The U.S. Supreme Court heard a case involving Illinois voting rules, where a candidate, Rep. Michael Bost, sued over mail-in ballot regulations even though he won his election. The court questioned whether Bost could show personal harm from the rules and discussed the broader implications of letting candidates easily challenge election procedures.
Key Facts
The case is about Illinois voting rules that allow counting mail-in ballots received up to 14 days after Election Day.
Rep. Michael Bost, who won his election, challenged the rule, claiming it lowered his margin of victory.
Lower courts ruled against Bost, saying he wasn't personally harmed by the regulation.
Bost argued the prolonged vote count required him to pay staffers, impacting him financially.
Justices questioned the validity of Bost's claims, noting he wasn't directly harmed.
The case also explored if any candidate, regardless of their chance of winning, should challenge election rules.
The court raised concerns about potential bias if candidates frequently sued over election procedures.
Discussions included whether the rules disadvantage Republican candidates and favor Democrats.
Former FBI Director James Comey went to court to plead not guilty to charges of lying to Congress. These charges were filed by a federal prosecutor in Virginia. Some say the case has political motivations.
Key Facts
James Comey is the former director of the FBI.
He was charged with lying to Congress.
The charges were brought by the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia, Lindsay Halligan.
The previous U.S. Attorney was removed from the position after not charging Comey.
The case was discussed by Amna Nawaz and NPR's Carrie Johnson.
The eighth day of the government shutdown has resulted in thousands of flight delays. Many air traffic controllers are working without pay, and reports indicate a high number of them are calling in sick. This situation is affecting major airports across the country.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is in its eighth day.
Thousands of flights have experienced delays.
The staffing shortage impacts air traffic controllers.
Air traffic controllers must work without pay during the shutdown.
There are reports of many controllers calling in sick.
Major airports are the most affected by these shortages.
President Donald Trump is scheduled for a routine yearly medical checkup at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center. This comes after concerns about his health due to previous incidents and medical diagnosis. Following the checkup, he may travel to the Middle East to discuss a possible ceasefire between Israel and Hamas.
Key Facts
President Trump will have a medical checkup at Walter Reed on Friday morning.
This visit is described as a routine yearly exam.
Trump had a previous checkup in April where he was reportedly in excellent health.
He might travel to the Middle East shortly after the checkup.
There is ongoing public interest in Trump's health, especially after rumors during Labor Day weekend.
Earlier in the year, he was diagnosed with chronic venous insufficiency, common in those over 70.
Trump, at 79, is the oldest person inaugurated as U.S. president.
He plans to address the ceasefire negotiations between Israel and Hamas soon.
Immigration officials detained a man married to a U.S. citizen in Massachusetts. His wife, Leslie Gonzales, discussed the situation, as the current administration has stated its immigration policies focus on serious offenders.
Key Facts
Immigration officials detained a man in Massachusetts.
The man's wife is a U.S. citizen named Leslie Gonzales.
The arrest happened near Boston.
Leslie Gonzales spoke about her husband's detention.
The Trump administration claims its immigration policies target serious offenders.
Across the United States, many groups aim to reduce political divisions, but they often mainly draw liberals. In Walworth County, Wisconsin, one group has managed to involve more conservatives in their efforts to bridge these gaps.
Key Facts
Efforts to reduce political divide are growing in the U.S.
These initiatives often attract more liberals.
In Walworth County, Wisconsin, a group is engaging more conservatives.
Judy Woodruff reported on this effort as part of her series.
The series is called America at a Crossroads, focusing on bridging political divides.
Democratic state Rep. Justin Pearson announced he will run for Congress against established Democratic Congressman Steve Cohen in the 2026 elections. Pearson became well-known in 2023 after participating in a gun control protest that led to an expulsion attempt by the Republican-led Tennessee Legislature. The district they are contesting, Tennessee's 9th Congressional District, is the state's only Democratic-leaning area.
Key Facts
Justin Pearson, a Democratic state representative, is running for Congress against Steve Cohen in 2026.
Pearson gained national attention in 2023 after a gun control protest led to an expulsion attempt by Republicans.
Steve Cohen has been a congressman since 2006 and has won elections with over 70% of the vote.
Tennessee's 9th Congressional District is the only Democratic-leaning district in the state.
Pearson was expelled from the Tennessee House but later reinstated and re-elected in 2023.
Cohen is known for supporting Democratic Presidents Obama and Biden and opposing Republican President Trump.
Pearson has expressed concerns over poverty and environmental issues in Memphis.
Cohen has held positions on important House committees, including Judiciary and Intelligence.
Allegations of abuse against Katie Porter have resurfaced after a video of her interview with a Los Angeles news station went viral. Porter, a Democrat running for Governor of California, ended the interview after finding it too argumentative. The resurfaced claims involve past accusations from her divorce, which she has denied and countered with her own claims of abuse.
Key Facts
Katie Porter is running for Governor of California to succeed Gavin Newsom.
Allegations from her past divorce have reappeared online following a viral interview.
In the interview, Porter stated she did not need Trump voters to win in California, a mostly Democratic state.
Porter ended the interview, calling it "unnecessarily argumentative" but continued to answer questions.
Allegations during her divorce involved claims of domestic abuse by both Porter and her ex-husband.
Her spokesperson has stated that her ex-husband later regretted making these allegations against her.
The governor race includes several Democratic and Republican candidates.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris has confirmed she will not run for Governor of California.
Retired Supreme Court Justice Anthony Kennedy expressed concern about increasing partisanship in the Supreme Court and a decline in civility in American politics. Kennedy, who served as a key swing vote during his 30-year tenure, noted a shift towards more personal and divisive opinions among justices. He also discussed his memoir, which reflects on his career and personal experiences.
Key Facts
Justice Anthony Kennedy is worried about rising partisanship in the Supreme Court.
He expressed concern over recent judicial opinions being personal and divisive.
Kennedy noted the importance of criticizing opinions, not the people behind them.
Public trust in the Supreme Court has decreased in recent years.
Kennedy served 30 years and was a pivotal swing vote on major issues like abortion and same-sex marriage.
His memoir covers his life, career, and personal reflections, including the loss of his son.
Kennedy's remarks highlight a concern over the decline of civility in American political life.
President Trump sent federal agents to Albuquerque during his first term to help reduce crime. Recently, the city has developed new ways to address crime without relying on these federal resources.
Key Facts
President Trump dispatched federal agents to Albuquerque during his first term.
The purpose of sending agents was to reduce crime in the city.
Albuquerque is now trying new methods to handle crime.
These new methods do not depend on federal agents.
The initiative aims to find local solutions to crime challenges.
President Donald Trump has called for Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson to be jailed. This is because they oppose his plan to send National Guard troops to Chicago.
Key Facts
President Trump wants Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson jailed.
The reason is their opposition to deploying National Guard troops in Chicago.
Trump made these statements on the social media platform Truth Social.
Trump accuses Pritzker and Johnson of not protecting U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers.
Governor Pritzker questions the targeting of political opponents in response to Trump's remarks.
The controversy centers around law enforcement and immigration actions in Chicago.
National Guard troops have arrived in Illinois, particularly near Chicago. This is part of President Trump's efforts to address immigration enforcement issues in the area.
Key Facts
National Guard troops are now in Illinois.
The troops are stationed outside of Chicago.
Their presence is related to immigration enforcement.
This move is part of efforts by President Trump's administration.
The focus is on managing immigration issues in Chicago.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and Republican Congressman Mike Lawler argued about a bill related to government shutdown and health care subsidies outside a press conference. They discussed a bill to temporarily extend Affordable Care Act tax credits, which is part of broader efforts to end the current government shutdown. The shutdown affects many Americans, including federal employees and military members.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries and Mike Lawler had a confrontation at the U.S. Capitol.
The argument was about a bill to extend Affordable Care Act (ACA) premium tax credits.
Lawler wanted Jeffries to support a bipartisan bill for a temporary extension of the credits.
The bill is called the One Big Beautiful Bill Act.
The U.S. government shutdown has lasted eight days.
The shutdown affects thousands of federal workers and military personnel.
President Trump commented that Democrats caused the shutdown and emphasized reopening the government.
Federal and local law enforcement arrested a man accused of starting the Palisades Fire. The fire in January resulted in the deaths of twelve people and destroyed many buildings.
Key Facts
Law enforcement announced the arrest of a man for starting the Palisades Fire.
The fire occurred in January.
It caused the deaths of twelve people.
Thousands of structures were destroyed in the fire.
The arrest was made by federal and local officials.
New York is increasing the maximum weekly unemployment benefits from $504 to $869. This change aims to help unemployed workers and provide financial stability during economic uncertainty. The increase starts from the week of October 13, 2023.
Key Facts
New York's maximum weekly unemployment benefits will rise from $504 to $869.
This increase begins the week of October 13, 2023.
The change is part of New York Governor Kathy Hochul's fiscal plan, which also paid off a $7 billion federal loan.
About 115,000 federal employees in New York were affected by a federal government shutdown.
Employers in New York will save money as the annual Interest Assessment Surcharge bills are eliminated, saving about $100 per employee in 2026 and $250 in 2027.
The unemployment benefit increase aims to provide financial relief and stability to job-seekers.
The exact benefit amount depends on what a worker earned in a previous period.
The program is designed to help the unemployed during a time of economic uncertainty and reduced hiring by companies.
James Comey, the former FBI director, pleaded not guilty to federal charges in a Virginia court. The charges include making false statements to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding. The trial is set to begin in January, but Comey's lawyers plan to file motions to dismiss the case.
Key Facts
James Comey was the former director of the FBI from 2013 to 2017.
He pleaded not guilty to charges of lying to Congress and obstructing a congressional proceeding.
The case is in a federal court in Alexandria, Virginia.
President Donald Trump urged action against Comey, leading to his indictment.
A trial date is set for January 5, but Comey's lawyers intend to seek case dismissal.
Prosecutors say Comey lied about authorizing FBI leaks during a 2020 Senate hearing.
Comey maintains he is innocent and accused Trump of targeting him for being critical.
Some federal workers who were temporarily laid off may not receive their full pay when the government starts working again. The White House has suggested this as a possibility, even though some people believe the law says they should get paid.
Key Facts
Furloughed federal workers are those temporarily laid off due to a government shutdown.
The White House has mentioned that these workers might not get back pay once the government reopens.
Some workers and experts argue that the law requires that these workers be paid back.
A government shutdown is when the government temporarily stops its regular operations.
The issue concerns the pay of federal employees affected during this stoppage.
House Democrats are increasing their investigation into bribery allegations involving Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar. Homan and the White House have denied the accusations, and the Justice Department said there is no evidence of wrongdoing. Democrats are pressing for more answers about the situation, including Homan's appointment and the handling of the investigation.
Key Facts
House Democrats are investigating bribery claims against Tom Homan, President Trump's border czar.
Homan and the White House deny the bribery allegations.
The Justice Department found no wrongdoing, but it's unclear if Homan returned the alleged $50,000 bribe.
Democrats sent a letter to Associate Attorney General Edmund Woodward seeking more information.
They asked about Homan's appointment and the administration's response to the FBI's investigation.
Reports claim Homan was caught in an undercover FBI operation accepting $50,000.
The case reportedly closed after Trump became President.
Homan insists he did nothing illegal, and denied taking the money.
Speaker Mike Johnson said the House will not vote on a bill to ensure military members get paid during the government shutdown, as he believes the necessary actions have already been taken. Johnson's decision is part of a strategy to put pressure on Democrats during the shutdown. A related bill, supported by many lawmakers, aims to ensure military pay but hasn't moved forward.
Key Facts
Speaker Mike Johnson decided against voting on a bill for military pay during the shutdown.
Military members could miss their October 15 paycheck if there is no action from Congress.
The bill to secure military pay includes support from both parties and covers all branches of the armed forces.
Active-duty troops are expected to keep working without immediate pay but will receive back pay once the government reopens.
Virginia Rep. Jen Kiggans is pushing for the military pay bill to be addressed quickly.
The House has not been voting since September 19, with Johnson saying their responsibilities are already completed.
Similar measures to ensure military pay during shutdowns were passed by Congress in 2013 and 2019.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune mentioned the bill might not be necessary, suggesting previous actions should suffice.
Many tourists visiting Washington, D.C., are disappointed because several popular attractions are closed due to a federal government shutdown. The shutdown has gone on for over a week, affecting federal workers and visitors hoping to explore the capital.
Key Facts
The federal government shutdown has closed several D.C. attractions.
Popular sites like the National Gallery of Art and the Washington Monument are shut.
The closure is due to funding and staffing issues caused by the shutdown.
The main disagreement is over health care subsidies between the Trump administration and Democratic leaders.
Visitors from both the U.S. and other countries have expressed their frustration.
If the shutdown continues, the Smithsonian museums and the National Zoo may also close.
Washington, D.C., had a record 27.2 million visitors in 2024, but the shutdown may affect future tourism.
