U.S. Representative Eric Swalwell has announced he is running for governor of California. He made his announcement during an appearance on a late-night TV show, expressing his intention to support Californians by focusing on economic issues.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell is a U.S. Representative and a member of the Democratic Party.
He announced his candidacy for California governor on "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"
Swalwell was involved in the impeachment trial of President Donald Trump in 2021 as a House manager.
He wants to help Californians by lowering prices and raising wages.
Swalwell referred to himself as a "fighter and a protector" for the state.
He mentioned his past confrontations with President Trump during his announcement.
The White House has denied reports of upcoming changes to President Donald Trump's Cabinet as he nears one year in his second term. Questions arose about secretaries Kristi Noem and Chris Wright, but officials claim President Trump is satisfied with his team.
Key Facts
The White House stated there are no plans for Cabinet changes, despite reports.
CNN reported discussions about potential changes for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Energy Secretary Chris Wright.
White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt called the reports "Fake News."
Kristi Noem's relationship with Corey Lewandowski has caused tension within the Department of Homeland Security.
Chris Wright faced criticism for not advancing Trump's energy agenda quickly enough, but both he and his department denied the claims.
Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin is mentioned as a possible Cabinet contender if vacancies occur.
President Trump has maintained a stable Cabinet in his second term compared to his first term.
President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House. The meeting marks the first interaction between the two, who have previously criticized each other. Both leaders have expressed a willingness to have a constructive discussion.
Key Facts
President Trump and Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani will meet in the Oval Office at 3 p.m. ET on Friday.
This will be their first meeting despite past criticisms between them.
Trump previously labeled Mamdani a "communist" and threatened to withhold federal funds from New York.
Mamdani, on his side, criticized Trump in his victory speech but aims to maintain a professional relationship.
Trump has predicted a civil meeting, stating they would "get along fine."
Mamdani is preparing for the meeting without concerns over a potential confrontation.
Mamdani's team arranged the meeting, citing tradition for incoming NYC mayors to meet with the White House.
The meeting will be closed to the public and the media.
The U.S. government, through new legislation signed by President Trump, is required to make all unclassified files on Jeffrey Epstein public by Christmas. These files include details from investigations into Epstein's alleged criminal activities, but will not disclose sensitive personal information or evidence of abuse harming victims' privacy.
Key Facts
Congress passed a law requiring the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files.
President Donald Trump signed the legislation into law.
The Justice Department must release these files by Christmas.
The files may include FBI notes, witness interviews, and other evidence.
The law prevents the release of documents that could invade victims' privacy.
It also prohibits sharing material depicting child sexual abuse.
Epstein was investigated for sexual crimes involving underage girls.
Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019 and died by suicide in jail.
President Donald Trump accused several Democratic members of Congress of sedition after they advised military officials to ignore any "illegal" orders. Six Democrats, all veterans, shared a video urging military and intelligence personnel to uphold the Constitution. Trump responded on social media, calling for their arrest.
Key Facts
President Trump accused Democratic lawmakers of "seditious behavior."
Six Democrats released a video asking military personnel to refuse illegal orders.
The video addressed concerns about stress in the military and risk to public trust.
Trump called for the arrest of these lawmakers through social media.
Trump suggested their actions could be punishable by death.
White House press secretary clarified Trump does not want the lawmakers executed.
The Democrats did not specify which of Trump's policies might be unconstitutional.
Trump’s response emphasized setting an example to prevent such actions.
The Trump administration plans to break up the Department of Education, moving its work to other federal departments. This change aims to give states more control over education but raises concerns about increased bureaucracy and confusion. The plan's impact on schools and students is debated, with mixed reactions from political leaders.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to dismantle the Department of Education to give states more control over schools.
The Education Department’s work will spread across four other federal departments.
Some state officials believe this could create more bureaucracy and confusion.
The Department of Labor will handle most of the funding and support for schools.
The Department of Education will still provide policy guidance and supervision.
Agreements to shift responsibilities were made before a government shutdown.
Reactions are divided, with Democrats concerned about impacts on vulnerable students and Republicans seeing it as reducing bureaucracy.
At least 13 individuals who received pardons from President Donald Trump have since been charged with new crimes. This situation has sparked more discussion about how presidential pardons work and how they might affect justice. Many of the pardoned people had connections to the January 6 Capitol attack.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump pardoned 238 people in his first term and after his 2024 reelection, he pardoned another 1,500 people, including Capitol rioters.
At least 13 of those pardoned by Trump have been charged with new crimes after receiving clemency.
Andrew Taake was pardoned for his role in the January 6 Capitol attack and later arrested on charges of online solicitation of a minor from 2016.
Edward Kelley, after being pardoned, was sentenced to life in prison for conspiracy to murder FBI agents related to a separate case.
Emily Hernandez was pardoned for her involvement in January 6 but was later sentenced for a fatal DUI crash.
Daniel Ball and others faced charges related to illegal activities such as gun possession and violence, even after being pardoned.
Legal and public scrutiny has increased over the pardoning process, especially when it bypasses traditional vetting.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) will give $10,000 bonuses to 776 air traffic controllers and technicians who had perfect attendance during a 43-day government shutdown. Nearly 20,000 other workers, who also worked during this period without pay, will not receive bonuses. The bonuses are meant to recognize the dedication of those who worked every scheduled day despite the challenges.
Key Facts
776 air traffic controllers and technicians with perfect attendance will receive $10,000 bonuses from the FAA.
The government shutdown lasted for 43 days, causing financial strain for workers who continued to operate without pay.
Almost 20,000 workers did not qualify for the bonuses, even though many worked during the shutdown.
The shutdown caused some air traffic controllers to miss work due to financial challenges, affecting flight schedules nationwide.
President Trump suggested bonuses for those who maintained perfect attendance and also suggested docking pay for those who missed work.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced the bonuses, praising the workers’ dedication.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association stated that only 311 out of more than 10,000 of its members would get bonuses.
The ongoing shortage of air traffic controllers was worsened by the shutdown, impacting efforts to hire and train new controllers.
New York's Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani met with President Donald Trump in the Oval Office. This meeting is significant because both Mamdani and Trump are notable political figures with contrasting views. Their interaction is drawing attention because of their different political styles and the potential impact on American political discussions.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the Mayor-elect of New York and met with President Trump in the Oval Office.
Mamdani, aged 34, is the second-youngest mayor in New York’s history.
President Trump, 79, is the second-oldest President of the United States.
Mamdani identifies as a Democratic Socialist, while Trump is a right-wing populist.
Both politicians have successfully run outsider campaigns and engage actively with social media.
Their meeting is rare, as only three New York mayors have historically visited the White House before taking office.
The two politicians have gained support from Gen Z voters.
Media coverage of the meeting might influence public perception due to their strong personalities and opposing views.
President Donald Trump criticized six Democratic lawmakers after they released a video telling military and intelligence personnel they could refuse unlawful orders. He called their actions "seditious" and said they were "punishable by death." The Democrats responded by condemning Trump's comments and urging Americans to oppose political violence.
Key Facts
Six Democratic lawmakers released a video advising military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders.
President Trump labeled these lawmakers as "seditious" and suggested their actions were "punishable by death."
The Democrats criticized Trump's remarks, calling for unity against political violence.
The video was part of a response to questions about the legality of certain military operations.
Senator Mark Kelly mentioned his wife's experience with political violence to highlight the dangers of such rhetoric.
Representative Jason Crow stated that Trump's threats would not intimidate him.
Representative Elissa Slotkin and others stressed the importance of rejecting threats of violence in American discourse.
Weather forecasts predict that stormy conditions could disrupt Thanksgiving travel across the United States. Millions of travelers might experience flight delays and cancellations, especially at major airports. Storm systems are expected to bring rain, thunderstorms, and snow, impacting travel largely from the central to the southeastern regions.
Key Facts
The Thanksgiving travel period is one of the busiest times in the U.S., with nearly 82 million Americans expected to travel long distances in 2025.
A storm system from the Southwest is forecasted to affect the central, southern, and eastern U.S. throughout Thanksgiving week.
Heavy rain, severe thunderstorms, and snow could disrupt major travel hubs, including Nashville, Charlotte, and Atlanta.
Early in the week, California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Colorado may experience heavy rain and mountain snow.
By mid-week, the storm is expected to cause flight delays in cities like Chicago, Pittsburgh, St. Louis, and Nashville.
Weather conditions such as rain, low visibility, and gusty winds could affect areas from the Great Lakes to the East Coast.
Southeast airports, including those in Charlotte and Atlanta, may also face thunderstorms and further delays.
Some improvements in weather may occur on Thanksgiving Day, but risks of rain or snow will remain, especially in the Ohio Valley and Northeast.
A Florida sheriff’s deputy was shot and killed while trying to serve an eviction notice near Vero Beach. Another deputy and a locksmith were also injured in the incident. The suspected shooter and the locksmith are in critical condition after surgery.
Key Facts
A sheriff’s deputy was killed in a shooting near Vero Beach, Florida.
The deputy was serving an eviction notice when the shooting happened.
Another deputy was injured with a shoulder wound.
A locksmith helping with the eviction was also wounded.
Both the locksmith and the suspected shooter are in critical condition after surgery.
Sheriff Eric Flowers identified the deputy as 47-year-old Terri Mashkow.
Terri Mashkow was a 25-year veteran of the sheriff's department.
Many adults feel stressed during the holiday season. A survey showed that most adults worry about money, missing loved ones, and family conflicts. Dr. Nicki Monti offered suggestions to reduce stress and enjoy the holidays.
Key Facts
A survey by the American Psychological Association found that 90% of adults have at least one major holiday-related stress.
The top stressors include financial worries, missing loved ones, and anticipating family conflicts.
Dr. Nicki Monti is a Hollywood therapist who provides tips for managing holiday stress.
Suggested methods to handle stress include practical advice for dealing with awkward conversations and grief.
The information aims to help people enjoy the holiday season more peacefully.
Vice President JD Vance addressed divisions within the MAGA movement, emphasizing the need for unity by focusing on common goals instead of internal disagreements. He spoke at a Breitbart News event, highlighting issues such as immigration and foreign policy that have caused rifts among supporters of President Donald Trump. Vance argued that debates should not distract from competing against political opponents.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance spoke about MAGA movement divisions at a Breitbart News event.
He encouraged MAGA supporters to have debates but remain united against political opponents.
The movement faces disagreements on topics like immigration, foreign policy, and U.S.-Israel relations.
President Trump's comments on skilled immigration and the H-1B visa program sparked controversy.
Trump announced a $100,000 fee for the H-1B program due to concerns over its impact on wages.
MAGA supporters are divided over U.S. support for Israel's actions and the war in Gaza.
Interviews with far-right figures like Nick Fuentes have further split opinions within the movement.
A California man, Bradley Gene Funk, has been charged with murder after a hit-and-run accident killed a 13-year-old named Luis Adrian Morales-Pacheco. Funk, who has prior DUI convictions, allegedly hit the boy while he was walking to school and then fled the scene.
Key Facts
Bradley Gene Funk is 59 years old and from Dana Point, California.
He has previous DUI convictions from November 2020 and January 2021.
Funk was on probation for a 2021 DUI conviction at the time of the accident.
The victim, Luis Adrian Morales-Pacheco, died from injuries after being hit.
Funk fled the scene but was later arrested after his vehicle lost a tire.
He is charged with second-degree murder and hit-and-run causing permanent injury.
In California, DUI offenders receive a warning that they could face murder charges if they cause a death while driving drunk.
Funk's license was suspended in July 2021 and reinstated in February 2023.
As of the latest report, Funk remains in custody with no bail.
President Donald Trump's increased immigration raids by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have faced criticism from several celebrities, including Joe Rogan and Jeff Bridges. These ICE raids are part of Trump's mass deportation policy, which targets undocumented immigrants, creating debate and drawing protests. Public figures in the entertainment industry are using their platforms to express their disagreement with these actions.
Key Facts
President Trump has increased immigration raids as part of a mass deportation plan.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) conducts these raids, especially in sanctuary cities.
Joe Rogan criticized the raids, saying they target migrant workers and scare American citizens.
Other celebrities, like Jeff Bridges and singer Kehlani, publicly spoke against the raids.
Celebrities express concerns about ICE targeting people without warrants or due process.
There are protests and public reactions against these immigration enforcement actions.
Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo, a Republican, and Democratic Attorney General Aaron Ford are tied in a recent poll for the 2026 gubernatorial race. The poll reveals both candidates have 41% support, with a significant number of voters still undecided. Nevada is a swing state, making this race important for both political parties.
Key Facts
Nevada is a key swing state in U.S. elections.
Joe Lombardo is the current Republican governor of Nevada.
Attorney General Aaron Ford, a Democrat, is likely Lombardo's opponent in the gubernatorial race.
An Emerson College poll shows both Lombardo and Ford with 41% support.
The poll surveyed 800 registered voters with a margin of error of ±3.4 percentage points.
Another poll from Noble Predictive Insights earlier gave Lombardo a slight lead of three points over Ford.
A significant portion of voters remain undecided in these polls.
The 2026 governor's race in Nevada is considered competitive and crucial for both parties.
A police officer at St. Louis Lambert International Airport shot and killed a man with a knife early Friday morning. The incident took place outside the terminal near the light rail platform, and no travelers or airport staff were injured. The man's reasons for being at the airport and his refusal to comply with police commands are under investigation.
Key Facts
A man with a knife was shot by a police officer at St. Louis Lambert International Airport.
The incident occurred around 1 a.m. near Terminal 1, outside security checkpoints.
The man was in a restricted area and did not follow police instructions to leave.
Officers used Tasers, but the man continued advancing, leading to the shooting.
No travelers or airport employees were injured.
The man’s identity has not been released.
The airport's MetroLink rail service was paused for three hours after the incident.
The airport stayed open, and train service resumed later in the morning.
Orlando, Florida, is the most popular U.S. destination for Thanksgiving travel in 2025, while Paris tops the list for international travelers. AAA reports nearly 82 million people will travel in the U.S. during the Thanksgiving period, with increases in both car and air travel expected.
Key Facts
Orlando, Florida, is the top U.S. destination for Thanksgiving travel.
Florida cities Fort Lauderdale, Miami, and Tampa also ranked highly for domestic travel.
Paris, France, is the most popular international destination for U.S. travelers during Thanksgiving.
Other top international destinations include Amsterdam, Vienna, and Cancun.
AAA forecasts nearly 82 million people will travel in the U.S. over the Thanksgiving period from November 25 to December 1, 2025.
6 million U.S. travelers are expected to fly domestically during this period.
Around 73 million Americans are set to travel by car for Thanksgiving.
The number of people taking cruises is around 20.7 million, with expectations for this number to rise next year.
Immigration agents entered a family's apartment in Queens, New York, forcibly, pointing guns at a mother and her children. The agents, searching for a suspect not living there, did not show a warrant. This event has raised concerns about immigration enforcement practices.
Key Facts
Immigration agents entered a basement apartment in Queens, New York, on November 13.
The agents knocked down the door and pointed guns at a mother and her four children.
The family involved includes children aged 2, 8, 10, and 13, who are U.S. citizens.
Agents did not announce themselves or show a warrant according to the New York Immigration Coalition (NYIC).
Agents were looking for Raymundo Gabriel Huerra-Betancourt, who was not living at that address.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security stated that the suspect had used the address officially.
The incident has sparked criticism about immigration enforcement methods and raised legal concerns.
