first midterm convention.
The payment would be given only if Republicans control both chambers of Congress after the election.
The total cost of this payment could be more than one trillion dollars.
No clear explanation has been provided on how the payments would work or be funded.
Federal law restricts paying people based on how they vote, which could be a legal issue.
Senator JD Vance suggested the payment might be funded by money raised from trade tariffs (taxes on imports).
President Trump encouraged supporters to act like he is the candidate on every ballot and said he would campaign in key races.
Some Republicans are hesitant about the president’s influence as his approval ratings are low and there are concerns about an unpopular war with Iran.
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Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK voted against a bill that would have allowed adults with less than six months to live to choose assisted dying. The vote was 286 against and 270 in favor, ending the current effort to change the law on assisted dying in England and Wales.
Key Facts
The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill aimed to let terminally ill adults request help to end their own life under strict rules.
Approval would require agreement from two doctors and an expert panel.
MPs had a free vote, meaning they did not have to follow party lines.
Critics worried the bill did not protect vulnerable people enough from being pressured.
Some believe improving care for the dying should be the main focus instead of legal changes.
Supporters of assisted dying plan to try again in future parliamentary sessions.
The bill was supported by some MPs but opposed by others, including medical groups.
Emotional reactions were seen both inside and outside Parliament after the vote.
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President Donald Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth linked the ongoing conflict with Iran to the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks during their speeches at the Pentagon on the anniversary of 9/11. They described the military efforts against Iran as part of the broader war on terror.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke at the Pentagon on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth spoke alongside President Trump.
They connected the conflict with Iran to the war on terror originally started after 9/11.
They called Iran the world’s biggest supporter of terrorism.
Their remarks emphasized ongoing military efforts involving U.S. service members.
The speeches aimed to honor 9/11 victims and highlight current defense actions.
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President Donald Trump spoke at the Pentagon to remember the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks. He addressed a crowd at the site where American Airlines Flight 77 crashed.
Key Facts
The event marked 25 years since the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
President Trump gave a speech at the Pentagon.
American Airlines Flight 77 was hijacked and crashed into the Pentagon on 9/11.
The speech was part of the official remembrance of the attacks.
The attacks occurred on September 11, 2001, involving multiple locations in the United States.
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U.S. inflation increased in August, mainly due to rising gas prices after new fighting in the Middle East. The overall price increase was 3.4% compared to last year, with a faster monthly rise from July to August.
Key Facts
Inflation in the U.S. was 3.4% higher in August compared to one year earlier.
From July to August, prices rose by 0.4%, faster than the 0.1% rise from June to July.
Gas prices increased significantly because of renewed fighting in the Middle East.
Rising prices make it harder for many Americans to afford everyday goods.
The Inflation data was reported by the U.S. Labor Department.
The inflation report comes ahead of the midterm elections, which are seven weeks away.
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Former leaders of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said the U.S. should create a new public safety agency. They spoke about this idea on the 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks.
Key Facts
Michael Chertoff and Jeh Johnson are former DHS Secretaries.
They recommended starting a new agency focused on public safety.
Their statement came 25 years after the 9/11 terrorist attacks.
They shared their views in an interview with NBC News.
The discussion covered how the current DHS is operating.
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The article says that for 25 years, Congress and political leaders have not fully supported the families affected by the 9/11 attacks. It suggests that public ceremonies have received more attention than actual assistance or actions to help these families.
Key Facts
It has been 25 years since the 9/11 attacks.
The families of victims have been waiting for support from Congress and political leaders.
Public appearances at ceremonies have been more common than real follow-through actions.
The article focuses on the ongoing lack of sufficient help or policy for these families.
It implies a gap between public displays of respect and actual support measures.
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Members of Parliament (MPs) in England and Wales have voted against a new bill that would have allowed adults expected to live less than six months to request help to end their lives. The vote was close, with 286 MPs against and 270 in favor.
Key Facts
The bill aimed to legalize assisted dying for adults with a terminal illness and less than six months to live.
MPs debated the issue for several hours before voting.
The final vote count was 286 against and 270 in favor.
The vote took place in the UK Parliament, affecting England and Wales.
The bill’s rejection means assisted dying remains illegal in these countries.
The discussion also included other political news such as changes in government policy on Israel.
Zack Polanski was confirmed as the Green Party candidate for an upcoming by-election.
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A new bill in Congress proposes gradually reducing the standard workweek to 32 hours by changing federal overtime rules. This bill would make employers pay overtime for hours worked beyond 32 per week, aiming to spread productivity gains from technology to workers without cutting their pay or benefits.
Key Facts
The Thirty-Two Hour Workweek Act is introduced by Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Mark Takano.
The bill lowers the overtime threshold from 40 hours to 32 hours over four years (38, 36, 34, then 32 hours).
Employers must pay time-and-a-half overtime after 8 hours in a day and double pay after 12 hours.
Workers’ pay and benefits cannot be cut just because their regular hours are shortened.
The bill does not require a specific work schedule, only changes overtime rules.
Some workers, like certain executives and professionals, may be exempt from the new rules.
Similar ideas have been proposed before and tested in state and local places like Washington state’s San Juan County.
The law amends the Fair Labor Standards Act, which has set overtime rules since 1938.
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President Donald Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani gave different messages on the 25th anniversary of the September 11 attacks. Mamdani spoke from New York City, honoring the victims and highlighting the city's response, while President Trump attended a ceremony at the Pentagon, also remembering the victims and first responders.
Key Facts
The 25th anniversary of the September 11, 2001 attacks was commemorated on Friday.
Nearly 3,000 people died in the attacks on the World Trade Center.
Mayor Zohran Mamdani attended the memorial at Ground Zero in Manhattan and posted a remembrance video on social media.
Mamdani emphasized New Yorkers’ unity and sacrifice following the attacks.
President Trump attended a ceremony at the Pentagon, which was also attacked on 9/11, killing 184 people.
Some Republicans criticized Mamdani’s attendance due to his associations with certain individuals.
Over 100,000 people signed an online petition against Mamdani attending the ceremony.
Democratic leaders and Mamdani’s Republican mayoral rival Curtis Sliwa supported Mamdani attending the event.
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The AARP estimates that Social Security benefits will increase by 3.6% in 2027 due to rising inflation. This adjustment helps Social Security recipients keep up with higher prices but has not fully covered all the increased costs they face.
Key Facts
The projected Social Security cost-of-living adjustment (COLA) for 2027 is 3.6%.
This estimate is based on the August Consumer Price Index (CPI) data.
The AARP previously forecasted a 3.5% increase.
Another group, the Senior Citizens League, forecasts a 3.5% COLA for 2027.
A 3.6% COLA would be the largest since 2023.
Over 70 million people receive Social Security benefits.
The average monthly Social Security benefit was $2,071 in January 2024.
A 3.6% increase would raise the average benefit by about $75 to roughly $2,146 per month.
The official COLA is announced in October after reviewing inflation data from July, August, and September.
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