A recent CNN/SSRS survey reveals a significant drop in Donald Trump’s approval rating, with only 37% of Americans approving of his performance, while 63% disapprove. The survey, conducted in late October, also indicates that a majority of Americans, 68%, believe things are going badly in the US, with economic concerns and the state of American democracy being the most pressing issues. Furthermore, the poll shows that a majority of those surveyed believe Trump has gone too far in using his presidential powers, raising concerns amid his actions.
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Jury selection is set to begin Monday in the federal trial of a D.C. man accused of assaulting a federal agent with a Subway sandwich in August. The defendant, Sean Dunn, faces a misdemeanor assault charge after a grand jury declined to indict him on a felony count, prompting debate over jury instructions regarding the legal definition of assault. Key legal issues include the defendant’s claim of vindictive prosecution and a motion by prosecutors to prevent jury nullification by restricting the defense from introducing certain evidence or arguments about the case’s political context and penalties. Prosecutors are concerned about the potential for jury nullification due to the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the case’s political nature.
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Newly revealed documents show ExxonMobil funded right-wing think tanks, such as the Atlas Network, to spread climate change denial throughout Latin America, hindering support for UN climate treaties. This initiative involved translating denialist materials, sponsoring speaking engagements for American climate skeptics, and facilitating connections with local media and politicians. The goal, according to internal communications, was to influence developing nations and foster skepticism about the urgency of climate action. Despite efforts to remain anonymous, the documents, including checks, underscore Exxon’s strategy to undermine global climate efforts through strategic financial investments.
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FBI Director Kash Patel is facing scrutiny for allegedly using a taxpayer-funded jet for personal use, specifically for a date night to attend a wrestling event in Nashville where his girlfriend was performing. Reports indicate that Patel, 45, attempted to conceal his travel through technological means. An FBI employee, Steven Palmer, was fired last Friday after stories broke of Patel’s use of the jet. Flight tracking data reveals trips to Florida and Nashville, with the former potentially involving a visit to Mar-A-Lago. Despite the allegations, Patel defended his girlfriend and criticized those he perceived as not supporting him, while emphasizing that FBI directors are permitted to use government planes for personal travel as long as they repay the cost of an economy ticket.
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The Trump administration is reportedly planning ground operations on Mexican soil against drug cartels, with personnel from the Pentagon’s Joint Special Operations Command and the CIA already in training. These covert missions, if authorized, would involve drone strikes and represent a significant escalation in the ongoing “armed conflict” with cartels, which the President has deemed “unlawful combatants”. This development follows the designation of cartels as foreign terrorist organizations and the declaration of an “armed conflict,” potentially further complicating relations with the Mexican government, who has stated they will not permit unilateral action by American military personnel. While discussions continue on the scope of the missions, the operations, if approved, would be conducted under Title 50, providing a legal framework for covert intelligence activities.
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The Trump administration will restart SNAP benefits, but only at half the normal payment amount, using funds from the Agriculture Department’s contingency fund. This decision follows rulings from two federal judges who deemed the previous freeze on SNAP payments unlawful. The administration also warns that there could be delays in delivering these reduced benefits, as state agencies must recode their systems. Anti-hunger advocates express concerns that food banks will not be able to cover the difference, highlighting the potential for increased food insecurity.
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Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo, known for his strong stance against drug cartels, was fatally shot at a Day of the Dead celebration. Manzo had been critical of President Claudia Sheinbaum’s approach to combating cartel violence and vowed not to back down. Following his death, Mexican Security Minister Omar García Harfuch announced an investigation, vowing there would be no impunity for those responsible. Manzo’s security detail was comprised of handpicked officers and National Guard members, and he was known as the “Mexican Bukele” for his tough-on-crime approach.
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Grocery prices are, in fact, not down, despite claims to the contrary. Recent data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that grocery prices are up 2.7 percent compared to the previous September, and 1.4 percent higher than when Trump returned to office. Overall, grocery prices have increased almost 30 percent in the last five years. These false statements are particularly egregious, as the president campaigned on lowering prices, and his policies have demonstrably impacted consumers.
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Two men, Mohmed Ali and Majed Mahmoud, face federal charges for planning a terror attack over Halloween weekend in Michigan. The suspects are accused of conspiring to commit a federal crime of terrorism, as revealed in a 73-page criminal complaint. Evidence includes the purchase of firearms, ammunition, and tactical gear, along with communication, in which the suspects allegedly discussed an attack on behalf of the Islamic State terrorist group. Law enforcement seized multiple firearms, over 1,600 rounds of ammunition, tactical vests, and other materials during raids on the suspects’ homes and a storage unit.
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CBS omitted a section of Donald Trump’s “60 Minutes” interview where he boasted about receiving a multi-million dollar payout from Paramount, the network’s parent company, potentially to avoid embarrassment. This omission followed a settlement where CBS paid Trump $16 million to settle a suit alleging deceptive editing of a previous interview. The merger of Paramount-Skydance, now led by the son of a Trump ally, was approved shortly after the settlement, sparking criticism of CBS’s actions. The network has since undergone restructuring, including the appointment of conservative figures and an ombudsman, raising concerns about potential bias and a shift in editorial direction.
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John Q. Hosedrinker