A poll from Bowling Green State University indicates a competitive race for Ohio's 2026 governor's election between Democrat Amy Acton and Republican Vivek Ramaswamy. The poll shows Ramaswamy leading Acton by three points and also highlights a close Senate race. Despite past Republican successes in Ohio, Democrats see opportunities in the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
A poll by Bowling Green State University shows the Ohio governor's race is competitive.
Republican Vivek Ramaswamy leads Democrat Amy Acton by three points (50% to 47%).
The poll also suggests a close race for the U.S. Senate in Ohio.
In the Senate race, former Democrat Senator Sherrod Brown slightly leads Republican Senator Jon Husted by one point (49% to 48%).
The poll surveyed 800 registered voters with a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points.
Historically, Ohio has shifted more towards Republican candidates, supporting President Trump in recent elections.
Amy Acton is a former Ohio Department of Health director and known for her role during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Both the gubernatorial and Senate races are seen as leaning Republican by political forecasters.
High winds and winter storms affected seven U.S. states, causing travel warnings on Monday. The National Weather Service issued alerts as winds could reach speeds up to 65 miles per hour, posing hazards, especially for large vehicles.
Key Facts
Seven states affected: North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Montana, and Idaho.
High wind warnings cover five states, with gusts up to 65 mph.
Wyoming's wind warning expired in the morning, while others last until the evening.
Winter weather advisories predict up to 12 inches of snow in parts of Montana and Idaho.
Strong winds can topple high-profile vehicles like campers and trailers.
Some areas may experience power outages due to fallen trees or power lines.
Officials urge caution for drivers, especially in lightweight or tall vehicles.
Advisories are due to expire by midday or noon, but conditions remain hazardous.
A proposed bill in New Jersey aims to charge data centers for the electricity they consume to help modernize the state's power grid. The bill, introduced by assemblywoman Andrea Katz, seeks to address rising energy costs and infrastructure issues. It requires legislative approval and the governor’s sign-off to become law.
Key Facts
New Jersey assemblywoman Andrea Katz is proposing a bill to charge data centers for their electricity usage.
The revenue from this surcharge would help update New Jersey's power grid.
The bill targets the impact of data centers on rising energy bills.
There are currently 4,005 active data centers in the U.S. that contribute to high electricity demand.
Nationwide residential electricity prices rose by 6.5% from May 2024 to May 2025.
The legislation aims to incentivize data centers to use energy more efficiently.
Efforts to pass similar laws in other states, like Virginia, have faced challenges.
The bill could impact elections as voters express concern over rising energy costs.
A survey found that one in ten young children in the U.S. play outside only once a week or less, despite outdoor play being vital for their health. Many parents report their children often engage in screen-based activities like watching TV and playing video games. Experts suggest parents encourage more varied play, including outdoor play, to support healthy development.
Key Facts
A University of Michigan survey of 710 parents found that 10% of young children play outside only once a week or less.
The survey was conducted with parents of children aged 1-5 years.
Outdoor play is important for children's physical and emotional health.
Nearly one-third of parents said their children engage regularly in media play, such as video games.
Three in five parents reported that their child watches TV or videos daily.
Experts recommend even short play sessions, like 15 minutes, to encourage outdoor activities.
Parents often use phones and tablets to keep children occupied in public places.
Safety concerns can limit outdoor play, but experts suggest that some independence is beneficial for children's growth.
A Florida sheriff's office faced backlash for posting booking photos and names of minors charged with felonies on social media. The sheriff's office claims this is legal and acts as a deterrent, but critics argue it could harm children and raise ethical concerns. Legal experts worry that these actions could impact children's futures and rehabilitation efforts.
Key Facts
The Putnam County Sheriff's Office in Florida posted minors' names and booking photos on Facebook.
A notable case involved a 9-year-old boy charged with aggravated assault for bringing a pocketknife to school.
Florida law permits releasing names and photos of minors charged with felonies.
Critics argue that exposing minors can cause long-term harm and affect their rehabilitation.
The sheriff's office began this practice in 2018, stating it prevents repeat juvenile offenses.
The practice has sparked legal and ethical debates about juvenile privacy and public safety.
Legal experts say there is no evidence that posting photos acts as a deterrent.
Critics suggest the practice could negatively affect children’s futures, including schooling and access to rehab programs.
President Donald Trump stated that no past U.S. president has ended a war, claiming his actions are unique in history. However, there are instances where previous presidents have mediated the end of wars, such as President Theodore Roosevelt with the Russo-Japanese War and President Jimmy Carter with the Camp David Accords.
Key Facts
President Trump met with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy at the White House.
Trump claimed no previous U.S. president has solved a war.
President Theodore Roosevelt helped end the Russo-Japanese War in 1905.
President Jimmy Carter facilitated the Camp David Accords between Egypt and Israel in 1978.
The Dayton Accords ended the Bosnian War in 1995 during President Bill Clinton's time in office.
The Good Friday Agreement in 1998 helped resolve conflicts in Northern Ireland, also under President Clinton.
White House Deputy Press Secretary Anna Kelly defended Trump's record on ending wars.
A former Social Security Administration (SSA) executive reported that employees were upset and overwhelmed at work due to changes under the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE). Concerns were raised about the security of Americans' private information stored on cloud servers. The SSA, however, stated there is no evidence of security breaches and stands by its data protection practices.
Key Facts
Charles Borges, a former SSA executive, reported that employees were crying at work due to changes made by DOGE.
DOGE implemented mass layoffs and changes that allegedly affected data privacy.
Borges filed a whistleblower complaint, citing concerns about the security of Americans' private data on cloud servers.
President Donald Trump's administration made significant cuts, including the loss of 7,000 SSA employees.
SSA Commissioner Frank Bisignano stated there was no evidence of unauthorized access to sensitive data.
SSA maintains that its data protection practices meet federal and industry security standards.
Despite the SSA's assurances, some former officials, including Leland Dudek, expressed concerns about inadequate server protection.
If the U.S. government shutdown continues, about 3.5 million people in Texas, including 1.7 million children, will not receive food stamp benefits in November. The U.S. Department of Agriculture has warned that SNAP benefits will be paused unless the government reopens by the end of October. This situation affects SNAP recipients across the country, potentially impacting around 42 million people.
Key Facts
About 3.5 million Texans might not get food assistance in November if the shutdown persists.
This includes 1.7 million children in Texas who rely on these benefits.
The government shutdown began on October 1 because Congress couldn't agree on a budget.
Key disagreements in Congress involved health care funding issues.
Approximately 1.4 million federal workers are currently unpaid or on leave.
Texas is one of several states warning residents about the halt in SNAP benefits.
SNAP provides monthly benefits to about 42 million people nationwide.
The Senate is continuing to attempt budget negotiations to resolve the shutdown.
A recent poll shows that most Americans think schools should offer plant-based meals and nondairy drinks. This comes as part of a focus on improving children's health, including reducing obesity and other health issues. The survey found that many support laws to make healthier options available in schools.
Key Facts
67% of American adults support having plant-based meals and nondairy drinks in school cafeterias.
A study at a school in Washington, D.C., showed plant-based meals are higher in fiber and lower in fat than regular school lunches.
About 20% of U.S. children and teenagers are affected by obesity.
Legislative efforts like the Healthy Future Students and Earth Pilot Program Act aim to fund schools to provide plant-based meals.
Schools currently need a doctor's note to offer nondairy milk alternatives like soy milk.
There's a widespread lack of awareness about lactose intolerance rates, which vary among different communities.
Fortified soy milk is considered a good nutritional alternative for children who cannot consume dairy milk.
Many U.S. states have "Stand Your Ground" laws that allow people to use deadly force in self-defense without retreating during a threat. These laws are controversial, with debates on whether they encourage violence or help individuals protect themselves. The documentary "The Perfect Neighbor" has brought these laws into the spotlight after a fatal shooting case in Florida.
Key Facts
Almost 30 states in the U.S. have "Stand Your Ground" laws.
These laws allow people to use deadly force in self-defense during a threat, without the need to retreat.
The laws have historical ties, especially in southern states with fewer gun regulations.
Florida was the first state to pass such a law in 2005.
A recent fatal shooting in Florida, highlighted by a Netflix documentary, has renewed public debate.
Critics say these laws may increase violence, encourage vigilantism, and are linked to racial and gender biases.
Studies suggest that "Stand Your Ground" laws may lead to more homicides and violent incidents.
Some states have a "duty to retreat," requiring individuals to avoid deadly force if they can safely escape a threat.
President Donald Trump has not introduced a three-day workweek, despite viral claims on social media. The claims emerged from misinterpretations of a separate proposal for a 32-hour workweek, which has not been passed or associated with President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump is not behind any change to a three-day or 32-hour workweek.
A post claiming Congress passed a 32-hour workweek went viral in April.
Similar false claims resurfaced on TikTok from September to October.
These social media posts sometimes involve AI-generated false news.
A real proposal for a 32-hour workweek was introduced for Capitol Hill staff but was quickly withdrawn.
The idea sparked debate but is not linked to any actions by President Trump.
AI technology has been used to create deepfakes, contributing to the spread of false information online.
A new poll shows that former Democratic Senator Sherrod Brown now has a slight lead over Republican Jon Husted in the upcoming Ohio Senate election. Brown's lead in the poll is small and within the margin of error but represents a shift from previous polls where Husted was ahead. The special Senate election in Ohio is set for November 3, 2026, to fill the remainder of JD Vance's term.
Key Facts
Sherrod Brown is a former Democratic Senator who served Ohio from 2007 to 2025.
Brown currently has a 49% support rate compared to 48% for his Republican rival Jon Husted, according to a new poll.
The poll surveyed 800 registered voters and has a margin of error of +/- 4.5 percentage points.
The Ohio Senate election will fill the remaining term of JD Vance, who left the seat to become vice president.
Ohio has become more Republican in recent years, but the Democrats aim to regain ground in the upcoming elections.
Previous polls had shown Husted leading; an Emerson College Polling survey in August had Husted at 50% and Brown at 44%.
The Cook Political Report and Sabato's Crystal Ball now classify the Ohio Senate race as "Leans Republican."
Federal judges have raised concerns about the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi. These concerns include allegations that department lawyers have misled courts and ignored judicial orders, leading to questions about the government's honesty and respect for the rule of law.
Key Facts
Federal judges are frustrated with the Department of Justice under Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Judges claim DOJ lawyers have misled courts or ignored orders.
A whistleblower, Erez Reuveni, alleged he was fired for refusing to sign a false document in a deportation case.
Reuveni stated that DOJ officials instructed lawyers to ignore court orders regarding deportations.
U.S. District Judge James Boasberg questioned a DOJ attorney about deportation flights proceeding despite court hearings.
Peter Keisler emphasized that the DOJ must follow court orders even in disagreement.
Reuveni filed a whistleblower complaint with the Government Accountability Project.
The DOJ has not commented publicly on these allegations.
Millions of Americans will receive their Social Security payments this week despite the ongoing government shutdown, as the program is funded separately. These payments are important, as nearly 40 million people rely on them for at least half of their monthly income.
Key Facts
Social Security payments will be sent this week to those with birthdays between the 21st and 31st.
The government shutdown does not affect Social Security payments because it's funded separately.
About 40 million Americans depend on Social Security for at least half of their monthly income.
Social Security sends payments on different days based on the recipient's birthday and program details.
The average monthly retirement benefit was about $2,006.69 as of July 2023.
Payments differ based on age, with maximum benefits reaching $5,108 for those retiring at 70.
If a payment is late, recipients should wait three business days before contacting the SSA.
The Supplemental Security Income program provides monthly help to low-income seniors and people with disabilities.
A study by the National Foundation for American Policy warns that President Trump's immigration policies could significantly reduce the U.S. labor force and slow economic growth. This report predicts declines in economic output and increases in federal debt, as restrictive immigration measures might hinder job growth and productivity.
Key Facts
The study suggests the U.S. labor force could drop by 6.8 million people by 2028 and 15.7 million by 2035.
Changes in immigration policy, including reduced refugee admissions and travel bans, contribute to this projected decline.
The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) might decrease by $1.9 trillion from 2025 to 2028 and by $12.1 trillion by 2035.
Federal public debt could rise by $252 billion by 2028 and $1.74 trillion by 2035 due to these policies.
Foreign-born workers made up about 85% of new workers between 2019 and 2024.
The Department of Labor noted that immigration enforcement affects agriculture and food prices negatively.
Abigail Jackson of the White House stated that the administration aims to create jobs for American workers.
The report highlights that tighter immigration rules may slow job growth and productivity, impacting living standards.
Green card holders in the U.S. will now face a more challenging path to citizenship due to a new civics test that started on October 20. This updated test is part of changes under President Trump's administration aimed at tightening immigration policies.
Key Facts
A new 2025 Naturalization Civics Test for U.S. citizenship applicants came into effect on October 20.
Applicants must now answer 12 out of 20 questions correctly to pass, up from 6 out of 10 in the previous test.
The new test includes a pool of 128 questions, combining items from the 2008 and 2020 tests.
Special rules apply for applicants aged 65 and older who have been residents for at least 20 years.
The Trump administration has increased scrutiny on immigrants' moral character and adherence to American values.
Applicants can retake the test if they fail, but failing twice will result in application denial.
The question pool has expanded to cover U.S. history, government, and national symbols more comprehensively.
A company in California recalled over 91,000 pounds of breakfast burritos and wraps due to possible listeria contamination. The recall affects products distributed across the U.S. that are part of the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. So far, no illnesses from these products have been reported.
Key Facts
M.C.I. Foods issued a recall for 91,585 pounds of burritos and wraps.
The recall is due to possible contamination with listeria, a harmful bacteria.
The affected products are part of the U.S. National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs.
The specific products include several types of breakfast burritos and wraps with various lot codes.
No confirmed illnesses have been reported from eating the recalled products as of October 18.
Listeria can cause serious infections, especially in older adults, pregnant women, and people with weakened immune systems.
M.C.I. Foods found the issue during routine ingredient testing.
The contaminated products have establishment numbers "EST. 1162A" or "P-5890A" on the USDA inspection mark.
Karine Jean-Pierre, who served as the White House Press Secretary under President Joe Biden, discussed her new book "Independent" in an interview. She explained her writing process, her life after leaving the White House, and touched on her experiences as Press Secretary. The book is not a memoir but aims to provide guidance on dealing with current political challenges.
Key Facts
Karine Jean-Pierre served as White House Press Secretary from May 13, 2022, to January 20, 2025.
She was the first openly queer person and the first Black woman since 1991 to hold the Press Secretary role.
Her book, "Independent," started in the spring and is not a memoir but offers insights into political engagement.
Jean-Pierre wrote the book to answer questions she faced about moving forward and engaging in politics.
She has taken time off since leaving the White House to focus on personal matters, including caring for her mother.
Jean-Pierre has not watched briefings of the current Press Secretary, Karoline Leavitt.
She described the Press Secretary role as one of the hardest jobs but also a crucial and factual one on behalf of the American public.
President Trump and the federal government are taking actions that involve controlling speech and punishing critics. This includes prosecuting political opponents and influencing how government power is used. Trump's administration has been active in pursuing these actions publicly.
Key Facts
President Trump and the federal government are focusing on controlling speech and punishing individuals.
Trump has a history of promising to prosecute political opponents and is delivering on these promises.
Former FBI Director James Comey was recently indicted after being mentioned in Trump’s social media post.
New York Attorney General Tish James, another critic of Trump, was charged with bank fraud, a charge she denied.
John Bolton, a former national security adviser under Trump, is facing charges related to mishandling classified information.
Trump's actions show he is fulfilling campaign promises from his second term election.
A Trump adviser noted that the administration is now more experienced and united in executing Trump’s agenda.
Critics describe this approach as part of what they call "consequence culture."
The Supreme Court is reviewing a case to decide if people who smoke marijuana regularly can legally own guns. This decision could affect gun ownership rights for marijuana users.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is involved in a case about marijuana use and gun rights.
The case will determine if regular marijuana users can legally own guns.
This is considered an important legal issue in the U.S.
Marijuana is still illegal under federal law.
The decision could impact the rights of marijuana users nationwide.
