President Donald Trump has talked about possibly using the Insurrection Act, a law from 1807, which allows deploying the military within the U.S. to address violence or rebellion. There are ongoing legal challenges over sending the National Guard to some cities, and experts are uncertain about the exact legal limits of this law.
Key Facts
The Insurrection Act was signed in 1807 and allows the president to deploy the military domestically.
President Trump has mentioned considering this act if he is unable to use the National Guard.
The act can override the Posse Comitatus Act, which generally prevents military involvement in law enforcement.
Legal battles are happening in cities like Portland and Chicago regarding the deployment of the National Guard.
Vice President JD Vance stated the administration is exploring all options regarding the act.
Legal experts express concerns about the unclear boundaries and definitions within the act.
Sen. Richard Blumenthal has pushed for legislation to limit the president's authority under the act.
A Republican leader in Kentucky shared a video on social media that used a racist image of Barack Obama and Michelle Obama. The state Republican Party condemned the video, and the leader later apologized.
Key Facts
Bobbie Coleman is the chairwoman of the Hardin County Republican Party in Kentucky.
Coleman shared a video online showing Barack and Michelle Obama as apes.
The video was intended to celebrate President Trump’s achievements.
The state GOP called the video “vile and reprehensible.”
State GOP Chairman Robert J. Benvenuti III mentioned taking strong action against those involved.
Coleman apologized and said she did not think about the video’s racist message initially.
President Donald Trump has declared nine new national emergencies since taking office in January 2025. These declarations cover areas like energy, trade, immigration, and foreign relations. They add to the two emergencies from his first term, making a total of 11 current emergencies under his administration.
Key Facts
President Trump has declared nine national emergencies since January 2025.
Including two from his first term, Trump’s administration is responsible for 11 active national emergencies.
The National Emergencies Act allows presidents to use special powers for "unusual and extraordinary threats."
Trump reinstated a 2019 border emergency on his first day back in office.
He declared emergencies related to energy, labeling Mexican drug cartels as terrorist organizations.
Trump used emergency powers to impose tariffs on China, Mexico, and Canada.
Other emergencies focused on cybersecurity threats, sanctions against the International Criminal Court, and declaring Brazil a national security threat.
Two emergencies from Trump's first term, concerning global corruption and foreign election interference, remain active.
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to allow it to fire the head of the U.S. Copyright Office. This request follows a decision by a federal appeals court that said the official cannot be removed without proper steps.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration wants to fire the director of the U.S. Copyright Office.
The official in question is Shira Perlmutter.
A federal appeals court in Washington ruled that Perlmutter cannot be fired without following specific procedures.
The administration has filed an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court.
The appeal comes about a month and a half after the earlier court decision.
The Supreme Court's decision will affect the administration's ability to remove the official.
The Trump administration announced that emergency funds will not be used to continue SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits during the government shutdown. Roughly 42 million Americans might lose their food aid starting November 1, as shutdown has halted regular congressional funding for SNAP.
Key Facts
SNAP provides food aid to about 1 in 8 U.S. residents, averaging $187 a month.
About $8 billion per month funds SNAP, relying on annual Congressional appropriations.
The funding for SNAP lapsed on October 1 due to the government shutdown.
The USDA issued a memo stating SNAP contingency funds are not available because regular appropriation has not occurred.
The USDA’s guidance on SNAP funding during a shutdown has changed, departing from its earlier plan.
Critics argue the decision to not use contingency funds is part of a political strategy during the shutdown.
The USDA removed its lapse plan from its website without explanation from the White House.
A separate transfer of $300 million was made to continue the WIC program, showing different program support during the shutdown.
The Trump administration announced it will not use emergency funds to pay SNAP benefits in November. This decision affects nearly 42 million Americans who rely on this assistance.
Key Facts
Nearly 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps low-income individuals buy food.
The decision affects about 1 in 8 Americans.
The Trump administration chose not to use a contingency fund to cover SNAP benefits in November.
This could happen because of a government shutdown.
About 42 million Americans who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) may not receive their benefits in November due to a government shutdown. The Trump administration announced it would not use extra funds to cover these payments.
Key Facts
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which helps low-income individuals buy food.
Nearly 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits.
The government shutdown has affected the funding of SNAP benefits.
The Trump administration decided not to use contingency funds to pay for SNAP in November.
Approximately 1 in 8 Americans could be impacted by this decision.
A lawsuit has been filed against a California hotel by the family of Terril Wade Johnson, Sr., who died from severe burns after taking a shower at the hotel. The lawsuit claims the water was dangerously hot and exceeded safety standards, leading to Johnson's death.
Key Facts
Terril Wade Johnson, Sr., died from scalding burns at a hotel in California.
His family has filed a lawsuit against the hotel and Marriott.
The incident occurred after he took a shower with water heated above legal limits.
The Santa Clara County Medical Examiner confirmed that burns covered 33.5% of Johnson's body.
The lawsuit claims the water temperatures reached 134-136 degrees Fahrenheit.
The family alleges wrongful death, premises liability, negligence, and emotional distress.
They are seeking a jury trial and damages for financial and emotional losses.
Johnson was celebrating his granddaughter's graduation when the incident happened.
President Donald Trump mentioned he would like to run for office again in 2028, suggesting the possibility of a third term. However, the U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment currently prevents a president from serving more than two terms. Trump also named potential successors like Vice-President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned interest in running for a third term in 2028.
The U.S. Constitution's 22nd Amendment does not allow presidents to serve more than two terms.
Trump dismissed the idea of running for vice-president in 2028 as "too cute."
His former adviser, Steve Bannon, claimed there is a plan to secure Trump a third term.
Trump stated that he has high poll numbers.
Trump named JD Vance and Marco Rubio as possible future leaders.
Changing the Constitution to allow a third term would require a complex approval process.
Several Democrats, including Gavin Newsom and Kamala Harris, have shown interest in the 2028 presidential race.
New York Governor Kathy Hochul announced $30 million in emergency food assistance for New Yorkers due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. The state funding aims to support nearly 3 million residents who risk losing their SNAP benefits if the shutdown continues. The shutdown might stop federal nutrition aid starting November 1st because the Trump administration decided not to use backup funds for payments.
Key Facts
Governor Kathy Hochul is providing $30 million in emergency food aid for New Yorkers.
Nearly 3 million New York residents might lose their SNAP benefits due to the government shutdown.
The announcement is in response to the federal shutdown, which is in its 27th day.
The shutdown began due to disagreements in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Federal nutrition aid could stop on November 1st if the shutdown continues.
President Donald Trump's administration chose not to use emergency funds to continue SNAP payments.
President Donald Trump is trying to cut more federal funding during a government shutdown. His administration's actions have led to over 150 lawsuits claiming unlawful control over spending. Many courts have temporarily blocked these funding cuts, but legal battles continue, with the Supreme Court potentially having the final say.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to cut previously approved federal spending during a government shutdown.
About 152 lawsuits have been filed against the administration's actions on spending.
Courts have temporarily blocked the administration's decisions in 66 cases.
The Supreme Court may eventually decide on these legal disputes.
Trump’s administration disputes claims that it is unlawfully withholding around $410 billion.
Research estimates the contested amount equals about 6% of the federal annual budget as of early September.
Legal experts say Trump's actions resemble former President Nixon's attempts to cut spending unilaterally.
The administration argues it's trying to reduce wasteful spending.
President Donald Trump had a recent MRI scan at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, which he described as "perfect." His physician stated that the scan was part of a planned health check-up and that Trump remains in excellent health, despite being diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency earlier this year. This condition affects blood flow in the veins of the legs but is common in older adults.
Key Facts
President Trump had an MRI scan at Walter Reed Medical Center.
He called the MRI results "perfect" during a conversation with reporters.
MRI stands for magnetic resonance imaging, a technology that uses magnets to create pictures of the inside of the body.
Trump's physician, Dr. Sean Barbabella, said the scan was part of a routine health check.
Trump is 79 years old, making him one of the oldest U.S. presidents in history.
Earlier this year, Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, a condition affecting blood flow in leg veins.
The condition causes blood to pool in the legs but is common among older people.
The White House says a bruise on Trump's hand was from handshaking and not related to his vein condition.
The largest union representing federal employees is urging Congress to end the current government shutdown by passing a funding bill. The shutdown has left hundreds of thousands of federal employees without pay, and the union wants these workers to be returned to their jobs with full back pay. The shutdown began because Democrats and Republicans could not agree on health insurance funding.
Key Facts
The American Federation of Government Employees is the largest union for federal workers.
About 670,000 federal employees are on furlough, meaning they cannot work or get paid.
Around 730,000 federal employees are working without pay.
The union is asking for a short-term funding bill to reopen the government.
The shutdown started on October 1 due to disagreements over health insurance subsidies.
President Trump signed a law in 2019 stating federal employees should receive back pay after shutdowns.
Some government branches are using reserve funds to pay employees.
A $130 million donation was made to pay US troops during the shutdown.
Zohran Mamdani, running for New York City mayor, received support from Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez at a rally. He faces opponents including former Governor Andrew Cuomo and Republican Curtis Sliwa. The rally emphasized Mamdani's progressive ideas like affordable housing and universal childcare.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the Democratic nominee for New York City mayor.
Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez support Mamdani's campaign.
Mamdani plans to hire teachers, freeze rent hikes, and offer universal childcare.
Early voting for the election is ongoing, with the Election Day set for November 4.
Former Governor Andrew Cuomo runs as an independent, after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary.
Curtis Sliwa is the Republican candidate in the mayoral race.
Cuomo criticizes Mamdani's democratic socialism, suggesting it would harm the city.
The rally included speeches from state leaders and focused on working-class empowerment.
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene urged Georgia Republicans to vote in the upcoming election for two Public Service Commission races. Democrats Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard are challenging Republican incumbents, and significant funds have been raised for the Democratic candidates.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a U.S. Representative from Georgia.
She is encouraging Georgia Republicans to vote in two Public Service Commission races.
The elections will take place on November 4.
Democrats Alicia Johnson and Peter Hubbard are running against Republican incumbents Tim Echols and Fitz Johnson.
The Democratic National Committee and other groups have raised over $100,000 for the Democratic candidates.
Increased Democratic voter turnout is expected in cities like Atlanta due to local elections.
Greene expressed her concerns on social media, urging Republicans to participate in the voting process.
Graham Platner's campaign for Maine Senate is experiencing changes as his campaign manager, Kevin Brown, resigns shortly after starting the job. The decision comes amid controversies over Platner's past social media posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol, which he has since covered up.
Key Facts
Kevin Brown resigned as campaign manager for Graham Platner after a few days.
Brown cited personal reasons, including expecting a baby, for stepping down.
Platner has faced backlash for past controversial social media posts and a tattoo.
The tattoo resembled a Nazi symbol, which Platner has covered up.
Platner is a military veteran who apologized for the offensive comments.
The Maine Democratic Senate primary is between party traditionalists and progressives.
Progressive Sen. Bernie Sanders supports Platner despite the controversies.
Polls show Platner leading or close to rival Janet Mills in the Maine race.
Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) at San Francisco International Airport. His detention is linked to comments he made about the Middle East. Hamdi was in the U.S. on a speaking tour when his visa was revoked, and he remains in custody.
Key Facts
Sami Hamdi, a British political commentator, was detained by ICE at San Francisco International Airport.
The detention is said to be related to his comments about the Middle East.
Hamdi was speaking at a Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) event in Sacramento before his detention.
ICE states that Hamdi's visa was revoked due to his comments, but specific comments weren't detailed.
Hamdi was traveling on a visitor visa, not under the Visa Waiver Program.
ICE noted that Hamdi will enter immigration proceedings since his visa was revoked.
A U.S. official mentioned the administration is revoking visas for those perceived as supporting terrorism.
Critics accused Hamdi of supporting Hamas, but he denies promoting violence.
A federal grand jury is set to convene in Florida in January 2026 following claims by Mike Davis, an ally of President Trump, that it will look into a supposed conspiracy to harm the president. The court's order to form the jury does not specify its purpose, but Davis believes it will investigate political actions against Trump. These developments have raised debates about political influence in the justice system.
Key Facts
A federal grand jury will start in January 2026 in the Southern District of Florida.
Mike Davis, a Trump supporter, claims the jury will investigate a plot against President Trump.
The order for the grand jury does not mention any specific investigation or mention Trump.
Davis is a former aide to a Republican senator and founded a group to support conservative judicial nominees.
Two grand juries will be seated, one in Fort Lauderdale and one in Fort Pierce.
Davis has called for an inquiry into what he views as a decades-long conspiracy against Trump, although he lacks an official government position.
The grand jury order was requested by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, Jason A. Reding Quiñones, according to court documents.
The discussions highlight debates about the independence of the judicial system during President Trump’s second term.
From July to September 2025, apprehensions of migrants at the U.S.-Mexico border increased by 83%. This rise happened during President Trump's administration, which has implemented stricter immigration measures. These measures aim to reduce irregular migration and secure the border.
Key Facts
Migrant apprehensions at the southern border rose 83% from July to September 2025.
Border Patrol agents reported over 102,000 apprehensions in September, up from 56,000 in July.
The increase in apprehensions occurred amid Trump's tougher immigration policies.
These policies include expanded deportations, tightened asylum rules, and increased use of expedited removal.
Despite the rise, overall crossing numbers remain low compared to previous peaks under the Biden administration.
The Trump administration has paused or restricted refugee resettlement and resumed rapid expulsion policies like Title 42.
The Pentagon has deployed troops to assist Border Patrol operations at the southern border.
Officials note a significant drop in unlawful crossings, now at their lowest in over 50 years.
