Good afternoon, everyone. It’s been an intense news day in Washington. I covered both the White House cabinet meeting and Donald Trump’s Oval Office meeting with Finland’s leader, and the developments were striking.
During the cabinet session, RFK Jr. falsely linked autism to early circumcision, a baseless and dangerous claim. What’s even more alarming is that no one, not a single official or member of the press, challenged him. This silence is a failure of accountability and a reminder of why independent journalism matters now more than ever.
Meanwhile, tension is rising overseas as Norway braces for Trump’s reaction if he’s denied the Nobel Peace Prize tomorrow. And back at home, Dominion Voting Systems has been sold to a Republican-led firm, marking a major shift in the election technology landscape.
Over the past 24 hours, I’ve faced a surge of attacks from figures close to the White House for my reporting. But I will not back down, because truth still matters, and I know I have your support behind me.
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With that, here is what you missed:
Robert F. Kennedy Jr. claimed that studies show circumcised infants have twice the rate of autism, suggesting a link through Tylenol use, though this assertion lacks scientific support.
Donald Trump said his administration would make permanent budget cuts targeting “Democrat programs,” emphasizing that only programs associated with Democrats would be reduced, even if they are popular.
Today I sat down with an exclusive interview with Jen Psaki, former White House Press Secretary, to discuss the current state of the White House Press Briefing room, explanation of how we got here, a review of Karoline Leavitt, and more.
Norway is bracing for potential retaliation from Donald Trump—such as tariffs, NATO demands, or hostility—if he is not awarded the 2025 Nobel Peace Prize, as politicians warn of his volatile behavior despite the prize committee’s independence.
When asked if Donald Trump deserves the Nobel Peace Prize, Finnish Prime Minister Alexander Stubb said the decision rests with the independent Nobel Committee.
Dominion Voting Systems, a major U.S. election equipment provider used in 27 states, has been sold to a Missouri-based company led by a former Republican election official, marking a significant shift for the firm previously targeted by Trump and his allies after the 2020 election. This is the new statement posted on the company’s website:
Donald Trump claimed he took a cognitive exam and received a “perfect score,” boasting that doctors rarely see such results and contrasting himself with Barack Obama, whom he said never took the test.
A massive billboard campaign across 9 states just launched with the common goal of telling Americans that America’s wealth is created by workers, yet taken away by elites. This working class versus billionaire class message is now on full display in states like Colorado, Michigan, Florida, and North Carolina. These billboards will be on display for several weeks as part the of “We Make, They Take” campaign and look like this:
The Senate rejected a House-passed bill to fund the government until 21 November for the seventh time, with a 54–55 vote falling short of the 60 needed, prolonging the shutdown now in its ninth day.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune rejected using the “nuclear option” to end the government shutdown, reaffirming GOP support for keeping the 60-vote filibuster rule despite some Republicans and Democrats calling for its removal to break the funding stalemate.
Democrats, buoyed by polls showing public support and blame falling on Republicans, are holding firm in the government shutdown over demands to extend expiring Obamacare subsidies, while GOP leaders refuse to include health care funding in a stopgap bill—deepening the stalemate as the shutdown becomes one of the longest in U.S. history.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy warned that air traffic controllers calling out sick to protest the government shutdown could be fired, as staffing shortages have caused scattered flight delays nationwide amid an already short-handed FAA workforce.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem said the department is purchasing buildings in Chicago and Portland for agent operations and plans to expand its presence, declaring, “We’re doubling down.”
Donald Trump said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is “much more popular today” than five days ago, commenting on his strengthened position after the initial phase of the Israel-Hamas peace deal.
Rutgers professor and anti-fascism scholar Mark Bray was prevented from flying to Spain with his family after their flight was mysteriously canceled, following death threats and right-wing harassment labeling him a “domestic terrorist” over his antifa research and teaching.
The White House dismissed Colombian President Gustavo Petro’s claim that a recent U.S. military strike off Venezuela hit a Colombian vessel, calling the allegation “baseless and reprehensible,” while U.S. officials maintained the target was a narco-trafficking boat and reaffirmed Colombia’s status as a key strategic partner.
China announced new restrictions on exports of rare earths and related technologies, tightening control over materials vital for high-tech and military products ahead of Trump’s upcoming meeting with Xi Jinping, a move seen as escalating trade tensions and prompting U.S. efforts to build independent supply chains.
Alex Jones asked the U.S. Supreme Court to halt a nearly $1.5 billion defamation judgment over his false Sandy Hook claims, warning that without intervention his site InfoWars could be taken over by The Onion to fund victim compensation.
Former Wyoming library director Terri Lesley, fired amid a dispute over LGBTQ+ and sex education books, won a $700,000 settlement after suing Campbell County for violating her First Amendment rights, saying she felt vindicated for standing up for free expression.
