1A The News Roundup For October 17, 2025
20 snips
Oct 17, 2025 
Wendy Benjaminson, a senior editor at Bloomberg News, discusses the implications of John Bolton's recent indictment and the ongoing political fallout. Margaret Tollev analyzes the impact of federal shutdowns on public services and the economy. Olivier Knox shares insights into recent Pentagon press corps developments. Greg Myrie provides on-the-ground reporting from Israel, detailing the Gaza ceasefire and hostage exchanges. James Kitfield highlights the U.S. operations near Venezuela as part of the fight against drug cartels, showcasing complex geopolitical dynamics.
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Layoffs Used As Political Leverage
- The Trump administration pursued mass firings of federal workers as leverage during the shutdown rather than standard furloughs.
- Judges criticized the moves as unlawful and lacking basic details, suggesting legal vulnerability.
Courts Push Back On Mass Firings
- Federal judges blocked the administration's mass firings, noting the actions didn't follow established law or past shutdown practice.
- The ruling implies fired workers could be reinstated if the order is upheld.
Cuts Hurt Voters, Not Just Politicians
- The White House canceled or paused billions in grants and projects to inflict political pain on Democrats.
- Those cuts can also harm working-class Americans who rely on the projects, creating political blowback.
