The White House will start allowing public tours again in December after pausing them for ballroom construction. These tours, featuring holiday decorations selected by First Lady Melania Trump, will begin on December 2. Tour requests can be made through congressional offices, with current availability only for December and January.
Key Facts
The White House tours will resume on December 2.
Tours were paused because of the construction of a new ballroom.
The tours will showcase Christmas decorations throughout the State Floor.
First Lady Melania Trump is overseeing the decoration plans.
Congressional offices can start requesting tours from November 3.
Tour availability is currently limited to December and January dates.
It's not yet clear if the tours will continue long-term.
A storm is set to bring snowfall to parts of seven states in the eastern U.S. on Halloween night. The storm will cause strong winds and colder temperatures, leading to potential snow in high-elevation areas. People in affected regions are advised to prepare for wintry and cold conditions.
Key Facts
Seven states in the eastern U.S. could see snow: New York, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, and Maryland.
The storm will bring strong winds, making temperatures feel up to 20 degrees Fahrenheit colder.
AccuWeather predicts up to 3 inches of snow on Friday night in some high-elevation areas.
The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories affecting 46 million people.
Coastal areas previously experienced flooding due to the storm.
The storm will cause December-like cold in the Northeast on Friday and Saturday.
These conditions follow the first frost or freeze in several states, with cold warnings reaching as far south as Texas and Alabama.
People wearing ICE agent Halloween costumes have caused backlash on social media. The University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire saw criticism for a costume contest where a student dressed as an ICE agent. A former city council member from Vancouver, Washington, also faced criticism for wearing a similar costume at a party.
President Donald Trump urged Republicans to end the filibuster rule in the Senate to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, which started on October 1. The filibuster requires 60 of 100 senators to approve most bills, but removing it would let Republicans pass a funding bill without Democratic support. The shutdown impacts millions, threatening essential services and causing missed paychecks for federal workers.
Key Facts
The government shutdown began on October 1 and has lasted 30 days.
President Trump wants to end the Senate filibuster rule to pass a funding bill.
The filibuster needs 60 senators' approval for most legislation; removing it would allow a simple majority vote.
The shutdown may stop food aid for over 40 million people relying on the SNAP program.
Thousands of federal employees have not received paychecks due to the shutdown.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune has opposed changing the filibuster rule.
The Senate has previously made exceptions to the filibuster for certain nominations but not for most legislation.
Removing the filibuster could lead to risks if political power shifts in the future.
Federal agents arrested a Florida man for allegedly making death threats against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers on social media. The man, Joseph Rocco Giancola Jr., is accused of using a fake online profile to post threatening messages aimed at federal agents. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) reports a significant increase in threats against ICE agents in recent times.
Key Facts
Joseph Rocco Giancola Jr., a 72-year-old from Cape Coral, Florida, allegedly made threats against ICE agents.
He used a fake name on a social media platform called BlueSky to post these threats.
Some messages allegedly compared ICE agents to Nazis and included threats to "shoot to kill."
DHS reports an 8,000 percent increase in death threats against ICE agents compared to last year.
The Trump administration suggests the rise in threats is linked to criticism from Democratic leaders and media.
ICE emphasizes that making threats against federal agents is a crime.
Charges against Giancola were pending as of the Friday following his arrest.
DHS intends to prosecute those who threaten or harm federal law enforcement agents.
Senator Ted Cruz criticized former Fox News host Tucker Carlson for interviewing Nick Fuentes, a far-right commentator, and for spreading views that Cruz argues fuel anti-Israel sentiments among young conservatives. Cruz spoke at an event in Las Vegas, saying that giving a platform to those who praise Adolf Hitler is wrong and undermines moral values. Carlson, who has faced criticism for his controversial views, remains a prominent figure on the right.
Key Facts
Senator Ted Cruz criticized Tucker Carlson for his interview with Nick Fuentes.
Cruz made these comments at the Republican Jewish Coalition's conference in Las Vegas.
Cruz referred to Carlson's actions as "cowardly and complicit."
Nick Fuentes, featured on Carlson's show, has praised Adolf Hitler.
Carlson has criticized U.S. support for Israel and spread far-right ideas.
Cruz warns that conservative voices are harming support for Israel among young conservatives.
Carlson also drew controversy for a separate interview where Holocaust denial was discussed.
Cruz received applause and a standing ovation for his remarks at the event.
A judge is deciding whether the U.S. government must keep funding the Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) as the government shutdown continues. More than 40 million people rely on SNAP, which risks stopping due to a lack of funds. The situation stems from disagreements between political parties over the government shutdown.
Key Facts
Over 40 million Americans use SNAP for food assistance.
SNAP funding might stop because of the government running out of money.
The government shutdown has lasted 31 days.
There is a lawsuit to force the Trump administration to keep funding SNAP.
U.S. District Judge Indira Talwani will decide on the lawsuit.
The Trump administration claims it cannot use a $5 billion fund to support SNAP.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul has declared a state of emergency because of the SNAP funding threat.
Democrat Abigail Spanberger is focusing on economic issues, such as the challenges faced by soybean farmers, in her campaign for Virginia governor. She is not emphasizing attacks on President Trump or making large promises. Her strategy is seen as a potential model for the Democratic Party's success.
Key Facts
Abigail Spanberger is running for governor in Virginia.
She is focusing her campaign on economic issues, like the struggles of soybean farmers.
Spanberger is not focusing on criticisms of President Donald Trump.
She is a former congresswoman and CIA case officer.
Spanberger is trying a moderate campaign approach.
She aims to be Virginia's first female governor.
Her strategy might help the Democratic Party nationally.
Spanberger advises against making promises that cannot be fulfilled.
President Donald Trump urged the Senate to get rid of the filibuster rule to quickly end the federal government shutdown. The filibuster requires 60 votes to proceed with legislation, and Trump believes removing it would allow Republicans to bypass Democrats and pass funding. However, opinions among his supporters are divided about ending this procedural rule.
Key Facts
President Trump called for the end of the Senate filibuster on his Truth Social platform.
The filibuster is a rule used to delay or block votes in the Senate, needing 60 votes to overcome.
Trump wants to eliminate the filibuster to end the government shutdown that began on October 1.
Democrats want any funding deal to include extending tax credits related to the Affordable Care Act.
Some Trump supporters, like Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene, agree with ending the filibuster.
Others warn that removing the filibuster could backfire if Democrats regain control of Congress.
Trump believes removing the filibuster will help Republicans fund the government quickly.
A viral online post claimed that Project 2025 endorses removing children from single-parent households receiving SNAP benefits. The project's actual document does not propose transferring children for reasons related to poverty or SNAP benefits.
Key Facts
Project 2025 is a policy plan created by The Heritage Foundation for a Republican-led administration.
The document aims to change parts of the federal government, including consolidating executive power and altering some federal agencies.
Project 2025 does not suggest moving children from single-parent homes receiving SNAP benefits.
The plan does discuss changing SNAP, such as moving food programs to the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
The document mentions supporting stable married families but not in the context of removing children from single-parent homes.
The viral claim about Project 2025 removing kids from SNAP families is false, according to the document's contents.
SNAP benefits, which provide federal food assistance to 42 million Americans, are currently paused. This pause affects both low-income families and major grocery stores. Companies and nonprofits are stepping up efforts with discounts, free meals, and donations to fill this gap.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits provide about $8 billion a month in food assistance.
The pause in SNAP benefits affects 42 million people in the U.S.
Instacart is offering 50% off grocery orders for active SNAP users and expanding support to over 300 food banks.
DoorDash is providing 1 million free meals and waiving delivery fees for some SNAP recipients.
Gopuff is donating up to $10 million in free groceries to SNAP customers.
Albertsons fast-tracked $13 million in gift cards to food banks, and H-E-B donated $5 million to Texas food banks.
The Farmlink Project will move 10 million pounds of produce, equating to 8.3 million meals, to food banks by Thanksgiving.
Amazon has delivered over 60 million meals from food banks and will continue free delivery support through 2028.
The government shutdown is causing significant disruptions at airports across the U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy expects more flight delays as FAA and TSA workers are required to work without pay. This situation could worsen, especially at major airports.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown is affecting airport operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned of more flight delays.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is impacted by the shutdown.
13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay.
50,000 TSA officers are also working without pay.
Staffing shortages are reported at airports like Orlando, Dallas/Fort Worth, and Washington, D.C.
These disruptions are expected to increase in the coming days.
The article discusses concerns over the Trump administration's actions that reportedly threaten federal support for domestic violence programs. U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore and Debbie Dingell express alarm over changes to funding opportunities that could impact services for survivors.
Key Facts
The Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) was introduced more than 30 years ago to address domestic violence in the U.S.
VAWA has contributed to a significant decrease in domestic violence and sexual assault rates since its enactment.
VAWA provides funding for services like a national domestic violence hotline, legal assistance, and training for law enforcement.
Changes under the Trump administration have reportedly made it harder for organizations to access federal funding.
These changes include pulling grant opportunities from the Department of Justice's website and new requirements that complicate compliance.
The Trump administration also froze funding for the Rape Prevention and Education Program, affecting rape crisis centers across the country.
U.S. Representatives Gwen Moore and Debbie Dingell have raised concerns with U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi about these issues.
A U.S. government shutdown started on October 1 because Congress couldn't agree on a funding bill. As a result, many federal services are disrupted, and a significant number of federal workers are either furloughed or working without pay. This shutdown has lasted over a month, making it the second-longest in U.S. history.
Key Facts
The government shutdown began on October 1 due to a budget disagreement between Democrats and Republicans.
About 730,000 federal employees are working without pay, and 670,000 are furloughed without pay.
Essential services like the military and law enforcement continue, although workers may not get paid until the shutdown ends.
The shutdown is now over a month old, marking it as the second-longest in U.S. history.
U.S. President Donald Trump has threatened further layoffs during the dispute.
Since 1976, there have been 20 funding gaps leading to 10 government shutdowns.
Previous government shutdowns usually last a few days, but the longest in history was the 35-day shutdown in 2018-2019.
During a shutdown, non-essential services, such as national parks and museums, are closed or reduced.
House Speaker Mike Johnson said he discussed via text with President Donald Trump about Trump's call to change Senate rules to end a government shutdown. Johnson, however, chose not to comment publicly on the matter, explaining it is not his decision to make. This comes amid ongoing discussions and division among senators regarding the filibuster rule.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson texted President Donald Trump about ending a government shutdown.
President Trump suggested changing Senate rules to stop the shutdown.
The change Trump suggested involves ending the filibuster, a Senate rule.
The filibuster allows a small number of senators to prolong debate to delay or prevent a vote.
Johnson declined to publicly express his opinion on this rule change.
Johnson emphasized that the decision to change Senate rules is not his responsibility.
The press conference took place on day 31 of the government shutdown.
There is division among senators about changing the filibuster rule.
The National Weather Service has issued wind advisories for parts of the Eastern U.S., warning about strong winds that could cause power outages and make travel difficult, particularly with the Halloween holiday approaching. These advisories cover states from West Virginia to Massachusetts and also include a separate advisory for the northern coast of Washington State.
Key Facts
Wind advisories affect millions in the Eastern U.S., warning of strong winds up to 50-55 mph.
Southern Connecticut, northeast New Jersey, and southeast New York are areas with expected gusts up to 45 mph.
West Virginia's eastern Tucker County could face gusts up to 55 mph.
Central and eastern Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, may see winds gusting up to 50 mph.
Massachusetts, Vermont, and Rhode Island could experience gusts up to 50 mph.
Garrett and western Allegany counties in Maryland, and western Highland County in Virginia, expected gusts up to 55 mph.
Washington State's northern coast also has a wind advisory with gusts up to 50 mph.
Residents are advised to secure outdoor decorations due to the Halloween holiday, as strong winds could cause power outages and damage.
Social media users are sharing videos of people donating food in response to concerns that SNAP benefits might stop soon due to a government shutdown. SNAP helps millions of low-income Americans buy groceries. President Trump said he is working to fix the issue, but the solution is not yet clear.
Key Facts
SNAP, the food assistance program, costs about $8 billion a month.
It supports around 42 million low- and no-income Americans.
There's a risk that SNAP benefits might not be available starting November 1 if the government shutdown continues.
President Trump said efforts are underway to ensure the continuation of SNAP benefits.
A notice from the USDA stated that no benefits would be issued on November 1, if funding expires.
Social media platforms, like TikTok, are seeing increased activity with people posting videos about food donations.
These videos have gone viral, with some creators gaining a large following due to their donation content.
More than 46 million people in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States are under wind advisories due to a strong storm system. The advisory warns of strong winds that could blow around loose objects, bring down tree limbs, and cause power outages. The warnings cover many states and are in effect from Friday morning through early Saturday.
Key Facts
The wind advisories affect over 46 million people in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
Strong winds may blow around unsecured objects like Halloween decorations.
Wind speeds are expected to be between 15 to 30 mph with gusts up to 55 mph.
The advisories cover states from Pennsylvania and New York to New England, and extend as far west as Washington State.
The advisories are in effect from Friday morning to early Saturday in many areas.
The storm may cause tree limbs to fall and lead to some power outages.
High-profile vehicles, like trucks, should be careful on the road.
An atmospheric river will bring strong winds to the West Coast as well.
A coffee shop in Portland, Oregon, called Heretic Coffee Co., is offering free breakfasts to people who are losing their food benefits due to a federal government shutdown. The shop's efforts gained widespread attention on social media, leading to significant donations from the public to support their mission.
Key Facts
Heretic Coffee Co. is offering free breakfasts for people at risk of losing SNAP benefits due to a government shutdown.
A lawsuit has been filed against U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) by the ACLU of Illinois and the MacArthur Justice Center, accusing the agency of creating poor conditions at a Chicago-area immigration facility. The facility is alleged to prevent detainees from contacting lawyers and forces them to sign documents they don't understand, potentially violating their rights. Protests and legal actions have been ongoing regarding conditions and treatment at the Broadview facility.
Key Facts
The lawsuit was filed by the ACLU of Illinois and the MacArthur Justice Center.
They claim ICE prevents detainees at the Broadview facility from having private phone calls with lawyers.
Critics say members of Congress, faith leaders, and journalists are blocked from accessing the facility.
Allegations include that detainees are coerced into signing documents without understanding them, risking their rights and deportation.
ICE and DHS have not responded to requests for comments about the allegations.
The lawsuit claims detainees' Fifth and First Amendment rights are being violated.
Protests have occurred due to the facility's conditions leading to multiple arrests.
A separate legal case has resulted in a judge requiring changes in protest management, including the use of body cameras by federal agents.
