🇺🇸 Top U.S. Headlines

🏛 Government Shutdown & Federal Workforce Turmoil

Summary:
The federal government shutdown has entered its third week as Congress remains deadlocked on a spending bill. The impasse is now affecting crucial economic reporting and federal services nationwide.

• Inflation data for October has been delayed until Oct. 24, hindering markets and policymakers.
• A federal judge temporarily blocked the Trump administration from firing federal employees during the shutdown.
• The CDC may lose up to one-quarter of its staff, per union reports, amid a wave of layoffs across federal agencies.
• Economists warn of “data darkness,” as missing federal reports cloud understanding of U.S. growth and inflation.

📎 AP News | Reuters

🌎 Trump, Foreign Policy & National Security

Summary:
President Trump issued a stark warning to Hamas, declaring the U.S. will forcibly disarm the group if it refuses to do so voluntarily. Meanwhile, tensions are rising in the Caribbean and Venezuela, where the U.S. military has stepped up operations.

• The U.S. Navy deployed several warships to the Caribbean, citing threats from Venezuelan military maneuvers.
• U.S. forces reportedly carried out strikes on suspected drug boats near Venezuelan waters, resulting in several deaths.
• The Pentagon’s new press restrictions are being rebuffed by major American news outlets, who call them a threat to transparency.

📎 Washington Post | Business Insider

🗳 Domestic Politics & Culture

Summary:
Political tension remains high across the country as the White House, Congress, and grassroots movements collide in debates over free speech, democracy, and accountability.

• President Trump posthumously awarded Charlie Kirk the Presidential Medal of Freedom, framing him as a “martyr for patriotism.”
• The State Department revoked visas for six foreign nationals who celebrated Kirk’s killing online.
• Leaked messages from Young Republican leaders have exposed racist and antisemitic content, deepening internal GOP turmoil.
• Rep.-elect Adelita Grijalva awaits swearing-in amid pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson over Epstein-related documents.
• Actor Robert De Niro released a video urging Americans to resist “authoritarianism” and join the “No Kings”protest movement.

📎 AP News | The Guardian