House Speaker Mike Johnson decided not to call the House of Representatives back to session to vote on a new government funding bill. He believes it's pointless to pass a bill that the Senate is unlikely to approve before the current funding deadline on November 21. The Senate has not passed the House's existing funding resolution, and Johnson suggests waiting for the Senate to act first.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson does not plan to reconvene the House for a new funding vote.
The House hasn't voted on government funding since September 19.
Johnson is willing to let the current funding deadline pass, awaiting Senate action.
The Senate has repeatedly failed to pass the House's continuing resolution (CR).
If a new CR were passed, it would only cover funding for three more weeks, which may not be enough to resolve all budget issues.
Some GOP lawmakers and Democrats criticize Johnson's strategy of keeping the House out of session.
Johnson expressed frustration that media coverage focuses on the House's recess rather than the shutdown's impact.
The ongoing U.S. government shutdown is delaying updates to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's (CDC) health tracking systems, which are important for monitoring outbreaks of contagious illnesses like the flu. Because of the shutdown, the CDC's systems aren't being updated regularly, affecting hospitals' capacity to prepare for outbreaks.
Key Facts
The government shutdown began on October 1, 2025, due to Congress not passing a funding bill.
The CDC's disease tracking dashboards, which monitor flu, COVID, and other illnesses, are not being updated as frequently.
The CDC's COVID-19 monitoring report has not been updated since September 20, 2025.
Hospitals rely on CDC data to prepare for outbreaks, especially during flu season.
The shutdown affects funding for federal services, including health care and disease tracking.
Health care services, like open enrollment and telehealth flexibilities, face delays due to the shutdown.
The shutdown interrupts the CDC's ability to provide routine flu data and other public health tasks.
Most CDC funds go to state and regional departments for disease tracking, which is disrupted by the shutdown.
During a federal government shutdown, the Trump administration spent nearly $10 million on ads encouraging immigrants to leave the U.S. and recruiting for ICE. This spending occurred while other government services, like the SNAP food assistance program, faced potential funding shortages due to the shutdown. The ad campaigns have sparked division among Americans, with mixed reactions to their presence on platforms like social media and Spotify.
Key Facts
The Trump administration spent almost $10 million on ICE-related ads during the government shutdown.
Ads encouraged immigrants to self-deport and recruited Americans to join ICE.
The government shutdown affected around 900,000 workers through furloughs and around 2 million without pay.
During the first three weeks of the shutdown, ICE spent $4.5 million while DHS spent over $5.3 million on ads.
SNAP, which helps provide food for low-income individuals, faced potential funding issues during the shutdown.
Ads continued to run on platforms like social media and TV because they might be essential or use pre-allocated funds.
The campaigns led to disagreements among the public, with reactions ranging from boycotts to support.
The Department of Homeland Security used memes in their ads to tell illegal immigrants to leave the U.S.
In the upcoming 2025 New York City mayoral election, polls show Democratic candidate Zohran Mamdani leading over independent candidate Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani has strong support from young and progressive voters, focusing on housing and public safety. Early voting began October 25, with high turnout suggesting increased voter interest.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic candidate for New York City mayor.
Andrew Cuomo, a former governor, is running as an independent.
Polls show Mamdani at about 46.3% support and Cuomo at 30.7%.
Early voting started on October 25 and ends on November 2, 2025.
On the first day of early voting, 79,409 ballots were cast.
Early voting turnout is about five times higher than in 2021.
High turnout may be beneficial for Mamdani, who focuses on mobilizing voters.
Food banks are preparing for more people needing help as the government shutdown threatens to stop SNAP benefits. Llano Food Pantry in Texas, which has already seen a big increase in clients due to rising food costs, expects even more people if SNAP benefits stop. SNAP is a major program that provides food assistance to many in the U.S., and without Congressional action, millions could lose this help.
Key Facts
SNAP is a program that helps provide food to about 1 in 8 people in the U.S.
If Congress does not act, SNAP benefits could stop on November 1, affecting nearly 42 million people.
Llano Food Pantry in Texas has increased from serving 15-20 people a week to over 100 people a week.
Rising food costs have led to more people needing help from food banks.
Food banks like the Central Texas Food Bank are increasing their food distributions due to the government shutdown.
The government shutdown has affected federal workers and military personnel, some of whom now turn to food banks.
Food banks say that they cannot fully replace the aid provided by SNAP, as it offers about $44 million in food help every month.
There are efforts to do fundraising and increase food distributions to meet the growing need.
The United States has targeted at least 14 boats suspected of drug trafficking. These actions were part of a campaign by President Donald Trump’s administration in international waters, resulting in 57 fatalities. Legal experts and lawmakers from both parties have raised concerns about the operation.
Key Facts
The U.S. destroyed at least 14 boats suspected of drug trafficking.
The strikes took place in international waters, specifically in the Pacific Ocean and the Caribbean.
These actions are part of an effort by President Trump’s administration to crack down on drug trafficking.
At least 57 people died as a result of these strikes.
The operation has raised legal and political concerns among experts and lawmakers.
Both Democratic and Republican lawmakers have expressed worries about the military operation.
Bronwyn Newport, a star from "Real Housewives of Salt Lake City," criticized President Trump's administration for allowing the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits to expire during the government shutdown. The funding for SNAP may run out by the end of the month, affecting millions. Both political parties blame each other for the lapse, and efforts to resolve the issue are currently stalled.
Key Facts
Bronwyn Newport criticized the Trump administration for potentially letting SNAP benefits lapse.
SNAP benefits might end if the government shutdown continues, affecting millions of Americans.
Democrats and Republicans are blaming each other for the failure to extend SNAP benefits.
President Trump emphasized that Democrats should help reopen the government to continue SNAP funding.
The Utah legislature stated they cannot cover the $33 million required to continue SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
About 86,000 households in Utah depend on SNAP benefits.
Over 40 million Americans risk losing access to SNAP benefits if funding isn't resolved.
Newport shared her opinions and political alignment publicly on social media.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has released a recruitment video calling for the defense of American culture, which has drawn concern from some communities, including Latinos. The video, appearing on social media, is part of a campaign to gain public support for immigration enforcement and recruit new agents. Some groups and individuals have criticized the campaign for promoting a nationalist agenda.
Key Facts
DHS released a recruitment video encouraging people to join ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement).
The video promotes defending American culture, which has caused concern among some viewers.
The campaign aims to build public support and recruit new immigration agents.
The Southern Poverty Law Center's Hatewatch Project criticized the campaign for possibly promoting a nationalist agenda.
DHS's social media includes historical themes and images, some recalling World War II-era posters.
Some observers, like graphic novelist Julio Anta, note the imagery predominantly features White Americans and a romanticized past.
DHS has not responded to inquiries about the specifics of the campaign.
U.S. House of Representatives staff were informed that they will not receive their October paychecks if the government shutdown continues into November. The delay in pay affects staff directly and also impacts a program that helps pay off their student loans. Payments will resume only when Congress agrees on a budget to reopen the government.
Key Facts
U.S. House staff were told they will miss their October pay if the shutdown continues.
The government shutdown has entered its second month.
October paychecks are supposed to be paid via direct deposit on October 31.
Due to the shutdown, the October paychecks will be delayed.
A program that helps staff with student loan payments is also affected.
Staff were advised to make other plans for paying student loans.
Payments will be processed once Congress passes a funding bill.
New York Representative Tom Suozzi has endorsed Andrew Cuomo for New York City mayor over Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. Cuomo, running as an independent, competes against Mamdani and Republican Curtis Sliwa, with the election scheduled for November 4.
Key Facts
Tom Suozzi, a New York Democratic Representative, endorsed Andrew Cuomo for NYC mayor.
Cuomo is running as an independent candidate.
The election for New York City mayor will be held on November 4.
Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic nominee and a first-time citywide candidate.
Polls show Mamdani leading over Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa.
Suozzi stated his support for Cuomo aligns with his views as a Democratic Capitalist.
Suozzi expressed concerns about Mamdani's political stance and experience level.
A Florida judge criticized the defense team for not properly informing all witnesses about the rules of sequestration in the trial of Alicia Andrews, who is accused of involvement in the killing of rapper Julio Foolio. Andrews is facing charges for first-degree murder and conspiracy, and the trial is ongoing with her being the first of five defendants to be tried. The judge described the defense's actions as "inexcusable."
Key Facts
Alicia Andrews is charged with first-degree murder and conspiracy in the death of rapper Julio Foolio, whose real name was Charles Jones.
Jones was killed in the parking lot of the Holiday Inn Tampa North in June of last year.
Andrews is one of five people charged in relation to the killing and is the first to go to trial.
The defense failed to inform all witnesses about the sequestration rule, leading to criticism from Judge Michelle Sisco.
Prosecutors claim Andrews provided information about Jones' location to the gunmen.
Andrews' defense argues she was on a trip with her boyfriend and unaware of the others' intentions.
The trial is ongoing, and Andrews' codefendants will have separate trials next spring.
A ballot measure called Proposition 50 in California aims to change the boundaries of congressional districts. This could lead to reduced political influence for rural Republican voters as they would share representation with more heavily Democratic areas. Governor Gavin Newsom supports the measure, while many Republicans oppose it as an effort that could reduce their representation.
Key Facts
Proposition 50 is a ballot measure in California about redrawing U.S. House district maps.
If passed, it would mix conservative rural areas with liberal coastal communities in new congressional districts.
Rural counties that strongly supported President Trump could lose influence.
Governor Gavin Newsom supports the measure as a response to a Republican plan in Texas.
Republicans argue it is a move to reduce their political power in a Democrat-majority state.
Voting on Proposition 50 concludes on November 4th.
Republicans currently hold nine out of 52 congressional seats in California.
Democratic supporters have organized efforts to encourage voting in favor of the measure.
A special election is being held next week in Texas to fill a Congressional seat left vacant by the death of Representative Sylvester Turner. The election has many candidates, and the outcome may depend on voter turnout. Democrats usually win in this area, but a Republican candidate is running a strong campaign.
Key Facts
The Texas Congressional seat was left vacant after Representative Sylvester Turner died in March.
More than a dozen candidates are competing in this special election.
The election uses a "jungle primary" format, putting all candidates on one ballot regardless of party.
If no candidate gets a majority, the top two will go to a runoff.
A recent poll showed Democrats Menefee and Edwards leading with 27% and 23% support.
Republican Carmen María Montiel is focused on connecting with residents but has a lower polling percentage.
Thirteen percent of voters are still undecided according to the latest poll.
Turnout is expected to be low and mainly driven by highly engaged Democratic voters.
Chelsea O'Donnell, the daughter of comedian Rosie O'Donnell, has been sentenced to prison by a Wisconsin judge. She violated her probation terms due to sexual assault allegations. Chelsea originally received probation earlier this year for drug-related arrests.
Key Facts
Chelsea O'Donnell is the daughter of comedian Rosie O'Donnell.
A Wisconsin judge sentenced her to prison for breaking probation rules.
The violation involved sexual assault allegations.
Earlier this year, she was sentenced to six years of probation for drug-related charges.
The decision involved consultation with the Marinette County Treatment Drug Court Team.
Rosie O'Donnell expressed compassion for her daughter's struggles with addiction.
A federal trial in Portland, Oregon, is examining whether President Donald Trump can send the National Guard to the city. The lawsuit, filed by Portland and the state, challenges the deployment, arguing it doesn’t meet the legal requirements set by Congress. The trial, led by Judge Karin Immergut, involves testimonies from both sides, with the Trump administration claiming the deployment is necessary due to protests.
Key Facts
The trial is about President Trump's ability to send National Guard troops to Portland.
Judge Karin Immergut, appointed by Trump, is overseeing the trial in Portland.
Portland and the state filed a lawsuit to stop the deployment of federal troops.
Judge Immergut issued temporary orders blocking the troops, questioning the legal grounds for their deployment.
The 9th U.S. Court of Appeals initially paused her order but will review the case again.
The Trump administration argues that federal troops are needed to handle protests that local police can't manage.
The city and state claim that federal officers have used too much force against protesters.
The approach of federal agents has reportedly worsened relations with local Portland police.
More than 100 state lawmakers have written to Senator Roger Marshall about concerns with his proposed rule on food chemical regulations. Marshall's idea is to make food ingredient laws a federal matter instead of allowing states to set their own rules. The proposal has raised concerns among lawmakers and organizations who fear it could limit states' abilities to regulate harmful food additives.
Key Facts
Over 100 state legislators sent a letter to Senator Roger Marshall about his proposed rule on food chemical regulation.
The proposed rule, part of the Make America Healthy Again (MAHA) initiative, aims to make food ingredient laws a federal issue.
Currently, states can set their own rules on food additives, but the new law could change that.
84 organizations have also expressed concerns to Congress about this proposed rule.
The proposal seeks to standardize ingredient labeling and require more scrutiny on food ingredients labeled as safe.
Critics say the federal plan could limit states’ power to improve food safety, especially in school meals.
The GRAS (Generally Recognized As Safe) rule allows companies to use certain additives without FDA review.
Many states have already passed stricter laws on food additives to protect consumers, especially children.
The U.S. government shutdown has lasted over four weeks, marking it as the second-longest in history. Democrats, who are in the minority in Congress and do not control the White House, are facing internal disagreements on their strategy in this situation. Calls from key figures suggest the need to end the shutdown as public services may be affected soon.
Key Facts
The federal government shutdown has lasted over four weeks.
This shutdown is now the second-longest in U.S. history.
Democrats are in the minority in both houses of Congress.
The Democratic position on the shutdown lacks clear goals.
Key Democratic figures and unions are urging to end the shutdown.
Essential services like food stamps and military pay are at risk of disruption.
President Donald Trump stated that more than 600,000 people have stopped receiving SNAP benefits since he took office. Official data confirms that between January and May 2025, the number of SNAP recipients decreased by about 645,000. However, no specific reason for this decline was provided.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed over 600,000 left SNAP benefits since he took office.
He made this statement at the APEC summit in South Korea.
SNAP benefits are food assistance for low- and no-income Americans.
As of the report, around 42 million Americans received SNAP benefits.
A government shutdown has affected the distribution of SNAP benefits.
Data from the USDA showed a decline of 645,315 SNAP recipients from January to May 2025.
The overall drop in SNAP recipients from October 2024 to May 2025 was 1,515,619.
There is no given reason for the decline in SNAP recipients.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is promoting Proposition 50, which aims to change congressional district boundaries in his state. Recent polls suggest that a majority of voters may support this measure in the upcoming election. This redistricting effort is part of a wider political struggle across the United States to influence congressional control.
Key Facts
Proposition 50 is a California measure for redistricting congressional maps.
The vote on Proposition 50 is scheduled for November 4.
Polls show support for Proposition 50 between 56% and 62% among likely voters.
The measure is a response to redistricting efforts in Republican-led states like Texas.
Both Democratic leaders and organizations in California support the proposition.
The current Republican majority in the U.S. House is slim, with 219-213 seats.
Prediction markets rate Proposition 50 as having a high chance of passing, with odds around 95-97%.
Governor Newsom emphasizes the measure as part of a broader effort against GOP redistricting strategies.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis announced that public universities in the state will stop using H-1B visas. He stated that universities should focus on hiring American workers instead of foreign ones through this visa program.
Key Facts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis made the announcement.
The decision impacts public universities in Florida.
The governor aims to hire more American workers instead of using H-1B visas.
H-1B visas are used to hire foreign workers in specialized jobs in the U.S.
Florida has had about 7,250 H-1B approvals and renewals so far in 2025.
The change is part of efforts to reduce what is termed as "H-1B abuse" according to DeSantis.
