Ohio commission and Virginia lawmakers consider moves toward mid-decade congressional redistricting

Mid-cycle congressional redistricting efforts could move forward Friday in two more states amid growing maneuvering to influence which party will control the U.S. House after next year’s midterm elections. A Republican-controlled Ohio commission is meeting to consider
Ramen instead of Reese’s? Looming SNAP cuts change what’s on offer for Halloween trick-or-treaters

When KC Neufeld announced on her Denver neighborhood’s Facebook page that her family would be handing out ramen and packs of macaroni and cheese in addition to candy this Halloween, she wasn’t expecting much of a response.
Vermont town draws ‘Beetlejuice’ fans to iconic horror movie site

EAST CORINTH, Vt. (AP) — For nearly 40 years, a tiny town in Vermont has attracted hoards of “Beetlejuice” fans eager to visit where the whimsical horror movie’s most famous scenes were filmed. With a population hovering
‘It’s home’: Caribbean diaspora from Miami to New York fuels Hurricane Melissa relief efforts

COCONUT CREEK, Fla. (AP) — South Florida was spared a direct blow from Hurricane Melissa, but the massive storm still hit home for the millions of residents there who have deep roots in the Caribbean. Now, the
Government shutdown offers schools a glimpse of life without an Education Department

WASHINGTON (AP) — The government shutdown has been a source of anxiety for school leaders wondering how long grant money will last and who can help them interpret federal laws. For Education Secretary Linda McMahon, it offers
A 3rd teenager is indicted for the killing of a congressional intern in Washington

A third teenager has been arrested and charged with the killing of a congressional intern in the nation’s capital, a crime that President Donald Trump cited when he announced a law enforcement surge in Washington. Naqwan Antonio
US Marine arrested and accused of kidnapping girl with intent to sexually assault her, FBI says

An active-duty U.S. Marine has been arrested on accusations of kidnapping a 12-year-old girl from Indiana with the intent of sexually assaulting her, the FBI said Thursday. William Richard Roy, 24, who was stationed at Camp Lejeune,
National Guard in each state is ordered to create ‘quick reaction forces’ trained in civil unrest

WASHINGTON (AP) — Military leaders have ordered the National Guard in every state to develop a “quick reaction force” of troops trained to deal with civil disturbances and riots that can be ready to deploy with just
Trump hosts White House Halloween bash with superheroes and presidential lookalikes amid shutdown

WASHINGTON (AP) — President Donald Trump hosted hundreds of costumed guests — from superheroes to dinosaurs and even a few children dressed as the first couple — as part of Thursday night’s Halloween celebration at the White
Justice Department investigating fraud allegations in Black Lives Matter movement, AP sources say

WASHINGTON (AP) — The Justice Department is investigating whether leaders in the Black Lives Matter movement defrauded donors who contributed tens of millions of dollars during racial justice protests in 2020, according to multiple people familiar with