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 Hamdi was in the U.S. on a speaking tour when his visa was revoked, and he remains in custody.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ICE states that Hamdi's visa was revoked due to his comments, but specific comments weren't detailed.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ICE noted that Hamdi will enter immigration proceedings since his visa was revoked.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.
President Trump had an MRI scan during a recent visit to Walter Reed Medical Center. He did not explain the reason for the MRI, which was not included in the public report of his health exam. The White House doctor stated that Trump is in "exceptional health."
Key Facts
President Trump had an MRI scan at Walter Reed Medical Center.
The MRI was not mentioned in the earlier public report about his medical exam.
Trump is the oldest president to be inaugurated.
A memo from the White House doctor called Trump's health "exceptional."
Trump mentioned the MRI result as "perfect" in a conversation with reporters.
He supported the doctors' explanations for the scan but did not give further details.
Trump was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in July.
CVI is when leg veins are damaged and blood flow is affected.
Concerns about bruising on Trump’s hand were noted but not addressed in the recent memo.
Indiana Governor Mike Braun has called a special session for state lawmakers to redraw congressional districts. The new map might give Republicans two more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. The session is set to start on November 3 and might last about six days.
Key Facts
Governor Mike Braun called for a special session to redraw Indiana's congressional districts.
This redistricting could lead to Republicans gaining two more seats in the U.S. House.
The special session will begin on November 3 and may last around six days.
Indiana Republicans likely have enough support to pass the new district maps.
Currently, seven of Indiana’s nine congressional districts are considered safe for Republicans.
President Trump aims for Republicans to secure all nine districts.
The session will also address aligning Indiana's tax code with recent federal tax changes.
The FDA issued a Class I recall, the most serious type, for two types of Bundt cakes made by Doan’s Bakery. These cakes may contain wheat and milk allergens that were not declared on the packaging. Customers with these allergies are advised not to consume the cakes.
Key Facts
The recall applies to Doan's Bakery's White Chocolate Coconut and Carrot Bundt Cakes.
The recall is voluntary and nationwide, affecting products sold in New York and California.
The FDA classified the recall as Class I, which means there is a high risk of severe health problems.
Wheat and milk allergens were not listed on the cake labels, posing a risk to people with these specific allergies.
No allergic reactions have been reported so far due to the consumption of these cakes.
Customers with allergies are urged to avoid these cakes and contact Goldbelly Customer Support with any concerns.
The affected cakes were available from June 1 to September 24, 2025.
The bakery has updated the product labels to correct the information.
President Donald Trump stated that U.S. military strikes on boats near Venezuela were justified because they were involved in drug trafficking to the United States. Senator Rand Paul argued that not all boats suspected of carrying drugs actually have them. Coast Guard data shows that about 27% of boats they board do not have drugs.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered strikes on boats near Venezuela, claiming they carried drugs to the U.S.
Senator Rand Paul stated that many boats suspected of drug carrying don't end up having drugs.
Coast Guard data indicates that about 27% of the boats they board are drug-free.
More than 30 people have died in these military strikes.
The U.S. Coast Guard reports a 73% drug interception rate in fiscal year 2024.
The Coast Guard's data showed an increase in interception rates over the past few years.
It is unclear how the Coast Guard defines a "drug disruption."
The Coast Guard did not provide details on how it collects data on drug interceptions.
A 24-year-old Honduran man died on a Virginia highway while fleeing U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents. The incident is part of a series of immigration enforcement actions under President Donald Trump's administration.
Key Facts
The man's name was Josué Castro Rivera, and he was originally from Honduras.
He was fleeing from ICE agents when he was hit by a vehicle on Interstate 264 in Norfolk, Virginia.
He was on his way to a gardening job when immigration officers stopped his vehicle.
Three other immigrants have reportedly died in similar immigration enforcement operations in Chicago and California.
This incident is part of ongoing immigration enforcement efforts by President Trump's administration.
A man in Minnesota was arrested for allegedly posting a wanted poster online offering a $45,000 reward for Attorney General Pam Bondi, described as "dead or alive." He was charged with making online threats and has been granted conditional release with various restrictions. This incident is part of a larger trend of political violence concerns in the U.S.
Key Facts
A Minnesota man, Tyler Maxon Avalos, was arrested for allegedly posting a threatening wanted poster for Attorney General Pam Bondi.
The poster offered a $45,000 reward and was shared on TikTok.
Avalos was charged with online communication that included a threat to injure someone.
He was granted conditional release with restrictions like staying in Minnesota, undergoing mental health treatment, and GPS monitoring.
The arrest is part of a wider context of rising political violence in the U.S.
Other individuals in different states have also faced charges for making threats against public figures.
A recent survey showed 85% of Americans believe political violence is increasing.
The U.S. government shutdown could lead to the suspension of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits, which may impact Walmart's sales significantly since the company gets about a quarter of SNAP spending. The USDA has announced that SNAP funding will run out on November 1, potentially affecting millions of Americans relying on the program for food assistance.
Key Facts
The government shutdown began on October 1 and is related to expiring healthcare subsidies.
SNAP benefits are set to be suspended on November 1, affecting more than 40 million Americans.
Walmart gets approximately 24% of its grocery sales from SNAP shoppers.
If SNAP benefits stop in November, Walmart could lose about $2 billion in sales.
SNAP contributes 8% to overall grocery spending, and even a short disruption could lead to economic challenges, such as layoffs in the retail sector.
Other major retailers affected include Kroger (8%), Costco (6%), and Amazon (5%).
The National Grocers Association has urged Congress to find a funding solution to end the shutdown and restore SNAP benefits.
Dense fog across Texas has led to a travel warning for motorists due to low visibility on roads. The fog is expected to clear as a cold front arrives later in the week.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued warnings about dense fog affecting driving in Texas.
Fog reduced visibility to as low as a quarter mile in many areas, making driving dangerous.
Advisories were given for several areas, including San Angelo, Lubbock, and Fort Worth.
Motorists were advised to slow down, use low beam headlights, and keep distance from other vehicles.
Fog conditions were expected to improve after the arrival of a cold front bringing drier air.
The warnings were expected to expire at 10 a.m. CDT on Monday, but updates could occur if needed.
In Boston, Joe Biden urged Americans to remain hopeful despite what he describes as challenges to free speech and executive power under President Trump. Biden spoke after his cancer treatment and emphasized the importance of a balanced government. He highlighted concerns about the prolonged government shutdown and its impact on presidential power.
Key Facts
Joe Biden referred to the current period as "dark days."
He encouraged Americans to stay positive amidst political challenges.
Biden emphasized the historical importance of America’s governmental ideas.
He spoke publicly for the first time since having radiation treatment for prostate cancer.
Biden was speaking at an event in Boston where he received an award.
He stressed the importance of limited presidential power and a strong Congress and judiciary.
The U.S. faces its second-longest government shutdown during President Trump's term.
President Trump has hinted at the idea of serving a third term, despite the 22nd Amendment, which prohibits a person from being elected as President more than twice. While discussing this, he mentioned a possibly powerful team with Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio but acknowledged legal barriers.
Key Facts
President Trump mentioned the possibility of running for a third term, which is not allowed by the 22nd Amendment.
The 22nd Amendment of the U.S. Constitution says a person cannot be elected as President more than twice.
Trump suggested a potential team with JD Vance as Vice President and Marco Rubio as Secretary of State.
Trump said he has high poll numbers, although major polls show different results.
Steve Bannon, a former Trump adviser, talked about a plan for Trump to remain in office beyond the legal limit.
Trump mentioned alternative methods, like having Vance as President, that might allow him to return, but admitted these ideas might be legally complex.
The 12th Amendment prevents a person who cannot be President from being Vice President.
A panel of judges did not approve a request from Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins to pause the processing of veterans' benefit appeals during a government shutdown. The VA wanted to stop cases because it expects to run out of funds, but the court decided all cases should continue. This decision affects veterans waiting on benefits decisions.
Key Facts
Veterans Affairs Secretary Doug Collins asked to pause appeals for veterans' benefits during a federal shutdown.
The U.S. Court of Appeals for Veterans Claims denied the request to halt operations.
Judges stated that stopping these cases was a major request and not justified.
From October 2023 to 2024, 8,937 appeals were filed, with decisions taking about 222 days on average.
The VA claimed it would run out of money for appeals work by October 28, and attorneys were not considered essential.
The VA can try to file the motion again if the situation changes.
Delaying appeals would have postponed financial support for veterans if their claims succeeded.
Government support for a program that helps mothers buy baby formula, called WIC, may run out as the government shutdown continues. Although some states can continue funding temporarily, others may run out of resources by November 1. The White House has added emergency funds, but if the shutdown lasts, millions could face food shortages.
Key Facts
The WIC program helps low-income families buy healthy foods, milk, formula, and baby food.
The government shutdown is causing concerns about the availability of WIC benefits.
Some states may run out of WIC funds by November 1.
The USDA's emergency fund for WIC was used up quickly, leading to more funds being added.
President Donald Trump’s administration provided an additional $300 million to support WIC during the shutdown.
Nearly 7 million women, infants, and children use WIC benefits each month.
If the shutdown continues, states like Washington and Texas might not be able to issue WIC benefits in November.
The National WIC Association is asking the White House for more emergency funds to prevent a crisis.
Mikie Sherrill, a Democratic candidate for the governor's race in New Jersey, has gained an early voting advantage over her Republican opponent, Jack Ciattarelli. Early voting shows more Democratic ballots than Republican, but the election will officially conclude on November 4. Both sides are working hard to influence undecided voters before Election Day.
Key Facts
Mikie Sherrill is the Democratic candidate in New Jersey's governor race.
Early voting data shows Democrats lead Republicans by 2,527 early ballots as of October 25.
Approximately 90,500 people voted early, with 38,039 Democrats and 35,512 Republicans.
Sherrill leads Jack Ciattarelli in several recent polls by 1 to 8 points.
New Jersey, along with Virginia, is one of two states holding governor elections this year.
President Trump supports Ciattarelli and criticizes Sherrill's potential policies on energy costs.
The election outcome is expected to be known on November 4.
Both campaigns are making last-minute efforts to win over undecided voters.
The National Park Service has reinstalled a statue of Brigadier General Albert Pike in Washington, D.C. The statue was put back after being torn down during protests in June 2020, following an order by President Trump to restore historical monuments.
Key Facts
The statue of Albert Pike, a Confederate general, was reinstalled in Washington, D.C.
It was originally taken down and set on fire during protests on Juneteenth 2020.
The statue's reinstallation is part of President Donald Trump's executive order to restore historical monuments.
The National Park Service restored the statue, citing responsibilities under historic-preservation law.
Albert Pike was also notable for his role in Freemasonry and his legal and literary work.
The monument was authorized by Congress in 1898 and dedicated in 1901.
In his military role, Pike was involved in the Confederate command but resigned after less than two years.
President Trump has also acted to restore Confederate generals' names at military bases.
Senator Lisa Murkowski and congressional Democrats have filed a brief with the Supreme Court challenging President Donald Trump's authority to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). They argue that Trump has used IEEPA improperly, as he is the first president to use it for tariffs, which affects businesses and markets. The Supreme Court will hear cases related to this matter in November.
Key Facts
Senator Lisa Murkowski and Democrats have challenged President Trump's authority to impose tariffs using IEEPA.
IEEPA is a law from 1977 that allows the president to address national security threats with economic measures.
Trump is the first president to use IEEPA to impose tariffs, which is contested in court.
Two cases challenge Trump's tariffs, including one from companies claiming a $100 million impact.
Murkowski is the only Republican joining the brief with Democrats, emphasizing the need for congressional approval before imposing tariffs.
36 senators and 171 representatives support the brief against Trump's use of IEEPA for tariffs.
Oral arguments in related Supreme Court cases are scheduled for November 5.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that about $5 billion in emergency funds cannot be legally used to pay for SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. President Trump’s administration faces pressure to continue food assistance, but legal restrictions bar using these funds, meant for emergencies like natural disasters. Johnson said the solution depends on Democrats ending the shutdown.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated $5 billion in contingency funds cannot be used for SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
SNAP stands for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which provides food aid to eligible Americans.
The Trump administration is under pressure to ensure food aid continues amid the ongoing government shutdown.
A legal review showed that the funds are not legally available for regular SNAP benefits.
The funds are reserved for emergencies, such as natural disasters, according to a Department of Agriculture memo.
Johnson attributed the delay in SNAP benefits to Democrats and urged them to end the shutdown.
A U.S. green-card holder, Issa Salma Baouna, was denied reentry to the United States due to alleged past legal issues. Officials at the airport in New York informed him he was no longer a lawful permanent resident. Baouna's family is attempting to seek medical treatment for him in Morocco and hopes to bring him back to the United States.
Key Facts
Issa Salma Baouna was a green-card holder and was stopped at JFK airport in New York on March 6.
He was denied reentry to the U.S. and returned voluntarily to Niger after questioning by Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
CBP stated he was inadmissible due to a past removal order by an immigration judge on grounds of fraud and misrepresentation.
Baouna's arrest and charge for an alleged assault in North Carolina in 2002 were dismissed, according to his wife.
After returning to Niger, Baouna fell seriously ill, developing malaria, kidney failure, and liver issues.
His family has applied for various U.S. immigration relief options, but the first request was denied.
Baouna's family disputes the criminal allegations and seeks to return him to the U.S. for medical treatment.
