Stories to Amplify — October 20, 2025

‘Empty shelves, higher prices’: Americans tell of cost of Trump’s tariffs, consumers reporting direct impact of trade war on daily lives (The Guardian).
IKEA hikes prices as Trump’s furniture tariffs take effect, major retailer passing costs on to shoppers (Axios).
Truckers are struggling and Trump’s new tariff could make things worse, transportation industry facing additional burdens from trade policy (New York Times).

Millions could lose housing aid under Trump plan, sweeping reforms threatening shelter assistance for vulnerable Americans (ProPublica).
Millions of Americans are at risk of losing food stamps next month amid shutdown, SNAP benefits in jeopardy as government closure continues (CNN).
Coast Guard buys two private jets for Noem, costing $172 million, DHS Secretary receiving luxury aircraft while programs face cuts (New York Times).

‘No Kings’ protests against Trump bring a street party vibe to cities nationwide, massive demonstrations opposing authoritarian overreach (Associated Press).
Trump posts bizarre AI video of himself bombing ‘No Kings’ protesters with brown sludge, president sharing violent imagery targeting peaceful demonstrators (NOTUS).
Prosecutor who rejected Trump’s pressure to charge Letitia James is fired, administration retaliating against official who refused political prosecution (New York Times).

Trump grants clemency to disgraced former lawmaker George Santos, president pardoning convicted fraudster and serial liar (Politico).

Trump’s approval rating on the economy takes hit because of shutdown, inflation, survey showing declining confidence in president’s economic management (CNBC).
Americans are more worried about their chances on the job market under Trump, poll finding increased anxiety about employment prospects (Associated Press).