The House approved a large defense policy bill worth $900 billion. This bill includes a pay raise for troops and changes in how the Department of Defense buys weapons. The bill has support from the White House and aims to match President Trump's national security goals.
Key Facts
The House passed the defense bill with a 312-112 vote.
The bill authorizes $900 billion in military programs.
It includes a 3.8% pay raise for military members.
The bill changes the way the Department of Defense purchases weapons.
President Trump's administration supports the bill as it aligns with his security agenda.
The bill asks for more information on military activities in the Caribbean and support for allies in Europe.
It reduces focus on climate and diversity efforts but increases Congress’s oversight of the Pentagon.
Some conservatives are unhappy that the bill does not reduce overseas commitments more.
Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a bill to rename Black Lives Matter Plaza in Washington, D.C., after conservative activist Charlie Kirk. The bill is part of a broader effort by Republicans to honor Kirk, who was recently killed. It is unclear if this bill will pass in Congress.
Key Facts
Nancy Mace is a representative from South Carolina.
The proposal aims to rename the plaza as "Charlie Kirk Freedom of Speech Plaza."
Charlie Kirk was a conservative activist who was assassinated.
Republicans have previously named a California street after Kirk and honored him with the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
A bill in Florida proposes to make Kirk's birthday, October 14, a day of remembrance.
The original naming of Black Lives Matter Plaza happened during the 2020 George Floyd protests.
Mace's bill requires at least two street signs with the new name.
The bill's future in Congress is uncertain, needing Democratic support in the Senate.
A judge has ordered the Trump administration to stop the National Guard's deployment in Los Angeles. The Justice Department will unseal transcripts from a past sex trafficking case involving Jeffrey Epstein.
Key Facts
A federal judge stopped the National Guard deployment in Los Angeles.
The judge's decision affects the Trump administration's actions.
The Justice Department received permission to unseal court transcripts.
These transcripts relate to a 2019 case about Jeffrey Epstein and sex trafficking.
Scientists discovered that humans may have started using fire much earlier than previously believed.
For the first time in almost 30 years, a Democrat will lead the city of Miami.
President Trump went to Pennsylvania to talk about affordability. During his speech, he also spoke at length about immigrants. Two political commentators discussed this event afterward.
Key Facts
President Trump visited Pennsylvania to talk about the affordability issue.
He gave a lengthy speech which included comments about immigrants.
This focus on immigrants was not part of the main topic of affordability.
President Trump's approval ratings have been affected by the affordability issue.
Two political commentators, one Democrat and one Republican, shared their opinions on the speech.
President Trump’s administration has made an agreement with seven states to close a student loan relief program from President Biden's time. About 7 million people who are part of this program may be affected by this change.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration reached a deal with seven states.
This deal will close a student loan relief program started during President Biden’s administration.
Approximately 7 million people are currently using this program.
The closure may impact borrowers in upcoming months.
Danielle Douglas-Gabriel from The Washington Post discussed the effects of this decision with John Yang.
Judy Woodruff, a journalist, has spent the last three years speaking with people across the United States to learn how political divisions affect them. She is revisiting some of these individuals for her series "America at a Crossroads."
Key Facts
Judy Woodruff is a journalist who reports on political divisions in the U.S.
Over the past three years, she has talked to people across the country to understand their experiences.
Her work is part of a series called "America at a Crossroads."
The series aims to explore how political differences are impacting people's lives.
Judy Woodruff is revisiting some of the people she previously spoke with to see how their situations have changed.
A federal judge has stopped President Trump's use of National Guard troops in Los Angeles, requiring them to return to the state's control. The judge ruled against the federal government's argument that the deployment was needed to handle protests.
Key Facts
A federal judge blocked the use of National Guard troops in Los Angeles.
The judge said the troops must be under the state governor's control.
The government said the troops were needed because of protests against immigration raids.
About 4,000 National Guard members were initially sent to Los Angeles in June.
Only about 100 National Guard troops remain in Los Angeles now.
The decision gives a temporary hold on the troop deployment until Monday.
California officials, including Governor Gavin Newsom, opposed the federal troop deployment.
The US State Department has changed its official font back to Times New Roman under the direction of Secretary of State Marco Rubio. This reverses a decision made during the Biden administration to use Calibri for better accessibility. The change supports a more formal presentation style in line with President Trump’s approach.
Key Facts
The US State Department will use Times New Roman font instead of Calibri starting December 10.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio directed this change, reversing a decision made under Antony Blinken.
The switch to Calibri was meant to make text easier to read, especially for people with disabilities.
Times New Roman is seen as more formal and often used in official documents.
A spokesperson said the change aligns communications with President Trump's standards for professionalism.
Calibri is known to be easier to read on screens, as it lacks the small lines (serifs) that Times New Roman has.
The Trump administration has taken other steps to reduce diversity and inclusion initiatives.
The Maine Senate race is heating up as Democratic candidates Janet Mills and Graham Platner vie for the chance to run against Republican Senator Susan Collins in 2026. Recent polls show Platner slightly ahead of Mills as the preferred Democratic nominee against Collins. Despite internal divisions, both candidates are gathering national support.
Key Facts
Janet Mills and Graham Platner are competing for the Democratic nomination to challenge Susan Collins in 2026.
A recent poll shows Platner slightly leading Mills in the Democratic nomination race.
Another poll indicates Platner is slightly ahead of Collins in a general election scenario, while Mills is tied with Collins.
Mills has strong support from women and older voters, while Platner is popular among younger voters.
National Democratic figures, including Chuck Schumer, support Mills, while progressives like Bernie Sanders endorse Platner.
The poll results vary, with different polls showing varied leads for both candidates over Collins.
The Maine Senate seat is crucial for Democrats, who are trying to gain Senate control from a Republican majority.
Owen Ramsingh, a green card holder in the U.S. for 40 years, is facing deportation to the Netherlands due to a felony drug conviction from his teenage years. A judge classified his 1999 cocaine-related felony as an aggravated felony, resulting in a lifetime ban from the U.S. Ramsingh's family plans to relocate to the Netherlands.
Key Facts
Owen Ramsingh immigrated to the U.S. from the Netherlands in 1986.
ICE detained him after he returned from Europe in September.
Ramsingh's 1999 drug conviction as a minor was classified as an aggravated felony.
This classification leads to a lifetime U.S. ban, possibly lifted in 8-10 years.
Ramsingh's green card was being renewed, with a 36-month extension pending.
Ramsingh had past drug-related issues: one in 1997 (cocaine) and another in 2011 (marijuana).
The family argues his teenage conviction is now being used against him unfairly.
Ramsingh will be deported to the Netherlands following the court decision.
Six states in the U.S. have decided to stop allowing people to buy junk food with their SNAP benefits. This decision is part of a plan to improve health through dietary changes supported by the Trump administration.
Key Facts
Six states involved are Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
The plan is part of President Trump's "Make America Healthy Again" initiative.
SNAP benefits will not cover soda, energy drinks, certain juices, prepared desserts, and candy.
States that agree to this plan will get extra funding.
SNAP assists about 42 million people each month in the U.S.
Most states will start the new rules on January 1.
The Trump administration also plans changes like work requirements for SNAP.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture approved plans from six states to restrict what can be bought with SNAP benefits, commonly known as food stamps. The main aim is to stop buying items like candy and soft drinks, which are linked to health problems. These changes will affect about 3 million people starting next year.
Key Facts
Six states can now limit SNAP benefits to exclude candy, soft drinks, and certain snacks.
The six states are Hawaii, Missouri, North Dakota, South Carolina, Virginia, and Tennessee.
An estimated 3 million SNAP beneficiaries live in these states.
The restrictions will start taking effect next year.
The changes aim to promote healthier eating and reduce diet-related diseases.
A total of 18 states have similar changes since the year began.
The efforts are part of the “Make America Healthy Again” movement led by government officials.
President Donald Trump criticized the Federal Reserve for cutting interest rates by only a quarter-point, which he believed was too small. He argued that larger cuts would help the economy grow more and said worries about inflation were holding back economic progress.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump wanted a bigger interest rate cut from the Federal Reserve.
The Federal Reserve cut rates by a quarter-point.
Trump called the rate cut a “rather small number.”
He believes higher borrowing costs limit economic growth.
Trump suggested that deeper cuts would boost economic expansion.
He argued inflation concerns were preventing stronger growth.
Trump believes the economy could grow more than 3 or 4%.
Congress is facing a deadline to address the expiration of federal subsidies that help reduce health insurance costs for many Americans. Several plans and proposals are on the table, but there is disagreement among lawmakers, especially regarding the extent and form of these subsidies. The subsidies affect people who get their insurance through the Affordable Care Act exchanges and will expire soon unless Congress acts.
Key Facts
Enhanced premium tax credits (PTCs) for ACA exchanges are set to expire in about 22 days.
These subsidies help lower health insurance premiums for millions.
If not extended, premiums could more than double by 2026 for those currently receiving subsidies.
Those earning more than 400% of the federal poverty level could lose subsidies without action.
Proposals include extending subsidies, reforming them with income limits, or switching to health savings accounts (HSAs).
Senate Republican Leader John Thune suggests HSAs, while Democratic leaders propose extending current subsidies.
The Bipartisan Health Insurance Affordability Act extends subsidies for two years with an income limit at 700% of the poverty level.
The Democrats propose a three-year extension without an income limit.
A U.S. citizen named Susan Tincher was detained by ICE agents in Minnesota. This happened during a larger immigration enforcement operation in the Minneapolis area. Local officials raised concerns after ICE detained Tincher and another U.S. citizen.
Key Facts
Susan Tincher, a U.S. citizen, was detained by ICE agents.
The incident took place in Minnesota during an ICE enforcement operation.
President Trump has increased efforts to deport illegal immigrants.
Some people with valid legal status have been mistakenly detained in these operations.
A video shows Tincher handcuffed on the ground calling for help.
Tincher was held at the Whipple Federal Building for over four hours.
Local politicians are concerned about potential government overreach.
Another U.S. citizen was reportedly detained in the same area.
President Donald Trump announced a $12 billion aid package to help U.S. farmers affected by falling crop prices and his trade policies. The aid aims to support farmers impacted by trade tariffs, particularly from China, and will be distributed based on a formula that estimates production costs. Payments will be available to farms earning under $900,000 annually.
Key Facts
President Trump introduced a $12 billion aid package for U.S. farmers.
The aid is in response to falling crop prices and trade tariffs, especially from China.
The package will provide $11 billion for row crop farmers such as those growing corn, soybeans, and cotton.
An additional $1 billion is set aside for farmers growing specialty crops.
Farmers can receive up to $155,000 per farm or individual if they earn less than $900,000 a year.
The aid distribution is based on a formula considering production costs.
Payments to farmers will start by the end of February, with applications opening soon.
The U.S. government is considering new rules that would require travelers from certain countries, who do not need a visa to enter the United States, to provide their social media history and other personal information. This proposal is part of increased efforts to monitor international visitors.
Key Facts
The proposed rule would apply to travelers from countries that do not require a visa for entry into the United States.
These travelers might need to give five years of their social media information.
The Department of Homeland Security would receive this information for screening purposes.
Customs and Border Protection published this proposal notice.
The aim is to increase monitoring of visitors and immigrants.
This plan is part of broader efforts under the Trump administration.
The U.S. Supreme Court is discussing a case about whether Joseph Clifton Smith, who is on death row in Alabama, is too intellectually disabled to be executed. Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito seem to support Alabama's position that Smith should not be exempt from execution based on his IQ scores. The case could affect how intellectual disability is determined in death penalty cases across the U.S.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court case is called Hamm v. Smith.
Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito appear to favor allowing Smith's execution.
Smith's IQ scores range from 72 to 78, above the typical cutoff of 70 for intellectual disability.
Lower courts have considered Smith intellectually disabled based on other factors besides IQ.
Alabama wants the court to focus solely on IQ scores above 70.
The decision could change how intellectual disability is assessed in death penalty cases nationwide.
The legal and medical community emphasizes using a broader set of criteria beyond IQ alone.
Smith was convicted for the 1997 murder of Durk Van Dam.
A federal judge in New York has ruled that grand jury records from Jeffrey Epstein's 2019 case can be made public. This decision reverses an earlier ruling to keep these records private, following a new law requiring the release.
Key Facts
A U.S. federal judge has allowed public access to Jeffrey Epstein's grand jury records from 2019.
Judge Richard Berman made this ruling in New York.
The judge's decision changed due to a new law passed by Congress.
The law requires the Department of Justice to release Epstein-related files soon.
Epstein faced sex trafficking charges in July 2019 but died a month later in jail.
A similar decision was made recently for records in Ghislaine Maxwell's case, who was convicted in 2021 for aiding Epstein.
