A federal judge has stopped the Trump administration from sending the National Guard to Illinois for now. The judge questioned the government's description of protests in a suburb of Chicago.
Key Facts
A federal judge made a temporary decision.
The decision stops the National Guard from going to Illinois.
This action involved the Trump administration's plans.
The judge showed doubt about how the government described local protests.
The protests are happening in a suburb of Chicago.
The Tenement Museum in New York City helps students learn about U.S. history by letting them experience it through recreated apartments of immigrant and African American families. The museum aims to make history feel real and relatable by focusing on everyday people rather than just famous figures.
Key Facts
The Tenement Museum is in the Lower East Side of Manhattan, New York City.
The museum recreates apartments from the 1860s to the 1980s to show the lives of immigrant, migrant, and African American families.
Kat Lloyd, vice president of programs and interpretation, guides students through these historical experiences.
The museum encourages visitors to touch and experience items like the original banister from 1863.
Students see artifacts, like a book of Abraham Lincoln's speeches, owned by historical figures who lived in the tenement.
The museum provides an alternative lesson plan by focusing on the lives of ordinary people rather than only prominent historical figures.
History teacher Mike Agovino and author Clint Smith emphasize the value of teaching history from the perspective of everyday people.
Social Security workers report they cannot help with benefit verification letters during the government shutdown. Although payments continue, in-person and phone assistance for these letters is unavailable. Some people rely on these letters for accessing aid like housing and fuel assistance.
Key Facts
Social Security offices can't provide benefit verification letters during the shutdown.
The agency still distributes retirement and disability benefits.
Verification letters are important for getting assistance like housing or fuel aid.
Some recipients struggle with online or automated systems due to age or disability.
In-person and phone support for verification letters is paused.
The automated phone system reportedly has technical issues.
Workers express frustration over the inability to help recipients during the shutdown.
In his second term, President Trump has increased the deployment of the National Guard to cities with Democratic leadership. This includes cities such as Chicago and Portland, where the deployments aim to combat crime or protect federal properties. Some states and cities have opposed these actions, leading to lawsuits and temporary legal blocks on the troop deployments.
Key Facts
President Trump has proposed or sent National Guard troops to nearly a dozen cities run by Democratic mayors.
The Trump administration claims these actions are needed to combat crime, manage protests, or protect federal facilities.
In Chicago, over 500 National Guard members were deployed to protect federal properties, prompting a lawsuit challenging the legality of this deployment.
A federal judge in Chicago temporarily blocked the federalization and deployment of the Guard in Illinois for 14 days.
In Oregon, 200 National Guard members were activated by the Trump administration, citing unrest near a federal facility in Portland.
A judge in Oregon issued a temporary block on deploying the National Guard, stating the protests did not warrant such a response.
Legal challenges have been made against these troop deployments, involving multiple states and cities run by Democratic leaders.
President Donald Trump's approval ratings show a divide based on income levels. Recent polling indicates a drop in support from lower-income Americans, while his approval among wealthier voters has improved. Economic concerns, such as job cuts and rising inflation, are influencing these opinions.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval ratings have decreased among low-income Americans.
In October, 35% of voters earning under $50,000 approved of Trump, down from 40% in September.
Approval among wealthier Americans rose to 47% for those earning over $100,000.
The U.S. economy grew at a 3.8% annualized rate in the second quarter of 2025 but may see weaker growth for the full year.
The unemployment rate rose to 4.3%, with 32,000 jobs cut in September.
Inflation increased by 2.9% in the year to August 2025.
58% of low-income voters believe the economy is worsening, up from 56% in September.
Only 15% of low-income voters feel financially better off than a year ago.
A report by the Environmental Working Group shows that 29 U.S. states have water utilities with arsenic levels above the legal limit set by the Environmental Protection Agency. California, Texas, Washington, and Arizona have the highest numbers of utilities with unlawful arsenic concentrations. Arsenic is a natural element that can be harmful to human health, even at low levels.
Key Facts
The EPA's legal limit for arsenic in water is 10 parts per billion (ppb).
In 29 states, some water utilities exceed this arsenic limit.
California has 94 water utilities with unlawful arsenic levels, the most of any state.
Other states with high numbers include Texas (51), Washington (13), and Arizona (12).
Arsenic is known to cause cancer and other health issues.
Up to 600 people per million might develop cancer if exposed to arsenic at 10 ppb for a lifetime.
California's Great Valley has especially high arsenic levels, affecting low-income communities.
Some utilities in Texas, New Mexico, and Michigan also report arsenic levels above 30 ppb.
The IRS has announced changes to tax rules for the 2026 tax year, affecting deductions, tax credits, and income thresholds. These changes will impact millions of Americans when they file their tax returns in 2027.
Key Facts
The standard deduction for married couples filing jointly in 2026 will increase to $32,200.
Single filers will have a standard deduction of $16,100, while heads of household can deduct $24,150.
The top marginal tax rate remains at 37%, but income thresholds for this and other tax brackets have shifted upward.
The federal estate tax exclusion amount rises to $15 million for 2026.
Adoption tax credit increases to a maximum of $17,670, with $5,120 potentially refundable.
The child care tax credit for employers increased from a cap of $150,000 to $500,000, or $600,000 for some small businesses.
The Earned Income Tax Credit for families with three or more children increases to a maximum of $8,231.
Several deductions and benefits, such as health care-related accounts, are adjusted for inflation.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been indicted on federal charges by a grand jury. The charges involve bank fraud and follow pressure from President Trump to prosecute political opponents.
Key Facts
Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York.
A federal grand jury has indicted her on charges.
The charges involve bank fraud.
The indictment occurred after President Trump pushed for action against his political opponents.
This event was announced on Thursday.
The news was reported by Ryan Lucas and A Martínez.
An ex-federal prosecutor, Elie Honig, discussed the indictment of New York's Attorney General on NPR. He provided insights into the potential risks of the Justice Department being used for political purposes.
Key Facts
The discussion involved the indictment of New York's Attorney General.
Elie Honig is a former federal prosecutor.
The interview was conducted by NPR.
Honig warned about the Justice Department being used for political aims.
The topic of conversation includes President Donald Trump's influence on the indictment process.
The discussion highlights the theme of a "weaponized" Justice Department.
Federal workers are speaking out during a government shutdown. They feel less fearful and are using this time to express their concerns about President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
There is a government shutdown currently affecting federal workers.
Federal workers have been facing uncertainty for months.
The shutdown has prompted some workers to voice their concerns.
Workers are feeling less afraid to speak up during this time.
The focus of their concerns is President Donald Trump's administration.
Federal workers are speaking out during a government shutdown that began due to funding disagreements in Congress. They are concerned about job security and cuts to important programs proposed by President Trump's administration. Workers are organizing and talking to Congress and the media to express their worries.
Key Facts
The U.S. government is under a shutdown because Congress did not pass a funding bill.
Many federal workers are not getting paid due to the shutdown.
Some workers, like those at NASA, have had their job roles changed or delayed.
Federal workers are using this time to speak out against budget cuts.
There is a climate of fear among federal employees about speaking out due to possible retaliation by the Trump administration.
President Trump's administration responded by saying these workers are going against the will of the American people who elected him.
Employees feel that attacks by the administration have strengthened their resolve and unity.
The Southwest U.S. is experiencing serious threats of heavy rain and flash floods due to Tropical Storm Priscilla and another incoming storm. Flood watches are active in several states, including Arizona and parts of California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado. The National Weather Service has issued warnings as rain and storms are expected over the coming days.
Key Facts
Tropical Storm Priscilla and another storm threaten the Southwest U.S. with heavy rain and flash flooding.
Flood watches are in effect for Arizona, Southern California, Nevada, Utah, and Colorado.
The National Weather Service predicts 2 to 4 inches of rain, with up to 6 inches in some areas.
Central and northern Arizona, southern Utah, and southwest Colorado are at high risk for flash flooding.
The National Weather Service issued a moderate flood risk for Arizona, especially near urban areas and burn scars.
An active weather pattern is expected to continue into the weekend.
Moisture is being guided to the region by a system from the Eastern Pacific.
Climate change is contributing to more intense rainstorms and increased flood risks.
Federal immigration agents arrested Jorge Alejandro Miranda Monge, a Honduran man, in Massachusetts. His wife claims ICE agents used a Taser during the arrest and were forceful, but the Department of Homeland Security denies these claims. The arrest is part of President Trump's policy on deporting migrants without legal status.
Key Facts
Jorge Alejandro Miranda Monge, a Honduran roofer, was arrested by ICE agents on September 24 in Worcester, Massachusetts.
His wife, Kenia Gavidia, claims that ICE agents used a Taser and acted brutally during the arrest.
DHS denies the use of a Taser and states that ICE agents identified themselves as law enforcement.
Miranda Monge was previously arrested for driving without a license.
Miranda Monge has been transferred across multiple ICE detention centers, and his family has had limited contact with him.
He has no scheduled hearings yet and remains in ICE custody.
His family is raising money for legal fees to fight his case in court.
Alex Jones has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop a $1.5 billion defamation ruling against him. The ruling relates to his false claims about the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting. The court will consider his request while he appeals the decision.
Key Facts
Alex Jones owes $1.5 billion for defamation due to false statements about the Sandy Hook shooting.
He is trying to block the sale of his Infowars company to fund this payment.
Jones argues the sale would harm him and his 30 million audience.
The U.S. Supreme Court will review his request as he appeals the ruling.
In 2012, the Sandy Hook shooting resulted in the deaths of 20 children and six adults.
Jones previously called the shooting a hoax but has since admitted it was real.
A bid by The Onion to buy Infowars was rejected by a bankruptcy judge.
Jones claims the ruling could negatively impact journalists' free speech rights.
Joe Rogan criticized President Donald Trump’s immigration policy on his podcast, calling it “horrific.” President Trump has ordered the removal of millions of migrants without legal status, intending it to be the largest mass deportation in U.S. history.
Key Facts
Joe Rogan spoke out against President Trump's immigration policy on his podcast.
Rogan described the policy as "horrific."
President Trump has ordered the removal of millions of migrants who do not have legal status.
The mass deportation plan was a major part of Trump's re-election campaign.
Rogan has previously endorsed Trump and attended his inauguration.
The deportation involves arresting individuals in front of their families.
This is described as the largest mass deportation effort in U.S. history.
Photos taken in the Oval Office show a model of a proposed monument that could be built across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial. The design is similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and may be part of a celebration for the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Key Facts
Photos of the model were taken during a meeting in the Oval Office with Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb.
The proposed monument would be located across the Potomac River from the Lincoln Memorial.
The model on President Trump's desk showed the monument as part of a map layout.
A larger model featured a golden winged angel and two white eagles.
The monument's design resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.
The idea of the monument was shared on the ‘Donald Trump for President’ Facebook page in September.
It is suggested that the monument could celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary in 2026.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned he might fire air traffic controllers who are not coming to work during the government shutdown. These absences are causing significant flight delays. President Trump mentioned that some federal workers might not receive back pay after the shutdown.
Key Facts
Air traffic controllers are working without pay due to the government shutdown.
Secretary Duffy called absent controllers "problem children" and linked them to over half of the country's flight delays.
Duffy stated that about 10% of controllers are not coming to work, causing major disruptions.
President Trump suggested some federal workers may not get back pay once the government reopens.
Air traffic controllers are considered essential and must work despite the shutdown.
The Senate has not yet passed a resolution to end the shutdown.
Major U.S. airports are experiencing significant delays due to rising absenteeism among air traffic controllers.
A video by Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem blames Democrats for the shutdown, airing in major U.S. airports.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) is calling back some workers to finish an important inflation report delayed due to a government shutdown. This report, called the Consumer Price Index (CPI), is needed to calculate annual Social Security Cost of Living Adjustments (COLA) and is also important for the Federal Reserve's decisions.
Key Facts
The BLS is recalling employees to complete the CPI report.
The CPI measures the cost of goods and services in the country.
The CPI is crucial for determining Social Security COLA.
The CPI report was originally due on October 15 but was postponed.
The Social Security Administration needs the CPI data by November 1 for COLA.
The government shutdown began on October 1, delaying data processing.
The Federal Reserve uses the CPI for interest rate decisions.
Other reports, like unemployment figures, have also been delayed by the shutdown.
President Trump and the White House claim that assaults on ICE agents have increased by more than 1,000%, but court records and available data show a smaller increase of about 25%. Despite requests, the Department of Homeland Security has not provided evidence to support the dramatic rise asserted by the government. This has raised concerns about the accuracy and impact of official statements on public trust.
Key Facts
The White House claims a "more than 1,000%" rise in assaults on ICE agents.
Court records show a 25% increase in assault charges against federal officers through mid-September compared to last year.
The Department of Homeland Security has not provided evidence to support the White House's claim.
ICE agents have faced dangerous situations, with assaults in various locations, including Los Angeles and Chicago.
Recent incidents involve serious assaults, like a July 4 attack plot in Texas and a shooting at an ICE detention center.
Critics argue that exaggerated claims can damage public trust in law enforcement and impede cooperation.
New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted on charges of bank fraud related to a 2020 mortgage application. The indictment has caused debate about whether the U.S. Department of Justice is being used for political purposes, especially since President Trump has been a critic of James. Zohran Mamdani and several political figures expressed their opinions on the indictment, with some defending James and others criticizing her actions.
Key Facts
Letitia James, New York Attorney General, was indicted on bank fraud charges.
The charges involve a 2020 mortgage application for a property in Virginia.
The indictment suggests James misrepresented the property's status to obtain better loan terms.
Zohran Mamdani, a Democratic nominee for NYC mayor, defended James on social media.
James labeled the charges as "baseless" and criticized President Trump for seeking "political retribution."
The indictment was initiated by a Trump-appointed prosecutor, Lindsey Halligan.
Some political figures argue this case highlights the politicization of the Department of Justice.