The Senate voted on two different plans to pay military members and some federal workers during the government shutdown, but both plans failed. Lawmakers left Washington without any progress in reopening the government because neither party could agree on a solution.
Key Facts
The Senate rejected two bills aimed at paying military and federal workers during the government shutdown.
A Republican plan that needed 60 votes was blocked by a filibuster.
Democrats proposed a plan to pay all federal workers, preventing layoffs, but Republicans rejected it.
Only three Democrats supported the Republican bill.
The Senate remains deadlocked, and lawmakers went home for the weekend without a deal.
President Trump refused a meeting with Democratic leaders, expecting them to negotiate after opening the government.
The House has not been in Washington for nearly a month during this standoff.
The government shutdown is stopping Montana farmers from getting the help they usually receive in the fall. This help is important for planning their spring planting.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is affecting Montana farmers.
Farmers typically apply for credit and other support in the fall.
This assistance is crucial for preparing for spring planting.
The shutdown is preventing farmers from accessing these federal programs.
The issue was reported on October 23, 2025.
The report was shared on the program "All Things Considered."
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas has ordered cities in the state to remove artwork from roadways. This includes rainbow crosswalks, sparking confusion and discussions about political messaging.
Key Facts
Texas Governor Greg Abbott has issued an order to remove art from roadways.
This includes rainbow crosswalks, which are often symbols of LGBTQ+ support.
The order has caused confusion among city officials across Texas.
The removal touches on broader issues of political messaging and who gets to decide what is considered political.
There has been significant public attention and discussion on the topic.
A new poll shows that in the Virginia governor's race, Democratic candidate Abigail Spanberger is leading Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears by nearly 9 percentage points. This election is seen as important for national politics, as Virginia often provides clues about future political trends in the U.S.
Key Facts
The poll shows Spanberger with 51.8% of the vote and Earle-Sears with 43.2%.
The margin of error for the poll is 4.4%.
The survey included 500 likely voters in Virginia between October 19 and October 21.
Spanberger has a 50.8% favorability rating, while her unfavorable rating is 39.4%.
Earle-Sears has a 38.8% favorability rating and a 46% unfavorable rating.
Other recent polls show Spanberger leading by different margins, ranging from five to ten points.
The Virginia governor's race is significant as a potential indicator of national political trends.
The poll results fall outside the margin of error, suggesting Spanberger’s lead might be statistically significant.
Private donors are funding President Donald Trump's $300 million White House ballroom project. Companies like Amazon, Meta, and Apple are among the contributors. The project will not use taxpayers' money, according to Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to build a $300 million ballroom at the White House.
He announced that private donors, not taxpayers, will cover the costs.
Amazon, Meta, and Apple are some of the companies donating.
The family of Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick is also contributing.
The cofounders of the cryptocurrency exchange Gemini are involved in funding.
The project's cost increased by $100 million from its original estimate.
President Donald Trump is claiming compensation from the federal government for investigations he says were politically driven. He has filed claims seeking $230 million, saying the probes wronged him. The Justice Department must respond to these claims before any lawsuit can proceed.
Key Facts
President Trump claims he deserves money from the federal government for past investigations.
He filed two claims with the Justice Department seeking $230 million in damages.
The claims relate to the FBI's search of his Mar-a-Lago property and a probe into his 2016 campaign.
The Federal Tort Claims Act allows individuals to seek damages if they were wronged by federal employees.
The Justice Department has six months to settle or deny an administrative claim.
If claims are denied, Trump can file a federal lawsuit.
Payments for such claims usually come from a fund called the Judgment Fund.
Trump has suggested he might donate any compensation or use it for White House renovations.
President Trump plans to import more beef from Argentina to help lower U.S. beef prices. This decision upset American cattle ranchers, who feel it would harm their industry. Meanwhile, the U.S. Department of Agriculture has a plan to support local cattle farmers.
Key Facts
President Trump is looking to import more beef from Argentina to reduce high beef prices in the U.S.
American cattle ranchers feel this decision could damage their industry.
U.S. beef prices are high due to a decreased cattle supply, partly because of drought and increased costs.
President Trump has agreed to a $20 billion economic support deal with Argentina.
The White House plans to significantly increase the amount of beef that can be imported from Argentina.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has announced steps to help domestic cattle ranchers.
The United States Cattlemen's Association expressed concern about the plan to buy foreign beef.
Some argue that a few large meatpacking firms control most beef pricing in the U.S.
People in the U.S. are joining No King's protests, wearing inflatable costumes of animals like frogs, lobsters, and koalas. These protests are meant to challenge the view that they promote negativity and anti-American ideas.
Key Facts
The No King's protests are happening in various locations in the United States.
Participants are wearing inflatable animal costumes, including frogs, lobsters, and koalas.
The protests aim to challenge the Republican view that they are filled with hate and are un-American.
The demonstration style follows the example set by Portland.
The protests have been reported by the news outlet NPR.
President Donald Trump's administration has conducted lethal strikes on boats in the Caribbean as part of a "war on drugs." Questions have arisen about the lack of public evidence showing that these boats were carrying drugs and the reasoning behind the administration's approach.
Key Facts
The Trump administration targets boats in the Caribbean as part of its drug war strategy.
These strikes are described as "lethal."
There is no public evidence presented that proves these boats had drugs on board.
The strategy has led to questions about the existence of such evidence.
The administration claims these actions are part of their efforts against narcotics.
Congressman Robert Garcia from California is leading an investigation into cases where U.S. citizens were detained by immigration officers. The focus is to understand why these arrests happened and prevent them in the future.
Key Facts
Congressman Robert Garcia is a Democrat from California.
He is leading an investigation into the detention of U.S. citizens by immigration officers.
Detentions by federal immigration authorities are the focus of this investigation.
The aim is to find out why U.S. citizens were mistakenly arrested.
The investigation seeks to prevent similar incidents from happening again.
The issue was discussed in a conversation with NPR's Adrian Florido.
The U.S. Supreme Court will discuss whether to hear a case about same-sex marriage on November 7. The case, brought by former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis, challenges the 2015 ruling that protected same-sex marriage rights across the country. If the court overturns this decision, states would determine marriage laws, affecting same-sex couples nationwide.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court scheduled a private conference for November 7 to review whether they will hear Kim Davis's case.
Kim Davis wants to overturn the 2015 Obergefell v. Hodges ruling, which established nationwide same-sex marriage rights.
Davis's lawyer argues that the ruling does not align with the Constitution.
The Supreme Court has not yet decided if they will take the case.
Overturning the 2015 decision could return marriage laws to individual states.
Since 2022, additional legal protections for same-sex married couples have been enacted federally.
Kim Davis previously made headlines for not issuing marriage licenses to same-sex couples, citing her religious beliefs.
Lower courts have rejected Davis's arguments, and she was held in contempt of court in 2015.
New York City Mayor Eric Adams endorsed Andrew Cuomo in the city’s mayoral race. Adams, who previously criticized Cuomo, decided to support him against Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani. The announcement took place after Adams and Cuomo met at a basketball game.
Key Facts
Mayor Eric Adams endorsed Andrew Cuomo for New York City's mayoral race.
Adams had previously criticized Cuomo, calling him names, but has now shown support.
The endorsement announcement was made while standing with Cuomo in Harlem.
Adams recently withdrew from his own reelection plans.
Cuomo is running against Zohran Mamdani, a candidate who defeated him in the June primary.
Adams and Cuomo met at a New York Knicks game, fueling speculation before the announcement.
The impact of Adams' endorsement on Cuomo's mayoral campaign is not yet clear.
Air traffic controllers will miss their pay next week due to the ongoing government shutdown, which may lead to more travel disruptions. Staffing shortages have already caused delays at airports, and the situation could get worse if the shutdown continues. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that the financial issues might deter new recruits and increase pressures on lawmakers to end the shutdown.
Key Facts
Air traffic controllers will miss their first paycheck next week because of the government shutdown.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warns this could cause more travel disruptions.
A similar situation during a 2019 shutdown led to flight limits at big airports.
Current air traffic controllers face financial difficulties, risking further staff shortages.
The missed paychecks could make it harder to recruit new controllers for the FAA.
Safety concerns increase if staffing levels in control towers drop too low.
Secretary Duffy blamed Democratic lawmakers for the shutdown during a press briefing.
House Democrats are starting an investigation into President Trump's demand for $230 million from the Justice Department. They want to look into claims related to investigations of Trump, even though they can't force him to respond. The investigation is led by Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia.
Key Facts
President Trump has asked the Justice Department for $230 million in damages.
House Democrats are launching an investigation into this demand.
They cannot compel Trump to respond because they lack subpoena power.
Representatives Jamie Raskin and Robert Garcia are leading the investigation.
The New York Times reported that Trump brought up the issue during his current term.
Democrats want various documents, including those related to Trump's legal claims against the DOJ.
There has been no immediate comment from the White House on this matter.
The Supreme Court has decided to allow more time for oral arguments in upcoming cases about President Donald Trump's tariffs. These cases will examine the president's authority to set tariffs under laws related to national emergencies and trade issues.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will extend oral argument time for two cases about Trump's tariffs.
Arguments will happen on November 5.
The first case is "Learning Resources, Inc., ET AL. V. Trump, President of U.S., ET AL."
The second case is "Trump, President of U.S., ET AL. V. V.O.S. Selections, Inc., ET AL."
The Solicitor General will have 40 minutes to present their side.
Each advocate for private and state parties will have 20 minutes.
The cases will explore the president's power under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act.
They will also consider the Trade Act of 1974, which limits import surcharges to 15% for 150 days.
The National Weather Service issued freeze warnings for 10 states in the Central and Eastern U.S. due to overnight cold temperatures. These freeze warnings signal potential risks to crops, plants, and outdoor plumbing. The affected areas include parts of Minnesota, Wisconsin, Iowa, and more, with temperatures expected to dip below freezing.
Key Facts
Freeze warnings are in effect for 10 states, including Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Indiana.
Cold temperatures are expected overnight into Friday morning.
A hard freeze can damage crops and sensitive plants.
Temperatures could drop as low as 25°F in Wisconsin and Virginia.
Frost advisories reach into Maryland, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey.
The National Weather Service suggests protecting plants and pipes from the cold.
Freeze warnings may be reissued if low temperatures persist.
President Donald Trump plans to demolish the White House East Wing to build a new ballroom. Although the White House is exempt from certain historic preservation rules, past presidents often followed these guidelines voluntarily. Some groups and individuals have expressed concern over the demolition and its impact on the historical structure.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to demolish the East Wing of the White House to build a new ballroom.
The White House is exempt from certain historic preservation rules because of a nearly 60-year-old law.
Some previous presidents chose to follow these historic preservation rules voluntarily.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation wrote a letter urging President Trump to hold a public review process.
Renovations to the White House have occurred under many presidents, adding features like a bowling alley and swimming pool.
Section 107 of the National Historic Preservation Act exempts the White House, US Capitol, and US Supreme Court building from the review process.
Trump officials have stated they plan to submit renovation plans to the National Capital Planning Commission, though work has already started.
Four family members of Illinois gubernatorial candidate Darren Bailey died in a helicopter crash in Montana. Among those killed were Bailey’s son, Zachary, his daughter-in-law, Kelsey, and two of his grandchildren, Vada Rose and Samuel.
Key Facts
The crash happened in Ekalaka, Montana.
Darren Bailey is running for governor of Illinois as a Republican.
Bailey's son, Zachary, and his wife, Kelsey, were killed in the crash.
Two of Bailey's grandchildren, Vada Rose (12) and Samuel (7), also died.
The family's third child, a 10-year-old boy, was not on the helicopter.
Darren Bailey previously ran for governor in 2022 but lost.
Bailey has served in both houses of the Illinois state legislature.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker expressed condolences for Bailey's loss.
President Donald Trump decided not to go ahead with sending more federal agents to San Francisco after the city's mayor, Daniel Lurie, informed him about the city's progress in reducing crime. Trump had initially planned this deployment to address illegal immigration but backed down after discussions. This decision comes amid ongoing federal efforts to support immigration enforcement in California.
Key Facts
President Trump planned to send federal agents to San Francisco.
Mayor Daniel Lurie spoke with Trump and explained the city's crime reduction progress.
After their conversation, Trump canceled the agent surge plan.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents had started arriving in Alameda, California.
Protesters gathered at the Coast Guard base where agents were stationed.
San Francisco's Mayor Lurie and California's Governor Newsom opposed the agent deployment.
The federal efforts were part of a broader strategy to combat illegal immigration.
Federal agents are still engaging in immigration enforcement in the area.
A poll shows Graham Platner leading Governor Janet Mills in the 2026 Maine Democratic primary for U.S. Senate, despite controversies surrounding his past Reddit posts and a tattoo resembling a Nazi symbol. The poll was taken before some of these controversies came to light, and Platner benefits from strong support among progressive groups. Maine presents a key opportunity for Democrats to gain a Senate seat, which adds significance to this primary race.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is leading in a poll of Maine Democratic primary voters against Governor Janet Mills for a U.S. Senate seat in 2026.
The poll found 58% of respondents supporting Platner, while 24% supported Mills.
Platner, an oyster farmer and newcomer to politics, has faced backlash due to past Reddit posts and a controversial tattoo.
The poll was taken before details about the tattoo controversy were widely known.
Platner has gained support from progressive groups and politicians, including Bernie Sanders.
The poll included 1,094 Maine residents and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points.
Maine uses ranked-choice voting, which could influence the primary outcome.
