South Carolina shooting and more: Five key political updates

Grayson Rogers, Staff Writer • October 13, 2025

Vice President JD Vance speaks with reporters.

JD Vance threatens more cuts for federal workers as shutdown continues

Vice President JD Vance said there will be more cuts to the hundreds of thousands of workers who are currently not getting paid amid the government shutdown.

The Office of Management and Budget announced more than 4,000 employees will soon be let go. The Smithsonian said it is closing its museums, zoos and research centers until further notice.

Read more: AP News

Hamas gunmen escort buses carrying freed Palestinian prisoners arriving in the Gaza Strip after their release from Israeli jails under a ceasefire agreement between Hamas and Israel, in Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, Monday, Oct. 13, 2025. (Photo by: AP Photo/Jehad Alshrafi)

Israel and Hamas agree to a ceasefire deal brought forward by the US

Israel and Hamas have agreed to release hostages in one of the biggest signs of a potential end to the two-year conflict.

America orchestrated the deal, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that Israel would withdraw troops and allow aid in exchange for hostages.

Although the deal left unanswered questions about the future of Palestine.

Read more: AP News

Helena Moreno celebrates her mayoral win at the Civic Theater in New Orleans on Oct. 11, 2025. (Photo by: Christiana Botic/Verite News and Catchlight Local/Report for America)

Helena Moreno elected mayor of New Orleans

Councilwoman Helena Moreno was elected to the office of mayor with 55% of the vote. She will be the city’s first Hispanic mayor and second female mayor after Latoya Cantrell, the current mayor.

Moreno vowed to keep the health director on board, Dr. Jennifer Avegno, but didn’t make clear any other potential plans.

Read more: LA Illuminator

A reporter works outside of Willie’s Bar and Grill in St Helena Island, S.C. after a shooting occurred early Sunday, Oct. 12, 2025. (Photo by: AP Photo/Lewis M. Levine)

Mass shooting in South Carolina leaves four dead and 20 injured

A shooting at an African American bar that was hosting a high school alumni event has left four dead and 20 injured. The owner of the bar said everyone was having a good time until the shots were fired.

The local police stated some fled to other businesses to seek shelter.

Read more: AP News

President Donald Trump addresses senior military officers at Marine Corps Base Quantico in Quantico, Virginia, on September 30.
(AFP via Getty Images)

Trump administration considers the use of the Insurrection Act to control the military

Donald Trump has continued to talk of invoking the Insurrection Act, which would allow him to send federal troops into cities without courts being involved.

This comes after Trump may potentially be blocked from sending troops into Portland and Chicago. He said he would only use it if his administration exhausted all other options.

Read more: Forbes