Matt Van Epps, supported by President Trump, won the Republican primary for a U.S. House seat in Tennessee and will compete against Democrat Aftyn Behn in a special election on December 2. This election will fill the seat left by Mark Green, and it is receiving national attention as a test of Trump's influence. Both candidates have different backgrounds, with Van Epps having a military career and Behn being a grassroots activist.
Key Facts
Matt Van Epps won the Republican primary for U.S. House District 7 in Tennessee.
President Trump endorsed Van Epps, boosting his campaign.
Van Epps will face Aftyn Behn, the Democratic nominee, in a special election on December 2.
Van Epps is a military veteran and former head of the state Department of General Services.
Aftyn Behn is a state representative and activist focusing on health care and gun control.
The election will fill the seat vacated by Rep. Mark Green.
The race is gaining attention as a measure of President Trump's popularity.
District 7 covers 14 counties, including a large part of Davidson County.
Protests in Portland, Oregon near an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) building have led to nightly clashes involving federal agents and protesters. The unrest has become a major issue, with President Donald Trump wanting to send the National Guard to control the situation, although a federal judge has temporarily stopped these plans. Residents near the protest site face disruptions and have differing opinions on who is responsible for the violence.
Key Facts
Protests near an ICE building in Portland have been ongoing for months, causing nightly disturbances.
Some residents wear gas masks in their homes due to the presence of tear gas.
President Trump wants to deploy the National Guard to the city, but a judge has prevented this for now.
Residents report confrontations and violence, and some blame Antifa, while others blame federal agents.
Mayor Keith Willis has called for an investigation into the actions of federal agents.
The Cottonwood School moved after finding munitions on its grounds due to the protests.
The protests have garnered national attention as they put pressure on city leadership and federal actions.
Texas National Guard troops have been sent to the Chicago area as part of President Trump's actions to address issues in the city. Illinois filed a lawsuit to stop the deployment, with a hearing set for Thursday. President Trump may consider using a special law called the Insurrection Act if the court blocks the troop deployment.
Key Facts
President Trump deployed 300 Texas National Guard troops to the Chicago area.
Illinois has filed a lawsuit against the federal government to stop this deployment.
A U.S. judge plans to review the case on Thursday.
The deployment follows an incident involving vehicles striking a federal agent's car.
President Trump has considered using the Insurrection Act, which allows sending troops without state approval.
Governor JB Pritzker opposes military presence in Illinois and expressed this on social media.
The Insurrection Act has not been used by a U.S. president in over 60 years.
Katie Porter, a candidate for California governor, faced criticism after a video showed her threatening to end a TV interview. The questioning involved her need to attract voters who supported President Donald Trump. The exchange became tense and received significant attention online.
Key Facts
Katie Porter is running for governor of California.
A video surfaced showing Porter threatening to leave an interview due to frustration with questions.
The interview was with CBS News California Investigates correspondent Julie Watts.
The questions involved redistricting and California Proposition 50.
Proposition 50 aims to change congressional maps to potentially gain more Democratic seats.
The interview also questioned how Porter plans to win support from the 40% of Californians who voted for President Trump.
The exchange went viral online, drawing various reactions from public figures and journalists.
A dog named Eeyore helped a sheriff's deputy in Florida find an 86-year-old woman who fell during a walk. The deputy found her after Eeyore led the way to his owner's mother. The incident was captured on bodycam footage released by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office.
Key Facts
A dog named Eeyore helped locate an 86-year-old woman in Florida.
The woman had fallen while out on a walk.
Eeyore led a sheriff's deputy directly to the woman.
The deputy responded to a call from the woman's worried husband.
The Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office released the bodycam footage.
The woman expressed gratitude to the dog, calling him a "good boy."
National Guard troops from Texas have been sent to Illinois for deployment in Chicago, a move by President Trump that local officials in Illinois oppose. This deployment is part of the administration's efforts to increase immigration enforcement in Chicago, despite legal challenges and declining crime rates in the city. Chicago and Illinois are legally opposing this federal action, while President Trump considers using the Insurrection Act.
Key Facts
National Guard troops from Texas have arrived in Illinois, sent to Chicago.
Local officials in Illinois oppose the deployment and are challenging it in court.
President Trump aims to increase immigration enforcement in Chicago.
Despite Trump's claims, crime rates in Chicago have dropped in 2025.
Illinois and Chicago filed a lawsuit to block federalization of the Guard troops.
A federal judge allowed deployment for now but requested a government response.
The Insurrection Act could be considered to facilitate sending troops to US cities.
Federal and state officials disagree on the need and legality of troop deployment in cities like Chicago and Portland.
Paintings by Bob Ross will be auctioned to raise money for public TV stations in the U.S. This comes after funding cuts requested by President Trump affected these stations. The auction will include about 30 of Ross's works created during his TV show.
Key Facts
Bob Ross paintings will be auctioned to support public TV stations in the U.S.
The auction will begin in November and includes about 30 of his artworks.
Bob Ross created most of these paintings on his TV show, "The Joy of Painting," during the 80s and 90s.
The auction is a response to funding cuts under President Trump's administration, affecting Public Broadcasting Service (PBS) and National Public Radio (NPR) stations.
Ross's show gained renewed popularity during the Covid pandemic as people enjoyed his soothing painting lessons.
Net proceeds from the auction will go to American public TV stations.
Earlier auctions of Ross's paintings sold for much higher than expected, highlighting their increased value.
The Senate, led by Republicans, has confirmed more nominees for President Trump's second term than they had for President Biden or during Trump's first term by this point. They achieved these numbers using a rule change known as the "nuclear option."
Key Facts
The Senate confirmed a large group of President Trump's nominees recently.
Republicans used the "nuclear option" to speed up the process of confirming nominees.
As of now, 298 of Trump’s nominees have been confirmed.
At the same stage under President Biden, 201 nominees had been confirmed.
During President Trump's first term, 183 nominees had been confirmed by this time.
Only 26 nominees are still waiting for confirmation: 16 for executive branch positions and 10 for judicial branch roles.
The White House has indicated that some federal workers may not receive back pay after the current government shutdown ends. A memo from the Office of Management and Budget suggests that a 2019 law ensuring retroactive pay does not apply to furloughed workers, despite some lawmakers arguing this interpretation is incorrect. The shutdown, which began on October 1, affects about 750,000 employees, and there is disagreement between Republicans and Democrats on the resolution to reopen the government.
Key Facts
The Trump administration has signaled some furloughed federal workers might not receive back pay after the shutdown ends.
A 2019 law signed by President Trump mandates back pay for employees affected by a shutdown, but there is debate about its coverage.
Approximately 750,000 federal workers are currently not receiving their regular pay due to the shutdown.
President Trump stated the decision about back pay would depend on the specific workers, suggesting some might not "deserve" it.
There's a legal disagreement over the interpretation of the 2019 law between President Trump and congressional Democrats.
The current shutdown started on October 1, with ongoing disagreements in Congress impeding a resolution.
House Speaker Mike Johnson mentioned new legal analysis questioning the obligation to pay furloughed workers retroactively.
Some Republican lawmakers also expressed skepticism about denying back pay to furloughed workers.
Jay Jones, the Democratic candidate for attorney general in Virginia, canceled a fundraiser due to backlash over texts he sent in 2022. The texts, where he mentioned "saving two bullets" for a Republican leader, sparked controversy. Many Democrats, including senators, condemned his comments, though Jones has apologized.
Key Facts
Jay Jones is running for attorney general in Virginia.
He canceled a fundraiser at author David Baldacci's home.
The cancellation followed controversy over texts from 2022.
The texts mentioned "saving two bullets" for a Republican leader.
Jones has apologized for his remarks.
Sen. Tim Kaine was supposed to attend the event and criticized Jones' comments.
Democratic donors will get refunds for the canceled fundraiser.
Many Democrats criticized Jones but have not asked him to quit the race.
Federal workers are worried after the White House suggested it might withhold their back pay after a government shutdown. Around 750,000 federal employees are on furlough and not getting paid, while others work without pay. Past shutdowns ensured back pay, and federal law supports it, but the current administration's stance has left workers uncertain.
Key Facts
About 750,000 federal employees are furloughed and not receiving pay during the shutdown.
White House suggested it might withhold their back pay, causing concern.
Previously, furloughed workers received back pay after shutdowns.
A federal law passed during President Trump's first term supports back pay for furloughed workers.
The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) still guides that workers should get paid.
Federal workforce has decreased by over 200,000 employees this year.
Unions have filed complaints against threats to not pay or fire workers.
President Trump mentioned that some people may not receive back pay, depending on circumstances.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a Colorado law that bans "conversion therapy" for minors. The law prevents therapists from trying to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity, and the court is considering if this violates free speech rights.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is examining a Colorado law that bans conversion therapy for minors.
Conversion therapy attempts to change a minor's sexual orientation or gender identity.
The case questions if the law violates free speech under the First Amendment.
Licensed counsellor Kaley Chiles, represented by a conservative group, challenges the law, claiming it infringes on her free speech.
Colorado argues the law regulates harmful actions rather than speech.
Over 20 states in the U.S. ban conversion therapy, deemed harmful by many health experts.
Medical groups warn conversion therapy can worsen mental health and stigmatize LGBTQ youth.
The FBI disbanded a group and dismissed several agents linked to monitoring communications of Republican senators. This action followed reports indicating their involvement in investigating President Trump's alleged efforts to change the 2020 election results. The FBI has not commented, and the exact details about the agent dismissals are unclear.
Key Facts
The FBI dismantled a group that was investigating public corruption.
Several agents were fired as part of this closure.
The agents reportedly monitored communications of nine Republican senators.
The investigation was connected to inquiries into President Trump's actions regarding the 2020 election.
The group involved was named CR-15, and another team, "Arctic Fox," conducted analysis of senators' communications.
Sen. Chuck Grassley claimed federal law enforcement actions were "worse than Watergate."
The investigation started in April 2022 and was later led by former special counsel Jack Smith.
The FBI and the White House have not commented on these developments.
Illegal crossings at the US-Mexico border are at their lowest level in over 50 years. In fiscal year 2025, US Border Patrol agents reported 238,000 illegal crossings. The decrease is attributed to several measures taken since President Trump took office.
Key Facts
The US-Mexico border crossings were at their lowest since 1970, with 238,000 illegal crossings reported in fiscal year 2025.
During the first eight months of President Trump's term, fewer than 9,000 illegal crossings were reported each month.
Most of the apprehensions in fiscal year 2025 occurred during the first three months, when Joe Biden was still in office.
The total number of border encounters during Biden's presidency was about 11 million.
President Trump has issued various executive orders on immigration, including increasing border security and limiting asylum requests.
The Trump administration has increased immigration enforcement, conducting raids in major US cities.
President Trump has attempted to end birthright citizenship and pledged to deport millions of undocumented immigrants.
A medical helicopter crashed onto Highway 50 in Sacramento, California. Three passengers were sent to the hospital, and a driver captured the moment on video. Bystanders helped rescue a victim trapped under the helicopter.
Key Facts
A medical helicopter crashed on Highway 50 in Sacramento, California.
Three people on board the helicopter were taken to the hospital.
A nearby driver recorded the crash on video.
One person was trapped under the helicopter and was rescued by passersby.
Emergency services noted it was fortunate the helicopter did not catch fire.
The incident occurred recently, 18 minutes before the report was published.
Pam Bondi, the attorney general, faced a tense hearing with the Senate Judiciary Committee. Her testimony followed the indictment of ex-FBI Director James Comey, which led to significant political debate. During the hearing, Bondi frequently deflected questions and emphasized the Trump administration's crime-fighting efforts.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in a charged atmosphere.
Her justice department recently indicted former FBI Director James Comey.
Bondi's hearing occurred a day after a letter criticized her for undermining justice department work.
During the hearing, she often criticized senators and avoided answering many questions.
Bondi declined to discuss ongoing investigations or personnel matters, including the Comey case.
She focused on the Trump administration's efforts to reduce crime in the U.S.
Bondi highlighted achievements like drug crackdowns and firearm confiscations.
The discussion was marked by partisan tensions, with Bondi defending her record against criticism.
A White House memo suggested furloughed federal workers might not get backpay after the government shutdown. Congress members from both parties criticized this idea, saying that the law requires backpay for these workers. Many argue that President Trump's administration has no legal basis to withhold this pay.
Key Facts
The White House memo proposed that backpay for furloughed workers is not guaranteed unless Congress passes an appropriations bill.
The "Government Employee Fair Treatment Act" (GEFTA) is cited in the memo to justify this stance.
Labor attorney Nekeisha Campbell and others argue there is no legal backing for the White House's interpretation of GEFTA.
Democratic leaders insist that all furloughed workers are entitled to backpay by law.
Some Republicans also oppose the memo, labeling it as ineffective strategy.
President Trump mentioned that they would mostly take care of affected federal workers, but his comments left room for interpretation.
House Speaker Mike Johnson acknowledged differing legal opinions on the memo's claims.
GEFTA is seen by many as ensuring backpay for all furloughed workers once funding is approved.
The Trump administration stopped funding a program that helped poor disabled Americans apply for federal disability benefits and avoid homelessness. Without this funding, states are now responsible for supporting the program, which many cannot afford. The funding cut affects a program called SOAR that helps disabled people apply for benefits like cash assistance, Medicaid, and SNAP.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration ended funding for a program aiding disabled Americans in applying for benefits to prevent homelessness.
The program, known as SOAR, assisted people in accessing Supplemental Security Income (SSI) and Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI).
Last year, SOAR helped about 3,000 people secure benefits for housing and treatment.
The federal funding for this program was $2.6 million per year.
Without federal support, the responsibility for these services falls to state governments.
Approval rates for SSI applications are higher with SOAR assistance (65%), compared to those without help.
The Department of Health and Human Services stated that the program never provided direct state funding.
The program's end may not reduce overall costs, as increased homelessness can lead to more expenses like incarceration.
President Trump criticized Democrats, calling them "insurrectionists" and suggesting use of the Insurrection Act to deploy federal troops to certain cities. Illinois has taken legal action to prevent the deployment of National Guard troops in the state. The tension relates to ongoing debates about immigration, crime prevention, and the government shutdown.
Key Facts
President Trump referred to Democrats as "insurrectionists" and criticized their policies on immigration and crime.
He suggested possibly using the Insurrection Act to send federal troops to cities like Chicago and Portland.
The Insurrection Act allows the president to deploy the military within the U.S., a rare move usually restricted by the Posse Comitatus Act.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposed the idea, stating there's no need for military troops in Illinois.
Illinois has filed a lawsuit to block the deployment of the National Guard to the state.
A federal judge recently stopped Trump's attempt to send troops to Portland again.
President Trump accused Democrats of causing the government shutdown, which is a source of blame from voters according to polls.
U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi appeared before the Senate Judiciary Committee for the first time since her confirmation. She faced questions about the Jeffrey Epstein files, the use of the National Guard in cities, and the prosecution of former FBI Director James Comey.
Key Facts
Pam Bondi is the United States Attorney General.
She had her first appearance in front of the Senate Judiciary Committee since her confirmation.
The committee asked her about releasing more information on the Jeffrey Epstein files.
Questions were raised about the National Guard being deployed in American cities.
The committee also discussed the prosecution of ex-FBI Director James Comey.
