The Run Down - October, November
- Amari
- Dec 12, 2025
- 4 min read
It got spooky, then it got unreal. This month’s Rundown covers a lot of intense movement at every level of government, both here in the U.S and abroad. Between historic shutdowns, major protests, global conflicts, and new policies, there’s been no shortage of headlines shaping the political landscape. As always, the goal is to make sure students and young voters can stay informed without getting overwhelmed. Here’s what went down.
OCTOBER:
Nationwide “No Kings” protests
Across the country, an estimated seven million people protested for National Kings Day, pushing back against current leadership and policies they see as authoritarian. In State College, thousands marched peacefully, chanting and creating signs, demanding accountability and a reset in national priorities. These demonstrations show how energized and widespread the dissent has become, especially among the younger and working class generation.
(2025, Oct. 18). … https://www.statecollege.com/articles/local-news/thousands-join-no-kings-protest-march-in-state-college/;Democracy Now!. (2025, Oct. 20). … https://www.democracynow.org/2025/10/20/headlines.
Government shutdown ends after historic 43 days
The longest federal shutdown in U.S. history finally came to an end after 43 days of stalled operations and uncertainty for millions of Americans. Federal employees were furloughed or working without pay, services slowed, and the political fallout laid bare deep partisan divides
Adelita Grijalva sworn in after weeks-long delay tied to Epstein vote
Rep Adelita Grijalva was finally sworn into the House over seven weeks after her election. Many lawmakers on both sides believe the holdup was politically motivated, intended to delay a crucial push to release Epsteinrelated documents.(2025, Nov. 12)
Sudan’s civil war worsens, U.S. aid threatened over fees
Sudan’s civil war continues to cause catastrophic suffering, with opposing military factions displacing millions and creating massive food shortages. Humanitarian groups warn that the crisis could become one of the worst. At the same time, the United States has threatened to cut funding for humanitarian aid after disputes over fees charged to aid organizations. If funding is reduced, relief already stretched thin may evaporate, leaving vulnerable civilians at even greater risk. Reuters. (2025, Dec. 11). https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&source=web&rct=j&opi=89978449&url=https://apnews.com/article/south-sudan-us-aid-cuts-food-insecurity-2e0d4d794650cfcd80e9a38da918d215&ved=2ahUKEwjO8MaUx7eRAxWQEFkFHQDoClsQFnoECBwQAQ&usg=AOvVaw14yFpsdGqcyUOAly5NZtW4
L.A. declares state of emergency over ICE raids
Los Angeles County declared a state of emergency after a series of aggressive immigration enforcement actions, which residents and officials said disrupted communities and overwhelmed local social services. The declaration allows the county to mobilize resources and demand accountability from federal agencies for what many see as harmful, broad immigration tactics.
EPA Nominee from Oil Industry
The Senate has confirmed Douglas Troutman as a top EPA leadership pick. This would put a former industry lobbyist in charge of multiple top toxics management roles. Critics argue this is putting the fox in charge of the henhouse which in turn weakens environmental safeguards and tilts policy toward corporate interests at the expense of public health and environmental justice. The top four seats are currently held by ex-lobbyists.
November:
Democrats pick up major wins in off-year elections
In state level races across New York, New Jersey, Georgia, Mississippi and Virginia, Democrats scored key victories that reshaped local governments and legislative priorities. These results suggested that voters are energized and willing to push back against national politics by turning out for change at the state level
Federal prosecutors drop charges after Border Patrol shooting in Chicago
In a controversial move, federal prosecutors dropped charges against a Chicago woman who was shot by a Border Patrol agent during an immigration enforcement operation. Defense attorneys presented evidence suggesting the agent swerved into her vehicle and later bragged about the shooting in text messages, raising serious questions about use of force and investigations involving federal officers.
Interior Department to open 1.3 billion acres of U.S. waters to drilling
The Department of the Interior announced plans to open nearly 1.3 billion acres off the coasts of Alaska, California, and Florida for oil and gas development. Environmental groups blasted the move, saying it prioritizes fossil fuel interests over climate resilience, coastal economies, and marine ecosystems. This decision could shape energy policy and ocean protection for decades. Democracy Now! (2025, Nov. 21). https://www.democracynow.org/2025/11/21/headlines/interior_department_to_open_13_billion_acres_of_us_waters_to_oil_and_gas_drilling
CDC website altered with misinformation about vaccines and autism
The CDC’s official website was altered to include debunked claims linking vaccines to autism which is a narrative long disproven by scientific research. The changes appeared to stem from leadership shifts within Health and Human Services and brought concerns about how public health information is controlled at the federal level. Experts emphasized that decades of research show no link between vaccines and autism, and warned that misleading information could erode trust in immunization. NPR. (2025, Nov. 20).
Larry Ellison reportedly discussed firing CNN anchors with the White House
Coverage revealed that billionaire Larry Ellison had conversations with White House officials about possibly firing CNN anchors during takeover discussions with Warner Bros and Paramount. This raised alarms about media consolidation intersecting with political power and the independence of mainstream news outlets.
Trump’s Fight with Oregon Escalates into a Funding Battle
The standoff between Oregon and the Trump administration went way beyond the dispute over federalizing the Oregon National Guard. After the state refused to comply with Trump’s push to use the Guard for immigration enforcement, the administration retaliated by targeting Oregon’s disaster preparedness funding which essentially was trying to pressure the state into compliance by cutting off critical federal support. Oregon’s attorney general took the issue to court and won. What started as a fight over immigration policy turned into a broader struggle over federal power, state autonomy, and whether disaster funding should ever be used as leverage in political disputes.
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