The United States conducted strikes near Venezuela to target drug gangs. President Trump says this aims to address the country's drug problem. There is some disagreement about this approach, but the action has highlighted the issue of illegal drugs.
Key Facts
The U.S. carried out military actions near Venezuela.
President Trump states these actions target drug gangs.
The focus is on addressing illegal drug problems in the U.S.
Some experts dispute the effectiveness of this strategy.
The strikes have brought more attention to the issue of narcotics in America.
President Donald Trump has started the demolition of the White House Family Theater, part of the East Wing, to make room for a new ballroom. The theater, which began as a cloakroom in 1942, was a spot for entertainment and significant events for over 80 years.
Key Facts
The White House Family Theater was originally a cloakroom, converted by President Franklin Roosevelt in 1942.
It seated approximately 40 people and showed a variety of films, including newsreels and westerns.
The theater has undergone several renovations, with the last one in 2004 by First Lady Laura Bush.
Presidents from Bill Clinton to Jimmy Carter have used the theater for movie screenings.
President Trump is demolishing the theater as part of plans for a new $300 million ballroom.
The demolition marks the end of an 80-year era for the theater at the White House.
The White House did not confirm if a new theater will be built.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a Salvadoran national involved in immigration issues, may be deported to Liberia by October 31. He faces charges of human smuggling in the U.S., which he denies, and cannot return to El Salvador due to a court order. The Trump administration previously planned to send him to Uganda, but this was blocked by a judge.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is from El Salvador and entered the U.S. illegally in his teens.
He faces human smuggling charges in the U.S., which he denies.
A court order prevents his deportation back to El Salvador.
Abrego Garcia was mistakenly deported to El Salvador earlier in 2023.
The Trump administration is considering deporting him to Liberia by October 31.
A U.S. judge blocked his previous planned deportation to Uganda.
He is married to a U.S. citizen and lives in Maryland.
The Trump administration claims Abrego Garcia is linked to the MS-13 gang, which he denies.
A recent survey found that many Black and Latino Americans report feeling excluded in the U.S. under President Trump's administration. The study shows that these groups, along with a majority of Americans, believe the country is moving in the wrong direction, largely due to concerns about civil rights and economic conditions. Black and Latino communities are expressing increased dissatisfaction with their economic situation and feelings of alienation.
Key Facts
A poll by PRRI and the Brookings Institution shows that many Black and Latino Americans feel alienated in the U.S.
84% of Black Americans and 70% of Latinos believe the country is heading in the wrong direction.
Over half of Black (53%) and Latino (56%) participants feel like strangers in their own country, the highest rate in 16 years.
Only 16% of Black Americans and 30% of Latinos have a favorable view of President Trump.
In contrast, 48% of white Americans view President Trump favorably.
Concerns for Black Americans include health care, racial inequality, and the health of democracy.
Latinos prioritize immigration, jobs, and economic stability.
Both groups largely disapprove of how Trump is handling immigration raids and deportations.
An unnamed donor gave $130 million to the U.S. military to help pay service members during a government shutdown. President Donald Trump confirmed the donation, stating it will cover troop salaries as lawmakers have not agreed on a funding plan. The Pentagon accepted the gift under its "general gift acceptance authority."
Key Facts
An anonymous donor gave $130 million to the Pentagon for troop salaries.
The donation was made to cover pay shortfalls during a U.S. government shutdown.
President Trump stated the donor is a U.S. citizen and a supporter of his.
The U.S. government has been shut down for over 25 days due to funding disagreements.
The Pentagon can accept such gifts under "general gift acceptance authority."
Questions have been raised about the ethics and transparency of accepting anonymous donations.
The donation is intended specifically for troop salaries and benefits.
Defense rules require donations over $10,000 to undergo an ethics review.
President Donald Trump has denied reports that he plans to name a new White House ballroom after himself, calling the claims "fake news." The ballroom project involves the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to make space for a new, larger venue. Concerns have been raised about the project's impact on the historic structure and costs, although President Trump stated the project is funded by private donations.
Key Facts
President Trump denied plans to name the new White House ballroom after himself.
The East Wing of the White House is being demolished to make room for a new ballroom that can seat 650 people.
The initial cost estimate for the new ballroom was $200 million, now increased to over $300 million.
President Trump stated that private donors, not taxpayers, are funding the project.
The ballroom project has faced criticism from some lawmakers and the National Trust for Historic Preservation due to concerns about its impact on the White House and lack of public consultation.
The new ballroom is part of a modernization effort and renovation of the historic site.
The Better Business Bureau (BBB) has issued a warning about a scam called "ghost tapping." This scam targets people who use tap-to-pay methods by stealing money using wireless technology without their knowledge.
Key Facts
"Ghost tapping" is a scam that targets users of tap-to-pay credit cards and mobile wallets.
Scammers use wireless technology to withdraw money without direct contact.
Victims may not notice unauthorized transactions initially, as scammers often make small withdrawals to avoid detection.
The scam can occur in crowded places like festivals and public transportation.
Fake vendors may use tap-to-pay to fraudulently charge amounts from $537 to $1,100.
Scammers have been known to carry NFC card readers to access payment information.
The BBB advises using RFID-blocking wallets and setting up bank alerts to prevent unauthorized transactions.
Timothy Mellon, a wealthy supporter of President Donald Trump, donated $130 million to pay U.S. military members during the ongoing government shutdown. The donation was made to help service members who were potentially missing paychecks due to the shutdown that started on October 1. This action has raised questions about the influence of wealthy individuals in U.S. politics and possible legal concerns.
Key Facts
Timothy Mellon is a major supporter of President Trump and a member of a wealthy American family.
He donated $130 million to help pay U.S. military members during the government shutdown.
The government shutdown began on October 1, with a deadlock between Republicans and Democrats over budget talks.
The Pentagon confirmed it accepted Mellon’s donation, but the gift covers just part of the military’s overall pay needs.
Military payroll is typically funded through congressional appropriations, not private donations.
Mellon's donation has sparked debate about legal issues, including potential conflicts with the Anti-Deficiency Act.
The Mellon family has a long history of wealth from industries like banking and railroads.
Timothy Mellon resides in Wyoming and previously worked in transportation and aviation industries.
Early voting has started for the New York City mayoral race, which includes candidates Zohran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, and Andrew Cuomo. Mamdani, leading in polls, is known for his progressive policies, while Cuomo criticizes Mamdani's approach and presents himself as an experienced leader. Current Mayor Eric Adams previously left the race and supports Cuomo.
Key Facts
Early voting has begun for the New York City mayoral race.
The candidates are Zohran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, and Andrew Cuomo.
Zohran Mamdani is currently leading the polls.
Mamdani is a Democratic Socialist pushing for free childcare, free buses, and a rent freeze.
Andrew Cuomo, running as an independent, criticizes Mamdani's policies and promotes his own experience as a former governor.
Eric Adams, the current mayor, dropped out and now backs Cuomo.
Mamdani would be the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
New York City and New Jersey early voting trends could influence Democratic strategies against President Trump’s policies.
Legal battles are ongoing over President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops to Democratic-led cities. A federal court paused the deployment of Oregon troops, while a decision is pending in Washington, D.C., about whether to remove over 2,000 troops. There are also disputes in other areas like Chicago and West Virginia regarding these deployments.
Key Facts
National Guard deployment in Portland, Oregon, is temporarily paused by a federal appeals court.
A judge is considering the removal of more than 2,000 troops from Washington, D.C.
President Trump declared a crime emergency in D.C., resulting in the deployment of troops despite low crime rates.
Legal disputes continue in Chicago, waiting for possible Supreme Court involvement.
The 9th Circuit Court needs more time to decide on the deployment's legal standing in Oregon.
Washington, D.C.'s deployment is being challenged as undermining efforts to reduce crime, according to government lawyers.
West Virginia's deployment of troops to D.C. is questioned by a civic group for exceeding authority.
Some states plan to withdraw their National Guard units from D.C. by November 30, unless they extend their stay.
Cosmetic surgery is becoming very popular in the United States, with more people seeking procedures such as Botox and facelifts. Advances in technology and changing beauty standards have made these procedures more mainstream and affordable. Many young people are adopting cosmetic treatments early, influenced by social media and changing cultural norms.
Key Facts
Cosmetic surgery, including Botox and facelifts, is increasingly common in the U.S.
Technological advancements have improved recovery times and results of cosmetic procedures.
More young people in their 20s and 30s are undergoing plastic surgery.
The trend is partly driven by social media and the desire to look good online.
Weight-loss drugs like Ozempic also contribute to cosmetic maintenance needs.
Botox has transformed attitudes towards aging and cosmetic enhancements.
Men are increasingly undergoing procedures, especially for hair transplants and face modifications.
Social media influencers and celebrities influence the popularity of these cosmetic procedures.
A truck driver accused of causing a deadly crash in California is in the U.S. illegally, according to officials. The incident has sparked renewed federal criticism of state policies on commercial driver’s licenses for noncitizens. A debate continues between federal and California officials over immigration and road safety rules.
Key Facts
A semitruck driven by Jashanpreet Singh caused a crash killing three people on a California freeway.
Singh is accused of being under the influence of drugs during the crash.
Singh entered the U.S. illegally in 2022 and had a commercial driver's license.
Federal officials are concerned about immigrants driving commercial vehicles without proper legal status.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy criticized California's policies on issuing licenses to noncitizens.
Governor Gavin Newsom's office said Singh was authorized for employment under federal law.
The crash video shows the truck hitting and causing a chain-reaction with multiple vehicles.
President Trump and Secretary Duffy want stricter rules for noncitizens obtaining commercial driver’s licenses.
During the government shutdown, President Trump redirected money to pay certain federal workers, like the military and law enforcement. Experts say these actions might break the law because Congress did not approve this spending. There is debate about the legality and impact of these funding decisions.
Key Facts
President Trump moved money to pay military and law enforcement workers during a government shutdown.
Experts believe these actions might violate laws since Congress didn't authorize the spending.
The administration redirected $8 billion meant for military research to pay troops.
The Office of Management and Budget argued this is legal in emergencies, citing historical examples.
Some federal workers, like air marshals and deportation officers, are still being paid, but their funding sources are unclear.
Legal experts point out that using funds for purposes other than those approved by Congress challenges constitutional principles.
The Anti-Deficiency Act prevents spending more than Congress authorizes or redirecting funds without approval.
Federal authorities charged 33 people with drug trafficking in Philadelphia. They allegedly distributed fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine in the Kensington neighborhood, known for drug activities. Authorities arrested most of the suspects and worked with U.S. and local officials to carry out this operation.
Key Facts
The Department of Justice charged 33 alleged members of a drug trafficking group in Philadelphia with a 41-count indictment.
The group is accused of distributing fentanyl, heroin, crack cocaine, and cocaine.
The arrests took place mainly in the Kensington area, identified as a significant location for drug trade.
Federal, state, and local authorities conducted a joint investigation leading to the arrests.
President Trump has focused on combating the opioid crisis, with recent crackdowns on drug trafficking.
In Philadelphia, drug overdose deaths have decreased from 1,310 in 2023 to 1,045 in 2024 as reported by local health departments.
The alleged leaders of the group include Jose Antonio Morales Nieves and Ramon Roman-Montanez, both managing operations on Weymouth Street.
The indictment is the largest federal case of its kind prosecuted by the district this century.
Authorities in North Carolina are looking into a shooting at a party that left two people dead and injured at least eleven others. The police say the event took place on Dixon Drive near Maxton, with over 150 people fleeing before they arrived. No suspects have been named, but officials believe the incident was isolated and poses no further danger to the public.
Key Facts
A shooting happened at a large party on Dixon Drive near Maxton, North Carolina.
Two people died, and at least eleven others were injured.
Several of the injured people are in critical condition.
The Robeson County Sheriff’s Office is handling the investigation with help from other agencies.
More than 150 people fled from the scene before law enforcement arrived.
No suspect or person of interest has been identified yet.
Officials believe the shooting was an isolated incident, meaning it was not part of a larger threat.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) will send observers to watch polling sites in five California counties and one New Jersey county during elections next month. The DOJ says this is to ensure election transparency and compliance with federal law. Some California officials criticize this move, claiming it could be an intimidation tactic.
Key Facts
The DOJ plans to monitor polling sites in six counties: five in California and one in New Jersey.
This action is intended to ensure election transparency, security, and compliance with federal law.
The Civil Rights Division of the DOJ will handle the monitoring.
California's GOP requested federal election observers due to concerns about election irregularities.
In New Jersey, a governor's election will take place, with Democrat Mikie Sherrill slightly leading in polls.
California will vote on Governor Newsom’s redistricting plan, which could impact future House seat distribution.
Governor Newsom's office criticized the federal monitoring, describing it as potential voter intimidation.
Deploying federal election observers during elections is a long-standing practice in the U.S.
Kamala Harris, the former U.S. Vice-President, mentioned in a BBC interview that she may consider running for President in 2028. She believes that there will be a female president in the future and expresses her continued interest in politics. During the interview, she criticized President Trump and shared her thoughts on leadership and political challenges.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris said she might run for President in 2028.
She thinks there will be a woman president in the future.
Harris criticized President Trump, calling him a "tyrant" and accusing him of authoritarian actions.
She has been mentioned as an outsider for the Democratic ticket, with polls showing her behind others like actor Dwayne Johnson.
Harris stated she never relied on polls for making decisions about running for office.
Harris published a book about her campaign experience, titled "107 Days."
She expressed disappointment about American business leaders bowing to political pressure.
The White House dismissed her comments, stating she should have moved on after the election.
Senator Bernie Sanders discussed why he thinks Kamala Harris lost the 2024 presidential election. Sanders believes that Harris didn't focus enough on the working class and was worried about upsetting big businesses. He also commented on the Democratic Party's struggles and the influence of big donors on Harris' campaign.
Key Facts
Bernie Sanders believes Kamala Harris lost the 2024 election due to not focusing on the working class.
Sanders claims Harris was cautious about offending big businesses during her campaign.
Harris' campaign lasted 107 days, and some of her aides believed it was "flawless."
Sanders mentioned that Republican billionaires outspent Harris, but many Democratic billionaires supported her.
Sanders' new book, "Fight Oligarchy," criticizes the influence of big money on political campaigns.
A Harris spokesperson did not reply to requests for comments on Sanders' interview.
Sanders encouraged Harris to focus on both abortion rights and working-class issues.
Democratic Party members are debating the reasons for their loss in the election.
If the U.S. federal government shutdown continues, many low-income Americans may lose access to food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) in November. The shutdown is due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over federal funding and healthcare subsidies. The Trump administration is looking for ways to fund SNAP temporarily, but there's uncertainty about how long benefits can continue.
Key Facts
About 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for food assistance.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture warned states that SNAP might run out of funds in November if the shutdown persists.
The ongoing government shutdown is caused by disagreements over federal funding and the Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies.
The Trump administration can use SNAP's contingency fund or other funds to cover some of the benefits temporarily.
Some states have indicated that if the shutdown continues, SNAP benefits may not be available in November.
High-income recipients would see bigger cuts in benefits first, according to federal regulations.
Social media posts have spread the idea that food stamps will stop completely on November 1, but this may vary by state.
California plans to support food banks with the National Guard and $80 million in state aid if SNAP funds run out.
President Donald Trump has ordered the demolition of the East Wing of the White House to build a new ballroom that can hold 650 people. The project has raised controversy, with some calling it unnecessary and expensive, while President Trump claims it is a long-needed upgrade funded by private donors.
Key Facts
The East Wing of the White House, where the first lady's offices were, was demolished to build a new ballroom.
The new ballroom is planned to cover 90,000 square feet and hold up to 650 people.
The project's cost initially estimated at $200 million, has increased to $300 million, with funding reportedly from private donors.
Satellite photographs showed the East Wing was completely demolished by October 23, 2023.
Demolition work began on October 20, 2023, according to White House officials.
Comedian Bill Maher made jokes about the speed of the demolition and discussed the symbolic meaning of the construction with guests on his show.
The project has drawn criticism from figures like Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who called it a "vanity project."
