As the government shutdown loomed, and funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) was set to lapse, President Trump was hosting a lavish Great Gatsby-themed Halloween party at Mar-a-Lago. This event was met with strong criticism, with prominent Democrats accusing the president of prioritizing his wealthy friends over the 42 million Americans who rely on SNAP benefits. While the SNAP benefits were expiring on November 1st, Trump was pictured enjoying himself at the party. Legal challenges have emerged, with judges ordering the release of emergency funding for SNAP and the potential for unlawful suspension of the program.
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President Trump attributed the ongoing government shutdown, poised to become the longest in history, to Democrats whom he labeled as “crazed lunatics.” Despite the shutdown’s impact on federal workers and crucial programs, Mr. Trump did not present a concrete plan for addressing healthcare costs, a key concern for Democrats. He maintained his stance of blaming Democrats and expressed confidence in their eventual capitulation, while also suggesting potential actions like ending the filibuster to achieve his policy goals. This occurred during an interview where he discussed a variety of topics.
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In response to Texas’s mid-decade gerrymandering, California voters are poised to approve Proposition 50, a redistricting measure aimed at aiding Democrats. This initiative, championed by Democrats and Governor Gavin Newsom, seeks to redraw congressional district lines to potentially secure five additional safe seats for the party. Early returns and polling data suggest the measure is on track for victory, with the campaign successfully framing it as a way to combat Trump’s influence. While facing some opposition, particularly from Republicans concerned about the “Gavinmander,” the focus on Trump has galvanized Democrats, and national groups have opted for neutrality or support. This measure would likely improve Democrats’ chances of winning the House majority, but the challenge remains the lack of similar actions in other Democrat-led states.
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On Sunday, a Ukrainian drone attack targeted the Tuapse oil terminal, a key Russian Black Sea port, causing damage to at least two foreign vessels and the terminal’s infrastructure. This attack is part of Kyiv’s ongoing effort to disrupt Russia’s energy infrastructure and war effort. According to Russian authorities, a fire erupted at the terminal, but there were no reported casualties. The Ukrainian SBU confirmed their involvement, claiming five drone strikes hit an oil tanker, loading infrastructure, and surrounding buildings.
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Following a video of a young man burning a photo of Iran’s Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, Omid Sarlak was found dead in a car, with police declaring it a suicide. Social media users have disputed the official account, identifying the deceased and claiming he was killed for his anti-government stance. Accounts from users detailed the young man’s final social media posts, which included inflammatory statements about Iran’s leadership. The family has reportedly been denied the body and pressured to confirm the suicide narrative, further fueling allegations of a state-sanctioned killing.
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Following the resignation of Oklahoma’s anti-LGBTQ+ Superintendent of Public Instruction, Ryan Walters, the Rainbow Youth Project observed a 36% decrease in crisis calls from the state. Prior to Walters’ departure, the hotline received an average of 1,431 monthly calls, with 64% of callers identifying him as a source of distress. This drop in calls comes after a period where calls surged, particularly following the death of a transgender student, and when many calls concerned bullying incidents related to anti-LGBTQ+ policies. Notably, Walters’ tenure was marked by controversial actions, including attempts to implement Christian Nationalist policies and measures seen as harmful to the LGBTQ+ community.
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Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are using facial recognition software to determine immigration status, even on U.S. citizens, without consent. This technology, such as the app Mobile Fortify, scans faces in public, comparing them against databases and potentially overriding official documentation. Internal documents show that the data collected, including images of U.S. citizens, is stored for years. Furthermore, officials have been known to trust the app’s results over a person’s government documents.
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A New York judge has dismissed a legal challenge from Texas attempting to enforce a civil judgment against a doctor who prescribed abortion pills via telemedicine. The Texas Attorney General sought to enforce the judgment against Dr. Margaret Carpenter, but the Ulster County Clerk refused, citing New York’s shield law protecting providers from out-of-state actions. Justice David Gandin ruled in favor of the clerk, stating the medical services were legal in New York and protected under the shield law. This ruling serves as a precedent for the state’s shield law, and the Texas Attorney General’s office has not yet commented on whether the case will be appealed.
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According to internal U.S. government documents, Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has requested military assistance from Russia, including the delivery of missile units and restoration of fighter jets. Maduro’s request, delivered in a letter to President Vladimir Putin, also sought overhauls of equipment and “logistical support,” alongside a three-year financing plan. The Venezuelan leader emphasized the importance of the Su-30 jets for deterring threats. While Venezuela is a close Russian ally, it is uncertain if Moscow will respond due to its involvement in the Ukraine war.
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The Ukrainian Defense Ministry has expanded its defense partnerships by signing 20 contracts with defense ministries and securing agreements with 17 NATO partner states as part of various initiatives. Within the “Danish model,” over EUR 1.4 billion in contracts have been signed, with EUR 427.8 million already paid to Ukrainian producers and a new tranche of EUR 825.9 million arranged. Additionally, the PURL initiative has secured $2.8 billion in contributions from 17 NATO partners for U.S. weapons, and the Capabilities Coalition has delivered substantial quantities of ammunition and defense systems.
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John Q. Hosedrinker
ICE’s Facial Recognition App Scans US Citizens, Ignores Proof of Citizenship
Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agents are using facial recognition software to determine immigration status, even on U.S. citizens, without consent. This technology, such as the app Mobile Fortify, scans faces in public, comparing them against databases and potentially overriding official documentation. Internal documents show that the data collected, including images of U.S. citizens, is stored for years. Furthermore, officials have been known to trust the app’s results over a person’s government documents.
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