Boo! 👻 I’m Nicole. I hope you don’t get a phobia. 👻
Let’s take a quick look at Thursday’s news.
Further bipartisan talks appear to be taking place.
Rank-and-file Republicans and Democrats seem increasingly aware that something must soon disrupt the ongoing government shutdown, especially since federal food aid expires on November 1st.
effect: Lawmakers have begun proposing more standalone legislation that would address the crisis’s biggest sticking points, from food benefits to military pay, even though they won’t be able to fully reopen the government.
- Everyone has their beef. Democrats and Republicans have been unable to agree on a spending package to pay federal workers and prevent safety net programs from being underfunded as Republican lawmakers take a tougher stance on beef imports.
- something has to give. Sen. Lisa Murkowski, R-Alaska, said more bipartisan talks appeared to be underway by Wednesday afternoon.
- Hunger and anger. Saturday marks the first time in 60 years that the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, commonly known as food stamps, will end.
President Trump says he will reduce tariffs on China
President Donald Trump said he has paved the way for a final trade deal with Chinese President Xi Jinping to be signed “soon”, leading to an immediate reduction in tariffs. The agreement in principle was reached after President Trump met with Xi at Thursday’s summit in South Korea, where they were expected to resolve differences over soy, critical minerals and fentanyl, as well as discuss Russia’s war in Ukraine. Mr. Trump and Mr. Xi ended their meeting with smiles on their faces.
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Fed cuts interest rates by a quarter point
On October 29, the Federal Reserve announced a quarter-point rate cut, the second consecutive quarterly rate cut. The measure lowers the Fed’s benchmark interest rate to a range of 4% from 3.75%. Some economists believe there could be another rate cut at the Fed’s December meeting, but Fed Chairman Jerome Powell said a third straight rate cut is not guaranteed. But the ongoing government shutdown has also delayed the release of the September jobs report, a key piece of data that typically helps the Fed make decisions.
She removed her grandchildren from foster care. Then came the foreclosure.
“Even after you’ve tied yourself to a pretzel and lost everything you’ve worked for, your children will be placed in foster care. The department could have stopped all of this.”
~ Texas grandmother Rochelle told USA TODAY days before her San Antonio home went up for public auction. She is one of millions of Americans caring for young relatives, including those in state custody. Child welfare leaders declare victory if “kinship families” step up. Fewer children will end up in expensive foster care, and more children will remain with their loved ones. In fact, relatives say child welfare agencies hand them bills and blame them when they can’t pay.
today’s speaker
Blue Jays close to winning the World Series
The Toronto Blue Jays won Game 5 of the World Series 6-1 on Wednesday in front of an increasingly quiet Dodger Stadium. The Blue Jays will go home with the most unlikely of prizes. Leading 3-2 in the World Series, they have two chances to finish off the defending champion Dodgers inside Rogers Center. Here’s how the Blue Jays tilted the series in Toronto’s favor.
Photo of the day: cool people
Some of the internet’s favorite creators gathered (of course) for the premiere of HBO’s “I Love LA.” The show is a new show created by and starring Rachel Sennott that will premiere on HBO on November 2nd. Literally every cool person online was there.
Nicole Fallert is a newsletter writer for USA TODAY. Sign up for emails here. Want to send a note to Nicole? Email NFallert@usatoday.com.
