A poll shows a close race for Nevada's governor in 2026, with Democrat Aaron Ford slightly behind Republican Joe Lombardo. Lombardo leads by 3 points, but a large portion of voters are still undecided. Nevada is an important state for both parties as it could indicate party strength before the 2028 presidential election.
Key Facts
The poll was conducted by Noble Predictive Insights from October 7-13.
Joe Lombardo, the current governor, leads with 40% support; Aaron Ford has 37%.
23% of voters remain undecided, leaving the race open.
The survey's margin of error is 3.54%, meaning results could change slightly.
Nevada narrowly supported President Trump in 2024, shifting from a traditionally Democratic preference.
Both candidates have more favorable than unfavorable ratings among voters.
The state’s voters include 28.4% Republicans, 28.3% Democrats, and 36.6% independents.
Ford could become Nevada’s first Black governor if elected.
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, denied claims that he is a "secret Nazi" after a video showed a tattoo on his chest resembling a symbol used by the SS. Platner explained he got the tattoo while in Croatia with fellow Marines and emphasized that he is not a Nazi supporter. The controversy occurs as Platner aims to oppose Republican Senator Susan Collins in the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate running in the Maine Senate primary.
A video shows Platner with a tattoo resembling the Totenkopf, a symbol used by the Nazi SS.
Platner stated the tattoo was done in 2007 in Croatia while he was with fellow Marines.
Platner has never hidden the tattoo and passed military and security clearances.
The controversy follows reports of past controversial Reddit posts linked to Platner.
Platner was endorsed by Bernie Sanders and appeared on the "Pod Save America" podcast.
Maine has a Democratic majority, with Kamala Harris winning there in 2024.
The Senate race is significant because it could influence President Trump's policies.
The U.S. federal government has been shut down for 22 days due to a disagreement between Republicans and Democrats over funding issues. This has caused federal workers to miss paychecks and led to disputes over health care subsidies. Efforts are underway to address the situation, but no resolution has been reached yet.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has lasted for 22 days, affecting federal worker paychecks and jobs.
Republicans and Democrats are in a dispute about health care subsidies, which impacted government funding.
24 million Americans rely on the ACA marketplaces for health insurance, which is part of the current funding debate.
Some political discussions aim to address health care costs before the open enrollment period begins on November 1.
The shutdown is part of President Trump's efforts to reduce the size of the federal government.
The military found temporary funds for paychecks due on October 15, but future payments remain uncertain.
A legal case has paused some layoffs among federal employees due to the shutdown.
Federal benefits like WIC and SNAP could be impacted if the shutdown continues.
Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo are competing in New York City's mayoral race, highlighting a generation gap within the Democratic Party. Cuomo, a seasoned politician, is running as an independent after losing to Mamdani in the Democratic primary. Mamdani, known for progressive ideas and strong support from younger voters, leads in the polls.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani and Andrew Cuomo are candidates for New York City mayor.
Cuomo, a former governor, had a long political career, including working in the Clinton administration.
Mamdani defeated Cuomo in the Democratic primary and is leading in general election polls.
Mamdani is 34 years old and gained recognition this year outside his state Assembly district.
Cuomo is running as an independent after his primary loss.
Mamdani focuses on progressive ideas like rent freezes and free bus service.
Young voters under age 50 make up most of Mamdani's support, while Cuomo's support mainly comes from those over age 50.
Mamdani uses social media effectively to connect with younger voters, contrasting with Cuomo’s more traditional campaign style.
The morning news covers President Donald Trump threatening to oppose Democratic plans unless the government shutdown ends. Additionally, there is progress reported on a ceasefire in Gaza, and parts of the White House's East Wing are being demolished to make space for a ballroom.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is pressuring for the end of the government shutdown by threatening Democratic priorities.
A ceasefire is being discussed in Gaza with reported progress according to Vance.
Parts of the East Wing of the White House are being torn down to build a new ballroom.
The news brief was shared on the Morning Edition program.
The report indicates that more details will be accessible later through an audio segment.
Jake Lang, a candidate running for the U.S. Senate in Florida, proposed that members of the Proud Boys and others involved in the January 6 Capitol riot should be given authority to help enforce immigration laws. His plan involves deputizing these private individuals to work with law enforcement in detaining migrants without legal status. Legal experts expressed skepticism about the legality of such a proposal, pointing out its conflict with current U.S. law.
Key Facts
Jake Lang supports using the Proud Boys and January 6 rioters to enforce immigration laws.
He suggests deputizing them to hunt and detain undocumented migrants.
The Proud Boys are known for their extremist views and were involved in the Capitol riot.
Lang participated in the January 6, 2021, Capitol attack and faced multiple charges.
President Trump pardoned many January 6 participants, including Lang, in 2025.
Legal experts state that current U.S. law largely limits such deputization to trained law enforcement officers.
Experts highlight that deputizing private groups like the Proud Boys is legally problematic due to their history.
Lang's proposal has sparked concerns about its implications for a police state.
California Governor Gavin Newsom will step down in January 2026 after serving two terms. Several prominent Democrats are not running for his position, while some candidates, including Katie Porter and Xavier Becerra, have announced their intentions to join the race. California is now the fourth biggest economy in the world, making the governorship a significant political role.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom will leave the governor's office in January 2026 as his term limit ends.
California is currently the fourth largest economy globally, surpassing Japan.
Democratic figures like Kamala Harris and Alex Padilla have not entered the governor's race.
Candidates for the Democratic primary include Katie Porter and Xavier Becerra.
Katie Porter led early polls but faced controversy during an interview.
The California governorship has been a stepping stone to the U.S. presidency in the past.
A poll found Katie Porter with 23% support, trailing behind Steve Hilton's 29%.
President Trump often uses the phrase "common sense" in his political messaging. This term has been part of American political language since the country's founding and is used by several politicians to appeal to a broad audience. Trump's use of this phrase is notable for its populist appeal and contrasts with more academic approaches.
Key Facts
President Trump uses the term "common sense" frequently in his political statements.
He recommended pregnant women avoid Tylenol, saying he is a man of "common sense."
The White House used "common sense" to justify positions during a government shutdown.
The term "common sense" dates back to Thomas Paine's 1776 pamphlet advocating for independence from British rule.
Trump's use of "common sense" targets rural and older voters, appealing to a notion of a simpler past.
Other politicians, including Democrats like Barack Obama and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, have used the phrase to describe their policy proposals.
The phrase suggests that certain policies are not extreme and appeal to common people.
The White House has started tearing down parts of the East Wing to build a new ballroom. This construction project is happening under President Trump’s administration.
Key Facts
Parts of the East Wing of the White House are being demolished.
The demolition is to make way for a new ballroom.
The construction is part of President Trump's plans for the White House.
This activity began in the week of October 22, 2025.
The news was reported by Tamara Keith and A Martínez.
Preservation groups are worried about ongoing renovations at the White House. NPR discussed the issue with architecture professor Priya Jain, who talked about the building's construction history.
Key Facts
Preservation groups are concerned about White House renovations.
The discussion was reported by NPR with architecture expert Priya Jain.
The White House is often called "The People's House."
The conversation included the building's historical construction background.
A food bank in Maryland experienced a sharp increase in demand as federal workers, who are furloughed due to a government shutdown, sought help. The increase highlights the difficulties families are facing during this time.
Key Facts
A government shutdown is currently in effect.
Federal workers have been furloughed, meaning they were temporarily laid off without pay.
Many furloughed workers are turning to food banks for assistance.
The Maryland food bank has seen a significant rise in people needing help.
The situation shows the financial strain families are experiencing due to the shutdown.
Illinois state Representative Hoan Huynh was stopped by Customs and Border Protection agents in Chicago while he was trying to inform residents about immigration enforcement activities. The agents allegedly blocked his car and pointed a gun at him. The incident occurred as part of increased federal immigration operations in the city under President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
Illinois state Representative Hoan Huynh was stopped by CBP agents on October 21 in Chicago.
The incident happened in the Albany Park neighborhood, at Montrose and Kimball avenues.
Huynh and his staff were trying to alert residents about immigration enforcement.
Six armed CBP agents surrounded Huynh's vehicle.
Federal agents allegedly pointed a gun at Huynh during the encounter.
Increased immigration enforcement is part of Operation Midway Blitz under President Trump.
The increased federal actions have caused tension in neighborhoods with immigrant populations.
A vehicle crashed into a Secret Service gate outside the White House on Tuesday night. The driver was arrested, and the vehicle was checked and found to be safe.
Key Facts
A vehicle hit a Secret Service gate near the White House on Tuesday night.
The Secret Service arrested the driver of the vehicle.
The incident happened at 10:37 PM near 17th and E Streets.
The vehicle was checked by authorities and found to be safe.
Details about the driver's identity or motive are not yet available.
The White House and Secret Service have not commented on the incident.
The Metropolitan Police Department referred inquiries to the Secret Service.
A woman in Texas was bitten by a street cat, resulting in a painful hand infection that needed medical treatment. She initially went to the emergency room and later saw a primary care doctor for additional antibiotics. Experts advise that cat bites can easily get infected, suggesting prompt cleaning and medical review if bitten.
Key Facts
A woman named Adriana Aguilar was bitten on the hand by a street cat.
She went to the emergency room where she received a tetanus shot and antibiotics.
Her hand became swollen and painful 48 hours after the bite.
Aguilar visited a primary care doctor and received more antibiotics.
Her treatment, including the ER visit and doctor appointment, led to medical bills of about $600.
Veterinarians advise prompt cleaning of cat bites and medical examination to prevent infection.
Cat bites are known to have a high risk of infection, and stray cats pose a higher risk for disease transmission, including rabies.
A White House official criticized Jen Psaki for comments she made about Usha Vance, wife of Vice President JD Vance, during a podcast. Psaki had made remarks questioning Usha Vance’s situation. The comments sparked backlash on social media from conservatives.
Key Facts
Jen Psaki made remarks about Usha Vance during a podcast episode.
Psaki was a former White House press secretary under President Joe Biden and now hosts a show on MSNBC.
The comments suggested Usha Vance might need "saving" from her husband, JD Vance.
The White House communications director, Steven Cheung, criticized Psaki on social media.
Cheung used derogatory terms to describe Psaki and dismissed her comments.
Psaki’s remarks led to negative reactions from conservatives on social media.
Vice President JD Vance is currently involved in efforts related to the Gaza Peace Deal.
Newsweek has reached out to Psaki and the Vice President’s office for comment.
President Trump hosted a dinner at the White House with major Republican donors. The event took place on the Rose Garden patio and included discussions on political topics. Key figures from various industries attended, showing their financial support.
Key Facts
President Trump held a dinner for major Republican donors at the White House.
The dinner occurred on the newly renovated Rose Garden patio.
Over 60 major contributors and White House senior advisers attended.
Attendees included hedge fund manager Bill Ackman and casino mogul Steve Wynn.
The donors have supported Trump's political initiatives and the Republican National Committee.
Jared Isaacman, an ally of Elon Musk, was also present; he has previously donated to Trump.
Isaacman is lobbying to be nominated for a position at NASA.
Ethics experts have expressed concerns about the influence of wealthy donors.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has publicly endorsed Maine Governor Janet Mills in the upcoming Maine Senate Democratic primary. This endorsement is a shift from Schumer's previous neutrality in the race, which features a contest between the party's traditional leaders and its progressive wing, represented by candidate Graham Platner.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer, a leading Senate Democrat, supports Janet Mills for the Maine Senate seat.
This support marks a change from Schumer's previous neutral position.
Graham Platner, a progressive candidate, has faced controversy over past actions and statements.
Platner is competing against Mills, who is seen as part of the party's establishment.
Bernie Sanders has shown some support for Platner, highlighting the need for fresh voices in Washington.
Platner, an oyster farmer and Marine veteran, is under scrutiny for a tattoo linked to a Nazi symbol.
He has apologized for offensive remarks made in the past.
Platner argues that he has local support from Maine residents.
The House Judiciary Chair, Jim Jordan, has referred former CIA director John Brennan to the Justice Department. Brennan is accused of lying to Congress about the Steele dossier, which was a set of memos about alleged links between Russia and Trump. This move is part of a broader effort by House Republicans to pursue legal action against political opponents.
Key Facts
The referral was made by Jim Jordan, a Republican from Ohio.
John Brennan was the CIA director during President Obama's administration.
The accusation relates to Brennan's statements about the Steele dossier, a document from 2016 alleging ties between Russia and Trump.
The dossier was partly used in intelligence assessments, including one about Russian election interference.
Jordan's letter to the Justice Department claims Brennan made false statements regarding the CIA's involvement with the dossier.
Brennan reportedly denied any wrongdoing and has previously been investigated on related matters.
Brennan allegedly lied about the CIA's use of the dossier in a 2023 document.
Representatives for Brennan and the Justice Department did not immediately respond to comments about the referral.
President Donald Trump's nominee for a federal watchdog role, Paul Ingrassia, withdrew his candidacy after his offensive text messages were revealed. These texts led several Republican senators to retract their support for his nomination. Ingrassia was scheduled for a confirmation hearing but decided to step down.
Key Facts
Paul Ingrassia was nominated by President Trump to lead the Office of Special Counsel.
Offensive text messages from Ingrassia came to light, prompting a backlash from GOP senators.
In the texts, Ingrassia criticized the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday and mentioned having "a Nazi streak."
After the texts surfaced, several Republican senators, including top Trump allies, opposed his nomination.
Ingrassia announced he would withdraw from the confirmation hearing due to insufficient Republican support.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune also expressed that he wanted the nomination withdrawn.
The Office of Special Counsel investigates and protects government whistleblowers from retaliation.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Ingrassia to be removed from his current role completely.
President Donald Trump’s nominee, Paul Ingrassia, withdrew from consideration to lead the Office of Special Counsel after offensive text messages came to light. Several Republican senators decided not to support him, causing Ingrassia to step down from the nomination process.
Key Facts
President Trump nominated Paul Ingrassia to lead the Office of Special Counsel.
Texts from Ingrassia contained offensive remarks about Martin Luther King Jr. and references to having "a Nazi streak."
The public revelation of these texts led several Republican senators, including some loyal to Trump, to oppose the nomination.
Ingrassia withdrew from the nomination as he lacked enough support from Republican senators.
The Senate Committee on Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs was set to hold a hearing for Ingrassia's nomination.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and others hoped for the White House to officially withdraw Ingrassia's nomination.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer called for Ingrassia to be removed from his current role with the Department of Homeland Security.
The Office of Special Counsel protects government employees and whistleblowers and enforces the Hatch Act, which limits political activities by federal employees.
