The U.S. Department of Agriculture states it cannot use emergency funds for food stamps during the government shutdown. Approximately 42 million people may not receive food assistance if Congress does not agree on a funding deal. The USDA memo indicates that emergency funds are reserved for natural disasters, not government shutdowns.
Key Facts
The USDA says it can't use emergency funds to pay for food stamps during the government shutdown.
States won't be reimbursed if they cover food stamp expenses themselves.
About 42 million low-income people could lose access to food stamps if the shutdown continues.
SNAP has some contingency funds but not enough to cover all needs without new government funding.
Senate Democrats want Republicans to extend health care subsidies, contributing to the shutdown.
SNAP benefits assist many Americans as the economy slows, increasing reliance on food banks.
The USDA memo explains funds are for emergencies like hurricanes, not government funding gaps.
President Trump has been moving money to fund other programs during the shutdown.
A man named Kidane Haile from Buffalo, New York, has been charged with second-degree murder after the bodies of his girlfriend and their newborn were found in a fire. Authorities believe Kathleen Carrig was killed before the fire began, and the investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
Kidane Haile, age 30, is charged with second-degree murder.
The victims, 29-year-old Kathleen Carrig and 4-day-old Noah Carrig, were found dead after a fire.
The Erie County Medical Examiner determined Kathleen Carrig died from strangulation.
Haile pleaded not guilty to the charges and was held without bail.
Authorities suspect Haile set the apartment fire using gasoline.
The investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed.
If convicted, Haile faces a possible sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
Haile was treated for smoke inhalation after the fire.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries endorsed Zohran Mamdani for mayor of New York City after waiting several months. This decision has caused tension because Jeffries had policy differences with Mamdani, and some Democrats were upset about the delay in his endorsement.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader.
He endorsed Zohran Mamdani for New York City mayor.
There was a delay of several months before Jeffries made the endorsement.
The delay caused frustration among progressive Democrats.
Jeffries had policy disagreements with Mamdani.
Some centrist Democrats do not support Mamdani's left-wing policies.
The endorsement happened right before early voting began.
The National Republican Congressional Committee criticized Jeffries’ endorsement.
Newsweek and AllSides will host the National Roundtable on Political Violence on November 6. This event aims to bring together over 10,000 people online to discuss political violence in the U.S. through guided video conversations in small, diverse groups. Participants will share personal experiences and seek common ground to reduce political violence.
Key Facts
The National Roundtable on Political Violence is scheduled for November 6.
Newsweek and AllSides are co-hosting the event.
Over 10,000 participants are expected to join online.
Participants will meet in small groups of 4-6 people for video conversations.
The discussions will focus on the roots of political division and personal experiences.
The goal is for participants to make commitments to reduce political violence in various aspects of life.
The event encourages finding common ground despite political differences.
New York Attorney General Letitia James pleaded not guilty to federal charges of mortgage fraud, which were brought by President Trump's administration. James is accused of misleading financial institutions about a property investment and is set to go on trial on January 26. This case is part of a broader series of legal actions against Trump's critics.
Key Facts
Letitia James, New York's Attorney General, pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges of bank fraud and making false statements.
The charges relate to claims she misrepresented a property investment in Virginia for better loan terms.
If convicted, James could face up to 30 years in prison for each count.
Her trial will begin on January 26 and will take place in Norfolk, Virginia.
The case was initiated by President Trump's administration, and James says the charges are politically motivated.
James is the third Trump critic to face charges recently, alongside James Comey and John Bolton.
President Trump had publicly urged legal action against James and others on his social media platform.
A new prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan, signed the indictments after her predecessor was reportedly dismissed for doubting the cases' validity.
The U.S. plans to photograph and collect more data from all non-citizens when they enter and leave the country. This move, announced by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), aims to improve border security and prevent illegal immigration by using advanced facial recognition technology. The new rule will apply to all non-U.S. citizens, including those with green cards, and is set to take effect by December 26, 2025.
Key Facts
The U.S. will collect photos and more data from all non-citizens entering and leaving the country.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is expanding its current data gathering efforts.
The new rule applies to all non-U.S. citizens, including green card holders.
The rule aims to improve national security and prevent fraudulent travel documents.
Facial recognition technology will be used and may include children under 14 and those over 79.
CBP plans to address current challenges by using advanced technology at entry and exit points.
The full rollout of the system is expected within three to five years.
A public comment period on the new rule starts on October 27.
In New York, the "No Kings" protest highlighted local political dynamics against President Donald Trump's policies. Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, is a candidate in the upcoming mayoral election, facing off against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa. Many protesters support Mamdani's stance on local issues, including his approach to immigration enforcement and his opposition to Trump's actions.
Key Facts
The "No Kings" protest in New York focused on opposition to President Trump and local politics.
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist, is running for mayor against Andrew Cuomo and Curtis Sliwa.
Mamdani is known for his grassroots activism and differs from Cuomo in political style and donor base.
President Trump mentioned deploying the National Guard and potentially cutting city funding if Mamdani wins.
Concerns about federal immigration enforcement are key in this election, especially regarding ICE raids.
Current Mayor Eric Adams has faced criticism over potential cooperation with the Trump administration.
Mamdani criticized ICE and expressed a willingness to fight Trump's deportation policies while also seeking to address living costs.
Jovana Liranzo, a protester, expressed support for Mamdani due to his immigration stance and personal connections to Trump's policies.
A new Emerson College poll shows Republican candidate Steve Hilton slightly leading in the race for California governor, ahead of Democratic candidate Katie Porter. Hilton has 16% support among likely voters, with Porter at 15%.
Key Facts
Steve Hilton is a Republican candidate and former Fox News host.
Katie Porter, a Democrat, was leading in an earlier poll but has now fallen behind Hilton.
The Emerson College poll surveyed 900 likely voters with a margin of error of 3.2 points.
Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, another Republican, is third with 11% support.
Former Democratic officials Antonio Villaraigosa and Xavier Becerra are tied with 5%.
California uses a jungle primary, meaning all candidates compete in one primary regardless of party, with the top two advancing to the general election.
California is traditionally a Democratic state, with the last Republican governor elected in 2006.
An earlier poll by Zogby Strategies showed Hilton with 29% of vote share when campaign messaging was considered.
A freeze warning is in place for parts of the Midwest, Mid-Atlantic, and Northeast U.S., with temperatures expected to drop below freezing from Friday night into Saturday morning. The sudden cold can harm crops and plants and may damage water pipes. Residents in Virginia, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Indiana should prepare for the cold weather.
Key Facts
A freeze warning is forecasted for Virginia, Ohio, West Virginia, Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Indiana.
Temperatures may drop to the upper 20s Fahrenheit.
The warning is in effect from midnight Friday to around 9 or 10 a.m. Saturday.
Cold temperatures could harm crops and sensitive plants.
Subfreezing temperatures may damage outdoor water pipes if not protected.
Frost warnings are issued in areas where the growing season is still ongoing.
The National Weather Service advises insulating pipes and protecting plants and pets.
The Pentagon accepted a $130 million donation to help pay U.S. troops during the government shutdown. President Trump said the donation came from an anonymous friend after Democrats blocked a pay extension. This raises questions about private funding for military salaries during a federal shutdown.
Key Facts
The U.S. Pentagon received a $130 million donation to pay troops.
President Trump announced the donation from "a friend" who wanted to help.
The donation followed Democrats blocking a pay extension in the Senate.
The donation only covers a small part of the total needed for military payroll.
The donor's identity remains anonymous, as requested.
The acceptance of private funds raises ethical and legal concerns.
The donation was accepted under the Pentagon's gift authority policy.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has pleaded not guilty to charges of bank fraud and making false statements to a financial institution. The case involves allegations that she used a property loan incorrectly as a rental investment instead of a secondary residence. The trial is set to begin on January 26.
Key Facts
Letitia James, the New York Attorney General, is facing federal charges.
She pleaded not guilty to bank fraud and making false statements.
The charges relate to buying a home using a loan meant for a secondary residence.
Prosecutors claim the home was used as a rental property, not as a secondary residence.
James accuses President Trump of using the justice system for personal revenge.
A trial date is set for January 26.
James has previously filed charges against President Trump.
Trump appointed a new attorney to oversee James' case after the previous prosecutor resigned.
Consumer prices in the United States rose less than expected in September, with the consumer price index (CPI) increasing by 0.3 percent from August. The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates amid ongoing economic challenges, including a government shutdown impacting data collection.
Key Facts
U.S. consumer prices increased by 0.3 percent in September compared to August.
Annual CPI rise was 3 percent compared to the same time last year.
Petrol prices increased by 4.1 percent in September on a monthly basis.
Energy prices went up by 1.5 percent over the same period.
The index for goods and services, excluding food and energy, rose by 0.2 percent.
The Federal Reserve is expected to lower interest rates by 25 basis points.
The government shutdown is affecting economic data availability.
The Social Security Administration announced a 2.8 percent increase in monthly payments for 2026 based on this data.
A 21-year-old named Zane Jackson died, and his two younger brothers were injured in a crash on Interstate 95 in Virginia. The family and Virginia State Police are investigating the accident, which involved a semi-truck hitting their car. The family has expressed disappointment with the police handling of the case.
Key Facts
Zane Jackson, age 21, was driving the car with his brothers Toby, age 16, and Boaz, age 14.
Their car was initially hit by another vehicle, causing it to stop on I-95 southbound.
After the initial collision, a semi-truck hit their car from behind.
Zane died in the hospital; Boaz had a brain injury and surgery, while Toby had minor injuries.
The accident happened on October 5 in Caroline County, Virginia.
The family was dissatisfied with the police investigation, claiming the officer unfairly blamed Zane.
The semi-truck driver could not provide dashcam footage due to a broken camera.
A GoFundMe for the family raised over $57,000 out of a $75,000 goal as of now.
A U.S. citizen named George Retes was detained by immigration officers from ICE in July while trying to enter his job. Retes is now seeking to hold these officials responsible for their actions.
Key Facts
George Retes is a U.S. citizen.
He was detained by ICE in July.
His detention happened while he was entering his workplace.
Retes is pushing for accountability from the ICE agents involved.
The East Wing of the White House has been torn down to build a new ballroom for President Donald Trump, costing $300 million. A couple has sued to stop the project, claiming it lacks necessary approvals. Preservation groups have raised concerns about the impact on the historic building.
Key Facts
The East Wing of the White House, traditionally used by the first lady, was demolished for a ballroom project.
The new ballroom will be 90,000 square feet and cost $300 million.
President Donald Trump aims to modernize the East Wing with this project.
The construction is reportedly following legal and historical guidelines.
A couple in Virginia sued to stop the project, saying it lacks required legal reviews.
This is the first major change to the White House exterior in 83 years.
Preservation groups called for more transparency and a thorough review.
There is confusion about how the ballroom project will affect the building.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has pleaded not guilty to federal bank fraud charges. President Trump demanded her prosecution, linking it to a civil fraud case she had brought against him. A trial date is set for January 26, and the case involves allegations of falsifying bank documents for better loan terms.
Key Facts
Letitia James, New York Attorney General, faces federal bank fraud charges.
President Trump publicly demanded James' prosecution after a civil case she brought against him.
The trial is expected to begin on January 26 and last about a week.
Allegations include falsifying bank statements to get better loan terms on a property.
A grand jury in Virginia indicted her on bank fraud and making false statements to a bank.
Erik Siebert, a U.S. attorney, resigned after declining to prosecute James; Trump said he was fired.
Lindsey Halligan, President Trump’s personal attorney with no prior prosecutorial experience, replaced Siebert.
President Donald Trump is expected to name a new $300 million White House ballroom after himself. The ballroom is being referred to as "The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom," and work on this large 90,000-square-foot project has already led to the demolition of the East Wing of the White House.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to name a new ballroom at the White House after himself.
The ballroom project costs $300 million.
The new name being used is "The President Donald J. Trump Ballroom."
The East Wing of the White House was demolished to accommodate this 90,000-square-foot ballroom.
President Trump has not publicly confirmed the ballroom's name.
Senior administration officials provided this information to ABC News.
Newsweek tried to contact the White House for a comment regarding this news.
President Donald Trump has started building a $300 million ballroom at the White House, replacing the East Wing. The project is privately funded by individuals and companies like Google and Amazon, raising questions about potential access for donors. Construction began without the usual federal approvals due to a government shutdown.
Key Facts
President Trump is building a $300 million ballroom at the White House site of the former East Wing.
This is the first major change to the White House structure since 1948, involving the demolition of the East Wing.
Funding comes from private donations by individuals, corporations, and tech companies, including Google and Amazon.
YouTube will pay $22 million as part of a legal settlement related to an account suspension in 2021.
The project started during a government shutdown, bypassing approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
Donors might receive "recognition" for their contributions, though details are not clear.
Trump claims the ballroom costs nothing to taxpayers, and he also plans to contribute.
Major donors like Amazon and Apple have been involved in recent legal settlements in the U.S.
A viral video clip suggests White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt described a new ballroom at the White House as President Trump's "main priority." The remark was apparently taken out of context, as Leavitt referred to the ballroom as the primary renovation project, not the president's overall priority. The renovation is being financed privately and not with taxpayer money.
Key Facts
Karoline Leavitt is the White House press secretary.
She described the ballroom renovation as the president's top renovation project.
The clip of her statement was widely shared on social media.
The White House is building a new ballroom by demolishing the East Wing.
The renovation is being paid for with private funds, not taxpayer money.
Many Democrats criticized the remark, claiming it showed misplaced priorities during a government shutdown.
The statement in the viral clip was taken out of context, according to a fact-check.
President Donald Trump's approval rating in Nevada has dropped from 52% in March to 47% in September. Nevada, a key state that Trump won in the 2024 election, is experiencing a decline in support for him, which could impact the Republican Party's performance in future elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating in Nevada fell from 52% in March to 47% in September.
Trump won Nevada in 2024, marking the first Republican win there since 2004.
Nevada has faced rising rent and house prices, affecting residents' expenses.
A YouGov/Economist poll showed low support for Trump among Gen Z, with a 25% approval rate.
An Echelon Insights poll indicated Trump's overall disapproval increased from 51% to 53%.
Morning Consult reported that Trump's approval is now negative in all swing states.
