Many members of the U.S. House of Representatives are quitting at a high rate, with more Republicans leaving compared to Democrats. These exits can change the balance of power in Congress, making it a challenge for leaders like Speaker Mike Johnson. Factors like redistricting, political ambition, and concerns about violence are contributing to this trend.
Key Facts
More than 44 members of the House have announced they will leave or have already left this year.
Republican departures are nearly double those of Democrats in the first 11 months of the year.
34 House Republicans decided not to run for reelection in 2018, while 18 Democrats did the same.
In 2022, 31 Democrats retired compared to 18 Republicans.
Speaker Mike Johnson is concerned that GOP retirements might affect his leadership.
Mid-cycle redistricting could reduce the number of current members in office.
Incivility, political ambition, and fear of violence are reasons cited for leaving.
Court rulings on Texas redistricting maps could impact political landscapes.
The Trump administration has fired eight immigration judges in New York City as part of a larger effort to increase deportations. This decision is part of a nationwide change in the immigration court system. The firings contribute to an already large case backlog in immigration courts across the U.S.
Key Facts
Eight immigration judges in New York City were fired.
The judges worked at 26 Federal Plaza, a major immigration court location.
The firings are part of a national movement affecting about 90 judges, with only 36 replaced this year.
Immigration judges decide on deportation and asylum cases.
The U.S. has over 3.7 million pending immigration cases.
The Justice Department did not explain why the judges were dismissed.
The move aligns with President Trump’s goal to speed up deportations.
New York City’s immigration court has had tensions involving ICE and local officials.
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem has proposed a full travel ban on countries believed to pose a threat to the United States, following a deadly attack in Washington, D.C. President Donald Trump has backed this stance with plans to halt migration from several countries. The Department of Homeland Security plans to review green card holders from 19 specific nations.
Key Facts
Kristi Noem suggests a full travel ban for countries she claims are harmful to the U.S.
This suggestion comes after a shooting incident in Washington, D.C., involving an Afghan immigrant.
President Donald Trump supports the idea of stopping entry from certain countries labeled as “Third World Countries.”
The Department of Homeland Security plans to announce a list of affected countries soon.
The U.S. is currently reviewing green card holders from 19 specific countries to ensure security.
The U.S. government stopped processing immigration from Afghanistan temporarily.
Legal challenges to these travel and immigration policies are expected.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that 14 FEMA employees who were put on leave were mistakenly allowed to return to work without proper authorization. These employees had earlier signed a petition criticizing the government's handling of disaster response efforts. After the error was discovered, the employees were placed back on administrative leave.
Key Facts
14 FEMA workers were put on leave after signing a petition against the government's disaster response.
The petition raised concerns about cutbacks affecting disaster relief work, referencing past failures like Hurricane Katrina.
DHS confirmed the employees were mistakenly reinstated to their jobs.
The reinstatement was unauthorized and quickly corrected.
The workers returned to leave after senior leadership intervened.
Complaints were filed with the U.S. Office of Special Counsel regarding this situation.
President Trump has previously considered shifting FEMA's responsibilities to individual states.
There's been a broader trend under President Trump to make firing federal employees easier.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries said Democrats are unlikely to try impeaching Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over alleged strikes on boats in the Caribbean. Jeffries noted that Republicans control Congress, making impeachment efforts by Democrats unlikely to succeed. Jeffries and others plan to push for an investigation instead.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader from New York.
Democrats are not planning to impeach Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over the alleged strikes.
Republicans control both the House and Senate, affecting the chances of impeachment proceedings.
The White House press secretary denied Hegseth ordered the second strike on a Venezuelan boat.
The Washington Post reported claims that a directive from Hegseth led to a second strike.
Jeffries has called for Hegseth to resign, citing his view of Hegseth's qualifications.
Investigations by the Armed Services committees in both the House and Senate are planned.
President Donald Trump's White House doctor stated that an MRI scan showed he is in "excellent overall health." The scan was part of a routine check for his heart and abdomen, showing no issues. The results were released after some Democrats expressed concerns due to Trump's age.
Key Facts
President Trump's MRI showed normal results for his heart and abdomen.
The MRI was part of a routine health check.
President Trump is 79 years old.
The scan confirmed there are no heart or major vessel problems.
Trump said the MRI was preventative, meant to spot any early health issues.
The results were shared amid concerns about Trump's health related to his age.
Trump recently had swollen ankles and bruising, related to a vein condition.
There was public and political interest in the MRI due to Trump's age.
U.S. Senator Chuck Schumer received bomb threats at three of his offices in New York state. The threats were linked to claims about the 2020 election being rigged. Law enforcement responded quickly, and no harm was reported.
Key Facts
Senator Chuck Schumer's offices in Rochester, Binghamton, and Long Island received bomb threats.
The threats were sent via email with a "MAGA" subject line and mentioned the 2020 election.
Schumer stated that local and federal law enforcement conducted security checks.
No injuries or harm were reported from the threats.
President Trump has claimed the 2020 election was "rigged," although courts have dismissed these claims.
New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani also spoke against political violence in the U.S.
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Joaquín Guzmán López, one of the sons of Mexican drug lord El Chapo, pleaded guilty to drug trafficking charges in a U.S. court. He is part of a group called Los Chapitos, which includes El Chapo's children. His guilty plea follows an agreement by U.S. prosecutors not to seek the death penalty.
Key Facts
Joaquín Guzmán López, son of El Chapo, pleaded guilty in a U.S. court.
U.S. prosecutors agreed not to pursue the death penalty against him.
López is part of Los Chapitos, a group formed by El Chapo’s children.
His brother, Ovidio, also pleaded guilty to multiple charges in July.
Their father, El Chapo, helped start the Sinaloa drug cartel and is now serving a life sentence.
The brothers took on leadership roles in the cartel after El Chapo's arrest.
López and Ismael "El Mayo" Zambada were arrested landing in Texas.
The Trump administration aims to label drug cartels as terrorist groups to fight drug-related deaths.
Multiple bomb threats were sent to Senator Chuck Schumer's offices in New York. The threats were linked to emails mentioning "MAGA" and claims about the 2020 election. Law enforcement investigated, and everyone is reported safe.
Key Facts
Bomb threats targeted Chuck Schumer's offices in Rochester, Binghamton, and Long Island.
The threats were delivered via emails mentioning "MAGA."
Emails claimed the "2020 election was rigged."
Federal and local law enforcement are investigating.
Schumer confirmed that everyone is safe.
Concerns about safety on Capitol Hill are high due to recent political violence.
Schumer has requested special protection for other senators after political confrontations.
Schumer condemned violent threats, saying they have no place in politics.
Indiana State Senator Mike Bohacek said he and his family received bomb threats after he disagreed with President Donald Trump on redistricting in the state. Bohacek opposed the redistricting plan supported by Trump due to derogatory comments Trump made about Minnesota's governor. Law enforcement is investigating the threats against Bohacek's family.
Key Facts
Indiana State Senator Mike Bohacek reported bomb threats against his family.
The threats followed Bohacek's disagreement with President Trump on state redistricting.
Bohacek's disagreement was partly due to Trump's derogatory comments about Minnesota's governor.
Bohacek's second daughter has Down syndrome, which influenced his reaction to the comments.
Indiana law enforcement agencies are investigating the threats.
Indiana Republicans proposed a redistricting map to benefit the GOP.
The redistricting could decrease Democratic influence in some districts.
President Trump has been urging Republican leaders to pass favorable maps before the 2026 elections.
President Trump's doctor released a memo stating that results from his MRI in October were normal. The MRI was a part of President Trump's routine health exam.
Key Facts
President Trump's MRI results from October were described as "perfectly normal."
The MRI was part of his annual health check-up.
The memo was released by Dr. Sean Barbabella.
The MRI was done to evaluate cardiovascular and abdominal health due to Trump's age.
No signs of heart problems or issues with his organs were found.
President Trump is 79 years old.
His previous health issues included bruises on his hands and a diagnosis of chronic venous insufficiency.
Some people questioned his health because he had not disclosed the MRI initially.
Luigi Mangione appeared in court for a pre-trial hearing related to the alleged murder of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson. His lawyers are trying to exclude key evidence, like a gun and a notebook, arguing they were obtained unlawfully. The hearing will determine if this evidence can be used in his upcoming trial.
Key Facts
Luigi Mangione is accused of killing United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.
Mangione has pleaded not guilty to both state and federal murder charges.
His lawyers are trying to exclude evidence, including a gun and notebook, claiming they were obtained illegally.
Mangione was arrested in Altoona, Pennsylvania, shortly after the alleged shooting in Manhattan.
A judge previously dropped state terrorism-related charges against Mangione, citing lack of evidence.
Prosecutors allege the notebook mentions a motive related to health insurance companies.
The legality of the evidence collected during Mangione’s arrest is under review in court.
No trial date has been set yet for Mangione’s case.
House Democrats are looking into FBI Director Kash Patel's use of a government jet for personal trips. They have requested that Patel repay the costs for these non-official travels. Patel has stated he follows rules for travel and pays back the government for personal use.
Key Facts
House Democrats are investigating Kash Patel's use of an FBI jet.
The investigation concerns trips Patel reportedly made to visit his girlfriend and for personal events.
Patel defends his actions by saying he reimburses the government for personal travel costs.
The FBI did not provide a comment on the issue.
Representatives Jamie Raskin and Sydney Kamlager-Dove asked Patel to pay back the government for his personal use of the jet.
They also requested Patel to provide information about others who traveled on government aircraft.
Reporting suggests Patel used the jet for non-official purposes, such as visiting his girlfriend, Alexis Wilkins.
Patel reportedly dismissed a senior FBI official over disclosures about his jet use.
A snowstorm is affecting parts of the Central and Northeastern United States, leading to school closures and delays in several states. Weather warnings predict heavy snowfall and dangerous travel conditions, prompting school districts to take precautions.
Key Facts
Weather advisories and storm warnings have been issued across the Central and Northeastern U.S.
Many schools were closed or delayed on Monday due to snow, with more closures expected on Tuesday.
In Massachusetts, several schools, such as The Bement School and Mohawk Trail Regional School District, announced closures for Tuesday.
Numerous schools in New Hampshire, Michigan, New York, and other states prepared for closures or delays.
The National Weather Service warns of heavy snow and slippery roads, affecting commutes.
New York's Hudson Valley is expected to experience significant snowfall on Tuesday.
The storm is expected to impact travel, with officials advising caution and avoiding sudden driving maneuvers.
The White House confirmed that the U.S. military conducted two strikes on a suspected drug boat in the Caribbean. The second strike occurred even though the military knew there were people in the water, leading to concerns from both political parties about the legality of such actions.
Key Facts
The U.S. military fired at a boat suspected of drug activity in the Caribbean.
Two separate strikes were carried out on the same boat.
The second strike happened in early September.
There were survivors in the water when the second strike happened.
Both political parties in the U.S. are worried these strikes might be against the law.
The information was reported by Nick Schifrin of PBS News.
Monique Pardo Pope, the daughter of a serial killer executed in 2012, is running for a Miami Beach City Commission seat. Pardo Pope addressed her father's criminal past and is in a runoff election against Monica Matteo-Salinas. The election is set for December 9.
Key Facts
Monique Pardo Pope’s father, Manuel Pardo, was executed for killing nine people.
She is running for the Miami Beach City Commission against Monica Matteo-Salinas.
Pardo Pope received 20% of votes in a six-way general election.
Her father was found guilty of using victims' credit cards and killing them in 1986.
Pardo Pope has spoken about her father's actions affecting her life but emphasized her own record.
The Florida Bar has a grievance notice involving Pardo Pope with a response deadline of December 10.
The runoff election will take place on December 9.
The White House reported that President Trump recently had an MRI as a precautionary check-up focusing on his heart and abdomen. A federal court ruled that Alina Habba was unlawfully holding the position of U.S. attorney in New Jersey. A West Virginia National Guard member injured last week in Washington, D.C., is recovering well.
Key Facts
President Trump underwent an MRI for preventive screening of his heart and abdomen.
The MRI was described as a routine check-up.
A federal appeals court found Alina Habba's role as U.S. attorney in New Jersey unlawful.
The decision affects her legitimacy in that position.
A member of the West Virginia National Guard was shot last week in Washington, D.C.
The injured guard member is showing positive signs of recovery.
President Trump chose not to recognize World AIDS Day this year. The U.S. government did not officially participate, and there are reportedly restrictions on agencies taking part in this event.
Key Facts
World AIDS Day is an event where people remember those affected by HIV/AIDS.
The U.S. government did not officially recognize World AIDS Day this year.
President Trump decided not to mark World AIDS Day.
Reports suggest the Trump Administration has restricted agencies from participating in the event.
HIV/AIDS has killed over 44 million people worldwide.
Dr. Demetre Daskalakis discussed these developments with William Brangham.
NPR's Tamara Keith and Amy Walter talked with Amna Nawaz about recent political news. They discussed military actions against drug boats linked to Venezuela, President Trump's choices for U.S. attorney positions, and a special election in Tennessee.
Key Facts
Lawmakers from both major political parties are questioning military strikes on boats allegedly involved in Venezuelan drug operations.
The strikes targeted vessels believed to be linked to drug trafficking.
President Donald Trump has selected individuals for U.S. attorney roles.
U.S. attorneys are responsible for prosecuting federal cases in their districts.
A special election in Tennessee is taking place and could indicate trends for upcoming midterm elections.
After the shooting of two National Guard members in Washington D.C. by an Afghan national, President Trump's administration announced new policies. These changes make it harder for some foreigners to enter or stay in the U.S., including a pause on asylum decisions and a review of certain immigration applications.
Key Facts
Two National Guard members were shot in Washington D.C. by a suspect from Afghanistan.
President Trump's administration is responding with new immigration policies.
They are pausing decisions on asylum, which is protection granted to people fleeing persecution.
The administration will review green card applications from countries "of concern."
Visas for Afghans who helped the U.S. in its war efforts are being stopped.
A memo showed that cases of all refugees entering during the Biden administration will be reviewed.
