Novo Nordisk is expanding access to its weight loss and diabetes medications, Ozempic and Wegovy, by selling them at Costco pharmacies nationwide. A one-month supply of either drug will cost $499 out of pocket for Costco members with a prescription, a move designed to compete with compounding pharmacies. While the price is the same as offered through other retailers, the expanded availability aims to improve access, despite the fact that cost and insurance coverage remain significant barriers for many, especially those with lower incomes who may benefit most from these medications. Recent research highlighting the drugs’ potential benefits for conditions like stroke and heart health further underscores the importance of wider accessibility.
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A California resident, Nicholas Roske, was sentenced to eight years and one month in prison for attempting to assassinate Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh. Although prosecutors sought a sentence of no less than 30 years, the judge cited Roske’s abandonment of the plot and atypical circumstances as reasons for leniency. Roske, who had a pistol, knife, and other tools, told investigators she was angry about the leaked draft opinion on Roe v. Wade and believed Kavanaugh would vote to loosen gun laws. The Justice Department has announced plans to appeal what it considers an insufficient sentence.
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Pope Leo XIV, who initially adopted a less confrontational approach, is now facing criticism from conservative factions in the US and MAGA supporters due to his stances on issues such as abortion, immigration, and climate change. This opposition intensified when Leo addressed plans to award Senator Dick Durbin and subsequently made comments questioning the “pro-life” label in relation to the death penalty and the treatment of immigrants. Furthermore, Leo’s participation in a climate conference and private meetings with LGBTQ advocates have drawn further disapproval, leading to accusations of him taking an anti-Trump stance. Despite hoping for a course correction from Pope Francis, many conservatives are disappointed, as Leo appears committed to avoiding culture wars and addressing complex issues with a consistent life ethic, which includes the protection of human dignity in all forms.
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On September 28th, the Grand Blanc Township Police Department released body camera footage. The video depicts an officer’s encounter with Thomas Sanford during an attack at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on McCandlish Road. The footage shows the officer confronting Sanford, culminating in the officer shooting him. This release allows the public to view the events as they unfolded.
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Rite Aid, a once prominent national pharmacy chain, has officially closed all of its locations across the United States. The closure follows a rapid decline, with the company operating 2,451 locations in 2022 before filing for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in October 2023. Despite emerging from bankruptcy briefly, Rite Aid filed again in May 2025, leading to the liquidation of its assets and the complete closure of all stores by September. The company, founded in 1962, faced significant challenges including a heavy debt load and legal issues related to the opioid crisis.
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Actor Tyrese Gibson surrendered to authorities in Atlanta on Friday after an arrest warrant was issued for cruelty to animals. The charges stem from an incident where his four cane corso dogs allegedly attacked and killed a neighbor’s Cavalier King Charles spaniel. Court documents and a police report detail that the dogs were seen running through the neighborhood before the fatal attack. Gibson’s attorney stated that Gibson accepts full responsibility for his dogs, having rehomed two of them and their puppies.
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In court on Friday, Sean “Diddy” Combs acknowledged his Mann Act conviction for transporting individuals across state lines for prostitution. Addressing the judge, Combs expressed understanding of the severity of the charges and accepted full accountability. He then requested a chance to demonstrate personal growth, highlighting the importance of his children’s support and his desire to avoid future situations that would separate him from his family. Combs concluded by emphasizing his commitment to avoiding any actions that could jeopardize his relationship with his family.
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The US military conducted another strike in the Caribbean targeting a vessel allegedly involved in narco-trafficking, resulting in the deaths of all four individuals on board, according to Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth. This marks the fourth such strike since September, all targeting boats the administration links to cartels designated as terrorist organizations, and occurred in international waters near Venezuela, potentially escalating tensions. Though the exact terrorist affiliation was not specified, officials claim the boat was transporting narcotics to the US, and the administration has declared an armed conflict with these cartels. Legal concerns have been raised by experts and lawmakers regarding the legality of these strikes, with officials indicating these actions will continue.
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Education Department employees returning from furlough discovered their out-of-office email messages had been altered to include partisan language blaming Democrats for the government shutdown. Several civil servants reported that their pre-approved, nonpartisan messages were replaced with accusatory statements without their consent, and some had the changes revert back even after they corrected them. The altered messages, presented in the first person, stated that the employee was unable to respond due to the actions of Senate Democrats. This action by the Education Department appears to cross a line, pulling civil servants into partisan political statements, with one official defending the messaging by saying, “Where’s the lie?”
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The FDA has approved another generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a routine regulatory step. This approval, announced by Evita Solutions, immediately drew criticism from anti-abortion groups and Republican politicians. Despite the FDA’s assertion of limited discretion in generic drug approvals and statements on the safety and efficacy of the drug, some conservatives have expressed concern. The approval of this additional generic version is unlikely to affect access to the drug, which is typically taken in combination with misoprostol, though access to the medication is already restricted in many states.
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John Q. Hosedrinker