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.
Author Michael Wolff has filed a lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump after her legal team threatened to sue him for $1 billion over allegedly defamatory comments connecting her to Jeffrey Epstein. Wolff seeks a court ruling stating he did not defame Mrs. Trump and seeks protection under New York's anti-SLAPP laws, which aim to prevent the use of lawsuits to intimidate free speech.
Key Facts
Michael Wolff has written several books about President Trump.
First Lady Melania Trump's team threatened Wolff with a $1 billion lawsuit for alleged defamation.
Wolff claims the lawsuit threat is meant to silence critical speech using costly legal fees.
SLAPP suits are designed to intimidate critics by threatening them with expensive legal battles.
Wolff filed his lawsuit in New York because it has stronger anti-SLAPP laws than Florida.
The lawsuit involves 11 statements that the First Lady's team claims are defamatory.
Wolff argues his statements are either misrepresented or protected opinions.
Melania Trump is reportedly fighting what she sees as false and malicious statements.
Seven universities have turned down President Trump's proposal for a "Compact for Academic Excellence in Higher Education," which offered preferential funding in return for specific policy changes. The proposed changes included limits on international student enrollment, strict definitions of gender, a tuition freeze, merit-based hiring, and bans on considering race and gender in admissions. The universities preferred to maintain their current practices rather than agree to these conditions.
Key Facts
Seven out of nine universities rejected the compact offered by the Trump administration.
The compact proposed limiting international student enrollment and enforcing strict gender definitions.
Other conditions included a five-year tuition freeze and merit-based faculty hiring.
If accepted, universities would get priority for federal funding and White House events.
The University of Arizona, Brown University, Dartmouth, MIT, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Southern California, and the University of Virginia rejected the offer.
Vanderbilt University showed willingness to discuss further, while the University of Texas might consider the offer.
University leaders argued that funding should be based on merit, not compact agreements.
A group of over 24 education organizations opposed the compact, claiming it harms higher education.
Millions of Americans are preparing for higher health insurance costs due to expected increased premiums in 2026. This issue is linked to the ongoing government shutdown discussions affecting subsidies. A recent survey shows a 6% increase in family insurance premiums in the past year.
Key Facts
Many Americans expect their health insurance premiums to rise in 2026.
The increase is connected to ongoing debates during the government shutdown.
Insurance costs are going up across the United States.
A survey by KFF found a 6% rise in the average yearly premium for family insurance.
Amna Nawaz discussed these issues with Cynthia Cox.
A White House spokesperson confirmed that the East Wing is being renovated for a new ballroom. The U.S. military hit a vessel in the Pacific Ocean that it identified as involved in drug smuggling. The Louvre museum reopened following a jewel heist.
Key Facts
The White House is renovating the East Wing for a ballroom project by President Trump.
A White House official called the renovation a "modernization and renovation."
The U.S. military conducted a strike in the Pacific Ocean.
The strike targeted a vessel suspected of drug smuggling.
The Louvre museum in Paris reopened after a theft involving jewels.
The heist at the Louvre resulted in jewels being stolen.
U.S. cattle producers are worried about President Trump's decision to increase beef imports from Argentina. They fear this move could negatively affect beef prices and their own businesses.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to buy more beef from Argentina.
U.S. ranchers and cattle producers are not in favor of this plan.
The price of beef in the U.S. has gone up by nearly 14% over the past year.
Cattle producers believe the increased imports could negatively impact them.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association has expressed concerns about this decision.
A U.S. citizen with disabilities was mistakenly arrested during an immigration raid as part of an increase in immigration enforcement under President Trump. More than 170 American citizens have been detained mistakenly in the first nine months of this immigration policy.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is increasing immigration enforcement efforts.
Over 170 U.S. citizens were mistakenly detained in the first nine months of this policy.
The article features an interview with a mother whose child, a U.S. citizen with disabilities, was wrongly arrested.
The information comes from an investigation by ProPublica.
Immigration agents conducted the raids that led to these wrongful detentions.
The article discusses the impact of viral debate videos on political dialogue in the United States, following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Kirk was recognized for his debates that frequently gained widespread attention. The report examines how these debates influence people's ability to disagree.
Key Facts
Charlie Kirk was known for engaging in debates that often went viral.
Viral debate videos influence how Americans engage in political discussions.
The article is part of a series called America at a Crossroads.
The piece highlights concerns about the nature of current political dialogue in the U.S.
Judy Woodruff reports on the effects of these debates on disagreement abilities.
President Donald Trump met with NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte at the White House. They discussed Trump's efforts on a Middle East ceasefire, new U.S. sanctions on Russian oil companies, and the situation in Ukraine. Trump also talked about trade tensions with China and plans for building a new ballroom at the White House.
Key Facts
President Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte talked about a ceasefire in the Middle East.
The U.S. government announced new sanctions on Russia’s largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent criticized Russia for not ending its war and supported the sanctions.
Trump decided against giving Ukraine Tomahawk missiles due to the long training time required.
Trump plans to discuss the Russia-Ukraine conflict with China's President Xi Jinping.
Trump proposed high tariffs on China in response to their restrictions on exporting rare earth elements.
A new $300 million ballroom is planned for the White House, involving some demolition of older structures.
U.S. employers are dealing with rising health insurance costs for the 154 million people they cover under age 65. Average costs for employer-sponsored health insurance have increased for both single and family plans, and future costs are expected to rise further. Large and small employers handle these costs differently, affecting what employees pay for their health coverage.
Key Facts
Health insurance costs for U.S. employers are rising.
154 million people under age 65 are covered by employer-sponsored health insurance.
Average annual premiums are $9,325 for single coverage and $26,993 for family coverage.
Employers expect premiums to rise more next year due to factors like hospital prices and tariffs.
Employees, on average, pay 16% of the premium for single coverage and 26% for family coverage.
Larger employers tend to contribute more toward family coverage, with smaller employers more likely to pay the entire premium for single coverage.
In 2025, 91% of all workers are at companies offering some health benefits, but the percentage of smaller firms offering benefits is declining.
PPOs were the most common type of health insurance plan in 2025, with 46% of covered workers enrolled in them.
Author Michael Wolff has filed a lawsuit against First Lady Melania Trump in New York State court. The lawsuit follows a demand from Melania Trump’s legal team for Wolff to retract statements linking her to Jeffrey Epstein, with potential damages exceeding $1 billion.
Key Facts
Michael Wolff, an author who has written four books on President Donald Trump, sued Melania Trump.
The lawsuit is filed in the New York State court.
Melania Trump's legal team sent a letter asking Wolff to take back statements about her and Jeffrey Epstein.
The demand threatened a lawsuit for more than $1 billion in damages if retractions were not made.
The contested statements include claims of Melania Trump’s meeting or relationship with Donald Trump on Epstein’s private jet.
The lawsuit also involves suggestions about her role in handling Epstein-related issues in the Trump administration.
Wolff has asked both Melania and Donald Trump to testify under oath about their interactions with Epstein.
