The Senate voted to block President Donald Trump's tariffs on Brazil by passing a resolution. The vote showed some Republicans disagreeing with Trump's trade policies. However, the resolution is unlikely to become law because it may not be considered by the House, and Trump would likely veto it.
Key Facts
The Senate passed a resolution to stop tariffs on Brazil with a 52-48 vote.
Five Republican senators joined Democrats in voting for the resolution.
The resolution aims to end the national emergencies that justify the tariffs.
The House, controlled by Republicans, is not expected to bring the resolution to a vote.
President Trump would probably veto the resolution if it reached him.
The tariffs involve goods like oil, coffee, and orange juice from Brazil.
Some Republicans and Democrats argue the tariffs harm the U.S. economy.
The U.S. had a $6.8 billion trade surplus with Brazil last year.
The Supreme Court is set to review the legality of Trump’s tariffs.
Multiple polls show Mikie Sherrill slightly ahead in the New Jersey governor's race against Jack Ciattarelli. New Jersey voters will decide on November 4, 2025, who will succeed outgoing Governor Phil Murphy.
Key Facts
Mikie Sherrill is running as the Democratic candidate for New Jersey governor.
Her main rival is Republican Jack Ciattarelli, a former Assemblyman.
Polls show Sherrill leading by 1 to 12 percentage points.
The election is important because it may signal voting trends ahead of the 2026 midterms.
New Jersey has not elected a Republican governor in over ten years.
The election will happen on November 4, 2025, but early voting is already underway.
Both parties are closely watching this race because of its potential impact on future national strategies.
President Trump acknowledged that he cannot run for a third term due to the U.S. Constitution, which only allows presidents to serve two terms. Despite this, he has mentioned the idea publicly and even sold merchandise about it. The 22nd Amendment clearly limits presidential terms, and changes to this rule are unlikely.
Key Facts
President Trump said he understands he cannot run for a third term as president.
The U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment prevents anyone from being elected president more than twice.
Trump and his supporters have discussed the idea but no serious action is possible under current law.
Trump mentioned having high popularity numbers, though this claim is disputed by some polls.
House Speaker Mike Johnson talked with Trump about the constitutional rules, saying there's no path for another candidacy in 2028.
Steve Bannon, a former adviser, suggested there might be a plan to bypass constitutional limits, which experts see as unlikely.
Trump has a history of making statements about extending his presidency, often as a way to provoke discussions or reactions.
A 21-year-old from Indiana made a viral TikTok video showing him dismantling his Lego White House set in reaction to the real-life demolition of the White House's East Wing. This move is to make way for a new ballroom initiated by President Trump, and the renovation is said to cost around $200 million. The video sparked conversations and debates among Gen Z about political and government actions, illustrating the influence of social media.
Key Facts
Tyler Murphy shared a TikTok video about the White House's East Wing demolition using a Lego set.
The video unexpectedly went viral, gaining over 702,000 views.
The real-life demolition is for a new 90,000-square-foot ballroom proposed by President Donald Trump.
The ballroom project will cost approximately $200 million.
The East Wing teardown began without formal approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
The project has faced criticism from Democrats and historic preservation groups.
Gen Z users on social media used memes and videos to discuss and react to the demolition.
Lego has retired its White House models following this viral trend.
A North Carolina man named Wellington Delano Dickens III has been charged with the murder of four children. He called authorities to say he had killed them, and deputies found multiple bodies in a car trunk. The investigation is ongoing, and more details are emerging about the case.
Key Facts
Wellington Delano Dickens III called 911 to report he had killed his children.
Deputies found a 3-year-old child alive at Dickens' home near Zebulon, North Carolina.
Four deceased children were found in a car trunk; they were Dickens' biological children and stepchild.
The victims were identified as Leah Dickens (6), Zoe Dickens (9), Wellington Dickens (10), and Sean Brasfield (18).
Dickens has been charged with four counts of murder.
Authorities believe the children were killed on May 1.
Dickens' wife, Stephanie, died in April 2024.
Dickens is an Iraq War veteran, according to his great uncle.
A teachers' union in Washington, D.C., has joined a lawsuit against the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) over alleged racially motivated mass arrests. The union claims these actions disrupt schools and create fear in communities, leading to increased student absences. The court has allowed the union's brief to support other plaintiffs aiming to stop these arrests.
Key Facts
The Washington Teachers’ Union (WTU) joined a federal lawsuit against ICE.
The lawsuit accuses ICE of racial profiling and mass arrests during raids.
These actions reportedly disrupt school communities in Washington, D.C.
The union argues that the raids have caused fear and an attendance crisis in schools.
A legal brief was filed on October 27, 2025, in support of the lawsuit.
Judges allowed the WTU to submit their supporting brief in court.
Educators report more student absences and fear of law enforcement.
The union is affiliated with the American Federation of Teachers, the third-largest U.S. teachers' union.
On Tuesday, around Lake Mead, about 50 people reported hearing loud, unusual sounds described as a "deep, metallic groaning." Some people think these sounds came from the Kern River gas pipeline, possibly from gas being released.
Key Facts
Over 50 people around Lake Mead reported hearing loud sounds that made the ground shake.
The sounds were described as a "deep, metallic groaning."
Videos of the sounds circulated on social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook.
A user on Instagram speculated the sounds might be from gas releasing from the Kern River pipeline.
The Kern River Gas Transmission Company mentioned a request for pipeline balancing on October 29, but the cause of the sounds remains unclear.
Police received multiple calls about the sounds but have not confirmed their source.
President Donald Trump expressed disappointment about not being able to run for a third term, citing the U.S. Constitution's limits. The 22nd Amendment allows only two terms for any U.S. president. He and others have acknowledged that changing this rule would be very difficult.
Key Facts
President Trump said he can't run for a third term due to constitutional limits.
The U.S. Constitution’s 22nd Amendment restricts presidents to two terms.
Trump began his second term in January and expressed a desire for a third.
Changing the Constitution would involve a complex process requiring states and Congress approval.
Trump displayed "Trump 2028" hats but dismissed suggestions of running as vice president.
Trump and others have acknowledged the challenge of changing constitutional term limits.
House Speaker Mike Johnson discussed the matter with Trump, concluding a third term is impossible.
Nassau County Executive Bruce Blakeman plans to hire more police and work closely with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if Zohran Mamdani wins the New York City mayoral election. Mamdani, a Democratic state assemblyman, opposes cooperation with federal immigration authorities and is leading in polls against his opponents.
Key Facts
Bruce Blakeman, Nassau County Executive, wants to increase ICE collaboration if Zohran Mamdani becomes mayor.
Mamdani is a progressive politician from Queens, known for his stances on immigration and affordable housing.
Blakeman has already given 10 county detectives the same powers as federal immigration agents.
Mamdani leads in New York City mayoral polls with around 43% support.
If elected, Mamdani would be New York City's first Muslim mayor.
President Donald Trump criticized Mamdani with claims about his immigration status and political beliefs.
The New York City mayoral election is scheduled for November 4.
As November approaches, some Americans suggest giving out food rather than candy for Halloween due to concerns over SNAP benefits ending. About 42 million Americans depend on these benefits to purchase food, and a government shutdown could mean they lose this aid. Social media users propose sharing shelf-stable food with trick-or-treaters to support families facing food insecurity.
Key Facts
Some suggest offering food instead of candy for Halloween to help those affected by SNAP benefit cuts.
SNAP benefits help 42 million Americans buy food each month through an EBT card.
A government shutdown starting October 1st may cause benefit cuts in November.
About 1 in 4 children in the U.S. receive SNAP benefits.
Suggestions for food items include cheese sticks, fruit, ramen, and protein bars, which could help children affected by the benefit cuts.
SNAP is considered a crucial anti-hunger program, providing far more meals than local food banks.
The President of the Maryland State Senate, Bill Ferguson, advised against a mid-cycle redistricting map due to high risks and potential backlash. This comes amid broader national political strategies where both Democrats and Republicans are proposing new congressional maps to gain more seats in the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Maryland State Senate President Bill Ferguson sent a letter opposing mid-cycle redistricting.
The push for redistricting is part of a larger national effort to secure congressional seats.
Republicans, supported by President Trump, have passed new maps in Texas and Missouri.
Democrats in California proposed their own map to gain more seats.
Ferguson believes redistricting in Maryland carries high risks and could lead to legal challenges.
The current Republican majority in the U.S. House is 219-213, making each seat crucial.
Typically, the party not in the White House performs better in midterm elections.
Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, is focused on holding President Trump's administration accountable, particularly around issues related to Jeffrey Epstein. Garcia pushed for subpoenas regarding Epstein documents, which gained Republican support and have resulted in the release of various materials. This effort has energized Democrats who are seeking ways to navigate President Trump's second term.
Key Facts
Rep. Robert Garcia was elected the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee in June.
Garcia aims to hold President Donald Trump’s administration accountable while having limited tools due to Democrats not having power.
The case of Jeffrey Epstein has gained public attention, with Trump promising but not delivering documents related to Epstein.
Garcia coordinated a surprise vote to subpoena the Justice Department for Epstein documents.
Republicans supported the subpoenas for Epstein documents, which started to arrive in September.
A book from Epstein’s estate included a message and drawing allegedly from Trump that led Democrats to call for an investigation.
The Oversight Committee is influential, capable of investigating significant matters.
Garcia and Democrats are using this momentum to address broader issues within Trump's administration.
A new poll shows President Donald Trump's support among young Americans is at its lowest, with a net approval rating of about -50 points for those under 30. Though there was a slight increase in support from this age group during the 2024 election, the overall trend indicates a drop in Trump's approval among young voters compared to past years. The poll highlights generational differences in political priorities, with young voters focused on issues like climate change and democracy.
Key Facts
A poll by YouGov/The Economist shows Trump's net approval rating among voters under 30 is around -50 points.
The poll was conducted between October 24 and 27 with 1,623 participants and a 3.4 percent margin of error.
In the 2024 election, 47% of voters aged 18 to 29 supported Trump, compared to 51% for Kamala Harris.
Trump's overall approval rating is -18 percent, the lowest since his inauguration in January 2025.
Younger voters, especially from Generation Z, feel disconnected from Trump's messages.
Trump's lowest approval ratings are among young people and Black Americans, with a net rating of around -75 percent among the latter.
White and male voters are more likely to approve of Trump compared to other groups.
A new poll suggests that Republican Elise Stefanik could potentially win the New York governor seat, which has been held by Democrats for years. The poll shows Stefanik slightly ahead of current Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul and her challenger Anthony Delgado, though other polls indicate Hochul has a leading position.
Key Facts
Elise Stefanik, a Republican Congress member, leads Governor Hochul by one point in a recent poll.
The poll was conducted by the Manhattan Institute, involving 600 New York City voters and 300 New York State voters.
New York has been a Democratic stronghold, with the last Republican governor serving from 1995 to 2006.
Governor Hochul faces a primary challenge from Anthony Delgado.
Other polls have shown Hochul with a significant lead over her Republican contenders.
Former Governor George Pataki was the last Republican to hold the office in New York.
Stefanik has not officially announced her intention to run for governor.
Millions of Americans might lose access to food assistance due to a government shutdown that has stopped funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). The program is crucial for buying groceries for many people in the U.S. The government is currently in a deadlock over a new funding deal.
Key Facts
SNAP provides reloadable debit cards to help people buy food.
More than 40 million Americans use SNAP.
The government shutdown has stopped funding, affecting SNAP benefits.
A contingency fund wasn’t used because it's reserved for emergencies like natural disasters.
Democrats and Republicans have not agreed on using these funds for SNAP.
Democrats proposed a bill to continue SNAP funding, but it's uncertain if it will pass.
Many beneficiaries have minimal income despite working, making SNAP essential for them.
Food banks are bracing for increased demand, feeding thousands annually.
A toddler in Tampa, Florida, named Jaylen Johnson, was found alive with the family dog after going missing overnight. A neighbor discovered Jaylen on a nearby street and called the authorities. The community and local sheriff's office worked together to successfully locate him.
Key Facts
Jaylen Johnson is a 23-month-old toddler who went missing around 11 p.m. on a Monday night.
He was found the following morning on a street corner in Tampa, unharmed.
The family's dog, a red-nosed pit bull, was with Jaylen the entire time.
Over 200 personnel from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office participated in the search.
The search efforts included aviation, marine, and K-9 units.
Jaylen was checked for injuries by emergency services, but appeared fine.
The community played a key role in the successful outcome.
Jaylen's family plans to increase home security to prevent future incidents.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security plans to stop extending certain immigrant work permits automatically. This change affects refugees, Temporary Protected Status holders, and some visa holders' spouses, potentially causing job issues for some immigrants.
Key Facts
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) aims to end automatic extensions for some immigrant work permits.
This affects people like refugees, those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and spouses of certain visa holders.
Currently, these groups receive a 540-day extension when they apply for a work permit renewal.
DHS announced this change in the Federal Register.
The reason given for this decision is to ensure national security.
There is a concern that this might lead to some immigrants not being able to work temporarily.
A federal judge in Los Angeles ruled that Bill Essayli, a temporary U.S. attorney appointed by the Trump administration, served unlawfully. This is the third recent case where courts found Trump-appointed attorneys were improperly serving beyond their allowed time. The rulings have raised questions about the legality of appointments made under Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Key Facts
A judge found Bill Essayli unlawfully served as Acting U.S. Attorney in California.
Essayli's appointment exceeded the 120-day legal limit for temporary appointments.
Three defendants challenged their indictments, claiming Essayli’s appointment was invalid.
Similar rulings about unlawful service were made in New Jersey and Nevada.
Federal law states interim U.S. attorneys can serve for 120 days without Senate approval.
The cases involve appointments made under Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The Department of Justice has not publicly commented on the rulings.
Legal questions focus on executive power and federal prosecutor appointments.
The Senate met to discuss judicial appointments as the government shutdown continued for the 29th day. A judge in San Francisco blocked the Trump administration from firing federal workers during the shutdown. The decision prevents job cuts while a lawsuit about these firings is ongoing.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has lasted for 29 days.
The Senate is considering judicial nominations during this time.
U.S. District Judge Susan Illston stopped the Trump administration from laying off federal workers while a lawsuit is underway.
The judge had previously issued a temporary order that was about to expire.
The blocked firings affect jobs in areas like education and health.
The government wanted such employment issues decided in another legal setting.
The judge who made the ruling was appointed by President Bill Clinton.
President Donald Trump said he wishes he could run for a third term, but he knows the U.S. Constitution does not allow it. House Speaker Mike Johnson explained how the Constitution's 22nd Amendment prevents this, and changing it would be a complex process. Trump has talked about staying in power but acknowledged the current rules don't permit a third term.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed interest in a third term but is aware the U.S. Constitution disallows it.
The 22nd Amendment to the Constitution limits presidents to two terms.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated that changing this rule would be difficult and lengthy.
Trump has mentioned the idea of continuing in power multiple times.
Souvenir hats with "Trump 2028" have been seen at the White House.
Trump mentioned other potential Republican candidates for the next election.
Trump rejected the idea of running as vice president to get back into the presidency.
