Hello! This is October 16, 2025.

Judge Orders Chicago ICE Agents To Wear Body Cameras

U.S. District Judge Sara Ellis ordered federal immigration agents in Chicago to wear body cameras during enforcement actions following multiple violent incidents during Operation Midway Blitz. The directive came after reports of tear gas deployment without warnings and concerns about previous orders being followed. Protests escalated into violent riots with demonstrators throwing projectiles at officers and ramming vehicles into federal agents, including an October 4th incident where agents were boxed in by 10 cars and shot an armed driver. Two Venezuelan illegal aliens were arrested Tuesday after ramming a Border Patrol SUV. Justice Department attorney Sean Skedzielewski argued the orders relied on selectively edited media reports. An appeals court Thursday also blocked deployment of 500 National Guard troops to Chicago.

New North Carolina Map Could Flip Democrat Seat Republican

North Carolina unveiled a new congressional map Thursday that could give Republicans one additional House seat for the 2026 midterm elections. The GOP-controlled General Assembly is expected to vote next week on the redistricting plan, which Democratic Governor Josh Stein cannot veto under state constitutional provisions. The redrawn 1st Congressional District, currently held by Democrat Don Davis who won by just 1.7 points last year, would include counties where 55% of voters backed Trump in 2024. The state currently elects 10 Republicans and four Democrats. A 2023 state Supreme Court ruling effectively legalized partisan gerrymandering in North Carolina. Legal challenges are expected, though pathways for blocking the map have narrowed recently.

Dr. Oz Reveals Over $1 Billion In Medicaid Went To Illegal Immigrants

Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Administrator Dr. Mehmet Oz announced Thursday that internal investigations uncovered over $1 billion in Medicaid payments to illegal immigrants across several states. Oz accused Democrats of gaslighting Americans on the issue, saying the investigation is just beginning and covers only a few states. He stated that taxpayers in Texas and Florida are funding benefits for illegal immigrants in California. The White House claims Democrats want nearly $200 billion spent on healthcare for illegal immigrants over the next decade. Federal law prohibits illegal immigrants from Medicaid enrollment, but some states use loopholes. Oz says his agency will close those loopholes and recover the funds for federal coffers.

Four Vanguard ETFs Hedge Funds Are Loading Up On

Hedge funds are increasing positions in four key Vanguard ETFs for diversification and growth. The Vanguard S&P 500 ETF tracks the 500 largest U.S. companies with only 0.03% expense ratio, gaining 13.76% in 2025 and 91% in five years. The Vanguard FTSE Developed Markets ETF provides international exposure across Japan, Europe and Australia, up 26% in 2025 with 3,883 holdings. The Vanguard Small-Cap ETF invests in 1,332 small companies with highest allocation to industrials rather than tech, gaining 6.7% year-to-date. The Vanguard Total International Stock ETF holds over 8,000 global stocks excluding U.S. companies, up 26% in 2025. All four ETFs offer ultra-low expense ratios and broad diversification.

Experts Split On Whether AI Investments Signal Dangerous Bubble

Industry leaders disagree on whether artificial intelligence investments totaling billions represent a dangerous bubble like the dotcom crash. A Bank of America survey found 54% of investors believe AI stocks are in a bubble while 38% disagree. The Bank of England warned October 8th that global markets could tumble if investor sentiment sours on AI prospects. Goldman Sachs economist Joseph Briggs argues the investment flood remains sustainable despite concerns. OpenAI CEO Sam Altman admitted investors are overexcited, predicting some will lose phenomenal amounts while others make fortunes. IMF chief economist Pierre-Olivier Gourinchas noted AI investments aren't financed by debt, meaning any correction would primarily hurt shareholders rather than triggering systemic economic collapse.

Common Medications May Alter Gut Health For Years, Study Warns

Popular medications including antibiotics, antidepressants and cold medicines can reshape the gut microbiome with effects lasting years after use, according to research published in ASM Journals. The Estonian study analyzed stool samples from 2,509 individuals, finding nearly 90% of 186 tested drugs were linked to microbial changes. Antibiotics, antidepressants, proton pump inhibitors, beta blockers and benzodiazepines showed associations with microbiome variation even years after use. For some drugs, more frequent or longer use correlated with stronger disturbances. Dr. Marc Siegel notes gut flora is fragile and easily altered by active chemicals, potentially affecting metabolic processes, gastrointestinal health and brain function through direct gut-brain links via the vagus nerve.

Simple Breathing Technique Helps Reduce Stress And Anxiety

Resonance breathing, a simple technique of inhaling and exhaling for five seconds each, can calm the nervous system and reduce stress according to Los Angeles somatic trauma therapist Chloë Bean. The rhythmic breathing pattern activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which signals the body to rest and digest. Bean recommends practicing at least once daily for full benefits. The method involves sitting comfortably with straight back, relaxing tense areas, then breathing steadily through the nose for five-second intervals for at least one minute. Users can adjust breath length to match their natural pace while keeping inhales and exhales even. The drug-free technique works as both a daytime stress reliever and nighttime sleep aid.