Some Republican candidates in key Senate and governor races are either supporting or distancing themselves from President Trump and his policies ahead of the midterm elections. President Trump’s approval rating is low, and candidates' stances on issues like the Iran war and trade with Canada vary.
Key Facts
The midterm elections are just over three weeks away.
President Trump’s approval rating is 30%, with 68% disapproving, according to a Pew Research Center poll.
Sen. Susan Collins of Maine has voted against President Trump 137 times in the current Congress.
Collins opposes the Iran war and Trump’s tariffs on Canada, which affect Maine’s economy.
Michigan GOP candidate John James wants the Iran war to end quickly.
Georgia GOP candidate Rick Jackson, once a strong Trump supporter, now focuses on working across party lines like Gov. Brian Kemp.
Georgia Senate GOP candidate Mike Collins supports President Trump’s actions on the Iran war.
Candidates’ different positions reflect divisions within the Republican Party on President Trump’s leadership.
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Vice President JD Vance expressed doubt that the Pentagon will livestream the execution of Fort Hood shooter Nidal Malik Hasan but said he would not watch it if they do. Hasan was convicted of killing 13 people and injuring 32 during a 2009 shooting at a military base.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance questioned whether the Pentagon will livestream Hasan’s execution.
The Pentagon confirmed plans to livestream the firing squad execution in December.
Vance said he would not watch the livestream if it happens.
Nidal Malik Hasan was convicted for a 2009 shooting at Fort Hood military base.
Hasan killed 13 people and injured 32 others in the shooting.
The execution is scheduled for December.
Vance emphasized the importance of remembering Hasan’s crimes.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer will face challenges next Congress because up to eight Democratic senators plan to run for president in 2028. These senators may focus more on their campaigns than on working together in the Senate, making it harder for Schumer to lead effectively.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer is the current Senate Minority Leader from New York.
Up to eight Democratic senators have presidential ambitions for the 2028 election.
These senators might prioritize campaigning over party unity and Senate duties.
Schumer’s leadership will involve balancing these ambitions with the need to govern.
President Donald Trump is expected to face opposition from a Democratic-controlled Congress.
Schumer and President Donald Trump have a direct, if complicated, communication line.
Previous conflicts, like debates over ICE funding, showed how presidential ambitions affect Senate cooperation.
Some new Democratic members may not fully support Schumer’s leadership bid.
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Democratic Governor Tina Kotek and Republican state Senator Christine Drazan are in a close race for Oregon governor. Recent polls show a tight contest, with Kotek slightly ahead, making this one of the rare chances for Republicans to win a governor’s seat in the state since 1982.
Key Facts
Tina Kotek is the current Democratic governor of Oregon.
Christine Drazan is the Republican candidate running against Kotek.
A recent poll shows Kotek with 46% support and Drazan with 44%.
The race is seen as a top opportunity for Republicans to win a governor’s seat this year.
Oregon has not had a Republican governor since 1987.
Kotek’s campaign says voters see Drazan as an extreme candidate.
Drazan’s campaign says voters want new leadership because of Kotek’s low popularity.
Oregon votes entirely by mail, and ballots start mailing out soon for the November 3 election.
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Turning Point USA, a conservative student organization, has grown significantly on college and high school campuses across the United States. After the assassination of its founder Charlie Kirk in 2025, the movement expanded with many new chapters and activists becoming politically active at a young age.
Key Facts
Turning Point USA now has about 1,500 college chapters, a 64% increase from the previous year.
Its high school group, Club America, has 3,500 chapters, up 180%.
Together, these groups have nearly 5,000 chapters nationwide and over 263,000 student activists.
The group’s figures are self-reported and not independently verified.
After Charlie Kirk’s assassination in September 2025, interest in starting new chapters surged, with over 120,000 inquiries reported.
Membership reportedly tripled at Georgia State University and doubled at the University of West Georgia following Kirk’s death.
Turning Point USA focuses on training students to organize, campaign, and lead politically before they can vote.
The group aims to shape American politics by cultivating a new generation of conservative leaders.
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President Donald Trump created a committee to investigate Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook over claims that she gave false information on mortgage applications. He ordered her to attend a private hearing at the White House on November 5, where she will answer questions, and a transcript of the hearing will be made public.
Key Facts
President Trump established a "committee of inquiry" to look into allegations against Lisa Cook.
The committee will hold a hearing at the White House on November 5.
Lisa Cook is required to attend this private hearing and answer questions.
A transcript of the hearing will be published afterward.
Trump has previously pushed for lower central bank interest rates.
The Federal Reserve recently raised interest rates despite Trump’s wishes.
Kevin Warsh, appointed by Trump, currently leads the Federal Reserve.
This move may raise concerns about political pressure on the Federal Reserve’s independence.
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The New York Police Department (NYPD) shared security camera footage of a shooting involving a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officer in northern Manhattan’s Marble Hill neighborhood. The incident caused protests in New York City.
Key Facts
The NYPD released surveillance video showing a shooting by a federal immigration agent.
The shooting happened in Marble Hill, a neighborhood in northern Manhattan.
The shooting involved an ICE officer.
Protests followed in New York City as a response to the shooting.
CBS News reporters Camilo Montoya-Galvez and Anna Schecter reported on the event.
The incident occurred on a Thursday.
The NYPD video shows events shortly after the shooting took place.
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The Justice Department announced it will stop enforcing parts of a 1934 gun control law after a judge ruled those parts unconstitutional. This change affects rules on certain firearms like short-barreled rifles, shotguns, and suppressors, but state and local gun laws still apply.
Key Facts
The 1934 law aimed to regulate dangerous firearms often used by mobsters during Prohibition.
A federal judge ruled most of the law's restrictions unconstitutional after Congress removed a $200 tax on these weapons.
The Justice Department will no longer require approval to make or transfer certain firearms including short-barreled rifles and suppressors.
The decision came from a lawsuit by 15 states and several gun rights groups like Gun Owners of America.
President Donald Trump directed the Justice Department not to appeal the court ruling.
Some Justice Department lawyers advised appealing because the ruling affects criminal cases and law enforcement.
State and local gun laws still apply and the government will continue voluntary processing of registrations under those laws.
The ruling's effect covers both current and future members of the gun rights groups involved in the lawsuit.
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U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) officers shot and wounded a man in his car in New York City while his young son was in the back seat. Police body camera videos show officers arriving to help the man after the shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting involved ICE officers and took place in New York City.
The man was inside his car when he was shot and injured.
His five-year-old son was also in the back seat during the shooting.
New York Police Department released body camera footage showing their officers arriving at the scene.
The footage shows police helping the wounded man after the shooting.
The BBC analyzed the video to provide more details about what happened afterward.
The incident and video have received public and media attention.
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Manhattan prosecutors are opposing Luigi Mangione’s request to dismiss his New York state charges related to the killing of UnitedHealthcare executive Brian Thompson. Mangione pleaded guilty to federal stalking charges connected to the case, but his defense argues that prosecuting him again in state court violates double jeopardy laws.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione pleaded guilty on August 14, 2024, to federal stalking charges linked to the December 4, 2024 killing of Brian Thompson.
Mangione’s state-level trial for murder and weapons charges was originally scheduled for September 8, 2024.
After his federal plea, Mangione's legal team asked to dismiss the state murder case, citing New York’s double jeopardy law.
Double jeopardy law prevents a person from being tried twice for the same crime or closely related offenses.
Manhattan prosecutors argue an exception applies, since the federal stalking and state murder charges are different offenses.
The state judge postponed Mangione’s state case and set deadlines for responses from both sides in October 2024.
Prosecutors also say federal weapons charges were dismissed, so they do not block state weapons charges against Mangione.
The killing led to a large manhunt and public anger about the for-profit healthcare industry, but that is not part of the legal dispute.
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The FBI arrested a suspect linked to the hacking group ShinyHunters that breached the FBI's job website and exposed personal data of thousands of employees. The breach happened because a contractor failed to install a security update, leading the FBI to remove that contractor to protect its workers.
Key Facts
A suspect connected to the ShinyHunters hacking group was arrested by the FBI.
The hack targeted the FBI's job website, FBIJobs.gov, exposing thousands of employees' personal details.
Compromised information included names, addresses, Social Security numbers, and emergency contacts.
The breach was caused by a contractor's failure to apply a security patch on a third-party platform.
The FBI removed the contractor responsible and took steps to reduce further risks.
The FBI warned affected employees to be alert for suspicious calls and avoid speaking to the media.
FBI Cyber Assistant Director Brett Leatherman confirmed the system hacked was unclassified.
The FBI continues to provide briefings to help protect employees affected by the data breach.
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Michael Bogle was released early from prison under a new government scheme but was jailed again after stealing from supermarkets just days later. Police raised concerns that releasing high-risk offenders early could harm communities and increase police work.
Key Facts
Michael Bogle, 38, was freed early from HMP Wandsworth on 1 October under an early release program.
Four days after his release, he stole over £100 worth of detergent from shops in north London.
He was arrested and given an eight-month sentence for breaching the terms of his previous suspended sentence.
A senior police officer in north-west London called Bogle’s quick reoffending "astonishing" and a strain on police resources.
The early release scheme aims to reduce overcrowding in prisons across England and Wales.
Police say early releases put communities at risk and increase demands on officers to re-arrest offenders.
The Ministry of Justice said the scheme is necessary to prevent the police from stopping arrests due to full prisons.
Additional police funding and tougher controls on early release offenders, such as electronic tagging, are being introduced.
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President Donald Trump announced a deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin for Russia to supply over 300,000 tonnes of diesel fuel to U.S. and global markets immediately, with more deliveries planned soon. This decision reverses years of U.S. efforts to pressure Russia over its war in Ukraine and aims to lower fuel prices before the U.S. midterm elections.
Key Facts
President Trump struck a diesel supply deal with Russia during a phone call with President Putin.
Russia will supply more than 300,000 tonnes of diesel immediately, with additional shipments totaling millions of tonnes planned over the following months.
This agreement contrasts with earlier U.S. sanctions intended to limit Russia’s energy exports because of its invasion of Ukraine.
The White House has not clarified who will pay for the Russian diesel or when the fuel will be delivered to the U.S.
The deal is intended to reduce high fuel prices in the U.S., especially helping farmers, ranchers, and truckers.
The U.S. Treasury Department issued a temporary license to allow Russian diesel to enter global markets following this announcement.
The U.S. stopped importing Russian oil and gas in 2022 due to the Ukraine conflict, making this deal unexpected.
U.S. gasoline and diesel prices have recently hit record highs, contributing to the urgency of finding new fuel sources.
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A new poll shows Democratic candidate Troy Jackson leading Senator Susan Collins in Maine’s Senate race, with about one month left before the midterm elections. Jackson has 50% support while Collins has 46% among Maine voters.
Key Facts
Troy Jackson is running to replace Susan Collins for a sixth Senate term.
Jackson is a Democrat and a former Maine Senate president.
Collins is a Republican Senator from Maine.
A poll conducted by Washington Post and Schar School shows Jackson leading 50% to 46%.
The election is less than a month away.
This race is closely watched because it could affect the balance of power in the U.S. Senate.
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President Donald Trump said he will not go to the Alabama vs. Georgia football game on Saturday because Hurricane Isaias is approaching the Gulf Coast. He wants emergency workers and law enforcement to focus on storm preparations.
Key Facts
President Trump planned to attend the Alabama-Georgia football game in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
He canceled his attendance due to Hurricane Isaias.
The hurricane is moving toward the Gulf Coast.
Trump emphasized the need for first responders and law enforcement to focus on the storm.
The game was scheduled for Saturday.
The decision reflects concerns about safety and emergency response.
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In the Michigan U.S. Senate debate, Republican Mike Rogers criticized Democrat Abdul El-Sayed by mentioning El-Sayed’s mother, who previously worked for an organization linked to alleged terrorist support. El-Sayed defended his mother, saying she helped orphans and was never charged with any crime, and said Rogers was avoiding talking about his own record.
Key Facts
Abdul El-Sayed and Mike Rogers debated for a U.S. Senate seat in Michigan, a key battleground state.
Rogers mentioned El-Sayed’s mother, Fatten Elkomy, who worked for the Islamic American Relief Agency from 1999 to 2004.
The Islamic American Relief Agency was linked by the U.S. Treasury to Taliban support and labeled a terrorist group in 2004.
Elkomy denied any wrongdoing and was never charged with a crime related to the organization.
The Islamic American Relief Agency was later dissolved after officials were convicted for violating Iraq sanctions, but not for terrorism.
El-Sayed said his mother helped orphaned children and works now as a nurse practitioner in Missouri.
Michigan’s Senate race is crucial because it could help decide which party controls the Senate after the 2024 midterm elections.
El-Sayed is supported by progressive figures like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Bernie Sanders.
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An ICE officer shot a man named Oscar Belgal in the Marble Hill neighborhood of New York City while Belgal had his child in the car. Residents were upset and scared by the shooting, and local politicians called for an investigation and less violent immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Oscar Belgal, 28, was shot in the neck by an ICE officer during an arrest on Thursday afternoon.
Belgal had his child in the back seat of the car when he was shot.
Witnesses said the ICE officers were not clearly identified and were not wearing visible uniforms.
The Department of Homeland Security said officers did not know a child was in the car.
Belgal had previous felony convictions and was on probation; ICE accused him of gang ties.
Residents said they had never seen such a violent event in their neighborhood and feel unsafe.
Local politicians urged a full investigation and criticized the aggressive federal immigration actions.
Marble Hill is technically part of the Bronx but considered part of Manhattan by residents.
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President Donald Trump announced that Russia will supply over 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately, with more deliveries planned in the coming months. This deal aims to increase diesel availability amid high fuel prices in the United States and globally.
Key Facts
President Trump said Russia agreed to supply 300,000 tons of diesel fuel immediately and 500,000 tons in November.
Russia will deliver 1 million more tons of diesel fuel soon after November and 3 million tons in a short time overall.
Russian envoy Kirill Dmitriev said this cooperation benefits the world.
Ukraine claims air strikes have damaged over half of its oil refining capacity.
The G7 countries recently released 100 million barrels of oil to ease fuel supply pressures.
Diesel is used for farming, heating, and trucking, and its prices are near record highs in the US.
The average diesel price is $6.27 per gallon, down slightly from last week but much higher than a month ago.
Diesel prices have risen 70% this year, partly due to conflicts involving the US, Israel, Iran, and Ukraine.
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In a heated Michigan Senate debate, Democrat Abdul El-Sayed and Republican Mike Rogers exchanged sharp personal attacks, including suggestions about El-Sayed’s Muslim background. President Donald Trump later posted on social media attacking El-Sayed, highlighting the rise of anti-Muslim rhetoric as the midterm elections approach.
Key Facts
Michigan Senate candidates Abdul El-Sayed (Democrat) and Mike Rogers (Republican) participated in a contentious televised debate.
Rogers implied that El-Sayed’s family might be on a government watchlist, referencing El-Sayed’s Muslim background.
El-Sayed’s mother previously worked for an Islamic charity agency that was designated for terrorism-related concerns, but she was not charged with any wrongdoing.
A state news outlet found no proof that El-Sayed is connected to terrorist groups.
The debate spilled into its commercial break with continued harsh exchanges, a rare occurrence noted by the moderator.
President Donald Trump posted online attacking El-Sayed after the debate, focusing on his Muslim identity.
Experts say anti-Muslim sentiment is becoming more common in US politics, particularly from some Republican leaders.
Topics discussed included the economy, immigration, Israel, and the use and regulation of AI-powered surveillance cameras called Flock cameras.
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The Manhattan district attorney’s office says Luigi Mangione should face trial in state court for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. The DA argues that the state case deals with different legal issues than Mangione’s federal guilty plea, and opposes Mangione’s effort to dismiss the state charges.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is charged in state court with murdering Brian Thompson in December 2024.
Mangione pleaded guilty in a related federal case.
The Manhattan DA’s office wants the state case to continue, saying it covers different aspects of the crime than the federal case.
Mangione is trying to have the state case dismissed.
A recent court filing shows the DA’s opposition to dismissing the state indictment.
The incident involved a high-profile victim, the CEO of UnitedHealthcare.
The case is ongoing and subject to further court hearings.
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