The U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis canceled the release of its advance estimate of third-quarter GDP due to disruptions from the federal government shutdown, joining other delayed economic reports like the October jobs data. This postponement has fueled speculation that the data may reveal unfavorable economic performance, especially as President Trump touts strong growth amidst ongoing concerns. While the BEA has not set a new release date, the Federal Reserve Chair has acknowledged that the lack of data could impact policy decisions, further adding to the uncertainty surrounding the true state of the U.S. economy.
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A recent Emerson College/The Hill poll indicates a tight race in Tennessee’s 7th District, with Republican Matt Van Epps narrowly leading Democrat Aftyn Behn, despite the district previously favoring Donald Trump by a significant margin. The poll reveals a significant gender and age divide among voters, with younger voters and women leaning towards Behn, while older voters and men support Van Epps. Early voters favor Behn, while those planning to vote on Election Day back Van Epps, suggesting voter turnout will be a crucial factor. The election, which is the final special House election of the year, will occur on December 2nd.
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President Donald Trump’s approval ratings have dipped into negative territory across all major polling aggregators, a first for his presidency. The New York Times’ aggregator shows an average disapproval rating of 55 percent. A recent J.L. Partners poll indicated 49 percent disapproval, while even Rasmussen Reports, known for leaning Republican, showed a negative rating, with 51 percent disapproval.
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A recent New York Times article reported on Donald Trump’s potential signs of aging and reduced workload during his second term. In response, Trump publicly criticized the article and one of its authors on Truth Social, disputing the claims of declining energy and mental acuity. The article noted a significant decrease in Trump’s public appearances compared to his first term and included observations about his physical appearance. Despite the article’s findings and Trump’s own contradictory statements, the White House has maintained the president’s health is exceptional.
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In the wake of peace negotiations, President Trump dispatched an agent to Moscow to meet with Putin. While Trump is reportedly hesitant to meet with Ukrainian President Zelensky until a deal is finalized, the Ukrainian leader is eager to discuss “sensitive points” in the proposal and has expressed willingness to meet with Trump. Disagreements remain, though a revised 19-point proposal has emerged. Despite ongoing discussions and a coalition of international leaders working towards a resolution, both sides exchanged fire overnight with air raids and attacks.
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The recent publication of a phone transcript between Donald Trump’s special envoy, Steve Witkoff, and Vladimir Putin’s aide, Yuri Ushakov, offers a revealing look into modern US diplomacy. The transcript demonstrates a shift towards prioritizing flattery and ego-stroking of Donald Trump as the primary diplomatic strategy. Witkoff advised Ushakov on how to garner Trump’s favor, potentially influencing deal outcomes in Russia’s benefit. The leaked call raises concerns as it highlights a negotiation style more akin to autocratic leadership than traditional democratic processes, ultimately suggesting a deviation from long-term US interests.
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Multiple sources indicate that President Trump is considering removing FBI Director Kash Patel, citing concerns over his stewardship of bureau resources and his public image. Trump is reportedly considering Andrew Bailey, currently in a senior leadership position, as a potential replacement, with the legal framework in place for Bailey to serve as acting director. Despite these reports, the White House has publicly denied the claims, and the President has expressed confidence in Patel. U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche have voiced concerns about Patel’s actions.
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A recent New York Times investigation revealed President Trump’s official appearances have decreased by 39% in his second term, with events often starting later in the day. This comes amid growing concerns about his health, as he has been observed appearing to doze off at public events, sparking scrutiny about his fitness for office. The report also highlights a lack of transparency regarding his health, with physicians declining to answer media questions about medical procedures. Further concerns are raised by reports of his increased international travel and the appearance of ever-present bruising on his hands.
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Eight months after President Trump touted tariffs as a means of reshoring manufacturing jobs, the sector has actually contracted, with a loss of 6,000 manufacturing jobs reported in the latest jobs report, adding to the previous 59,000 lost since April. Experts attribute this decline, in part, to the uncertainty tariffs have created, which disincentivizes companies from growing their workforce by increasing production costs. Despite the shrinking industry, job postings in manufacturing remain resilient, suggesting a mismatch between available jobs and the skills of the workforce, and the value of trade schools.
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The Trump administration is justifying its boat strikes against drug cartels in the Caribbean as collective self-defense on behalf of US allies, specifically citing cartels’ alleged armed violence against allied security forces and their use of cocaine profits to fund it. This legal analysis, formalized in a classified Justice Department Office of Legal Counsel (OLC) opinion, allows the use of lethal force under the “law of armed conflict,” circumventing federal murder statutes. However, this rationale sharply contrasts with Trump’s public narrative, which focuses on stopping overdose deaths. Critics have voiced skepticism, as the claim that cartels are primarily using cocaine proceeds to wage war rather than for financial gain lacks public evidence and the OLC did not fully vet.
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John Q. Hosedrinker