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Posts in Category: News
Weightloss, The Math, the Messaging, and the Missing Piece
During the November 6, 2025, Oval Office press conference, Dr. Mehmet Oz stated that Americans could collectively lose 135 billion pounds by the 2026 midterms thanks to the new deals making GLP‑1 weight-loss drugs more affordable. That would have implied roughly 400 pounds per person across the U.S. population — an obviously enormous number. He later clarified in an interview that he meant 135 million pounds, calling the billion-pound estimate a slip-up, and noted that his initial reference of 125 million pounds came from company projections. Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had previously projected a more modest 125 million pounds of collective weight loss.
This event coincided with President Trump announcing price cuts for GLP‑1 drugs like Wegovy and Zepbound from over $1,000 to as low as $149 per month for Medicare/Medicaid users, with executives from Eli Lilly and Novo Nordisk present. The conference even paused briefly when a Novo Nordisk executive fainted.
While the White House frames these numbers as a national health triumph — potentially preventing obesity-related illnesses and saving billions in healthcare costs — the broader issue remains: the two-tier system still privileges those with insurance or wealth, while leaving millions without coverage or resources behind. The projected weight loss is a headline grabber, but it doesn’t resolve the structural inequities in American nutrition and healthcare access.
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11/09/2025 Veterans’ benefits and healthcare from the past 21 days:
On
- News, Veterans News
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Here are several recent updates (past ~21 days) on benefits and healthcare for veterans.
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Department of Veterans Affairs announced that it has processed more than 2 million disability claims in the current fiscal year, reaching the mark faster than ever before. The American Legion+1
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The VA reported that the backlog of disability claims (claims pending more than the threshold) has dropped to under 200,000 for the first time since March 2023. VA News+1
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A federal appeals court unanimously rejected a VA request to delay rulings on veterans’ benefits claims amid the government shutdown, signaling limits on the agency’s ability to pause adjudications. The Guardian
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An investigative report criticized as misleading by veterans-groups suggested “rampant” fraud in the VA disability system, but advocates counter that the core issue remains bureaucratic delays rather than broad abuse. The Guardian+1
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Due to the ongoing federal government shutdown, nearly 37,000 VA employees are either furloughed or working without pay, and several VA services (GI Bill hotline, certain benefits offices, transition briefings) are disrupted. nypost.com
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10/16/2025 Changes or Headlines for National Healthcare in the past 30 days
On
- Healthcare, News
General Healthcare – October 2025
🇺🇸 United States
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Government Shutdown Impact on Healthcare: The ongoing federal government shutdown has led to the suspension of two Medicare remote care programs, including telehealth and hospital-at-home services, which expired on October 1. Health Policy Institute of Ohio
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Medicare Advantage Oversight: Dr. Mehmet Oz, Administrator of the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), addressed concerns over in-home health assessments and rising Medicare spending on skin substitutes. He emphasized the need for efficient prior authorization processes and warned of potential regulatory actions against misuse. The Washington Post
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Public Trust in Healthcare Leadership: An Axios-Ipsos poll revealed that a majority of Americans believe the nation is less healthy under President Trump’s leadership, citing concerns over vaccine policies and the dissemination of unproven health claims. Axios
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California Legislation on Pharmacy Benefit Managers: Governor Gavin Newsom signed Senate Bill 41 into law, regulating pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) to lower prescription drug costs. This legislation prohibits certain practices like patient steering and mandates PBM licensure through the state government. Wikipedia
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11/09/2025 What has Trump done in the past 21 days in a nutshell.
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Here’s a 10-point factual summary of what Donald J. Trump has done in the past 21 days:
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The federal government shutdown became the longest in U.S. history, surpassing previous records, with significant disruption to services. The Washington Post+1
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The Supreme Court of the United States issued an emergency order temporarily blocking full funding of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) payments following an appeals-court ruling requiring full funding. The Guardian
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Trump publicly suggested redirecting federal money currently used to subsidize insurance under the Affordable Care Act (“Obamacare”) toward direct payments to individuals. The Guardian
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He pressed Republicans in the Senate to consider eliminating the filibuster to push through funding in the context of the shutdown. The Washington Post+1
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Executive orders were issued modifying U.S. tariff policies — including duties related to imports and trade arrangements — as part of his economic‐trade agenda. The White House+1
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The White House called on universities to align with the administration’s ideological priorities, and protests by students and faculty erupted on more than 100 campuses in response. The Guardian
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Trump faced increasing legal and institutional pushback: courts and other federal institutions signalled limits to his unilateral actions, especially concerning budget/aid decisions and emergency powers. The Guardian+1
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He made public statements emphasizing the importance of converting federal welfare funding into “self-reliance” mechanisms—though details and transition plans remain vague. (based on his remarks and policy direction)
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Funding reallocations and budget maneuvers under his administration triggered concern about executive overreach in spending decisions while Congress remains in deadlock. The Washington Post+1
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Trump’s messaging emphasized a return to manufacturing and domestic supply-chain priorities, positioning trade and tariff policy as central to his economic platform in this 21-day span. The White House+1
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10/16/2025 What has Trump done in the past 30 days in a nutshell.
🕊️ Foreign Policy & Military Actions
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Covert Operations in Venezuela
President Trump confirmed the authorization of CIA operations in Venezuela, citing concerns over drug trafficking and the release of prisoners into the U.S. He also hinted at the possibility of U.S. land operations in the region. AP News+1 -
Naval Strikes in the Caribbean
The U.S. Navy conducted strikes on alleged drug-smuggling vessels originating from Venezuela, resulting in multiple casualties. The administration labeled drug cartels as “unlawful combatants,” a move that has drawn bipartisan criticism in Congress. Wikipedia+1 -
India Ceases Russian Oil Imports
President Trump announced that India will stop purchasing oil from Russia, marking a significant diplomatic shift and easing tensions between the U.S. and India. Politico
🏛️ Domestic Affairs
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Wealthy Donor Dinner at the White House
President Trump hosted a lavish dinner for approximately 130 top donors and political allies at the White House, celebrating the progress on a $250 million renovation project to build a new, bulletproof-glass-clad White House ballroom. AP News -
Federal Judge Halts Mass Layoffs
A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration’s plan to lay off over 4,100 federal workers during the government shutdown, ruling in favor of unions that argued the layoffs were illegal. The Washington Post
🏗️ Infrastructure & Monuments
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Plans for the ‘Arc de Trump’
President Trump revealed plans for a monumental arch in Washington, D.C., dubbed the “Arc de Trump,” to commemorate the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026. The proposed structure would be situated near the Lincoln Memorial. TIME+1
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11/09/2025 Changes or Headlines for National Healthcare in the past 21 days
On
- Healthcare, News
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Here are 10 recent national-healthcare headlines from the past ~21 days, focusing on U.S. policy, health care markets, and public health issues (no commentary, just the facts):
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Donald J. Trump announced a deal with Eli Lilly and Company and Novo Nordisk to lower the cost of popular GLP-1 weight-loss drugs in some cases to between approximately $149 and $350 per month. CBS News+1
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Millions of Americans beginning the 2026 open-enrollment period are bracing for higher health insurance premiums, with reports indicating significant premium increases and reduced subsidies under the Affordable Care Act marketplace. CBS News
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The administration’s shutdown of certain federal operations has created “sticker-shock” for many consumers as enrollment deadlines approach, and some essential health-care services face disruption. CBS News
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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other public-health agencies have reported staffing and operational challenges tied to funding freezes during the shutdown. ABC News+1
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States are competing for slices of a new $50 billion rural-health care fund to improve access in underserved areas, as public forums and health systems lobby for participation. CBS News
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Health-care providers and hospitals warned that changes in visa/immigration rules may worsen the nurse/medical-staff shortage, especially in rural and underserved markets. CBS News
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The American Hospital Association (AHA) expressed support for bipartisan legislation (H.R. 5142) that would pause planned Medicaid/home-health cuts for two years. American Hospital Association
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A federal court issued a stay on major 2026 marketplace rule changes under the ACA while the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) appeals, conserving current benefit structures for the moment. Health Affairs
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Health-care oversight groups flagged that some Medicare/Medicaid plans operated by private insurers overstated mental-health-provider network sizes, raising concerns of access gaps. CBS News
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A surge in demand at food banks and pantries followed benefit disruptions for approximately 42 million Americans when SNAP aid was halted — underscoring the link between social services and health outcomes. ABC News
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10/16/2025 Veterans’ benefits and healthcare from the past 30 days:
On
- News, Veterans News
Major Policy / Legal / Insurance News
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Media scrutiny over VA disability claims / fraud claims
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Washington Post published an investigation criticizing how some disability claims are handled — pointing out “minor health conditions” being approved, and alleging systemic incentives to maximize claims. The Washington Post
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Veterans’ groups (American Legion, DAV, Paralyzed Veterans of America, etc.) pushed back hard, saying the reporting misrepresents the scale of abuse, overlooks the genuine struggles of many claimants, and ignores changes from things like the PACT Act. The Washington Post+1
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Government Shutdown Effects
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With the U.S. federal government shutdown (which began Oct 1), many VA services remain active, and many veterans’ benefits continue to be delivered. The American Legion+2The White House+2
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Some VA facilities/offices are closed to the public, especially regional benefit offices. Some transition programs, career counseling, and GI Bill-hotlines are impacted (closed or limited). Reddit+1
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Facility / Home for Veterans in Texas
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In Bexar County, Texas, 27 acres donated for a state veterans home near San Antonio. It will include long-term care, memory care, therapy services, possibly dialysis, with capacity about 120 veterans. Most funding from VA + state agencies, no county taxes. San Antonio Express-News
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Veterans & Protests / Civil Rights Issues
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A growing number of veterans are getting arrested during protests over ICE raids. Some are seeking damages, alleging aggressive tactics, harsh detention or treatment. The Guardian
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Artists / Mental Health / Advocacy
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There’s the “Trail to Zero” horseback ride through NYC organized by BraveHearts to raise awareness of veteran suicide. New York Post
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What’s Not Changing or Being Cut
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Despite the shutdown, veteran health care (VA medical centers, clinics, Vet Centers) are still open. Benefits like compensation, pension, education, housing continue. The American Legion+1
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Hotlines for crisis / MyVA / core services remain active (Veterans Crisis Line, etc.). Reddit+1
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⚠ What These Mean / Possible Impacts
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Delays & closures of certain services: Even though most core VA functions are uninterrupted, things like regional office access, non-emergency counseling, career transition programs are getting disrupted. So vets might face delays in submitting or following up on claims, or in accessing non-urgent benefits.
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Public perception & policy pressure: The reporting on disability claim abuse (real or overstated) could lead to increased political pressure for reforms, audits, stricter documentation requirements. That might make some cases harder to prove or slower to process.
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Staffing / morale concerns: Some VA doctors and employees are speaking out about workforce cuts, potential privatization, or reduced support. That could affect quality or access in some areas, especially for specialty or remote VA services.
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New facilities development: The Texas veterans home project is an example of expanding infrastructure for aged veterans, which is good, but likewise will take time to build and staff.
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Legal / appeal standards: While not brand-new in the past 30 days, the Bufkin v. Collins Supreme Court decision (from earlier in 2025) continues to echo: it raised the standard for appellate review in “benefit-of-the-doubt” cases, meaning veterans appealing denials must overcome a stricter proof threshold. Justia Law+1
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Oregon stopped Trump (for a while) why hasn’t Illinois stopped trump?
situation as best as can be pieced together from current reporting and legal context:
🟢 Oregon’s Case: “Stopped Trump (for a while)”
Oregon successfully pushed back because the deployment was federalized but without proper coordination or justification under the Insurrection Act.
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The governor controls the state’s National Guard unless it’s formally federalized (under Title 10).
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When Trump tried to use federal forces or redirect out-of-state Guardsmen into Oregon cities (like Portland), Governor Tina Kotek invoked state sovereignty and filed injunctions arguing there was no domestic “insurrection” or request for aid.
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A federal judge temporarily blocked the deployment, citing both Posse Comitatus and 10 U.S.C. § 12304(b) violations (use of Guard forces without consent of the host state).
Essentially, Oregon had a legal foothold and a state leadership willing to go to court fast.
🔴 Illinois’s Case: “Why it hasn’t (yet) stopped Trump”
Illinois’ situation is trickier — and more recent.
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The Texas National Guard troops arriving in Chicago are technically operating under Texas state orders, not federal activation (Title 32 status). That means they’re still under Governor Abbott’s command, not Trump’s.
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Because of that distinction, Trump’s administration can claim it’s simply “supporting” Abbott’s anti-crime initiative, not directly deploying federal troops.
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Governor J.B. Pritzker (Illinois) has condemned the action as unlawful and politically motivated, but the legal grounds are narrower. Illinois can’t directly order Texas troops out — it has to file in federal court, arguing that Abbott’s deployment violates the Constitution’s Compact Clause (Article I, § 10) by acting as a “foreign power” without congressional consent.
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Pritzker’s legal team is reportedly preparing such a case, but until an injunction is granted, the troops can remain — though they have no policing authority.
In short:
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Oregon fought a federal overreach.
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Illinois is facing a state-to-state intrusion that hides behind the thin veneer of “cooperative security.”
The courts have to sort that one out — and they move slower than governors can act.
⚖️ Broader Implication
What we’re seeing is Trump testing the boundaries of federal and state authority — especially around security, immigration, and public order — by using sympathetic governors (Abbott, DeSantis, etc.) as surrogates. It’s a coordinated experiment in soft federalization: testing what he can get away with without signing a single national order.
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If it’s war he wants, he may very well get it. King Leprocy may be in over his head.
📰 What we know (so far)
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California Governor Gavin Newsom says the Trump administration is dispatching 300 California National Guard members to Oregon. Politico+3AP News+3AP News+3
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Oregon Governor Tina Kotek confirmed that 101 California Guard members had arrived overnight (Saturday to Sunday), though she said there was no formal communication from the federal government about the move. AP News+2Oregon Capital Chronicle+2
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The timing is significant: this move comes right after a federal judge temporarily blocked Trump’s plan to deploy Oregon’s own National Guard to Portland. AP News+4Reuters+4The Washington Post+4
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Newsom is vowing legal action, calling the deployment “a breathtaking abuse of the law and power.” AP News+3Politico+3AP News+3
⚠️ What’s unclear / what to watch
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Whether the move is fully legal under federal / state law, or whether it’s being used to circumvent the judicial blocking of Oregon’s own Guard.
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Exactly where those troops are being sent within Oregon (are they concentrated around Portland, ICE facilities, or other locations?).
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What their rules of engagement / mission orders are (will they act in law enforcement roles, or purely to protect federal property/assets?).
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Whether more California troops will continue to arrive—or even troops from other states.
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The judicial response (will courts block this as well?)
Breaking News – Commemorative Throne Opensd to the Public
BREAKING NEWS:
The Donald “John” Trump Commemorative Throne opens to the public this week, inviting admirers to bask in marble and gold while paying tribute to the man who never met a surface too shiny to name after himself. Visitors are encouraged to reflect, recline, and perhaps flush away lingering doubts about the golden age of self-promotion.
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