President Trump has already called antifa a domestic terrorist organization and is now considering labeling it a foreign terrorist organization as well. This change would affect how the government handles antifa-related activities and could influence international actions.
Key Facts
President Trump designated antifa as a domestic terrorist organization.
The administration is considering labeling antifa as a foreign terrorist organization.
Labeling a group as a foreign terrorist organization involves certain legal and international implications.
The designation could change how the U.S. government may act against antifa.
The official discussions are ongoing about this potential reclassification.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene stated she sometimes dislikes her own political party during a TV appearance. Greene has recently disagreed with President Trump and other Republicans on several issues, including foreign policy and health care. She has expressed frustration with the influence of major industries on politics and has criticized certain Republican leaders.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene said she sometimes hates the Republican Party.
Greene has disagreed with President Trump on issues like the Jeffrey Epstein files, health care subsidies, and the Israel-Hamas conflict.
She criticized Republicans for being too influenced by large industries such as military and health insurance companies.
Greene claims some Republicans are only supporting President Trump out of fear.
She opposed her party by supporting Affordable Care Act subsidies to prevent insurance costs from rising.
Greene accused Israel of committing "genocide" in Gaza and called for stopping U.S. military aid to Israel.
She has had conflicts with Trump loyalist Laura Loomer, resulting in personal attacks.
Greene expressed feeling disconnected from the Republican Party and dissatisfaction with how women are treated within it.
A Republican congressman, Randy Fine, called for an investigation into the citizenship status of Zohran Mamdani, a candidate for New York mayor. Fine claimed that there has been naturalization fraud and suggested reviewing past naturalizations for possible fraud. His statement responded to comments made by journalist Mehdi Hasan.
Key Facts
Randy Fine is a Republican congressman from Florida.
Fine wants an investigation into Zohran Mamdani's U.S. citizenship.
He believes there has been "massive naturalization fraud."
Fine suggested also investigating Congresswoman Ilhan Omar and journalist Mehdi Hasan.
The call for investigation came after Mehdi Hasan’s comments about Muslim slaves in America.
Hasan’s comments involved historical references about the contributions of Muslims in building the country.
President Trump defended the $300 million project to build a new ballroom at the White House, which involves taking down the East Wing. The project has received criticism for both the cost increase and its impact on the historic site. Officials state that the demolition and rebuilding aim to modernize the area and accommodate the new structure.
Key Facts
President Trump is overseeing a $300 million project to build a new ballroom at the White House.
The project involves demolishing the East Wing, which initially had an estimated cost of $200 million.
Critics, like the National Trust for Historic Preservation, argue the new ballroom will overshadow the existing White House.
Trump defended the demolition by saying the existing East Wing wasn't much and needed updates.
The East Wing originally housed the First Lady's offices and was expanded in 1942.
A White House official said the project is modernizing structures from 1902 and 1942.
Plans for the ballroom have been public since July, showing it would replace the current East Wing space.
In the final New York City mayoral debate, candidates Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa focused on each other’s qualifications and their differing views on the future of the city. Key topics included experience, affiliations with President Donald Trump, and stances on international issues like Palestinian rights. Mamdani maintained his lead in the polls while facing criticism from his opponents.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa are the main candidates in the NYC mayoral race.
Mamdani is leading in polls and promotes policies like free transport, rent control, and universal childcare.
Cuomo argues that Mamdani’s plans are unrealistic and points to Mamdani’s lack of governing experience.
President Donald Trump’s policies and threats, like using the National Guard, are influencing the race dynamics.
Mamdani accused Cuomo of aligning with Trump, while Cuomo warned Mamdani's win could lead to federal intervention.
The candidates clashed over Mamdani’s support for Palestinian rights, which Cuomo criticized as anti-Semitic.
The debate highlighted ongoing political rivalry and differing visions for NYC’s future governance.
The final mayoral debate in New York City featured sharp exchanges among candidates Zohran Mamdani, Curtis Sliwa, and Andrew Cuomo, covering topics like housing and recent political issues. Mamdani holds a strong lead in polls, while the candidates criticized each other's records and discussed future dealings with President Trump's administration. The debate served as a last chance for the candidates to appeal to voters before the November 4th election.
Key Facts
The debate took place in New York City with Democrat Zohran Mamdani, Republican Curtis Sliwa, and independent Andrew Cuomo as participants.
The candidates discussed various topics, such as housing policies and relations with the White House.
Zohran Mamdani is leading in polls ahead of his opponents.
The debate was held in front of a live audience, which contributed to a heated atmosphere.
Curtis Sliwa criticized Mamdani and Cuomo for their past records, claiming he could better ensure public safety.
Sexual harassment allegations against Cuomo were brought up, which he denied.
A question was posed about handling a federal immigration officer raid carried out in New York City's Chinatown.
A TikTok creator named Carlitos Ricardo Parias and a US marshal were injured during an immigration enforcement operation in Los Angeles. Parias, a Mexican national in the US illegally, was charged with assault on a federal officer after allegedly resisting arrest. He was documenting immigration operations and had been recognized for his community reporting.
Key Facts
Carlitos Ricardo Parias, a TikTok creator, was shot and injured in the elbow during an immigration operation in Los Angeles.
A US marshal was also injured, hit in the hand by a bullet that ricocheted.
Parias was accused of ramming his car into law enforcement vehicles while trying to escape arrest.
He faced charges for assaulting a federal officer and was scheduled for a court appearance.
Parias had been documenting immigration enforcement actions and was recognized by a city councilman for this work.
The incident occurred amidst increased ICE raids under President Trump's administration.
Protests have occurred in response to these immigration raids, leading to National Guard deployment in some areas.
The candidates for New York City mayor, Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa, had a debate before the November election. They discussed topics like political experience, President Donald Trump, and antisemitism.
Key Facts
Three candidates are running for New York City mayor: Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa.
They debated ahead of the mayoral election set for early November.
The candidates discussed each other's political records and experience.
President Donald Trump was a topic during the debate.
Antisemitism was another topic of discussion during the debate.
The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) plans to bring back about 3,000 workers who were furloughed due to the government shutdown. CMS will use fees charged to researchers to pay these employees and plans to pay back these funds once regular funding from Congress returns.
Key Facts
CMS will recall around 3,000 furloughed employees starting Monday.
CMS will use fees from researchers to pay staff salaries during the shutdown.
These funds will be repaid when Congress provides regular funding.
CMS coordinated this decision with the White House and the Department of Health and Human Services.
The recall aims to support activities during Medicare and ACA open enrollment periods.
Medicare and Medicaid services have continued despite the shutdown.
Some Medicare data releases have been delayed because of the shutdown.
CMS has halted public outreach and education during the shutdown.
The U.S. State Department has taken down a website used for reporting alleged human rights abuses by foreign military units armed by the U.S. This site, known as the Human Rights Reporting Gateway, allowed individuals and organizations to report such incidents directly. The removal of the site has been criticized by human rights advocates and some lawmakers.
Key Facts
The U.S. State Department removed an online portal for reporting human rights abuses by foreign military units supported by the U.S.
The site, called the Human Rights Reporting Gateway, was the only publicly accessible channel for reporting these abuses.
Human rights activists and a congressional aide have criticized the site's removal.
The portal had been created to align with the Leahy Law, which requires the U.S. government to accept information on human rights violations by foreign forces they equip.
Reports of excessive force during protests in Colombia and potential cases involving the Israeli Defense Forces in the West Bank were submitted through the site.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio led a State Department reorganization, affecting human rights monitoring.
Critics argue that the restructuring weakened the department's ability to address human rights issues.
Senator Bernie Sanders continues to support Graham Platner, a Maine Senate candidate, despite controversies over past online comments and a tattoo with controversial imagery. Platner has apologized and altered the tattoo. Sanders emphasizes Platner's experience and character, while opposing Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who supports another candidate.
Key Facts
Bernie Sanders supports Graham Platner for the Maine Senate race.
Platner faced criticism over old online posts and a tattoo resembling controversial imagery.
Platner apologized for past comments and changed the tattoo.
Sanders opposes Chuck Schumer, who backs Maine Gov. Janet Mills for the Senate.
Democrats need to win in Maine to improve chances in the 2026 midterm elections.
Platner's political director resigned after the controversies.
Schumer publicly supports Gov. Mills as the best candidate against Sen. Susan Collins.
A mother helped evacuate 22 schoolchildren from a bus after she noticed smoke, with the event captured by a doorbell camera. Firefighters controlled the flames, and no one was hurt. The fire's cause is still being investigated.
Key Facts
A doorbell camera recorded a mother helping evacuate 22 children from a school bus.
The incident took place at East Bethel Elementary in Minneapolis.
The mother, named Kari Thorp, and the bus driver quickly acted to ensure the children's safety.
Firefighters managed to control the fire on the bus.
There were no injuries reported in this incident.
The cause of the bus fire is currently under investigation.
A truck driver, Jashanpreet Singh, crashed his tractor-trailer into several vehicles on a California highway, killing three people. Authorities suspect he was under the influence of drugs during the incident. Singh was arrested at the scene.
Key Facts
The crash happened on a California highway and involved a tractor-trailer with a red cab.
Jashanpreet Singh, 21, drove the truck and is suspected of being under the influence of drugs.
The crash resulted in the death of three people.
Singh allegedly did not apply brakes before hitting slow-moving vehicles.
Witnesses and video confirmed the truck hitting multiple vehicles, including another big rig.
Singh was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.
The incident happened in the wake of another fatal truck crash involving an Indian driver in Florida.
New rules at the Pentagon have led to more conservative media outlets gaining access, while many traditional news organizations have refused to follow these rules and handed in their press passes. The rules require reporters not to share information unless it has been approved, which some journalists say limits their ability to report independently. This change is seen as part of a broader strategy to reshape media access and favor outlets supportive of President Trump.
Key Facts
Conservative media outlets have agreed to new Pentagon rules for building access.
Traditional media outlets like Axios, Fox News, and The Washington Post have refused the rules and returned their press passes.
New rules require reporters not to report unapproved information.
Over 60 journalists from new media outlets have complied with the Pentagon's media access policy.
Press freedom groups criticize the rules, arguing they hinder a free press.
The Pentagon removed workspace access for traditional media earlier this year.
The changes are part of a broader media strategy under the Trump administration.
The administration has given right-wing reporters more access to the White House and other high-level briefings.
The East Wing of the White House is being completely demolished to make way for a new ballroom. The project aligns with President Trump's plans and began earlier this week. Some groups have raised concerns about preserving the historic nature of the site.
Key Facts
The East Wing of the White House is currently being demolished.
Demolition started on Monday and is expected to be complete by the weekend.
President Trump announced the construction of a $250 million ballroom.
The East Wing was built in 1902 and last updated in 1942.
The new ballroom is intended for events like parties and State Visits.
President Trump stated the East Wing must be modernized for security and technology reasons.
The National Trust for Historic Preservation expressed concerns over the demolition.
The Trust has requested a pause for a public review of the project.
Three candidates for New York City mayor—Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa—participated in a final debate before the election on November 4. Early voting starts on October 25. The debate focused on local issues, with each candidate discussing their policies and criticisms.
Key Facts
The mayoral debate took place before the November 4 election in New York City.
Candidates involved were Zohran Mamdani, Andrew Cuomo, and Curtis Sliwa.
Early voting for the election begins on October 25.
The debate covered topics like housing, safety, and transportation.
Mamdani is described as focusing on local issues like affordability.
Cuomo addressed past controversies, including his resignation due to allegations.
Sliwa was mentioned as appealing to protest voters.
Commentators noted that Mamdani stayed composed and on message during the debate.
ICE expects to deport over 600,000 undocumented immigrants by the end of 2025, according to Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar. This follows the report that roughly 2 million undocumented immigrants have been deported or self-deported in the first 250 days of President Trump's second term.
Key Facts
ICE plans to deport more than 600,000 undocumented immigrants by the end of 2025.
President Trump's administration reports that about 1.6 million undocumented immigrants have self-deported.
In the first 250 days of Trump's second term, 400,000 undocumented immigrants were deported.
Tom Homan is the current border czar and enforces President Trump's immigration policies.
Homan was previously the acting director of ICE during Trump's first term and served in immigration roles since 2013.
Since President Trump returned to office, the number of people in immigration detention centers has increased by more than 50%.
The details were shared at the Axios' Future of Defense Summit in Washington D.C.
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta expressed concerns about the U.S. government's inability to govern effectively during the government shutdown. He highlighted that relying on temporary funding solutions weakens the image of democracy to global adversaries like China, Russia, and North Korea. Panetta emphasized the importance of stable governance for strong national defense.
Key Facts
Leon Panetta criticized Democrats, Republicans, and President Trump for not governing well during the shutdown.
He stated that defense spending shouldn't rely on temporary funding measures.
Panetta warned that the funding gap suggests to adversaries that U.S. democracy is weak.
He named China, Russia, and North Korea as countries looking to undermine U.S. democracy.
Panetta emphasized that elected officials are chosen to govern and make decisions, not engage in constant conflict.
He served as Defense Secretary from 2011 to 2013 and was previously CIA Director.
Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta criticized a meeting organized by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Quantico, saying it was a "waste of time." Panetta believed that the gathering should have focused on preparing for modern threats instead of addressing political and cultural issues.
Key Facts
Leon Panetta is a former U.S. Secretary of Defense and CIA Director.
He criticized a meeting at Quantico called by President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth.
Panetta described the meeting as a "recruiting speech" with political complaints.
He suggested the meeting should have focused on future military threats.
Panetta lifted the military ban on women in combat in 2013.
Pete Hegseth made negative comments about women in the military.
Panetta disagreed with Trump's decision to rename the Defense Department to the War Department.
The US government is charging two men linked to antifa with terrorism. President Donald Trump had previously signed an order to label antifa as a domestic terrorist organization, even though many experts believe antifa is not a formal group. This could have effects on how dissent and free speech are dealt with in the US.
Key Facts
Two men are charged with terrorism for allegedly being connected to antifa.
President Donald Trump issued an order classifying antifa under domestic terrorism laws.
Antifa is generally considered an ideology, not an organization, by many experts.
The decision could influence how the US handles dissent and free speech.
The action follows recent political and societal focus on antifa's role.
