Many schools across the United States are closing or starting late due to a winter storm. Heavy snow is affecting states like Virginia, Michigan, and North Carolina. Some areas could see up to 20 inches of snow from Wednesday to Friday.
Key Facts
A winter storm hit several states in the U.S., starting from Monday.
Virginia, Michigan, and North Carolina are among the hardest-hit states.
Schools in many areas are either fully closed or starting late.
Virginia districts, such as Amelia County, are fully closed.
Some Virginia districts, like Richmond City, have a two-hour delay.
North Carolina districts, like Granville County, have delays of 2 to 3 hours.
Michigan districts, including Detroit Public Schools, are closed.
Minnesota also has schools closed or starting late due to the storm.
Democrat Eileen Higgins won the Miami mayoral race, defeating Republican Emilio González, who was endorsed by President Donald Trump. Higgins is the first woman and the first Democrat in nearly 30 years to be elected as Miami's mayor. Her win highlights a shift toward Democrats in the area.
Key Facts
Eileen Higgins won the Miami mayoral race against Republican Emilio González.
President Donald Trump endorsed her opponent, González.
Higgins is the first woman elected as Mayor of Miami.
She is also the first Democrat to hold the position in nearly three decades.
The mayor's position in Miami is officially nonpartisan, but Higgins campaigned as a Democrat.
Higgins focused on issues like immigration and affordable housing during her campaign.
Miami-Dade County has a significant immigrant and Hispanic population.
A voting map showed a shift toward the Democratic Party in Miami.
The Supreme Court is set to hear a case, Trump vs. Washington, which could change the way birthright citizenship is understood in the U.S. The case involves an executive order by President Donald Trump that limits citizenship for children born to temporary visitors and undocumented immigrants. The court's decision will have major implications for immigration policy and presidential power.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will hear a case called Trump vs. Washington about birthright citizenship.
President Trump issued Executive Order 14160 to restrict citizenship for children born to temporary visitors and undocumented immigrants.
The order, if upheld, would change the long-standing interpretation of birthright citizenship.
The court’s ruling will affect immigration policy and presidential authority.
Birthright citizenship is based on the principle of jus soli, meaning citizenship by birthplace.
The 14th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution currently guarantees citizenship to all born on U.S. soil.
Lower courts blocked the executive order, saying it contradicts the 14th Amendment and historical precedent.
The case hinges on the phrase "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" in the 14th Amendment.
President Donald Trump released a new national security strategy, a document laying out the administration's approach to foreign policy. Newsweek contributors provide differing opinions on this strategy, discussing its implications for the U.S. and its relationships with other countries.
Key Facts
President Trump announced a new national security strategy.
This document outlines the administration's plans for U.S. foreign policy.
The strategy is released once per presidential term.
Opinions on the strategy vary, with some viewing it as abandoning multilateral agreements.
Others argue it is a realistic approach focusing on U.S. needs and security.
The strategy impacts U.S. relations with European allies.
The debate includes discussions on international order and America's role in it.
A survey by the Public Policy Institute of California (PPIC) shows President Donald Trump's approval rating among likely voters in California is at 34%, with 55% disapproving. This survey highlights ongoing disapproval in a state that is politically important and leans Democratic.
Key Facts
The PPIC survey was conducted online with 1,086 likely voters in California from November 13 to 19.
Trump's approval in California remains at 34%, while 55% disapprove and 11% are unsure.
Margin of error for the survey was 3.9 percentage points.
California is the most populous state and consistently supports Democratic presidential candidates.
Trump's approval ratings in California have historically stayed below 40% since early 2017.
California's political and social values often conflict with Trump's policies.
California Republican leaders express hopes to challenge Democratic dominance in future elections.
A winter storm warning is in effect across several U.S. states, with forecasts of up to 20 inches of snow in some areas. The storm is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds from Wednesday to Saturday, causing potential avalanche risks.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service has issued warnings for several states, including New York, Ohio, Montana, Wyoming, Maine, Michigan, and Vermont.
New York's northern Oneida County could receive up to 12 inches of snow with winds reaching 30 mph.
Areas around the Tug Hill Plateau and western Adirondacks may see the highest snowfall in the state.
Ohio's southern Erie County might get up to 14 inches of snow on higher ground with 35 mph winds.
Montana's Crazy Mountains could experience between 10 and 20 inches of snow with 60 mph winds from Thursday to Saturday morning.
In Wyoming’s Yellowstone National Park, winds could reach up to 70 mph, making travel difficult.
Maine’s Aroostook County could get up to 8 inches of snow by Thursday afternoon.
In Michigan, parts of northern Lower Michigan could see up to 6 inches of snow with 35 mph winds.
The Trump administration has proposed a new rule that requires foreign tourists to share up to 5 years of their social media history to visit the United States. This change would apply to travelers from countries that are part of the visa-waiver program and currently use the Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA).
Key Facts
The proposal requires foreign tourists to disclose their social media history from the last 5 years.
This rule applies to ESTA applicants from visa-waiver countries.
Other personal data required includes family information, past telephone numbers, and email addresses.
The proposal also collects data like IP addresses and metadata from photos shared electronically.
Countries like the UK, Germany, Japan, and South Korea are included in this change.
The U.S. public can comment on this proposal for 60 days.
This is part of President Donald Trump's efforts to strengthen entry restrictions to the U.S.
The Treasury Department and the IRS have issued new rules to expand who can use Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). These changes will allow more Americans to save money tax-free for medical costs, especially benefiting those with high-deductible plans, Bronze, Catastrophic plans, and direct primary care arrangements.
Key Facts
New guidelines from the IRS expand Health Savings Account (HSA) eligibility.
Telehealth services can still be used before meeting a deductible without losing HSA eligibility.
Starting January 1, 2026, Bronze and Catastrophic health plans will count as high-deductible plans for HSAs.
Direct primary care users can start contributing to HSAs and use those funds tax-free beginning in 2026.
HSAs provide three tax benefits: tax-deductible contributions, tax-free growth, and tax-free withdrawals for medical expenses.
The IRS is inviting public comments on these changes until March 6, 2026.
These updates come from the One, Big, Beautiful Bill and align with President Donald Trump's tax cuts legislation.
President Donald Trump spoke at a rally in Pennsylvania, saying that consumer prices are dropping and that making America affordable is his top priority. Although some prices, such as gas and eggs, have decreased, many Americans still face high costs for housing, childcare, and healthcare. Trump's approval rating has increased slightly, but many are worried about the economy's mixed signals.
Key Facts
President Trump held a rally in Pennsylvania, focusing on economic issues.
Trump stated consumer prices are decreasing and aimed to ease voter concerns.
Gas and egg prices have lowered, but other costs like housing and healthcare remain high.
Trump's approval rating rose 3 points to 41% in a new poll.
His administration has removed tariffs on some food products and changed fuel efficiency standards.
Overall economic data shows mixed signals, with consumer confidence down but job markets possibly improving.
Inflation stands at 3%, which is above the Federal Reserve's 2% target.
Some people, like Alaina Hunt and Beth Richardson, are facing job challenges and rising grocery costs.
House Speaker Mike Johnson is facing criticism from conservative members over a defense bill. They are upset because a promised provision related to digital currency was not included. This is causing tension within the Republican Party as some members plan to vote against the bill.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson made a promise to add a specific provision about digital currency to a defense bill.
The provision, related to monitoring digital currencies, was meant to be part of the National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA).
This provision was not included in the final version of the bill presented to the House.
Some conservative Republicans, like Rep. Keith Self, are very upset about this exclusion.
Rep. Chip Roy expressed frustration but noted it's not entirely Speaker Johnson's fault.
Other Republicans, including Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene, Michael Cloud, and Greg Steube, plan to vote against the bill.
House GOP leadership is concerned about having enough support for a procedural vote on the bill.
If the vote does not have enough support, leaders might need to change their approach to pass the bill.
Jacob Lee Bard has been identified as a suspect in a shooting incident at Kentucky State University. The shooting resulted in one student being killed and another critically injured. Bard has been arrested and charged with murder and first-degree assault.
Key Facts
The shooting took place at Kentucky State University in Frankfort.
It happened at a residence hall around 3 p.m. on a Tuesday.
One student died, and another was critically injured in the event.
Jacob Lee Bard has been named as a suspect in the shooting.
Bard is from Evansville, Indiana, which is about 150 miles from Frankfort.
He has been charged with murder and first-degree assault.
Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear said the shooting seems to be an isolated event.
President Donald Trump is building a new $300 million ballroom at the White House. The construction has demolished the 123-year-old East Wing, and no taxpayer money is used for this project. The ballroom is planned to be larger than initially planned and is progressing faster than expected.
Key Facts
President Trump is constructing a $300 million ballroom at the White House.
The construction required the demolition of the 123-year-old East Wing.
The new ballroom will be 90,000 square feet and larger than originally planned.
Private donations will cover the project's costs, not taxpayer money.
The project is reportedly under budget and ahead of schedule.
President Trump stated that the ballroom's viewing area has been expanded.
Trump criticized CNN for discussing the increasing costs of the project.
Eileen Higgins has been elected as Miami's new mayor, becoming the first Democrat to win the position in nearly 30 years. She defeated Emilio González, a candidate supported by President Trump, in a nonpartisan race. Higgins, who is also the first woman to hold this office, focused her campaign on anti-corruption and city improvements.
Key Facts
Eileen Higgins won the Miami mayoral election, marking the first Democratic victory in this role in about 30 years.
President Donald Trump endorsed Emilio González in this election.
Higgins is the first woman elected as mayor of Miami.
Her campaign focused on fighting corruption and improving city services like public transportation and environmental resilience.
The Democratic National Committee supported Higgins in her campaign.
Other local political races took place on the same day, with winners announced for commissioner and council member seats in Miami Beach and Hialeah.
In different local races, Rolando Escalona and Monica Matteo-Salinas also led in their respective contests.
A shooting at Kentucky State University resulted in one death and another person critically injured. The suspect, not a student, is in custody, and authorities say there is no ongoing threat. Governor Andy Beshear confirmed it was an isolated incident, not a mass shooting.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred at Kentucky State University.
One person died, and another is critically injured.
The suspect was apprehended and is not a student.
The campus was briefly on lockdown but is now secure.
Governor Andy Beshear stated it was an isolated incident.
President Donald Trump held a rally in Pennsylvania focused on affordability but used the event to make comments about immigration and Representative Ilhan Omar. He repeated past controversial remarks about certain countries and criticized Omar, which led the crowd to revive a chant from 2019. Omar responded on social media, criticizing Trump's comments.
Key Facts
President Trump held an "Affordability Rally" in Pennsylvania.
During the rally, he made remarks about immigrants and Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar.
The crowd chanted "send her back," a phrase used at a Trump rally in 2019.
Trump repeated a previous comment about "shithole countries," which he had once denied making.
Omar responded on social media, calling Trump's focus on her "beyond weird."
Trump associated immigration with economic problems during his speech.
He praised North Korea's border security during the rally.
U.S. authorities have acknowledged that hundreds of immigrant children were kept in federal custody for longer than the legal limit of 20 days. Legal advocates have raised concerns over the children's detention conditions, including issues like inadequate medical care and poor-quality food. A court hearing is scheduled to address these reports.
Key Facts
Hundreds of immigrant children have been held in U.S. custody beyond the 20-day limit set by a court agreement.
Some children were detained for over five months, well past the legal limit.
Legal advocates reported poor conditions, such as bad food and insufficient medical care, including incidents where children were harmed and received delayed medical attention.
The Trump administration is working to end the legal agreement that established the 20-day detention limit.
The use of hotels for detention is allowed for up to 72 hours, but some children stayed longer.
Transportation delays, medical needs, and legal processing were cited as reasons for prolonged detention.
A court hearing is set with Chief U.S. District Judge Dolly Gee to decide if further court intervention is needed.
The election for Miami's mayor is drawing national attention as Democrats are favored to win for the first time in nearly 30 years. Eileen Higgins, backed by the Democratic Party, is facing Emilio Gonzalez, who has support from President Trump and other Republicans. The outcome could signal voter feelings in Florida, a state known for supporting President Trump.
Key Facts
Miami's mayoral race is getting a lot of interest because a Democrat might win for the first time in 30 years.
Eileen Higgins, supported by the Democratic Party, is running against Emilio Gonzalez, backed by President Trump.
The election is technically nonpartisan, meaning party affiliations do not appear on the ballot.
Higgins led the first round of voting with 36% but did not win the majority needed to avoid a run-off.
Gonzalez was second in the first round with 20% of the vote.
If elected, Higgins would be the first woman and first non-Hispanic mayor of Miami.
Both political parties are actively campaigning for their candidates, with major figures like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and others involved.
The race is a measure of changing political opinions in an area traditionally strong for Republicans.
President Trump criticized The New York Times for its reporting on his health, calling it "treasonous." He claimed to have passed several medical exams with perfect results and described any reports of his health issues as false. The White House confirmed that recent MRI scans of the president were normal.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized The New York Times for reporting on his health.
He used social media to call the reporting "treasonous" and "fake."
Trump stated he had passed cognitive and medical tests with "PERFECT Marks."
Trump recently underwent an MRI scan at Walter Reed Medical Center.
The White House described the MRI results as normal and routine for his age.
The president is said to have chronic venous insufficiency, which is not serious.
Concerns about his health include bruising and signs of fatigue.
A survey shows that most Americans want to keep the 14th Amendment's guarantee of birthright citizenship. The survey indicates that President Trump's strict immigration policies are unpopular with many voters. The Supreme Court is reviewing a challenge to Trump's executive order to end birthright citizenship.
Key Facts
Most Americans support keeping birthright citizenship as promised by the 14th Amendment.
The survey noted that even many Republicans and independents back birthright citizenship.
8 in 10 Black Protestants and majorities of Hispanic Catholics and Protestants support birthright citizenship.
White evangelical Protestants, although a key support group for Trump, are divided on the issue.
ICE has increased arrests in cities like Los Angeles and Chicago, leading to public protests.
Only 3 in 10 Americans agree with Trump's overall immigration approach.
The Supreme Court is set to decide on the legality of Trump's order to end birthright citizenship.
The American Values Survey consulted 5,543 adults in the U.S. with a margin of error of ±1.79 percentage points.
More than 200 former employees of the U.S. Department of Justice have signed a letter criticizing what they see as damage to the Civil Rights Division under President Donald Trump. They claim the division's focus has changed under his administration, causing many staff members to leave. The letter highlights concerns about the shift in priorities and the departure from traditional civil rights objectives.
Key Facts
Over 200 former Justice Department employees signed an open letter.
The letter claims the Civil Rights Division's mission has changed under President Trump.
Many employees, including 75% of attorneys, have reportedly left the division.
The Civil Rights Division was created in 1957 to fight segregation and discrimination.
The letter accuses the current administration of aligning the division's focus with Trump's priorities.
It mentions the dropping of lawsuits related to voting rights and migrant children's abuse.
Attorney General Pam Bondi and Assistant Attorney General Harmeet Dhillon have defended their approach, citing different enforcement priorities.
