Good morning, everyone. If you’re reading this, take a deep breath, because you’re going to have an amazing Monday and an even better week. Let’s dive in.
This morning, there’s a lot happening: a massive global internet outage after AWS went down for several hours, Donald Trump brushing off No Kings Day as “small” and “ineffective,” and the U.S. Marines launching an investigation into an artillery shell that exploded over Interstate 5.
Many of you reached out frustrated that some mainstream outlets barely mentioned No Kings Day. Some ignored it altogether, others tossed out a single article and moved on. I get it. That’s exactly why I started this work: to build something different, something independent, something that actually pays attention.
And thanks to you, we’ve already reached tens of millions of people across the country. Let’s keep pushing forward together. Subscribe today to support real, independent coverage that doesn’t look the other way.
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With that, here’s what you missed:
President Trump mocked millions of Americans participating in “No Kings” protests by sharing AI memes depicting himself as a crowned ruler, reinforcing perceptions of authoritarianism as critics warn his actions—ranging from politicized pardons to unilateral military strikes—are eroding constitutional limits and deepening national divisions.
The U.S. Marines launched an investigation after a 155mm artillery round may have detonated outside the designated impact area during a live-fire demonstration at Camp Pendleton on October 18; no injuries occurred, firing was halted, and officials emphasized safety protocols and continued commitment to operational readiness.
Sources said the Camp Pendleton artillery incident was especially dangerous because live munitions were fired over a freeway with civilians below, a departure from standard practice, and they welcomed an investigation into the conduct of Trump, Vance, and Hegseth.
A massive Amazon Web Services (AWS) outage temporarily took down major websites and online platforms worldwide, including Roblox, Fortnite, Reddit, Signal, and media outlets, before being resolved early Monday, highlighting the global dependence on a single cloud provider for critical digital infrastructure.
When asked about farmers’ concerns that a trade deal favors Argentina, President Trump dismissed the question, saying Argentina is “fighting for its life” and telling the reporter she doesn’t understand the situation.
Trump said beef prices are the only ones still high and suggested importing beef from Argentina as a way to bring them down.
The Department of Homeland Security is buying two Gulfstream jets through the Coast Guard for Secretary Kristi Noem’s travel, reportedly costing up to $200 million, prompting Democratic lawmakers to question whether the purchases prioritize her comfort over the agency’s operational needs.
President Donald Trump meets Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese at the White House to discuss trade, defense, and the AUKUS submarine deal, with Australia’s vast critical mineral reserves emerging as a key bargaining chip amid U.S.-China tensions, though experts doubt any lasting commitments from Trump.
The Secret Service discovered a “suspicious” hunting stand within sight of the Air Force One landing zone in Florida before Trump’s arrival, prompting an FBI investigation; officials said no one was present, there was no impact on movements, and there’s no indication the stand was intended to target the president.
After the Secret Service discovered a suspicious hunting stand near Palm Beach International Airport, Trump boarded Air Force One using the smaller, lower stairs as a security precaution; the FBI is investigating the stand, though no individuals were found and officials said there was no impact on the president’s movements.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy called for 25 additional U.S. Patriot missile batteries and said he is willing to join a proposed Trump-Putin summit in Hungary, after reports that Trump privately urged him to accept Russia’s terms for ending the war and suggested Ukraine cede parts of the Donbas region to secure peace.
U.S. special envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner visited Israel to reinforce the fragile Gaza ceasefire after a brief flareup in which Israel accused Hamas of killing two soldiers; Israeli forces later reaffirmed the truce and said aid deliveries would resume.
Lawmakers condemned ICE after reports that U.S. military veterans were arrested and injured during protests against Trump’s deportation campaign, with decorated veterans and Democratic lawmakers accusing federal agents of excessive force and warning that such actions undermine democracy and violate Americans’ right to peaceful protest.
Florida city councilmember Chandler Langevin faced national backlash and a formal censure after posting anti-Indian remarks on social media calling for mass deportations, drawing condemnation from Indian American groups, lawmakers from both parties, and local residents who labeled his comments racist and dangerous.
Nicholas Rossi, a Rhode Island man who faked his death and fled to the U.K. to evade justice, is being sentenced in Utah for raping two women in 2008 after being identified through DNA evidence and extradited from Scotland; he faces five years to life in prison for each conviction.
China’s economic growth slowed to 4.8% in the third quarter, its weakest pace in a year, as U.S. tariffs, weak domestic demand, and a struggling property market weighed on the economy despite strong exports and industrial output gains.
Good news:
A Texas high school girls volleyball team raised funds to buy their beloved custodian, Abel Rodriguez, a car after learning he had no transportation, collecting $9,000 and partnering with local businesses to provide insurance and gas money, culminating in an emotional surprise celebration where Rodriguez tearfully thanked the students and community.
The Veterans Community Project broke ground on its sixth tiny home village in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to help end veteran homelessness, offering 240-square-foot homes with on-site case management and PTSD-informed design. With a proven 85% success rate, the nonprofit has helped hundreds of veterans transition to permanent housing, funded through $11.7 million in state and local support.
A 2025 NOAA study found that sea turtle populations are rebounding worldwide thanks to stronger protections for nesting sites and reduced bycatch, with most species showing stable or rising numbers. Green and loggerhead turtles have seen dramatic increases, while leatherbacks continue to struggle, but researchers say global conservation success shows the resilience of sea turtles when given protection.
See you this evening.
— Aaron
