Jeremy T. Ringfield's Blog, page 8

New vaccine for typhoid, salmonella shows promise

A new vaccine against salmonella and typhoid moves closer to approval, according to results of a clinical trial published by researchers at the University of Maryland School of Medicine Oct. 8.

“These results are highly encouraging,” study lead investigator Dr. Wilbur Chen said in a statement announcing the news. “They show that [this treatment] has the potential to protect children in regions where both typhoid and salmonella are endemic and deadly.”

Results were published in the journal Nature Medicine.

Salmonella bacteria — usually from contaminated food — infects about 1.35 million people in the United States each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control. Another species of salmonella causes typhoid fever, a life-threatening illness usually picked up in international travel. Both diseases are major causes of illness and death among children in sub-Saharan Africa.

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The researchers completed a randomized, placebo-controlled Phase 1 clinical trial involving 22 healthy adults, each of whom received either a low or high dose of the vaccine or a placebo. They reported only minor pain at the injection site, according to the release, but all participants developed a strong immune response to the ingredients of the vaccine, even at the lower doses.

The vaccine was developed from sugar molecules taken from the outer coating of the salmonella typhi bacteria that cause typhoid and from two common types of salmonella infections that do not cause typhoid. These sugars help the body’s immune system recognize and respond to the bacteria.

The vaccine was developed in collaboration with India-based Bharat Biotech International Limited (BBIL).

How to shop for a mortgage without hurting your credit score

By Ashlee Valentine, Bankrate.com

Part of the homebuying process involves shopping around with multiple lenders for the best mortgage rate. But without a plan, the very act of shopping around can negatively impact your credit: A higher credit score helps you secure a lower mortgage rate, but a hard credit inquiry like the one lenders perform can decrease your score. Here’s what to know about shopping for a mortgage with minimal harm to your credit.

When exploring mortgage options, your credit score typically takes a hit when you obtain a mortgage preapproval from a lender. That’s because part of getting preapproved includes the lender checking your credit through what’s called a “hard” inquiry. A hard credit inquiry involves a lender pulling your full credit report from a credit bureau, with your permission, which helps them decide whether to lend you money and at what interest rate.

A soft credit inquiry, on the other hand, does not impact your credit score or require your permission. It is typically done for informational purposes and not for lending decisions. A mortgage preapproval with only a soft credit check is hard to come by.

One step down from a preapproval is a mortgage prequalification. Although it does not replace a preapproval, prequalifications involve a only soft credit inquiry. In other words, you can see if you prequalify without hurting your credit score.

Can you get preapproved for a mortgage without a credit check?

No. Hard credit checks are a standard part of the mortgage preapproval process. While you can get a prequalification without a hard credit check, you cannot get preapproved without one.

Even so, you may hear the terms “prequalification” and “preapproval” used interchangeably, even by lenders. So it’s smart to check with lenders that their prequalification process doesn’t require a hard credit check before moving forward.

There are several ways to avoid a negative impact on your credit score when shopping for a mortgage:

Shop within a short timeframe

It’s wise to compare offers from multiple mortgage lenders, but be sure to do it within a 45-day time frame. During that period, all credit inquiries by various lenders only show up as one inquiry on your credit report. One inquiry has a lesser impact on your credit than several inquiries.

Get prequalified for a mortgage

Getting prequalified for a mortgage — some lenders call this a rate check — can be a smart strategy if you’re concerned about damaging your credit score as you comparison-shop. This gives you a soft credit check mortgage exploration option.

Keep in mind: While getting prequalified can help minimize damage to your credit score, it’s no substitute for getting preapproved when the time comes. In a competitive seller’s market, a preapproval is often necessary to prove to sellers you’ll be able to get financing if your offer is accepted.

Hold off on applying for new credit

If possible, wait until you officially close on your mortgage before applying for more credit types, such as a new credit card or a personal loan. Multiple inquiries for different types of credit can negatively impact your credit score, hindering your efforts to get a competitive mortgage rate. Even if applying for a credit card only drops your score by a few points, that could make a difference in your interest rate, especially if you’re on the cusp between “good” and “very good” or “fair” and “good” credit.

In addition, adding new debt can impact the loan amount you can qualify for. The more debt you have, the less mortgage you will qualify for.

Check your credit report

If you check your credit report before comparison shopping for a mortgage, you can take proactive steps to improve your credit score if needed. You’ll also be able to spot and fix any errors. Things to check for include:

The correct personal identity information (names or contact information you don’t recognize could indicate identity theft)Correct information on all open and closed accounts, including loans you’ve fully paid offAccurate recording of all payments you’ve made (pay special attention to any payments flagged as missed or late)Account balances that match your actual balancesCredit score inquiries to confirm they’re ones you approved

If something doesn’t look right, take steps to dispute and correct it.

You can get a free copy of your credit report from each of the three major credit reporting agencies each week at AnnualCreditReport.com. Don’t worry — checking your credit report won’t affect your score.

Keep in mind: The credit score you see on free credit reports might differ slightly from the score mortgage lenders see if they use different credit reporting models.

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If your credit score could use improvement, one of the best ways to raise it is to pay down your debt, like credit card balances. If doable, pay off a credit card balance in full — with bonus points for keeping the balance as low as possible moving forward.

It might make more sense to pay down or pay off another loan instead of putting all of your excess funds toward eliminating credit card debt, even if the credit card debt has a higher interest rate. That’s because mortgage lenders review your debt-to-income (DTI) ratio through the lens of monthly payments.

For example, if your DTI ratio is a bit high and your student loan payment is higher than your minimum credit card payment, it is better to focus your debt payoff strategy on the loan, which would lower your DTI ratio. In cases like this, it’s helpful to consult an experienced loan officer who can advise you on the best ways to qualify for the lowest rates.

How to improve your credit score

The most attractive interest rates are reserved for borrowers with the best credit scores. With a score of 740 or higher, for example, most lenders will offer you a lower interest rate, reducing your monthly payment.

Once you’ve resolved any errors on your credit report, here are some additional ways of how to improve your credit score:

Make all payments on time each month: Payment history is a substantial factor in determining credit scores, and it makes sense that mortgage lenders care about being paid in a timely manner. If you have accounts that are past due, bring them current as soon as possible.Pay down credit card balances: Paying down credit card balances decreases your credit utilization ratio, which accounts for 30% of your FICO credit score.Avoid opening or closing accounts: Opening new accounts involves another hard credit check, which dings your credit score. And closing old accounts, even if you never use them, may negatively impact your credit utilization ratio.Consider becoming an authorized user on a relative’s credit card: Only consider this option if they have an exceptional payment history and manage the card responsibly.FAQs

How many mortgage lenders can I approach without impacting my credit score?

If you’re only asking questions or requesting prequalification, you can approach as many lenders as you want without hurting your credit. But even if you’re requesting preapproval, there’s no set amount for how many lenders you can approach — as long as you make all your requests within a single 45-day period, you can get preapproved by as many lenders as you want and have it count as only a single inquiry on your credit report.

Can I receive mortgage rate quotes without a credit check?

Yes. You can get a mortgage loan estimate through prequalification, which does not require a hard credit check and will not hurt your credit.

How long do mortgage inquiries stay on my credit report?

A hard inquiry may stay on your credit report for as long as two years. However, the inquiry itself typically only impacts your score for about one year.

©2025 Bankrate.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.

Horoscopes Oct. 14, 2025: Usher

CELEBRITIES BORN ON THIS DAY: Usher, 47; Natalie Maines, 51; Lori Petty, 62; Ralph Lauren, 86.

Happy Birthday: Rely on your intuition and instincts to navigate your way through thick and thin this year. Watch what’s unfolding, and you’ll know when to make your move and how to take advantage of opportunities that can help you get ahead professionally and financially. Trust in your ability to diversify and utilize your skills, knowledge and attributes to achieve the lifestyle you desire. Make your dream come true. Live, love, laugh. Your numbers are 6, 11, 20, 26, 32, 38, 41.

ARIES (March 21-April 19): Think outside the box. Don’t be afraid to try something new; embrace innovative ideas and concepts, and discover what’s available to make your life easier. Surround yourself with people who challenge you to think, and strive to utilize your talents to enrich your life. Be the force that leads to peace of mind and happiness. 5 stars

TAURUS (April 20-May 20): You may resist change, but rethink your hesitation. If emotions interfere with rational thought, an outside opinion may be necessary to motivate you to do what’s best for you. Opportunity knocks, and it’s up to you to take a chance if it will improve your life. Thought, followed by action, is the best route forward. 2 stars

GEMINI (May 21-June 20): If you crave change, make it happen. Look around you, and you’ll discover what you need to move ahead. It’s a good day to network, socialize and expand your interests and circle of friends. Participate in events that stimulate you to be fit, healthy and aware of what’s possible and available to you. 4 stars

CANCER (June 21-July 22): Use your strengths to convince others to trust and believe in you. It’s time to open doors that can provide you with opportunities and a chance to share your vision, revitalizing your ability to bring in more revenue. Stop hiding out when you should get out and fraternize with people who can boost your agenda. 3 stars

LEO (July 23-Aug. 22): Keep your opinions to yourself. Someone will use your words and vulnerabilities against you. Focus on personal improvements that boost your appetite for survival and point you in a direction that leads to a wiser, more vibrant version of yourself. Don’t let anger set in when it’s better to spend your energy on becoming who you want to be. 3 stars

VIRGO (Aug. 23-Sept. 22): Educate yourself. The more you know and understand about what you want to change, the easier it becomes to make the amendments you feel strongly about. Thoughts followed by actions will encourage growth and sustainability. Walk away from unpredictable situations, and build on a solid foundation that suits your needs. Keep life simple and affordable. 4 stars

LIBRA (Sept. 23-Oct. 22): Take a chance, put your best foot forward and dazzle whoever you pitch to with your enthusiasm. Paint your vision with color and possibilities, but don’t promise the impossible. Nothing and no one are perfect, but striving to do your best will get you where you want to go. Matters concerning institutions will pan out well. 4 stars

SCORPIO (Oct. 23-Nov. 21): Select your words wisely. Anger or a pushy attitude will not yield the results you are seeking. Opportunities arise from research, knowledge and connecting with those in a position to help you achieve your goals. Discipline, networking and showcasing your skills and expertise will pave the way to your success. Choose to exude uniqueness and innovation. 2 stars

SAGITTARIUS (Nov. 22-Dec. 21): You’ll move up the ladder emotionally, physically and financially if you trust your instincts, are willing to give back and aren’t afraid to be different. A cash injection is within reach if you are diligent and embrace what you do best. Love, commitment and awareness are on the rise, helping you exceed your expectations. 5 stars

CAPRICORN (Dec. 22-Jan. 19): Verify your information before passing it along. Protect your reputation and focus on what’s possible. How you bring about change matters, and the results will determine your rank in a competitive world. Protect your reputation by remaining calm and offering facts, figures and good results. Avoid taking risks that could lead to illness or injury. 3 stars

AQUARIUS (Jan. 20-Feb. 18): Put everything you encounter in perspective. Take your time and react accordingly. Jumping to conclusions will end up costing you your time, money or reputation. Observation is in your best interest and will protect you from vulnerability. Focus your energy on self-improvement rather than trying to change others. Stay on track, and think before you act. 3 stars

PISCES (Feb. 19-March 20): Get creative; embrace life and use your intelligence to turn your attributes into a lucrative endeavor. Trust your intuition, and invest time, money and effort in personal, emotional and financial growth. It’s time to pursue your dream instead of just living in your imagination. Acting will give you the confidence you require to achieve the success you desire. 3 stars

Birthday Baby: You are courageous, direct and possessive. You are trendsetting and influential.

1 star: Avoid conflicts; work behind the scenes.
2 stars: You can accomplish, but don’t rely on others.
3 stars: Focus and you’ll reach your goals.
4 stars: Aim high; start new projects.
5 stars: Nothing can stop you; go for gold.

Visit Eugenialast.com, or join Eugenia on Twitter/Facebook/LinkedIn.

Want a link to your daily horoscope delivered directly to your inbox each weekday morning? Sign up for our free Coffee Break newsletter at mercurynews.com/newsletters or eastbaytimes.com/newsletters.

Wrap yourself in luxury with the best satin robe

Which satin robes are best?

You should always strive to look your best when you’re on the go, but why not do the same when you’re relaxing at home? You can add a sophisticated piece of nighttime wear to your wardrobe for special occasions and intimate moments.

Satin robes are your best bet, as they’re among the most versatile types of loungewear. The Flora by Flora Nikrooz Plus Size Stella Satin Venise Trim Robe, for example, is a popular choice because of its collarless design and elegant look.

What to know before you buy a satin robeMen’s or women’s satin robe

Satin robes are available in both men’s and women’s options. The main difference between the two is that men’s robes generally have a more robust design and fall to the midcalf or ankle, while the length of women’s robes can range from the thigh down to the ankle. Men’s robes usually have lower loops and ties as well, since men typically have longer torsos.

Comfort vs. warmth

Satin robes are very comfortable due to their silky-smooth texture, allowing them to dry quickly. However, they don’t offer as much warmth as robes made with other materials such as cotton or terry cloth. For that reason, they’re suited for warm environments and best avoided in cooler climates.

Setting

Satin robes are best worn in the bedroom due to their look and texture and can be combined with lingerie, making them ideal for intimate moments. They can also be worn as a fashion statement in public, but it depends on the robe’s length and complementary pieces.

What to look for in a quality satin robeStyle

There are two main satin robe styles: kimono and lingerie.

Kimono robes are Japanese-inspired and long cut, usually reaching down to the ankles. They’re lightweight but bulkier than lingerie-style robes, making them a popular choice for many as they allow for wearing more undergarments without getting too hot. They’re a popular choice for wearing outdoors.Lingerie robes are usually cut above the knee and are super lightweight since they’re designed for indoor use for relaxing at home or during intimate moments. It’s also common to wear lingerie robes that match the color of the rest of your undergarments.Color

Satin robes are available in nearly every color under the sun, which is another reason why they’re so versatile. Having a robe that matches the same color and style as the rest of your bedroom is a popular choice. If you want to wear your robe as a fashionable outfit, you can choose something that matches your shoes or even accessories such as a bag or purse.

Fabric

There are many satin and silk robe knockoffs out there, so it’s important to know if a robe is made with authentic, high-quality fabrics before making a purchase. Satin has a glossy look and a smooth feel, and if there’s a decent amount of high-quality silk fibers in a satin-weave robe, it will have some weight to it.

How much you can expect to spend on a satin robe

Some satin robes can be pricey, with those made by designer brands costing several hundred dollars, but you might be surprised to know that you can get a high-quality and stylish satin robe for $30-$100.

Satin robe FAQWhat’s the difference between a silk robe and a satin robe?

A. Silk is derived from the silkworm cocoon and is often one of the natural fibers in a satin composition. Most satin robes contain high amounts of silk fibers.

Can a satin robe be used as a bathrobe?

A. Satin dries quickly, but it’s not absorbent like cotton. For that reason, satin robes aren’t usually used as bathrobes for drying or keeping warm after showering.

What’s the best satin robe to buy?Top satin robe

Flora by Flora Nikrooz Plus Size Stella Satin Venise Trim Robe

What you need to know: This trim-style robe is reasonably priced and has a sophisticated look, making it an excellent addition to any wardrobe.

What you’ll love: Its collarless design, long cut and attached outer tie give it a stylish look and versatile functionality, as it can be worn as a bathrobe as well. It has a subtle shine quality and can be worn with a matching nightgown as a fashionable outfit choice.

What you should consider: Some customers report that it’s too long or that sizing runs too large.

Worth checking out

Lu’s Chic Men’s Satin Kimono Robe

What you need to know: This robe is an excellent, budget-friendly option for men who want a comfortable piece of loungewear.

What you’ll love: It has a classic knee-length design with a V-neck and a self-tie belt, making it easy to secure in place. It also features two front pockets for storing small items and comes in four colors and five sizes.

What you should consider: The belt is a bit flimsy, and some customers reported that it was difficult to keep the bottom portion closed while sitting.

Prices listed reflect time and date of publication and are subject to change.

Check out our Daily Deals for the best products at the best prices and sign up here to receive the BestReviews weekly newsletter full of shopping inspo and sales.

BestReviews spends thousands of hours researching, analyzing and testing products to recommend the best picks for most consumers. BestReviews and its newspaper partners may earn a commission if you purchase a product through one of our links.

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Republicans try to weaken 50-year-old law protecting whales, seals and polar bears

By PATRICK WHITTLE

BOOTHBAY HARBOR, Maine (AP) — Republican lawmakers are targeting one of the U.S.’s longest standing pieces of environmental legislation, credited with helping save rare whales from extinction.

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Conservative leaders feel they now have the political will to remove key pieces of the Marine Mammal Protection Act, enacted in 1972 to protect whales, seals, polar bears and other sea animals. The law also places restrictions on commercial fishermen, shippers and other marine industries.

A GOP-led bill in the works has support from fishermen in Maine who say the law makes lobster fishing more difficult, lobbyists for big-money species such as tuna in Hawaii and crab in Alaska, and marine manufacturers who see the law as antiquated.

Conservation groups adamantly oppose the changes and say weakening the law will erase years of hard-won gains for jeopardized species such as the vanishing North Atlantic right whale, of which there are less than 400, and is vulnerable to entanglement in fishing gear.

Here’s what to know about the protection act and the proposed changes.

Why does the 1970s law still matter

“The Marine Mammal Protection Act is important because it’s one of our bedrock laws that help us to base conservation measures on the best available science,” said Kathleen Collins, senior marine campaign manager with International Fund for Animal Welfare. “Species on the brink of extinction have been brought back.”

It was enacted the year before the Endangered Species Act, at a time when the movement to save whales from extinction was growing. Scientist Roger Payne had discovered that whales could sing in the late 1960s, and their voices soon appeared on record albums and throughout popular culture.

Common dolphins swim off the Maine coast on Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Whittle)FILE – A seagull flies by a Southern Right Whale calf in the El Doradillo protected area, near Puerto Madryn, Argentina, Oct. 4, 2025. (AP Photo/Victor R. Caivano, File)A gray seal surveys its surroundings, Tuesday, Sept. 30, 2025, off the coast of Brunswick, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)Show Caption1 of 3Common dolphins swim off the Maine coast on Oct. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Patrick Whittle)Expand

The law protects all marine mammals, and prohibits capturing or killing them in U.S. waters or by U.S. citizens on the high seas. It allowed for preventative measures to stop commercial fishing ships and other businesses from accidentally harming animals such as whales and seals. The animals can be harmed by entanglement in fishing gear, collisions with ships and other hazards at sea.

The law also prevents the hunting of marine mammals, including polar bears, with exceptions for Indigenous groups. Some of those animals can be legally hunted in other countries.

Changes to oil and gas operations — and whale safety

Republican Rep. Nick Begich of Alaska, a state with a large fishing industry, submitted a bill draft this summer that would roll back aspects of the law. The bill says the act has “unduly and unnecessarily constrained government, tribes and the regulated community” since its inception.

The proposal states that it would make changes such as lowering population goals for marine mammals from “maximum productivity” to the level needed to “support continued survival.” It would also ease rules on what constitutes harm to marine mammals.

AP illustration Marshall Ritzel

For example, the law currently prevents harassment of sea mammals such as whales, and defines harassment as activities that have “the potential to injure a marine mammal.” The proposed changes would limit the definition to only activities that actually injure the animals. That change could have major implications for industries such as oil and gas exploration where rare whales live.

That poses an existential threat to the Rice’s whale, which numbers only in the dozens and lives in the Gulf of Mexico, conservationists said. And the proposal takes specific aim at the North Atlantic right whale protections with a clause that would delay rules designed to protect that declining whale population until 2035.

Begich and his staff did not return calls for comment on the bill, and his staff declined to provide an update about where it stands in Congress. Begich has said he wants “a bill that protects marine mammals and also works for the people who live and work alongside them, especially in Alaska.”

Fishing groups want restrictions loosened

A coalition of fishing groups from both coasts has come out in support of the proposed changes. Some of the same groups lauded a previous effort by the Trump administration to reduce regulatory burdens on commercial fishing.

The groups said in a July letter to House members that they feel Begich’s changes reflect “a positive and necessary step” for American fisheries’ success.

Restrictions imposed on lobster fishermen of Maine are designed to protect the right whale, but they often provide little protection for the animals while limiting one of America’s signature fisheries, Virginia Olsen, political director of the Maine Lobstering Union, said. The restrictions stipulate where lobstermen can fish and what kinds of gear they can use. The whales are vulnerable to lethal entanglement in heavy fishing rope.

Gathering more accurate data about right whales while revising the original law would help protect the animals, Olsen said.

“We do not want to see marine mammals harmed; we need a healthy, vibrant ocean and a plentiful marine habitat to continue Maine’s heritage fishery,” Olsen said.

A harbor seal rests on a submerged ledge near fishermen harvesting herring, Monday, Oct. 6, 2025, off Portland, Maine. (AP Photo/Robert F. Bukaty)

Some members of other maritime industries have also called on Congress to update the law. The National Marine Manufacturers Association said in a statement that the rules have not kept pace with advancements in the marine industry, making innovation in the business difficult.

Environmentalists fight back

Numerous environmental groups have vowed to fight to save the protection act. They characterized the proposed changes as part of the Trump administration’s assault on environmental protections.

The act was instrumental in protecting the humpback whale, one of the species most beloved by whale watchers, said Gib Brogan, senior campaign director with Oceana. Along with other sea mammals, humpbacks would be in jeopardy without it, he said.

“The Marine Mammal Protection Act is flexible. It works. It’s effective. We don’t need to overhaul this law at this point,” Brogan said.

What does this mean for seafood imports

The original law makes it illegal to import marine mammal products without a permit, and allows the U.S. to impose import prohibitions on seafood products from foreign fisheries that don’t meet U.S. standards.

The import embargoes are a major sticking point because they punish American businesses, said Gavin Gibbons, chief strategy officer of the National Fisheries Institute, a Virginia-based seafood industry trade group. It’s critical to source seafood globally to be able to meet American demand for seafood, he said.

The National Fisheries Institute and a coalition of industry groups sued the federal government Thursday over what they described as unlawful implementation of the protection act. Gibbons said the groups don’t oppose the act, but want to see it responsibly implemented.

“Our fisheries are well regulated and appropriately fished to their maximum sustainable yield,” Gibbons said. “The men and women who work our waters are iconic and responsible. They can’t be expected to just fish more here to make up a deficit while jeopardizing the sustainability they’ve worked so hard to maintain.”

Some environmental groups said the Republican lawmakers’ proposed changes could weaken American seafood competitiveness by allowing imports from poorly regulated foreign fisheries.

This story was supported by funding from the Walton Family Foundation. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Federal employees in mental health and disease control were among targets in weekend firings

By ALI SWENSON and JONEL ALECCIA

NEW YORK (AP) — Hundreds of federal employees working on mental health services, disease outbreaks and disaster preparedness were among those hit by the Trump administration’s mass firings over the weekend, current and laid-off workers said Monday, as the administration aimed to pressure Democratic lawmakers to give in and end the nearly two-week-long government shutdown.

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The government-wide reduction-in-force initiative that began Friday roiled the massive U.S. Department of Health and Human Services just six months after it went through an earlier round of cuts and as many staffers already were disconnected from work because of the shutdown.

The situation turned even more chaotic over the weekend, when more than half of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention employees who’d gotten layoff notices learned they received them in error and were still employed with the agency.

HHS, through its agencies, is responsible for tracking health trends and disease outbreaks, conducting and funding medical research, and monitoring the safety of food and medicine, as well as for administering health insurance programs for nearly half the country. Among the HHS agencies facing staff cuts were the CDC, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, or SAMHSA, and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response, or ASPR, according to current and laid-off employees who spoke with The Associated Press.

Former staffers and health professionals said they were concerned the layoffs could have negative health impacts and make it difficult for HHS agencies to fulfill their obligations set by Congress.

HHS spokesperson Andrew Nixon said the laid off employees were deemed nonessential. He added the agency is working to “close wasteful and duplicative entities, including those that are at odds with the Trump administration’s Make America Healthy Again agenda.”

Nixon declined to share which HHS agencies saw layoffs or how many HHS employees were affected. However, a Friday court filing from the Trump administration gave an estimate, saying about 1,100 to 1,200 of the nearly 80,000 staffers at HHS were receiving dismissal notices.

CDC is hit with layoffs — and reversals

About 600 workers at the CDC remained fired Monday in conjunction with the federal government shutdown after hundreds more had originally been targeted, according to the American Federation of Government Employees Local 2883, which represents CDC employees in Atlanta.

Of more than 1,300 CDC employees who received reduction-in-force notices Friday, about 700 later received emails revoking their terminations, the union said.

The AFGE Local 2883 called the action a “politically-motivated stunt” to illegally fire agency workers.

“These reckless actions are disrupting and destroying the lives of everyday working people, who are constantly being used as bargaining chips,” AFGE President Yolanda Jacobs said in a statement Monday.

A federal health official who spoke on condition of anonymity because they were not authorized to discuss the matter with the media said the incorrect RIF notices resulted from a glitch in the system.

Among those targeted for dismissal and then reinstated were the CDC’s Epidemic Intelligence Service officers, the “disease detectives” who are deployed to respond to outbreaks that threaten public health, said Dr. Anne Schuchat, former principal deputy director of the CDC, who said she was in touch with EIS officers in that situation.

“These are people who go into really scary places,” Schuchat said. “Usually you think it’s nature that’s going to be giving you a hard time, the viruses, not the government.”

Mental health services cut in sweeping dismissals at agency

SAMHSA, an agency within HHS devoted to addressing mental illness and addiction, also saw cuts, according to two employees of the agency with knowledge of the layoffs who weren’t authorized to speak publicly.

While the full scope of the firings wasn’t clear, some of the departments affected included the agency’s Office of Communications and the Center for Mental Health Services, where dozens were let go from multiple areas, according to one of the employees.

Within CMHS, one of two branches that oversaw millions of dollars in grants for community health clinics was mostly terminated, the employees said.

Dakota Jablon, a public health analyst and former employee of SAMHSA, said the loss of more staff at SAMHSA, primarily a grantmaking agency, would have “devastating ripple effects across the behavioral health field.”

“Even if the grants continue, the loss of experienced staff means those who remain will be stretched far too thin, often outside their areas of expertise,” she said.

Dr. Eric Rafla-Yuan, a psychiatrist and the chair of the Committee to Protect Public Mental Health, said staff cuts at SAMHSA could put state safety nets for people with mental illness at risk, because the agency provides significant funding and support to state programs.

Latest layoffs build on earlier cuts as HHS looks to restructure

The mass layoffs come six months after thousands of researchers, scientists, doctors, support staff and senior leaders were either laid off from HHS or took early retirement or volunteer separation offers.

The department’s staff was listed at just under 80,000 employees in a contingency plan before the government shutdown began, down more than 2,000 from its staffing level earlier in the year.

The cuts are part of Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s sweeping effort to remake the department by consolidating agencies that oversee billions of dollars for addiction services and community health centers under a new office called the Administration for a Healthy America. The plan has been delayed amid ongoing legislation and congressional pushback.

Aleccia reported from Southern California. AP medical writer Mike Stobbe contributed to this report.

49ers zero in on the future after latest gut punch with loss of Fred Warner

The 49ers are 4-2 with three wins against division opponents, so in normal circumstances a 30-19 road loss to an NFC contender wouldn’t be cause for alarm.

But Sunday’s loss in Tampa Bay was anything but that at the moment Fred Warner was carted from the field with a season-ending broken and dislocated ankle. Warner is gone. Nick Bosa, who tore an ACL on Sept. 21, is gone.

Coach Kyle Shanahan said Warner would have surgery Tuesday and is out for the season, with the hope of a three-month recovery and available for the offseason training camp in 2026, in some capacity.

Two irreplaceable players who in some way must be replaced. Championship aspirations have taken an undeniable hit. The 49ers are back in action Sunday night at Levi’s Stadium against the Atlanta Falcons.

So now what? Do the 49ers re-adjust their goals? A 6-5 finish would mean 10 wins and potentially the playoffs. A 5-6 finish would mean a 9-8 overall record and … who knows?

Coach Kyle Shanahan isn’t looking at it that way.

“I don’t really try to get us to focus on anything that’s in the past, it’s what’s happening going forward,” Shanahan said Monday in his weekly conference call with local media. “The reality is we lost another really good player. What are we going to do about it? . . . what type of team are we going to be going forward? I think we have players here we can win with, but it makes it harder to make mistakes and things like that. And I thought that was something we did too much of yesterday.”

Warner stayed in character in the aftermath, addressing the team in the locker rooms and the fans and public on Instagram.

This isn’t just anyone, as evidenced by Shanahan’s reaction to how Warner is handling the injury.

“Not only is he as impressive as a football player I’ve been around, but as impressive a human as I’ve been around,” Shanahan said. “You read how he’s looking at this, and it’s as real as can be when you hear how he speaks. And that’s why we know he’ll come back next year stronger than ever.”

Linebacker Tatum Bethune will step in and start. Bethune finished with a team-high 10 tackles but was also victimized on a 34-yard Tampa Bay touchdown from Baker Mayfield to Kameron Johnson, a play Shanahan conceded Warner probably would have diagnosed and had someone in position.

Warner’s loss exceeds that of Bosa simply because Warner was responsible for an entire unit, while Bosa put his hand down and went after the man in front of him.

Shanahan loved the fact that cornerback Deommodore Lenoir said he needed to accept more responsibility but there’s only so much he can do at cornerback.

“A ‘Mike’ linebacker directs the traffic just like a center or quarterback, so it’s more position-based,” Shanahan said. “You don’t have corners making the calls on your front and knowing where strengths and pressures come from.”

Jose Carlos Fajardo/Bay Area News GroupGeorge Kittle, out since a hamstring strain in Week 1, is expected back at practice this week and could play against Atlanta.

49ers triage

Shanahan said the 49ers hope tight end George Kittle will not only practice this week but face Atlanta. He has been out since a hamstring strain in the opener.

Things are less certain with quarterback Brock Purdy (turf toe).

“Hopefully he can get back and do a little more this week,” Shanahan said.

Wide receiver Ricky Pearsall Jr. (knee) will be evaluated during the course of the week. Rookie wide receiver Jordan Watkins (calf) is expected to practice this week, but is likely a ways off from making his NFL debut. Left guard Ben Bartch (high ankle sprain) is not expected back this week.

Wide receiver drama

Shanahan insisted everything was fine with wide receiver Jauan Jennings, with whom he had a sideline spat Sunday near the end of the first half.

Jennings declined to address it afterward and said he’d been playing with five broken ribs, a shoulder injury and both high and low ankle sprains.

“Jauan’s a very emotional player and that’s one of the things that makes him great,” Shanahan said. “Anytime you have a tough loss and he’s banged up and playing through a lot of stuff, I don’t think he’s in the best mood. I know he’ll battle to do it again this week. I hope he can get healthier and get back out there and be more consistent for us.”

Meanwhile, Brandon Aiyuk remains on the Physically Unable to Perform list while rehabbing a torn ACL and MCL.

Shanahan said Aiyuk has been working hard and the 49ers hoped he may return around Week 10 but there is still no definitive timetable.

Missing one man

The 49ers were one man short on what defensive end Mykel Williams called a “substitution error” on the play Warner was injured. Unengaged tackle Tristan Wirfs was involved in the play that injured Warner, as was safety Ja’Ayir Brown.

“We didn’t realize it until the snap, and needed 11 out there,” Shanahan said. “I would have called timeout if I saw it, but I didn’t, and it was an unfortunate mistake.”

SNAP JUDGMENTS

A look at who played and how much in Sunday’s loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers:

69: Mac Jones as well as the entire offensive line played every snap.

64: Funny how that whole “spell Christian McCaffrey” plan evaporates on a weekly basis after kickoff. Brian Robinson played just five snaps and never carried the ball. It was all McCaffrey (17 rushes, 54 yards) and Jones (5 rushes, 13 yards). Robinson did return two kickoffs for 52 yards.

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55: Kendrick Bourne caught five passes for 142 yards and was targeted nine times. Some of Jennings’ frustration may stem from the fact that he played 53 snaps himself and was targeted only three times, catching one pass for seven yards.

53: Four defenders played every snap — Brown, Dee Winters, Deommodore Lenoir, and Renardo Green. Brown’s previous high was 25 snaps against Arizona. Brown earned the starting role over Jason Pinnock.

45: Bethune’s previous high was 39 snaps in last season’s finale against Arizona. He hadn’t played on defense since three snaps in Week 1 against Seattle. He had 10 tackles, five unassisted, against Tampa Bay.

42: With Pearsall on the mend, Marquez Valdes-Scantling had a season-high 60.9 snap percentage. He was targeted three times and caught two passes for 22 yards.

40: Sam Okuayinonu had the most snaps among defensive linemen, two more than Mykel Williams.

32: Safety Marques Sigle was off the field for 21 snaps, the first time he’s been substituted for all season.

21: Malik Mustapha had one tackle and one assisted tackle in his debut after ACL surgery last January. Mustapha, Shanahan said, will eventually be a starter and alternating him with Sigle has him headed him in that direction.

8: The final snaps of the season for Warner.

0: Pinnock was benched after playing every defensive snap through five games. He played two snaps on special teams. Shanahan said Pinnock could move into the “big nickel” role Brown was playing, but that alignment wasn’t used against Tampa Bay.

Latino leaders condemn ICE over incidents in Chicago, including driver’s fatal shooting

CHICAGO (AP) — Latino leaders expressed dismay Saturday over recent immigration enforcement operations in Chicago that resulted in a fatal shooting during a traffic stop, the arrest of an immigrant at a barbershop and a tense standoff between protesters and agents at an immigration processing facility.

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An Immigration, Customs and Enforcement officer fatally shot a man who tried to evade arrest Friday by driving his car at officers and dragging one of them, officials said. The man, Silverio Villegas-Gonzalez, was pronounced dead at a hospital.

On the same day, Willian Gimenez was pulled over while driving in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood and detained by ICE agents. Kevin Herrera, Gimenez’s attorney, said he believes it was retaliation for his involvement in a lawsuit against Chicago leaders, Home Depot and an off-duty police officer for their actions toward immigrant workers.

Herrera said Gimenez has a work permit and is going through the process of pursuing an asylum claim.

In a statement Saturday, immigration authorities said Gimenez was arrested for being in the country illegally.

“No one is above the law. Gimenez Gonzalez is an illegal alien with charges for criminal trespassing and a history of not showing up to court, including when he failed to appear in immigration court in April of last year, after which an immigration judge ordered him removed from the country,” the statement said.

Law enforcement personnel investigate after the Department of Homeland Security said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in the Franklin Park suburb of Chicago on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Candace Dane Chambers/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

During a morning news conference outside an ICE facility in the Chicago suburb of Broadview, Rep. Chuy Garcia, a Democrat, said the incidents are troubling.

“These incidents make us all ask, if ICE can kill one of our neighbors in broad daylight … if they can arrest someone for joining a lawsuit or simply for being Latino, what’s to stop them from getting any one of us?” Garcia said.

A planned 12-hour protest Friday outside the facility included several clashes between participants and officers wearing face coverings, helmets and later gas masks. The facility has seen regular demonstrations in response to increased immigration enforcement.

Rep. Delia Ramirez, also a Democrat, said she will demand a thorough investigation of the traffic stop that led to Villegas-Gonzalez’s fatal shooting and called for community unity.

Law enforcement personnel investigate after the Department of Homeland Security said an Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent fatally shot a man in the Franklin Park suburb of Chicago on Friday, Sept. 12, 2025. (Candace Dane Chambers/Chicago Sun-Times via AP)

The Department of Homeland Security’s campaign, labeled “ Operation Midway Blitz,” targets so-called sanctuary laws in the state.

“This ICE operation will target the criminal illegal aliens who flocked to Chicago and Illinois because they knew Governor Pritzker and his sanctuary policies would protect them and allow them to roam free on American streets,” DHS said in a statement.

Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker has been one of the most vocal opponents of the Trump administration’s immigration operations in Chicago.

The recent incidents have also raised fears in immigrant-heavy neighborhoods about celebrations for Mexican Independence Day on Sept. 16.

New York Times, AP, Newsmax among news outlets who say they won’t sign new Pentagon rules

By DAVID BAUDER

News organizations including The New York Times, The Associated Press and the conservative Newsmax television network said Monday they will not sign a Defense Department document about its new press rules, making it likely the Trump administration will evict their reporters from the Pentagon.

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Those outlets say the policy threatens to punish them for routine news gathering protected by the First Amendment. The Washington Post and The Atlantic on Monday also publicly joined the group that says it will not be signing.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth reacted by posting the Times’ statement on X and adding a hand-waving emoji. His team has said that reporters who don’t acknowledge the policy in writing by Tuesday must turn in badges admitting them to the Pentagon and clear out their workspaces the next day.

The new rules bar journalist access to large swaths of the Pentagon without an escort and say Hegseth can revoke press access to reporters who ask anyone in the Defense Department for information — classified or otherwise — that he has not approved for release.

Newsmax, whose on-air journalists are generally supportive of President Donald Trump’s administration, said that “we believe the requirements are unnecessary and onerous and hope that the Pentagon will review the matter further.”

Chief Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell said the rules establish “common sense media procedures.”

“The policy does not ask for them to agree, just to acknowledge that they understand what our policy is,” Parnell said. “This has caused reporters to have a full blown meltdown, crying victim online. We stand by our policy because it’s what’s best for our troops and the national security of this country.”

Hegseth also reposted a question from a follower who asked, “Is this because they can’t roam the Pentagon freely? Do they believe they deserve unrestricted access to a highly classified military installation under the First Amendment?”

Hegseth answered, “yes.” Reporters say neither of those assertions is true.

Pentagon reporters say signing the statement amounts to admitting that reporting any information that hasn’t been government-approved is harming national security. “That’s simply not true,” said David Schulz, director of Yale University’s Media Freedom & Information Access Clinic.

Journalists have said they’ve long worn badges and don’t access classified areas, nor do they report information that risks putting any Americans in harm’s way.

“The Pentagon certainly has the right to make its own policies, within the constraints of the law,” the Pentagon Press Association said in a statement on Monday. “There is no need or justification, however, for it to require reporters to affirm their understanding of vague, likely unconstitutional policies as a precondition to reporting from Pentagon facilities.”

Noting that taxpayers pay nearly $1 trillion annually to the U.S. military, Times Washington bureau chief Richard Stevenson said “the public has a right to know how the government and military are operating.”

Trump has applied pressure on news organizations in several ways, with ABC News and CBS News settling lawsuits related to their coverage. Trump has also filed lawsuits against The New York Times and Wall Street Journal and moved to choke off funding for government-run services like the Voice of America and Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty.

David Bauder writes about the media for the AP. Follow him at http://x.com/dbauder and https://bsky.app/profile/dbauder.bsky.social

Clipboard: CSUMB alum Koenig pitching for the Brewers in the postseason

His road to the majors is about as unorthodox as it can get. The sacrifices to keep a dream alive were endless, laboring with independent teams for four years.

Yet, nine years after pitching his last collegiate game for Cal State Monterey Bay, Jared Koenig has landed on one of Major League Baseball’s biggest stages.

The former Aptos High left-handed pitcher is part of the Milwaukee Brewers bullpen, having appeared in the team’s first three playoff games in a five-game series win over the Cubs, setting up an NLCS meeting with the Dodgers

Koenig, whose professional career began in 2017 with the Monterey Amberjacks, went 6-1 this past year for the Brewers in the regular season, with two saves and a 2.88 earned run average.

Undrafted out of CSUMB in 2016, the 31-year-old made 72 appearances for Milwaukee, striking out 68 hitters in 66 innings.

In two seasons with the Brewers, Koenig has appeared in 127 games, mostly as a set-up man out of the bullpen, having won 15 games, while picking up three saves, striking out 133 hitters in 128 innings.

Originally signed by the Athletics’ international scout while in Australia in 2019, Koenig made his major league debut in 2022, going 1-3 when the franchise was still in Oakland.

Blessed with a fastball that has hit the century mark in the postseason, Koenig spent a season in the Padres organization before Milwaukee signed him to their Double-A affiliate in 2023.

Since being called up in 2024, Koenig has been one of the Brewers’ most reliable relievers. During the postseason, he’s allowed three hits, with a strikeout in three innings of relief.

Koenig spent one season pitching for head coach Walt White and the Otters after playing at Old Dominion, going 3-1 with 63 strikeouts in 61 innings in 14 starts.

While pitching in the Independent Pacific Association, he was the Pitcher of the Year in 2018. The following year, Koenig posted a 2.24 ERA with 133 strikeouts in the Frontier League.

While pitching for the A’s Double-A team in Midland after losing the 2020 season to COVID, Koenig was the Pitcher of the Year in 2021, earning a call-up to the A’s in 2022, where he appeared in 10 games, winning one of his five starts.

Keonig was a two-time Santa Cruz Coast Athletic League all-league selection, striking out a career-high 10 in a five-inning outing in 2012.

Soledad’s Freeman has career game

Former Hartnell College all-state receiver Josiah Freeman put together his second straight two-touchdown game for Fresno State, finishing with a college career high seven catches for 89 yards in a loss last Saturday to Colorado State.

Freeman, who elected to return to the Bulldogs after originally entering the transfer portal, leads the team in receiving yards with 300 and touchdowns with four.

On the season, the 6-foot-3 Soledad High graduate has 24 catches, averaging nearly 13 yards per reception. He has caught at least three passes in each of the six games he’s played in for 5-2 Fresno State.

In three seasons at Fresno State, the senior has 51 catches for 644 yards and seven touchdowns. The 24 catches this fall are three receptions shy of breaking his career totals since arriving on campus.

During his only season at Hartnell, Freeman led the state in receiving yards per game at 108.3, with 10 of his 50 catches going for touchdowns. He also earned all-county honors as a receiver at Soledad.

Salinas’ Hunter coming off his best outing

Nyziah Hunter followed up a four-catch, 93-yard receiving effort with a career night last Saturday, catching five passes for 125 yards and two touchdowns in helping Nebraska to a 34-31 win over Maryland

The former Salinas High multi-sport standout has four touchdown catches this season for the Cornhuskers, who are 5-1n.

The 6-foot-2, 205-pound Hunter is second on the team in receiving yards with 415, averaging 17.1 yards per reception.

Having transferred to Nebraska after spending last season at Cal, the redshirt sophomore has 57 catches for nearly 900 yards and seven touchdowns in 17 career college games.

Hunter caught 58 passes for over 1,000 yards and a school record 16 touchdown catches during his senior season at Salinas.

He also started on the basketball team and broke the school record in the 100 meters, reaching the state track and field championships as a junior in 2022.

Carmel’s Iandoli western ranch riding

Elizabeth Iandoli helped her West Texas A&M western ranch riding team to a season-opening win in College Station, Texas.

Competing against Texas A&M, Oklahoma, Arkansas and Texas Tech, the defending national champion Buffaloes made a statement against some of the best riding teams in the nation.

Iandoli, who prepped at Carmel, took sixth individually out of 39 riders in her division in her college debut.

An equine industry and business major, Iandoli and her teammates will compete in the Intercollegiate Ranch and Stock Horse Association College Show in Oklahoma.

Officials needed

Peninsula Sports Incorporate is looking for high school and middle school officials for all sports this season. Varsity officials are paid $100 a game.

There is an immediate need for officials in the winter for boys and girls basketball, boys and girls soccer and boys and girls wrestling. Training is provided. Call Tom Emery at (831) 241-1101.