“Trump Administration Revises Travel Ban”

The Trump administration is updating its travel ban The Trump administration is updating its travel ban. In a proclamation signed by President Trump on Sunday, the travel restrictions now include eight countries. Five countries in the previous ban remain under restriction: Iran, Libya, Syria, Yemen and Somalia. Chad, North Korea and Venezuela have been added. The latter two are the first nations included in a version of the travel ban that do not have majority-Muslim populations, which has been a key point in litigation challenging the ban as discriminatory based on religion. The new restrictions on Chad and North Korea are a broad ban on nationals from those countries entering the U.S. For Venezuela, restrictions apply to government officials and their immediate family. These changes are set to take effect on Oct. 18. The White House said in a statement, "Following an extensive review by the Department of Homeland Security, we are taking action today to protect the safety and security of the American people," President Trump said in the statement. "We cannot afford to continue the failed policies of the past, which present an unacceptable danger to our country."

In Other News Chancellor Angela Merkel is in position to rule for a fourth term, according to early exit polls in Germany's national election, which also saw voters send the right-wing Alternative for Germany party (AfD) to Germany's parliament. German media characterized the results of Sunday's vote as a major shift. Der Spiegelreports, AfD is the "first overtly right-wing party to win seats in the country's federal parliament in over half a century.” With around 33 percent of the vote, Merkel's Christian Democratic Union party came in first in Sunday's vote, but it was its worst showing since 1949. It seemed like the controversy involving NFL players kneeling during the national anthem had died down a bit. Kneeling during the national anthem in protest over perceived social injustices against African-Americans began last year. Trump's take: It's unpatriotic and NFL team owners should fire those refusing to stand. Trump's comments festered over the weekend and by the various game times on Sunday, roughly 200 players sat, knelt or raised their fists in defiance during the anthem. A week ago, less then 10 players protested.