Katie Porter, a potential Democratic candidate for governor of California, has not ruled out the possibility of more videos surfacing where she is critical of her staff members. In response to questions about a video from 2021, Porter acknowledged she could have handled the situation better. As Porter prepares for the California gubernatorial election in 2026, polling shows varying levels of support for her among other candidates.
Key Facts
A video from 2021 showed Katie Porter rebuking a staff member during a call with then-Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm.
Porter did not deny the possibility of more similar videos appearing in the future.
Porter apologized for the incident and committed to improving her conduct.
Another video showed her in a heated exchange during a CBS News interview, criticized for her handling of questions.
In current polls, Porter leads among Democrats but trails conservative commentator Steve Hilton by 6 percentage points in one survey.
An Emerson College poll from August showed Porter leading with 18% support in the primary for governor.
California's primary election is set for June 2026, with the gubernatorial election on November 3, 2026.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could change the Voting Rights Act's Section 2, which prevents racial discrimination in voting. If overturned, Republican-led states might redraw voting districts to favor their party. This could affect the balance of political power in Congress.
Key Facts
The case, Louisiana v. Callais, involves possible changes to the Voting Rights Act.
Section 2 of the Act bans racial discrimination when drawing voting districts.
Republicans could gain more seats in Congress if Section 2 is overturned.
The court's decision could allow new district maps before the 2026 midterm elections.
GOP efforts focus on creating new maps in states like Texas and North Carolina.
If changed, Southern states could see fewer Democratic representatives.
Up to 30% of the Congressional Black Caucus might be affected.
Jack Smith, former special counsel, defended his investigation into President Trump during a public talk in London. He stated that politics did not influence his probes, which involved classified documents and 2020 election interference. Congress is asking Smith to testify about these investigations.
Key Facts
Jack Smith led two criminal investigations of President Trump, involving classified documents and the 2020 election.
These cases were dropped after Trump was reelected.
Smith publicly denied that his investigations were politically motivated.
He spoke about his work during an interview in London on October 8.
The House Judiciary Committee wants Smith to testify by October 28.
Chairman Jim Jordan claims the Justice Department was used against Trump.
Smith criticized the Justice Department's actions during Trump's term, particularly regarding former FBI Director James Comey.
There is no evidence that lawmakers were direct targets in Smith's investigations.
A podcast by Nick Fuentes, a political commentator known for his controversial views, was reportedly removed from Spotify after reaching the top of the platform's trending list. This action has sparked discussions about how major tech companies like Spotify handle content that is considered extreme.
Key Facts
Nick Fuentes claimed his podcast was banned from Spotify after being the #1 trending podcast.
Spotify and Fuentes have not publicly confirmed the ban.
Nick Fuentes is associated with the "Groypers" movement and has made controversial statements.
Fuentes' podcast was reportedly topping charts, surpassing other well-known shows.
The Anti-Defamation League calls Fuentes a white supremacist leader.
Fuentes has a history of making racist and antisemitic remarks.
Some online accounts have commented on the ease with which controversial content can become popular.
The removal of Fuentes' podcast by Spotify has revived debates on content moderation by tech companies.
A San Francisco mother, Caroline Dickens, shared her improved postpartum experience with her second child, highlighting changes she made from her first experience. She emphasized the importance of flexibility, staying in the moment, and accepting all emotions to reduce stress and anxiety.
Key Facts
Caroline Dickens is a mother from San Francisco who recently had her second child.
She felt the need to perfect motherhood with her first baby, which added stress.
With her second child, she focused on being flexible and enjoying each moment.
Dickens stopped tracking every detail and avoided worrying about future stages.
Accepting a range of emotions was key to managing stress and feelings of anxiety.
She mentioned that embracing emotions leads to fewer negative feelings.
Her second postpartum experience has been more positive and less stressful due to these changes.
Newark, Delaware residents may soon see their property taxes and utility bills rise. The local city council plans to approve a 3.3% increase in property taxes and higher utility rates for water, sewer, and electricity. The planned changes are part of the city's budgeting process for the fiscal year 2026.
Key Facts
Newark city council plans to raise property taxes by 3.3% for fiscal year 2026.
Water rates will rise by 12%, and sewer rates will increase by 8%.
Electricity bills are expected to increase due to higher costs from the Delaware Municipal Electric Corporation.
The average resident could see utility bills increase by about $520 per year.
Newark's new city budget, expected to be approved on November 3, is set at $127.5 million.
Homeowners in Delaware pay some of the lowest property taxes in the U.S., with an effective rate of 0.55%.
Inflationary pressures are cited as a reason for the tax and rate increases.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating has increased among women, Hispanics, and older Americans after previously dropping to record lows. This change is based on recent polls conducted by multiple sources. The rise occurs despite the ongoing government shutdown and suggests a shift in public opinion toward more support.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating has gone up among women, Hispanics, and seniors according to polls.
The approval rating among senior citizens is at a balanced zero, up from -12.
Women's approval rating of Trump increased by 10 points.
Support among Hispanics improved from -46 to -35.
The margin of error for the poll is ±3.5%.
The government shutdown continues due to disagreements over the Affordable Care Act.
Approval for Trump's handling of the shutdown has increased among women, Hispanics, and baby boomers.
Trump's peace plan proposal for Israel and Hamas has 53% approval among Americans.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors voted to declare a local emergency. This decision is a response to immigration enforcement activities in their area by the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
Key Facts
The vote took place on a Tuesday.
The Los Angeles County Board of Supervisors made the decision.
They responded to actions by ICE, which is an agency in charge of immigration enforcement.
The term "local emergency" was used in their declaration.
The announcement came from a session that started at 6:38 AM ET.
Winter weather alerts are active across several U.S. states, with snow up to 18 inches expected in some regions. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that this could make travel difficult and driving conditions dangerous.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings cover parts of central California and other states.
The central Sierra in California could receive 12 to 18 inches of snow.
In Nevada, the Ruby Mountains and East Humboldt Range may see up to 15 inches of snow.
In Mono County, California, up to 12 inches of snow is possible.
Western Wyoming's mountainous regions are under advisories, indicating several inches of snow.
Snow is expected to impact travel and outdoor activities like hunting and backcountry exploration.
The NWS provides regular updates on their website and social media.
The U.S. State Department canceled the visas of six foreign nationals due to their social media comments about Charlie Kirk, a conservative activist who was shot dead. The U.S. government stated it would not allow foreigners who support violence against Americans to stay in the country. President Trump posthumously awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
Key Facts
The U.S. State Department revoked visas from six foreigners after their social media posts about Charlie Kirk's death.
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist and co-founder of the Turning Point student organization.
Kirk was shot dead at a rally in September, and his killing led to various social media responses.
The revoked visas belonged to individuals from South Africa, Mexico, Brazil, Paraguay, and Argentina.
Some of the social media comments celebrated Kirk's death or criticized his political views.
President Donald Trump awarded Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom after his death.
U.S. government said it would not host foreigners who promote violence against Americans.
The U.S. has increased the scrutiny of social media activity in visa applications since 2019.
Thousands of federal employees face layoffs during a government shutdown. A judge in San Francisco will review a case from unions trying to stop these layoffs. The Trump administration says the cuts focus on programs not in line with President Trump's goals.
Key Facts
Thousands of federal employees are getting laid off in a government shutdown.
A federal judge in San Francisco will hear a case from two unions trying to stop the layoffs.
The unions represent over 800,000 federal workers.
The layoffs, known as reductions-in-force (RIFs), have been sent to over 4,200 employees so far.
The Trump administration argues the court should not hear the case.
The layoffs target programs and departments not aligned with President Trump's priorities.
President Trump blames Democrats for the shutdown and calls it an opportunity to reshape the government.
The article discusses plans by House Democrats to introduce new rules for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) if they win future elections. These plans aim to increase accountability and include measures like body cameras and due process for detainees. The Democratic proposals have met opposition from some Republicans who argue they could harm national security.
Key Facts
House Democrats want more oversight of ICE if they gain control in future elections.
Proposed changes include using body cameras and ensuring detainees get a fair legal process.
ICE has faced criticism for its deportation tactics under President Donald Trump's administration.
Democrats plan to use conditions on funding to enforce new rules for ICE.
Some Republicans argue that the Democratic plan might weaken national security efforts.
The plan includes holding Trump administration officials accountable for ICE actions.
There is criticism of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem for not clearly addressing immigration policy questions.
President Trump introduced new changes to the H-1B visa program, requiring a $100,000 fee for each visa. Rural schools in the U.S., which rely on international teachers with these visas, face challenges because they cannot afford the new fee.
Key Facts
President Trump signed an executive order that includes a $100,000 fee for H-1B visas.
Many rural school districts in the U.S., like in Hardin, Montana, depend on international teachers who use these visas.
The H-1B visa allows foreign workers, including teachers, to work in the U.S. for several years.
Rural districts struggle to attract enough local teachers, partly due to low applicant numbers.
More than 20,000 educators in the U.S. are on H-1B visas, making it a common use for this visa type.
Schools may lose their international teachers if they cannot afford the visa fees.
The new visa fee is aimed at reducing foreign workers in high-paying tech jobs, but it affects teachers as well.
The White House paused J1 visa interviews temporarily this year, adding to hiring difficulties for schools.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case about Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which helps minority voters have a fair chance in drawing new congressional districts. The case from Louisiana questions whether these protections will continue, as similar recent cases have challenged the Act's rules.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is examining Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act.
Section 2 helps ensure minority voters can influence the drawing of congressional districts.
The case originates from Louisiana, where there's concern about fair representation for African-American voters.
The Court's previous ruling upheld similar protections in Alabama.
The current case is challenged by a group claiming the redistricting process is racially biased.
The outcome could change how congressional districts are drawn and affect party control in Congress.
Chief Justice John Roberts previously supported the Act but now seems uncertain.
A Supreme Court case, Louisiana v. Callais, could impact 19 Congressional districts currently held by Democrats. This case addresses whether redrawing a district to create a second majority-minority district in Louisiana violates constitutional amendments or the Voting Rights Act. The decision could change how districts are drawn nationwide and affect political control.
Key Facts
A Supreme Court case could influence the political leaning of 19 Democratic-held districts.
Louisiana v. Callais questions if a redrawn district for Black voters breaks constitutional rules.
The case involves the Fourteenth and Fifteenth Amendments, which relate to citizenship and voting rights.
The issue revolves around Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, which prevents reducing minority voting power.
A ruling in favor of Callais might allow for district maps favoring Republicans.
Democrats are concerned about the court's conservative majority backing a change.
Political groups warn about potential redistricting that could favor Republicans.
President Trump supports keeping Republican control of the House through redistricting.
On October 18, demonstrations called "No Kings" protests are planned across the United States in response to President Donald Trump's administration and policies. These protests are the latest in a series of nationwide events since his return to office. Organizers have scheduled thousands of protests in various cities, with a central rally planned in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
"No Kings" protests are happening across the U.S. on October 18.
The protests are against President Trump's administration and its policies.
These are part of ongoing demonstrations since Trump returned to office.
Over 2,500 events are planned across all 50 states.
A main rally will take place at the National Mall in Washington, D.C.
Previous protests occurred in June and on Labor Day.
Locations for protests include major cities like Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
Pastor David Black was shot with chemical pellets by ICE agents during a protest in Chicago. The incident is part of larger immigration enforcement activities under President Trump's administration. Black forgives the agents but seeks accountability, while federal officials claim law enforcement actions were necessary.
Key Facts
Pastor David Black was protesting outside a Chicago ICE facility when agents shot him with chemical pellets.
Black was struck seven times, with two shots hitting his head.
The protest was part of ongoing immigration enforcement activities known as Operation Midway Blitz.
Black emphasizes forgiveness and accountability for the agents' actions.
The Department of Homeland Security claims protesters blocked an ICE vehicle and threw objects at officers.
Black is part of a federal lawsuit challenging the handling of protests in Chicago.
The lawsuit alleges federal agents used excessive force against peaceful demonstrators.
An appeals court temporarily blocked the deployment of National Guard troops in Chicago.
This article discusses journalist Naveed Jamali's experience filming the United States nuclear triad, which includes bombers, ballistic missile submarines, and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs). Jamali became the first journalist to capture all three components, highlighting the servicemembers' dedication and the challenging conditions they work under to maintain a crucial deterrent for national security.
Key Facts
Naveed Jamali is the first journalist to film all three parts of the U.S. nuclear triad.
The nuclear triad consists of B-52 bombers, Minuteman III ICBMs, and ballistic missile submarines like the USS Wyoming.
Jamali began filming from a B-52 bomber in January 2023.
He later filmed Minuteman III ICBMs in April 2024 and the B-2 Spirit stealth bomber.
Jamali was the 820th person to fly in the B-2 Spirit bomber.
The servicemembers working on nuclear weapons are often in their early 20s and come from diverse backgrounds.
They work in challenging environments, such as submarines and remote missile sites.
The nuclear weapons serve as a deterrent, with submarines being the most "survivable" part of the triad due to their ability to stay hidden.
Young Republican leaders from several U.S. states are involved in a controversy over leaked chat messages containing offensive language. The messages were reported to contain racist, antisemitic, and misogynistic content, leading to calls for these leaders to resign from their positions.
Key Facts
Politico obtained 2,900 pages of chat exchanges from Young Republican leaders in New York, Kansas, Arizona, and Vermont.
The chat messages included offensive comments about Black people, Jewish people, and women.
The Young Republicans National Federation condemned the language used and demanded resignations.
Bobby Walker, a leader involved, acknowledged the offensive nature of the messages and issued an apology.
Some individuals implicated, including Peter Giunta and Joe Maligno, attribute the leaks to malicious intent.
The chat messages included jokes about sensitive historical topics, such as Hitler and gas chambers.
Newsweek reached out to Young Republican organizations in various states for comments.
This incident is under ongoing investigation and updates are expected.
Mark Bray, a professor and author at Rutgers University, has faced harassment from right-wing activists due to his writings on anti-fascism. The situation was discussed in an interview with NPR's Michel Martin.
Key Facts
Mark Bray is a professor at Rutgers University.
He has written a book about anti-fascism.
Right-wing activists have targeted him for his book.
The harassment was discussed in a segment on NPR's Morning Edition.
Michel Martin conducted the interview with Mark Bray.
