Friday, October 9th

What happened

The Labor Department suspended Microsoft, Adobe and six IT services companies from PERM, blocking new applications and pending cases. The administration also opened investigations into nine universities’ use of J-1 exchange visas. PERM is the process employers generally need to sponsor a foreign worker for an employment-based green card. Employers must show that qualified, available U.S. workers cannot fill the job. The administration said companies abused visa programs to replace Americans with lower-paid foreign workers. Microsoft said most H-1B filings covered existing employees, who receive comparable pay. Hours later, President Trump gave Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella a national technology medal. Officials did not say how long the suspensions would last.

What happened

U.S. ambassador Kimberly Guilfoyle asked donor Eric Deters to send $100,000 directly to American Express to pay her bill, saying the transfer would not show up elsewhere. The request came six days before her Senate confirmation hearing. The Daily Mail said the State Department inspector general opened a formal inquiry into complaints about her; the office would not confirm or deny one. Deters had sought her help with personal tax and legal problems, including reaching Trump administration officials. Deters called the request a quid pro quo; Guilfoyle’s lawyer disputed the messages and said he owed her for travel and speeches. Congressional Democrats are seeking information and continuing to investigate.

What happened

Isaias strengthened into the first hurricane of the 2026 Atlantic season late Wednesday, nearly matching the latest first-hurricane record set in 1905. The Atlantic had been unusually quiet because a strong El Niño was suppressing storm formation, but very warm Gulf water helped fuel Isaias. Officials urged residents in threatened areas to finish preparations and follow evacuation advice. Florida and Alabama declared emergencies, and some Florida coastal areas ordered mandatory evacuations. President Donald Trump said he hoped to attend Saturday’s Alabama-Georgia football game but would reconsider if the storm diverted emergency responders. By Thursday, Isaias had winds near 80 mph and was forecast to approach the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday.