Stories to Amplify — October 8, 2025

White House draws out mass federal firings timeline as GOP grows squeamish in funding fight, showing Republicans backing away from shutdown strategy (CNN).
Democrats are winning the shutdown fight, with political momentum shifting against Republicans (The Bulwark).
Health care politics bolster Democrats in shutdown fight, fighting for Americans’ ACA subsidies during Trump Shutdown (New York Times).

Nearly 70% of Americans think the economy is on the ‘wrong track’ and even more think it’s a bad time to buy a home, revealing widespread pessimism about economic conditions (Fortune).
Inflation expectations for year ahead rise in Fed survey, showing Americans anticipating worsening price pressures (Bloomberg).
America’s soybean farmers are panicking over the loss of Chinese buyers, with agricultural producers facing market collapse from trade war (Wall Street Journal).
Carlyle unveils proprietary data showing weak US employment, private equity firm revealing concerning labor market trends (Bloomberg).

Delays spread to major airports across the country, with air travel chaos spreading nationwide (CNN).
Trump administration’s farm aid plans delayed by shutdown, preventing bailout to agricultural sector (Politico).
Trump targeted blue states by canceling energy grants. Red states will see fallout too, showing partisan cuts harming Republican constituencies (NOTUS).

Local politicians are defiant as National Guard gathers outside Chicago, with elected officials resisting military deployment in their jurisdictions (Wall Street Journal).
Kristi Noem tours Portland ICE facility with MAGA influencers in tow, bringing social media personalities on official government visit (The Guardian).
Senators grill Pam Bondi over FBI’s alleged $50,000 Tom Homan bribe, attorney general facing questions about corruption allegations against border czar (NOTUS).

Deportation ends 36-year dream for celebrated Waco chef, removing beloved community figure despite decades of contributions (Texas Tribune).
Federal agents held him in a hospital for 37 days, at times shackled to his bed, without charging him, detaining injured man without due process for over a month (Los Angeles Times).

Trump wants to overhaul drug sales. A company tied to his son stands to benefit, creating policies that enrich family business interests (Wall Street Journal).
Trump approves mining road, delivers $70 million windfall to MAGA billionaire, using government authority to benefit wealthy political supporter (Popular Information).