During a long government shutdown, about 7% of air traffic controllers will receive a $10,000 bonus from President Trump for perfect attendance. Many other controllers, who worked without pay, will not receive this recognition, leading to concerns from their union. The union hopes to work with the administration to recognize all workers.
Key Facts
The $10,000 bonus is for air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the government shutdown.
776 out of approximately 11,000 air traffic controllers and technicians will receive the bonus.
The shutdown was the longest in U.S. history and lasted 44 days.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is concerned that many workers who attended work during the shutdown were not recognized.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduced flights at 40 airports due to staff shortages.
President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with controllers who did not consistently attend work.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the workers for maintaining safety during the shutdown.
Bonuses for those with perfect attendance will be distributed by December 9.
Speaker Mike Johnson is considering making it harder to use a tool called a discharge petition in the House of Representatives. This tool recently brought attention by forcing a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Johnson believes discharge petitions are being used too often and wants to change the rules to limit their use.
Key Facts
A discharge petition can force a vote on a bill if a majority of House members support it.
Speaker Mike Johnson is thinking about raising the requirements for discharge petitions as they have become more common.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed with almost unanimous support after using a discharge petition.
There have been only seven successful discharge petitions since 1935, but three happened in the last two years.
A recent discharge petition that reached the needed number of signatures involves restoring union rights for federal workers.
Any changes to the discharge petition rules can only happen at the start of a new Congress.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also supports making it harder to use discharge petitions.
Rep. Thomas Massie is worried that increased use of this tool could lead to its restriction or removal.
A U.S. judge has ordered a temporary stop to President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, DC. This decision comes after city officials filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the deployment overstepped policing powers.
Key Facts
A federal judge has paused the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, DC.
Washington, DC officials filed a lawsuit against the deployment, claiming it overstepped local policing authority.
The judge, Jia Cobb, gave the Trump administration 21 days to appeal the decision.
President Trump wanted to send troops to various cities to address crime and immigration issues.
The federal government has special powers in Washington, DC because it is not a state.
Some city residents and groups argue that the troop deployments have led to rights violations.
President Trump threatened to punish local officials opposing the military presence.
The legal challenge claims that democracy could change if these military deployments continue.
The Department of Justice subpoenaed House Judiciary Chairman Jim Jordan's phone records in the Arctic Frost investigation. This investigation looked into whether President Donald Trump and his allies tried to change the 2020 election results. The FBI accessed phone data from Republican lawmakers during this probe.
Key Facts
The DOJ subpoenaed Jim Jordan’s phone records for over two years of data in 2022.
The Arctic Frost investigation examined actions around the 2020 election.
The probe began under President Joe Biden's administration.
The investigation led to charges against President Donald Trump, which were eventually dropped.
The FBI accessed Republican lawmakers' phone data during January 2021, around the Capitol attack.
The FBI fired employees and dismantled a corruption unit after the investigation.
Jim Jordan suggested there might be legal changes to how agencies can access phone records.
The U.S. Congress has decided to release more files from the Department of Justice related to Jeffrey Epstein. Epstein was a convicted sex offender, and these files may give more details about his case.
Key Facts
Congress in the United States voted to release more Department of Justice files.
The files are related to Jeffrey Epstein, who was a convicted sex offender.
Congress believes these documents will provide more information about Epstein's case.
The Department of Justice holds the files, which may contain new details about Epstein's activities.
There is public interest in understanding the full scope of Epstein's actions and connections.
President Donald Trump's administration announced new plans for offshore oil drilling off the coasts of California and Florida. The plan includes several lease sales for new drilling sites, despite opposition from political leaders in those states. The initiative aims to increase U.S. oil production and energy independence.
Key Facts
President Trump’s administration plans new offshore oil drilling near California and Florida.
The plan includes six lease sales for drilling near California through 2030.
Drilling is proposed off the Florida coast, at least 100 miles from shore.
More than 20 lease sales are proposed off the coast of Alaska, including the Arctic Ocean.
California Governor Gavin Newsom and Florida Senator Rick Scott oppose the drilling.
The American Petroleum Institute supports the plan as a boost to U.S. energy production.
Environmental and economic concerns are central to the opposition in California and Florida.
The announcement of the plan coincided with a major climate conference attended by Governor Newsom.
President Donald Trump is set to meet with New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday. This meeting is important as it comes after a period of tension between the two leaders, and they plan to discuss major issues including federal funding and immigration.
Key Facts
President Trump will meet with Zohran Mamdani, the Mayor-elect of New York City, at the White House.
Mamdani criticized Trump during his campaign but now wants to work together on issues affecting New Yorkers.
Mamdani is a Muslim and a democratic socialist, and his election has sparked tension with Trump.
Trump has called Mamdani a “communist” and threatened to cut federal funding for New York City.
Mamdani plans to discuss making life more affordable in New York and balancing public safety.
The meeting is set at 3 p.m. Friday in the Oval Office.
Trump mentioned Mamdani on social media using a nickname, indicating ongoing tension.
Veteran Congresswoman Nydia Velázquez from New York announced she will retire and not seek re-election after 34 years in Congress. Velázquez was the first Puerto Rican woman in Congress and focused much of her career on immigrant and working-class issues. Her retirement leads to a primary election in her district in Brooklyn and Queens.
Key Facts
Nydia Velázquez has served in Congress for 34 years and announced she will not run again.
She was the first Puerto Rican woman elected to Congress.
Velázquez focused on immigrants' rights and working-class New Yorkers during her career.
Her district includes Brooklyn and Queens, areas that strongly support the Democratic Party.
Velázquez is known for her advocacy against Puerto Rico’s colonial status.
She has not named a successor but plans to consider endorsement closer to the primary election in June.
Potential candidates to replace her include Julia Salazar, Antonio Reynoso, and Jen Gutiérrez.
President Donald Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior after they urged military members to refuse illegal orders. The lawmakers, who have military or intelligence backgrounds, dismissed Trump's comments as threats. The White House stated the lawmakers encouraged defiance of lawful orders, and security measures are being considered for the officials mentioned in Trump's posts.
Key Facts
President Trump accused six Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior.
The lawmakers released a video urging service members to refuse illegal commands.
Trump described their actions as dangerous and called for their arrest.
The lawmakers, all with military or intelligence experience, criticized Trump's remarks as threats.
Senator Mark Kelly and five other lawmakers were featured in the video.
The White House denied Trump was calling for Congress members' execution.
Security measures are being considered for the lawmakers due to concerns of politically motivated violence.
Recent studies and polls indicate increasing concerns about political violence in the US.
Federal immigration operations in Charlotte, North Carolina have concluded after five days of raids. The operations were part of a larger effort to target areas with "sanctuary" policies. More than 250 people were arrested during the operation.
Key Facts
The U.S. Border Patrol's operation in Charlotte has ended after five days.
Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles mentioned the federal crackdown targeted the Democrat-led city.
Operation "Charlotte's Web" concluded on Thursday, as confirmed by Mecklenburg County's sheriff.
During the operation, over 250 people were arrested, according to the Department of Homeland Security.
The operation began after President Trump's administration announced a focus on cities with sanctuary policies.
Protests occurred throughout Charlotte, including walkouts by students expressing support for the immigrant community.
Concerns arose over potential human rights abuses during the operations, as some individuals faced rough treatment.
Similar heightened immigration enforcement actions are planned for other cities, including New Orleans.
A funeral was held for Dick Cheney, former U.S. Vice President, at the National Cathedral in Washington, DC. Cheney served under President George W. Bush and played a key role in the Iraq War and the "war on terror." President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not present at the event.
Key Facts
Dick Cheney was U.S. Vice President from 2001 to 2009 under President George W. Bush.
He passed away on November 3 at the age of 84.
Cheney is known for his role in the Iraq War and policies during the "war on terror."
Various notable figures attended his funeral, including former President Joe Biden and former Vice President Kamala Harris.
Trump and current Vice President JD Vance did not attend the funeral.
Cheney promoted the idea that Iraq had weapons of mass destruction, which led to the U.S. invasion.
He defended measures like torture and surveillance during his time in office.
Cheney was a critic of President Trump, which led to a strained relationship with the Republican Party.
Senator Bill Cassidy criticized the Trump administration's stance on vaccines and autism. The CDC updated its website about the link between vaccines and autism, leading to concerns among public health experts. Cassidy emphasized that vaccines are safe and effective and stressed the need for research into the real causes of autism.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy, a doctor and Republican from Louisiana, spoke against recent changes related to vaccines by the Trump administration.
The CDC updated its website, raising concerns by suggesting the claim that vaccines do not cause autism lacks evidence-based support.
Cassidy stated that vaccines for diseases like measles and polio are safe and do not cause autism.
He expressed concern over a possible reduction in research on autism's genetic causes.
The U.S. is experiencing outbreaks of diseases like measles, which are preventable by vaccines.
The CDC's statement that "Vaccines do not cause autism" remains on its website due to an agreement with a Senate committee.
Cassidy emphasized understanding the real causes of autism, including genetic predispositions and environmental factors.
A funeral for former Vice President Dick Cheney took place at Washington National Cathedral. The Trump administration revealed plans to drill for oil along U.S. coasts. Investigators found engine cracks in a crashed UPS cargo plane, and the DOJ must release Epstein files within 30 days.
Key Facts
A funeral service for former Vice President Dick Cheney was held at Washington National Cathedral.
The Trump administration plans to drill for oil off the U.S. coasts.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) found cracks in the engine mount of a UPS cargo plane that crashed in Kentucky.
The U.S. Department of Justice has 30 days to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump expressed that several Democratic lawmakers should be arrested for advising military members to disobey illegal commands. These lawmakers, who have backgrounds in the military and intelligence, suggested that service members ignore such orders.
Key Facts
A group of Democratic Congress members advised military personnel to disobey illegal orders.
These Congress members have military and intelligence experience.
President Trump stated that these lawmakers should face arrest.
He described their actions as "seditious behavior."
President Trump mentioned that such behavior could be punishable by death.
The discussion included Rep. Jason Crow from Colorado.
The Justice Department is looking into how a mortgage fraud investigation involving Sen. Adam Schiff is being handled. This examination includes the actions of people who claimed to be following directions from two Trump administration officials. Authorities interviewed a congressional candidate in connection to this case, focusing on communications with these officials.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is reviewing how a mortgage fraud investigation into Sen. Adam Schiff is managed.
The review includes investigating involvement by individuals claiming to act under direction from two Trump officials.
A Republican congressional candidate in California was interviewed by federal authorities about this matter.
Authorities asked the candidate about communication with Justice Department official Ed Martin and Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte.
There are existing concerns that Pulte and Martin's attempts to investigate Trump opponents involved missteps.
The Justice Department appointed Ed Martin as a special prosecutor for investigating Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
Prosecutors also issued subpoenas as part of a separate investigation into Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook.
The status of the Schiff investigation is ongoing, with inquiries conducted by Maryland prosecutors.
Natalie Greene, a former congressional staffer, is accused of faking a violent attack on herself that included political messages. She allegedly hired someone to hurt her and then falsely reported the incident to police. Greene faces serious charges and possible prison time if convicted.
Key Facts
Natalie Greene is a former staffer for New Jersey Republican Representative Jefferson Van Drew.
Greene allegedly staged the attack with another person on a nature trail in New Jersey.
She claimed that three men attacked her, tied her up, and wrote political slurs on her body.
Police found inconsistencies in Greene's story and found evidence suggesting the attack was staged.
A receipt showed Greene paid someone $500 for body modifications the day of the incident.
Greene could face up to 10 years in prison and a $500,000 fine if found guilty.
She was released on a $200,000 bond pending further legal proceedings.
Many Americans who get health insurance through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) may see their premiums go up soon. This increase will happen unless an agreement is made to continue the financial help that lowers these costs.
Key Facts
About 20 million Americans get their health insurance through ACA exchanges.
These Americans might face higher insurance premiums in the coming weeks.
The increase will happen if subsidies, which help lower the cost, are not extended.
ACA, also known as Obamacare, is a law to make healthcare more affordable.
The decision to extend subsidies is still pending.
Without subsidies, many people may struggle to afford their healthcare premiums.
If the financial help (subsidies) for the Affordable Care Act (also known as ACA or Obamacare) ends, people who use this health insurance might see their costs double. Efforts to keep these subsidies were part of recent government discussions, but no agreement was reached.
Key Facts
Affordable Care Act subsidies might end at the end of the year.
If they expire, average health insurance premiums could double.
Some people could pay over $1,000 more each month.
The subsidies were a central issue during the recent government shutdown.
A deal to keep the subsidies was not reached in the discussions.
Experts like Jonathan Cohn and Brian Blaze discussed the impacts of this issue.
Two brothers, including a Virginia Beach high school assistant principal, were arrested after police received reports they discussed plans that targeted local and federal law enforcement officials. They were charged with conspiracy to commit malicious wounding, based on overheard conversations mentioned in criminal complaints. Both men were arrested and later granted bond.
Key Facts
John W. Bennett, an assistant principal, and his brother Mark B. Bennett were arrested for conspiracy to commit malicious wounding.
An off-duty police officer reported overhearing them talking about attacking law enforcement and federal immigration agents.
The discussion reportedly included using an assault rifle against law enforcement.
Mark Bennett was arrested first at Norfolk International Airport, followed by John Bennett an hour later.
John Bennett has been placed on administrative leave by the school district.
Police Chief Paul Neudigate commented that the threats were taken seriously to ensure public safety.
The investigation is being managed by the Virginia Beach Police Department’s Special Investigation Bureau.
Both men were arraigned and granted bond following their arrest.
President Trump's administration is working to reduce regulations on cryptocurrencies. At the same time, ties between President Trump's family and the cryptocurrency industry are causing ethical concerns.
Key Facts
The Trump administration aims to reduce government rules on cryptocurrency.
President Trump wants the U.S. to become a leading country in cryptocurrency.
There are ethical concerns about the Trump family's connections to the cryptocurrency industry.
Some people worry that these connections could mix personal business with government decisions.
Liz Landers, a White House correspondent, is examining the situation closely.
