Former FBI Director James Comey went to court to face charges from the Justice Department. He is accused of lying to Congress in 2020. Comey plans to plead not guilty.
Key Facts
James Comey, the former FBI Director, is accused of lying to Congress.
The charges say Comey falsely denied authorizing an associate to talk to the media and obstructed a congressional proceeding.
President Donald Trump's Justice Department filed the charges.
Attorney General Pam Bondi acted after President Trump urged action against Comey.
A White House aide, Lindsey Halligan, filed charges with limited experience as a federal prosecutor.
Comey plans to argue that the case should be dismissed as selective or vindictive prosecution.
The judge, Michael Nachmanoff, was appointed by President Joe Biden's administration.
The relationship between Trump and Comey has been troubled since Comey investigated Russia's ties to Trump's 2016 campaign.
Stephen Miller, a White House deputy chief of staff, stated in an interview that President Donald Trump has "plenary authority" to deploy National Guard troops to U.S. cities, causing discussions online. This statement comes after a judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from deploying troops to Portland, Oregon. Miller explained the administration has filed an appeal to this order.
Key Facts
Stephen Miller claimed President Trump has "plenary authority" to send National Guard troops to U.S. cities.
A federal judge blocked the Trump administration from deploying troops to Portland, Oregon.
The White House is appealing the judge's decision.
Miller referenced Title 10 of the U.S. Code, which allows presidential federalization of the National Guard under certain conditions.
Title 10 is used in situations like invasions or dangers of rebellion.
Experts noted that the president does not have "complete and absolute power" due to checks and balances in government.
Miller's comments led to speculation and discussions about presidential powers online.
The administration stated they would follow judicial rulings but may explore other legal options to deploy resources.
Hundreds of National Guard troops from Texas have come to Chicago to help with President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. This action is facing opposition from local officials, including Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, who have raised legal and constitutional concerns. Despite the opposition, a judge has allowed the deployment to move forward for now.
Key Facts
National Guard troops from Texas arrived near Chicago to support immigration enforcement.
President Trump considers Chicago a "war zone" and aims to reduce crime and support deportation efforts.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker and Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson oppose the deployment and have raised legal concerns.
A federal judge has temporarily allowed the deployment to Chicago.
National Guard troops can protect property and officers but do not have power to enforce laws, make arrests, or conduct searches.
President Trump mentioned he might use the Insurrection Act if court actions halt his plans.
A lawsuit by Illinois and Chicago seeks to stop federal control of state National Guard troops.
The increased protests in Chicago relate to immigration enforcement activities and recent incidents.
The family of Virginia Giuffre criticized President Donald Trump for not dismissing the possibility of a pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell. Maxwell is serving a 20-year sentence for her role in Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking crimes. Giuffre's family sees this as hurtful to survivors like Virginia Giuffre.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre accused Jeffrey Epstein of abuse and her family is upset about the pardon possibility for Ghislaine Maxwell.
Ghislaine Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison term for luring minors into Epstein's sex trafficking.
President Trump did not confirm or deny considering a pardon for Maxwell.
The U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear Maxwell’s appeal, limiting her legal options.
The DOJ and FBI previously stated there is no Epstein "client list" and will not release more relevant documents.
Sky Roberts, Virginia Giuffre’s brother, expressed distress over the possible pardon discussion.
Maxwell has been moved from a low-security prison to a minimum-security facility in Texas.
Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide in April 2021, had described Maxwell as very dangerous.
The article discusses how Jonathan Estridge, a former U.S. Army sergeant, lost his job because of his social media posts about Palestine and Israel. Estridge shares his personal experiences related to this situation.
Key Facts
Jonathan Estridge is a former U.S. Army sergeant.
He was dismissed from his job due to social media posts.
His posts were about Palestine and Israel.
Estridge talked about the impact of losing his job.
Columbus Day is observed differently across U.S. states, with some recognizing it as a paid holiday, others as an unpaid holiday, and some celebrating Indigenous Peoples' Day instead. The holiday marks the landing of Christopher Columbus in the Americas, but it's controversial due to his impact on Indigenous peoples. Some states have stopped celebrating Columbus Day in favor of honoring Indigenous people.
Key Facts
Columbus Day is a federal holiday in the U.S., with no mail delivery and banks closed.
12 states celebrate Columbus Day as a paid holiday.
Seven states celebrate Columbus Day alongside other holidays like Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Ten states recognize Columbus Day as an unpaid public holiday.
In 2019, Maine, Vermont, New Mexico, and the District of Columbia replaced Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples' Day.
Some states, like Maryland and Washington, have paid holidays honoring Native Americans on different days.
The holiday is debated because Columbus' arrival led to negative impacts on Indigenous populations.
A study from Brown University found that many American parents think their children get enough sleep, but only 14% of the kids in the study actually met the recommended sleep guidelines. Children often sleep less than parents assume, partly because parents aren't aware of how long it takes for kids to fall asleep or how often they wake up at night. Latino children were found to get less sleep compared to non-Latino children in this study.
Key Facts
Brown University researchers studied 102 elementary school children in Rhode Island.
83% of parents thought their children got enough sleep, but only 14% met sleep guidelines.
The study used wrist-worn devices to track sleep patterns.
Children need 9-12 hours of sleep per night, but kids averaged only about 8 hours and 20 minutes.
Latino children slept less than non-Latino children in the study.
Only 4.4% of Latino children met sleep guidelines, compared to 22.8% of non-Latino children.
Cultural practices like co-sleeping and room sharing might affect sleep in Latino households.
The study highlights the need for better communication about sleep between families and healthcare providers.
Katie Porter, a Democratic candidate for California governor, is trailing behind Republican candidate Steve Hilton in a new poll. The poll shows Porter has less support compared to Hilton, suggesting a possible challenge for her in the 2026 gubernatorial election. The poll contrasts with some earlier ones where Porter had more favorable results.
Key Facts
A recent Zogby Strategies poll shows Steve Hilton, a Republican, ahead of Democrat Katie Porter by six percentage points.
The poll included 1,000 likely voters and has a margin of error of +/- 3.2 percentage points.
California has not elected a Republican governor since Arnold Schwarzenegger, who left office in 2011.
Some past polls, like those by Emerson College and Citrin Center/Politico, showed Porter leading in the primary race.
The next California gubernatorial election will occur on November 3, 2026, with primaries in June 2026.
California uses a jungle primary system where all candidates run on a single ballot, and the top two advance to the general election.
Porter has been endorsed by EMILY’s List, a pro-choice Democratic organization, which may influence her support.
Voter inclinations seem influenced by recent events and campaign messaging, as indicated in polls.
U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene denied accusations of turning against her party and President Donald Trump. She opposed the expiration of health care subsidies because she was concerned about rising health insurance costs. Greene emphasized that she wants Republicans to address real issues for Americans.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a U.S. Representative from Georgia.
Greene opposed the expiration of Obamacare health care subsidies.
The issue is part of a government shutdown dispute between Republicans and Democrats.
Democrats want to extend subsidies and are using this for negotiation on a funding bill.
Greene stated she wants Republicans to govern as they promise during campaigns.
She denied accusations of turning against her party and President Trump.
Greene shared a video to explain her position and reasons for running for Congress.
A viral video suggested that Portland police threatened federal ICE agents by warning them they would be arrested if they drove into a crowd. However, longer footage shows the police were actually speaking to civilians, not federal agents.
Key Facts
A short video spread online claimed Portland police threatened ICE agents.
The video showed an officer speaking to someone in a vehicle.
The longer footage revealed the officer was speaking to civilians, not federal agents.
The police warned the civilian driver to avoid the crowd, saying they would be arrested if they drove into people.
Portland has seen regular protests against federal immigration policies.
President Trump announced plans to deploy the National Guard to assist ICE in Portland.
A federal judge temporarily blocked President Trump's plans for Portland.
Portland police have arrested 40 people at protests since early June.
Jesse Jackson Jr. announced he is running for Congress again. He aims to win the seat he left in 2013 after legal troubles. The seat is available because the current representative is running for the U.S. Senate.
Key Facts
Jesse Jackson Jr. announced his return to politics by running for Congress.
He left his seat in 2013 after being convicted of stealing campaign funds.
The seat covers parts of South Chicago and nearby counties.
Current Rep. Robin Kelly is leaving the seat to run for U.S. Senate.
Jackson faces competition from several Democrats, including state senators and local commissioners.
In an announcement video, Jackson referenced past mistakes and asked for forgiveness.
He described himself as an "independent Democrat" and emphasized his past willingness to act independent of party lines.
The Democratic primary will likely decide the overall winner, as it is considered a safe Democratic seat.
A new poll shows Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro leading potential Republican challengers in the 2026 gubernatorial race. The survey indicates Shapiro has strong approval among voters, suggesting he is favored for reelection in this important swing state.
Key Facts
Josh Shapiro is the current governor of Pennsylvania and was first elected in 2022.
Shapiro leads in polls against potential Republican challengers, Stacy Garrity and Doug Mastriano.
The poll was conducted by Susquehanna Polling & Research among 700 likely voters.
Shapiro leads Garrity by 54% to 36% and Mastriano by 55% to 37% in the poll.
Both polls showed some voters remain undecided, with 9% undecided in a Garrity matchup and 7% in a Mastriano matchup.
Shapiro's approval rating is high, with 60% of voters viewing his tenure positively.
These polls suggest Shapiro may be a strong contender in the upcoming gubernatorial race.
The margin of error for the poll is plus or minus 3.7%.
HarperCollins UK has apologized to First Lady Melania Trump for publishing a book that included unverified claims about her introduction to President Trump with the involvement of Jeffrey Epstein. The publisher has retracted the relevant passages from the book and removed copies from distribution. Melania Trump's legal team continues to seek retractions from other media sources that published similar claims.
Key Facts
HarperCollins UK apologized to Melania Trump and recalled a book with unverified claims involving Jeffrey Epstein.
The book suggested Epstein helped introduce Melania Trump to President Donald Trump.
Melania Trump's legal team has been active in obtaining retractions and apologies from media spreading these claims.
The book in question, "Entitled: The Rise and Fall of the House of York," is an unauthorized biography of Prince Andrew.
The book's claims are not about illegal actions by Melania Trump but about how she met her husband.
HarperCollins UK has removed references to these claims and will not distribute the original copies.
Similar claims from other media have also been retracted following pushes from Melania Trump's legal team.
President Donald Trump criticized Chicago leaders for not protecting federal immigration officers, suggesting jail time for the Mayor and Governor. This follows conflicts between protesters and ICE agents, and legal actions by Illinois officials to stop Trump's National Guard deployment to Chicago. Additionally, Pope Leo called on U.S. bishops to oppose Trump's immigration policies.
Key Facts
President Trump said Chicago's Mayor and Illinois Governor should be jailed for not safeguarding federal officers.
Protests intensified near an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois.
Operation Midway Blitz resulted in 900 immigration-related arrests around Chicago.
Illinois leadership is legally challenging the federalization of National Guard deployment.
Gov. Pritzker claims the Trump administration is purposely stirring conflicts with protesters.
Mayor Johnson declared Chicago city areas as "ICE Free Zones."
The White House criticized Johnson’s actions as harmful, while ICE and DHS blamed local officials for officer safety risks.
Pope Leo urged U.S. bishops to openly criticize Trump's immigration policies.
Post offices across the U.S. will close on Monday for Columbus Day, according to the USPS. Only Priority Mail Express will be delivered that day, with regular mail services resuming on Tuesday, October 14. Customers can still use self-service kiosks at select locations for some services.
Key Facts
Post offices will be closed nationwide on Monday for Columbus Day.
Only Priority Mail Express items will be delivered on this federal holiday.
Regular mail deliveries resume on Tuesday, October 14.
Over 2,600 self-service kiosks will remain open 24/7 for specific services.
Self-service kiosks offer postage printing and package weighing.
The USPS is updating its retail network with new features like smart lockers and rapid drop-off stations.
These upgrades are part of USPS's "Delivering for America" plan to improve efficiency and customer satisfaction.
The USPS's 10-year plan aims to restore financial stability and enhance service.
A study by All About Cookies named Seattle the "nerdiest" city in the U.S. based on factors like tech jobs, comic shops, and patent activity. The study examined 75 of the largest U.S. cities to find where "nerd culture" is most present through different metrics, including education, gaming stores, and conventions.
Key Facts
Seattle is considered the nerdiest city due to its tech jobs and comic shops.
The study looked at cities such as San Francisco, Austin, and New York City.
Metrics included STEM jobs, patents, and library visits.
Boston ranked second with a high percentage of residents holding advanced degrees.
San Francisco placed third due to its high number of patents per person.
Salt Lake City and Minneapolis both have a high number of gaming stores per capita.
Atlanta has the most conventions per capita of any U.S. city.
San Jose ranked tenth, with very high demand for tech and STEM jobs.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced undercover investigations to target groups he associates with left-wing political violence. This decision follows recent attacks involving political figures and facilities. President Donald Trump has increased security measures, including deploying National Guard troops.
Key Facts
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton announced plans for undercover operations against groups he believes are linked to left-wing violence.
The move is in response to incidents, including the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk and attacks on Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) facilities.
Bullet casings at crime scenes had messages related to anti-fascist themes.
The Texas initiative aims to identify and investigate what Paxton calls radical organizations supporting political violence.
President Trump deployed National Guard troops to Washington D.C. to combat crime and plans to extend this policy to other cities.
California Governor Gavin Newsom commented on the potential implications of increased military presence in American cities.
Paxton, who plans to run for a U.S. Senate seat, highlighted leftist political terrorism as a significant threat.
The U.S. government shutdown has entered its eighth day, affecting federal workers and causing delays at airports. Air traffic controllers are working without pay, worsening existing staffing shortages. Meanwhile, former FBI Director James Comey faces arraignment on charges related to congressional testimony.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is in its eighth day with no agreement in Congress to end it.
Democrats want to extend Affordable Care Act subsidies, while Republicans want to discuss this after the government reopens.
President Donald Trump suggested that some federal workers might not receive back pay after the shutdown ends.
Air traffic controllers are working during the shutdown but will not get paid until it is over.
Staffing shortages among air traffic controllers are causing flight delays across the U.S.
The federal Essential Air Service program, which supports rural airports, might run out of funds during the shutdown.
Former FBI Director James Comey is being arraigned on charges of making a false statement to Congress and obstructing a congressional investigation.
Attorney General Pam Bondi has defended the Justice Department against claims of political bias in its investigations.
President Donald Trump is considering using the Insurrection Act to address crime in cities like Chicago. The Insurrection Act, a set of laws from the 19th century, allows the use of military forces for law enforcement within the U.S. Trump has previously sent federal troops to cities with high crime rates and continues to explore this option.
Key Facts
President Trump is considering using the Insurrection Act to send active-duty military to U.S. cities with high crime rates.
The Insurrection Act allows military personnel to perform law enforcement tasks within the country.
Trump has sent federal troops to some cities, like Chicago and Washington, D.C., over crime concerns.
Use of the Insurrection Act could help Trump bypass legal challenges that restrict military involvement in city policing.
The Insurrection Act has been used in the past, notably by Presidents Lincoln, Grant, Eisenhower, and Bush Sr.
Trump's consideration comes as part of his broader focus on reducing crime in Democratic-led cities.
The administration has already deployed Texas National Guard troops to a facility near Chicago.
United States Attorney General Pam Bondi testified at a Senate hearing where she faced criticism from Democrats who accused her of using the Department of Justice (DOJ) for political purposes. During the hearing, she defended her actions, including prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey and deploying National Guard troops to certain cities. Republicans supported her efforts to refocus DOJ priorities on violent crime.
Key Facts
Attorney General Pam Bondi attended a Senate Judiciary Committee hearing.
Democrats accused Bondi of politicizing the DOJ and helping President Trump.
Bondi defended prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey.
She justified deploying National Guard troops to cities like Chicago and Portland.
Bondi said the DOJ’s focus is now on fighting violent crime.
Democrats questioned her refusal to release the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Republicans on the committee supported Bondi’s changes to DOJ priorities.
Nearly 300 former DOJ employees expressed concern over her leadership.
