CBS’s Stephen Colbert welcomed Arizona Sen. Ruben Gallego to Wednesday’s taping of The Late Show for one of his regular segments where he seeks to align his show’s talking points with those of congressional Democrats. This time, the duo focused on the ongoing government shutdown and claimed that they are merely interested in providing affordable healthcare. Colbert began with the kind of question that is really just a statement with a question mark thrown in at the end, “Well, this shutdown has gone on for 29 days. If I can characterize the position the Democrats want the Republicans to address the lapsing of the tax credits and ACA, the Obamacare, so people are going to see the rates jump up starting in November, right?”     Because the real answer of Minority Leader Chuck Schumer being scared Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez is going to primary him would not have made Democrats look good, Gallego instead claimed, “Basically starting November 1, people are going to start opening up and start signing up for health insurance, and they’re going to realize the health insurance that they’ve had for the last couple of years has been very affordable is now not going to be affordable. And so, for example, in Arizona a family of about, you know, four or five could potentially see their premiums jump almost, you know, 50 percent.” Under the original Obamacare law, households making over 400 percent of the federal poverty line were banned from receiving subsidies. The Biden-era policy, which was supposed to be a temporary COVID relief measure, removed that cap, so Gallego is arguing that a family of four that makes $128,600 or a family of five that makes $150,600 should be eligible for federal subsidies. Facts aside, Gallego kept rolling, “So, for a family that could be almost $7,000. That’s a lot of money, maybe not in New York City, but in Arizona it’s a lot of money. And things are hard right now. I mean, everything is fricking expensive, and now the government, these Republicans, are going to willingly raise people's premiums. That's what's happening right now. And [Speaker Mike] Johnson's off hiding somewhere with the Epstein list, and, you know, I don't know where the hell Trump is. But I think he's probably in Korea putting on a crown or something like that, but either way our people, everyday working-class people in this country, are hurting right now.” If Democrats really want to address healthcare, they have wasted a month throwing a temper tantrum, but they can always count on the late night comedy shows to provide them a safe space to rail against Republicans. Here is a transcript for the October 29-taped show: CBS The Late Show with Stephen Colbert 10/30/2025 12:20 AM ET STEPHEN COLBERT: Well, this shutdown has gone on for 29 days. If I can characterize the position the Democrats want the Republicans to address the lapsing of the tax credits and ACA, the Obamacare, so people are going to see the rates jump up starting in November, right? RUBEN GALLEGO: To not speak in nerd speak, what’s going to happen is starting November-- just to be honest. [crosstalk] GALLEGO: Basically starting November 1, people are going to start opening up and start signing up for health insurance, and they’re going to realize the health insurance that they’ve had for the last couple of years has been very affordable is now not going to be affordable. And so, for example, in Arizona a family of about, you know, four or five could potentially see their premiums jump almost, you know, 50 percent. So, for a family that could be almost $7,000. That’s a lot of money, maybe not in New York City, but in Arizona it’s a lot of money. And things are hard right now. I mean, everything is fricking expensive, and now the government, these Republicans, are going to willingly raise people's premiums. That's what's happening right now. And Johnson's off hiding somewhere with the Epstein list, and, you know, I don't know where the hell Trump is. But I think he's probably in Korea putting on a crown or something like that, but either way our people, everyday working-class people in this country, are hurting right now.

Public universities in Florida may soon have to hire more Americans, thanks to a decision from Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis.In an announcement on October 29, DeSantis directed the Florida Board of Governors to "pull the plug" on the use of H-1B visas for faculty and staff at Florida state universities.'Why do we need to bring someone from China to talk about public policy?'In explaining the decision, DeSantis criticized companies for prioritizing visa-holders over American workers: "These tech companies will fire Americans and hire H-1B at a discount. ... This is basically, in some respects, cheap labor that they're bringing in to try to save money." The governor said these practices hurt American workers, who should be first in line at American universities.DeSantis said his administration has discovered many examples of unnecessary H-1B hires in the university system. "You got a computer application professor from China, public policy professor, China. Why do we need to bring someone from China to talk about public policy?" DeSantis asked. He went on to list more examples, citing them as proof of the threat that H-1B visas pose to American workers, particularly when visa workers can be paid significantly less. RELATED: Senate Republicans betray Trump, help Democrats try to block tariffs Photo by Kevin Dietsch / Contributor via Getty ImagesTo address the issue, DeSantis announced, "I am directing the Florida Board of Governors to pull the plug on the use of these H-1B visas in our universities." He went on to say that staff and faculty jobs can be filled "with our residents in Florida or with Americans." The Florida Board of Governors oversees the state's 12 public universities. The H-1B visa program has recently become a hotbed issue. On September 19, President Trump signed a proclamation requiring companies to pay a $100,000 fee for new H-1B hires. In August, the Young Republicans of Texas announced they would endorse only national candidates who oppose the H-1B program. Like Blaze News? Bypass the censors, sign up for our newsletters, and get stories like this direct to your inbox. Sign up here!

Democrats are casting the shutdown showdown as a battle over health care costs, tapping into widespread anxiety over the cost of health care, especially among those enrolled in Medicare. For them, it’s politics. But for millions of American seniors, the worry is real — not just a convenient talking point.Recent polling shows 58% of Medicare recipients 65 and over are concerned about future health care costs, and half are worried a major health situation could result in either debt or bankruptcy.If left unchanged, Medicare will be unable to pay full benefits by 2036.While medical debt is a growing concern among Medicare recipients, the staggering size of the federal debt — largely driven by Medicare spending — is a ticking time bomb Congress can no longer ignore. As one of the largest federal spending programs, Medicare consisted of a jarring $874 billion out of the $6.75 trillion federal budget (about 13 cents of every dollar spent in FY2024). While Medicare receives some funding from premiums paid by enrollees, the single largest source of revenue comes from the federal government's general fund. If left unchanged, Medicare will be unable to pay full benefits by 2036. Medicare Advantage toes the lineFortunately, policy solutions exist that can help both seniors and taxpayers.Medicare Advantage merges public financing with private delivery under accountability. The government pays a fixed amount per enrollee to private plans, calibrated by benchmarks and quality measures. Plans that achieve higher star ratings — which were just released for 2026 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services earlier this month — receive bonus payments. Meanwhile, poor performers lose ground. This structure introduces incentives for efficiency and quality that are lacking in traditional Medicare. Yet, successive years of cuts to how Medicare Advantage plans are reimbursed have forced several major insurers to announce they’re withdrawing from certain Medicare Advantage markets next year.Companies like UnitedHealth, Humana, Aetna, as well as regional plans such as UCare (serving Minnesota and parts of Wisconsin) and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont, are withdrawing from select Medicare Advantage counties across the country, citing rising costs. Seniors are using more medical services than expected, driving up claims, while federal reimbursement rates are being cut. Added regulatory and administrative burdens (such as expanded reporting requirements and prior authorization rules) further limit insurers. Together, these pressures make participation unsustainable in some markets.If unchanged, more insurers will leave Medicare Advantage, and options for seniors will continue to shrink. Meanwhile, Medicare costs are growing much faster than private health care spending. In 2023, traditional Medicare spent $15,689 per enrollee, more than double the private sector amount. This is a result of the traditional fee-for-service model, which pays providers per treatment instead of per patient, rewarding volume over outcomes, encouraging unnecessary care, and driving up costs. Conversely, Medicare Advantage’s structure encourages prevention and coordination. To attract enrollees, Medicare Advantage offers supplemental benefits such as vision, dental, hearing, wellness programs, transportation, and over‑the‑counter benefits. Many Medicare Advantage plans now include these extras at little or no additional cost. That flexibility helps tailor benefits to beneficiary needs. Better treatment, lower costsWhen allowed to work, Medicare Advantage delivers higher satisfaction, lower costs, and greater access to coverage than traditional Medicare. One Harvard study found that seniors enrolled in Medicare Advantage had better health outcomes than seniors on traditional Medicare. A National Institutes of Health review of hundreds of studies found that Medicare Advantage provided significantly better quality of care and health outcomes than traditional Medicare by a factor of four to one. Another NIH study found that across 48 studies, Medicare Advantage enrollees received more preventative care and had fewer hospitalizations and emergency visits, shorter stays, and lower total spending.The financial and quality advantages are clear. One study comparing expected out‑of‑pocket costs in Medicare Advantage versus traditional Medicare found that from 2014 to 2019, projected costs were 18% to 24% lower under Medicare Advantage. For seniors on fixed incomes — that is significant.RELATED: Democrats deny shutdown is about health care for illegal aliens — then one admits the truth Photo by Nathan Posner/Anadolu via Getty Images Seniors get it. This year, the majority of Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans. Over the last two decades, enrollment in Medicare Advantage has skyrocketed. Unsurprisingly, polling shows 93% of Medicare Advantage enrollees were satisfied or very satisfied with their coverage, and 94% would recommend it to their family and friends. The Congressional Budget Office now projects that by 2034, Medicare Advantage could account for nearly two-thirds of all Medicare beneficiaries.The model for the future Medicare Advantage provides the model for quality, affordable health care for seniors that aligns with what they prefer. Reducing regulatory burdens and barriers within the insurance market will provide Medicare Advantage plans greater flexibility and even entice those insurers leaving the Medicare Advantage market to reconsider.Medicare cannot continue as purely fee‑for‑service without reform — neither for the medical and financial health of Americans, nor for the sake of the federal budget. The current fiscal challenges plaguing the federal budget demand models that can bend the cost curve while improving quality. Medicare Advantage is not a cure-all, but it is among the most promising tools in the toolbox.

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With the most recent update, The Outsiders app has added Cycling Power Zones, and improvements to Body Metrics, Workout Summary, Training Focus Zones, and more.

You won’t be able to get enough of these easy, flavorful, and tender Crock Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops that simmer in the most delicious creamy sauce! AN EASY SLOW COOKER PORK CHOP DINNER These Crock Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops are tender, flavorful, and nearly foolproof. I am always looking for new ways to make pork chops (that aren’t dry and tasteless!) The ingredients are simple (nothing fancy!) and the flavor Is incredible (it works with chicken too!) It’ll quickly become a staple in your meal plan rotation! FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:  I don’t have a slow cooker, can I make this on the stovetop? Definitely. You would need to pretty much cook the pork chops mostly all the way first and set them aside and then make the cream sauce. Once the sauce is ready, add the cooked chops back in and cover and continue to cook until the pork chops reach an internal temp of 145F. Do these pork chops dry out? No. I really try to go with a thick cut pork chop which helps as well. And that’s the nice thing about using a Crock Pot, it is kinda hard to overcook the pork chops. Instead, they’ll infuse some of the flavor from the sauce and stay moist from the sauce. Plus, since they cook slowly, they don’t dry out as easily as they do in the oven or on the stovetop. What sides go with Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops? The options you can use for these pork chops are endless. I served it with Roasted Baby Potatoes and a bag of steamed green beans that I just popped in the microwave. A salad and Dinner Rolls are always a good option. Try some Italian Green Beans, Bacon Garlic Green Beans, or go all out with a Green Bean Salad. Instead of the baby potatoes, classic Stovetop Mashed Potatoes are a good option or if you have another Slow Cooker, break it out and make some Crock Pot Million Dollar Mashed Potatoes– trust me they are WORTH it! Can this be made with chicken? Sure can. Cook the same way. You just want to make sure the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165F degrees. How long do leftovers last? Leftovers should be stored in an airtight container and can be kept in the fridge for up to 4-5 days. You can freeze leftovers for up to 3 months in a freezer safe container. INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE) thick boneless pork chops– I like a thicker cut pork chop for this recipe. This cut is best to keep them moist and tender. Also, I think bone-in chops could be used. You could even try a pork loin or tenderloin. If you change things up, you will need to change the cooking time most likely. It’s easiest to play it by ear. I would not use a thin cut pork chops as they will dry out more easily. Italian seasoning – this seasoning goes best with the other flavors but I think this is an easy recipe to change up and play with the seasoning. I think cajun or creole seasoning would be a good substitute. all purpose flour salted butter– you can use unsalted butter and add a pinch of salt if you think it’s necessary, later. If you desire, you can use olive oil in place of butter. onion powder garlic– I like fresh as it gives the most flavor. It really does make a difference but if you just can’t be bothered, the jarred stuff can be used in a pinch. heavy cream – whenever I have heavy cream in a recipe, folks ask about using milk instead. So I will say, yes, you can use milk but the sauce WILL be thinner and it won’t have that thick richness that you get with heavy cream. If you are fine with that, then certainly use milk. cream cheese – Use these Tips to Soften Cream Cheese Quickly if you need them. If cream cheese isn’t your thing, you can substitute an additional ½ cup of heavy cream instead, but it will alter the flavor a little. chicken broth– as always, you can use low or no sodium chicken broth or use Homemade Chicken Broth. If you feel the sauce is too thick, add an additional ¼ to ½ cup of chicken broth. shredded parmesan cheese – if you aren’t a fan of parmesan cheese, you can leave it out or try something like a Romano cheese or even finely shredded mozzarella. HOW TO MAKE CROCK POT CREAMY GARLIC PARMESAN PORK CHOPS: Prepare the pork chops by patting them dry on both sides with paper towels. Sprinkle pinches of salt, pepper, ½ teaspoon Italian Seasoning and the flour over both sides of each pork chop. Rub it all over the pork chop. Heat a heavy bottomed skillet (I used cast iron) over medium heat. Add one Tablespoon butter to the pan and swirl it around so that the melted butter covers the bottom. Add two pork chops at a time to the pan and allow to sear, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes. Then flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the pork chop is ready to be flipped when it easily releases from the pan. Remove to a plate. NOTE: You’re not cooking them all the way through, just browning them for added color and flavor. Add another Tablespoon of butter to the pan and allow it to melt before searing the second batch of pork chops for the same amount of time per side. Once the pork chops are seared, remove them to a plate and set aside. Turn the heat to low and add the last Tablespoon of butter to the pan. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds to a minute until fragrant. Add the heavy cream, cream cheese, chicken broth, onion powder and remaining 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning. Use a whisk and allow it to come to a simmer and cook for 10 minutes. It will condense and thicken. You will know that your sauce is ready when it is able to coat the back of a spoon. Add the parmesan cheese ¼ cup at a time. Whisk and allow it to melt. When everything is melted and creamy, taste and add additional pinches of salt and pepper as desired. Add nonstick cooking spray to the bottom of a 5-6 quart crock pot. Place the pork chops in the bottom. Try to have them lie flat, but they can slightly overlap. Pour the sauce over the top of the pork chops. Cover and cook on high for 1.5 -2 hours or 3-4 hours on low. The chops will be done when a meat thermometer reads 145F degrees. Serve with roasted potatoes and green beans. CRAVING MORE RECIPES?  Crock Pot Pork Chops with Gravy Crock Pot Mississippi Pork Chops Crock Pot Ranch Pork Chops Crock Pot Pork Loin Pan Fried Pork Chops Crock Pot Pork Chops and Potatoes For Two Baked Ranch Butter Pork Chops Air Fryer Ranch Pork Chops Crock Pot Pork Chops For Two Print Crock Pot Creamy Garlic Parmesan Pork Chops Pork chops made in the slow cooker with a creamy garlic parmesan sauce. Course Dinner, Main CourseCuisine American Prep Time 10 minutes minutesCook Time 4 hours hoursTotal Time 4 hours hours 10 minutes minutes Servings 4 Calories 697kcal Author Brandie Skibinski Ingredients4 thick cut boneless pork chops (about 1.5-2 inches thick)salt and pepper, to taste1 ½ Tablespoons Italian seasoning (divided use)2 Tablespoons all purpose flour3 Tablespoons salted butter (divided use)5 cloves garlic, minced1 cup heavy cream4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature1 cup chicken broth )can use low or no sodium)1 Tablespoon onion powder¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese InstructionsPrepare 4 thick cut boneless pork chops by patting them dry on both sides with paper towels.Sprinkle all the pork chops evenly with salt and pepper, to taste, ½ Tablespoon Italian Seasoning and 2 Tablespoons all purpose flour. Rub it all over the pork chops.NOTE: If you prefer, you can mix the salt, pepper, Italian seasoning and flour in a bowl then sprinkle it all over the pork chops then rub it in.Heat a heavy bottomed skillet (I used cast iron) over medium heat.Add one Tablespoon salted butter to the pan and swirl it around so that the melted butter covers the bottom.Add two pork chops at a time to the pan and allow to sear, undisturbed, for 2-3 minutes. Then flip and sear the other side for 2-3 minutes. You’ll know the pork chop is ready to be flipped when it easily releases from the pan. Remove to a plate. NOTE: You’re not cooking them all the way through, just browning them for added color and flavor. Add another Tablespoon of salted butter to the pan and allow it to melt before searing the remaining two pork chops for the same amount of time per side.Once the pork chops are seared, remove them to a plate and set aside.Turn the heat to low and add the last Tablespoon of salted butter to the pan. Add 5 cloves garlic, minced and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.Add in 1 cup heavy cream, 4 ounces (1/2 block) cream cheese, softened to room temperature, 1 cup chicken broth, 1 Tablespoon onion powder and remaining 1 Tablespoon Italian seasoning. Use a whisk and allow it to come to a simmer and cook for about 8-10 minutes (whisking occasionally). It will condense and thicken.You will know that your sauce is ready when it is able to coat the back of a spoon. Add ¾ cup shredded parmesan cheese slowly (about ¼ cup at a time). Whisk and allow it to melt then add in more.When everything is melted and creamy, taste and add additional pinches of salt and pepper as desired.Spray nonstick cooking spray to the bottom of a 5-6 quart crock pot.Place the pork chops in the bottom. Try to have them lie flat, but they can slightly overlap.Pour the sauce over the top of the pork chops (I like to make sure some of the sauce gets in between the pork chops too). Cover and cook on high for 1.5-2 hours or 3-4 hours on low. Low is the better option if you have time. The chops will be done when a meat thermometer reads 145F degrees. When ready, serve pork chops with sauce poured over top. Notes Please refer to my FAQ’s (Frequently Asked Questions) and ingredient list above for other substitutions or for the answers to the most common questions. Cook on low for 3-4 hours or high for 2-3 hours. Serving size is 1 pork chop per serving. NutritionCalories: 697kcal | Carbohydrates: 13g | Protein: 39g | Fat: 55g | Sodium: 785mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 3g

Earth's mantle is so gooey, it takes eons for material that has been displaced by the weight of ice sheets to flow back. And Greenland is very much still processing its glacial past, a new study shows.

Rosie O’Donnell is sharing an emotional plea as her daughter, Chelsea O’Donnell, faces a painful chapter in her life. The actress and comedian posted a throwback photo of a young Chelsea on Instagram, asking followers to send “prayers.” In the picture, Chelsea wore a pink and red turtleneck, smiling brightly—a snapshot of happier times. Rosie O’Donnell’s post came after Chelsea’s probation was revoked, leading to a prison sentence. The update left many of O’Donnell’s longtime fans heartbroken. Known for her honesty, Rosie showed her deepest vulnerability, expressing love for her daughter “then and now” despite the struggles with addiction that have gripped their family. Rosie O’Donnell’s Heartfelt Message To Fans             View this post on Instagram                         A post shared by Rosie O’Donnell (@rosie)   In her caption, Rosie O’Donnell wrote, “My child Chelsea Belle—before addiction took over her life—I loved her then, and I love her now.” She invited fans to pray for her daughter as she faces a difficult road ahead. The post reflected Rosie’s compassion and her ongoing advocacy for families affected by addiction. Rosie O’Donnell/Instagram Rosie O’Donnell told People that Chelsea “was born into addiction,” describing her journey as “painful” for both mother and child. She said the family continues to love and support Chelsea and her four children during this difficult time. O’Donnell’s words revealed a mother’s steady faith in love, even when circumstances seem impossible. Chelsea O’Donnell’s Legal Troubles Rosie O’Donnell’s oldest daughter, Chelsea Belle O’Donnell: I Meme Therefore I Am/X Chelsea O’Donnell, 28, has faced several arrests since 2024 on felony charges, including possession of methamphetamine. Earlier this year, she pleaded guilty to three counts and received probation. When she later violated those terms, the court ordered prison time. Rosie O’Donnell’s daughter, Chelsea Belle O’Donnell: I Meme Therefore I Am/X The conditions of Chelsea’s probation had included full sobriety and avoiding contact with known drug users. Despite those challenges, Rosie O’Donnell continues to ask for understanding and empathy. Her message is not only about loss but also about hope—a reminder that love remains, even in the hardest seasons. Next up: Stevie Nicks Brings Out Her Iconic ‘Bella Donna’ Cape From Original 1981 Album After 44 Years The post Rosie O’Donnell Asks For Prayers For Troubled Daughter Chelsea As She Receives Prison Sentence appeared first on DoYouRemember? - The Home of Nostalgia. Author, Ruth A