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.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is open to changing the rules about censuring lawmakers as Congress sees many recent censure motions from both parties. There is a proposal from Democrat Don Beyer that would require more votes to approve censure. Recent events have highlighted growing partisan tensions and questions about fairness in the censure process.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader and a Democrat from New York.
Congress has recently seen many motions to censure lawmakers from both political parties.
Censure is a formal reprimand of a lawmaker and requires approval from Congress.
Democrat Don Beyer proposed needing a 60% majority rather than a simple majority to censure.
Recent failed attempts to censure lawmakers have increased discussions about fairness and due process.
One specific incident involved a failed attempt to censure Democratic Delegate Stacey Plaskett.
Representative Greg Steube plans to bring a resolution to expel Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick after allegations of fraud.
Jeffries and Republican leaders may discuss changes to make the censure process fairer.
Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani of New York City plans to meet with President Donald Trump at the White House. Mamdani wants to discuss affordability issues for New Yorkers with the President. The meeting comes amid tensions, as President Trump has criticized Mamdani's political views.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is set to become New York City's mayor on January 1, 2026.
Mamdani plans to discuss affordability, focusing on cost-of-living solutions, with President Trump.
President Trump had previously criticized Mamdani, calling him a "communist" and questioning his citizenship.
Trump threatened to withhold funds from New York City if Mamdani is elected.
Trump announced the meeting with Mamdani will take place on Friday, November 21st.
Mamdani defeated Andrew Cuomo in both primary and general elections to become mayor-elect.
Mamdani's agenda includes free bus travel, childcare, more public housing, and rent freezes for government-subsidized properties.
During past White House visits, President Trump has been critical of other leaders, as noted in media coverage.
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is involved in legal battles in the United States related to immigration and criminal charges. Despite a court ruling that blocked his deportation to El Salvador, he was mistakenly deported and faces new charges of human smuggling. His case continues with various legal proceedings in different courts.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia fled El Salvador for the U.S. around 2011 as a teenager.
In March 2019, Abrego Garcia was arrested in Maryland, accused of gang membership, and handed to Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE).
In October 2019, a Maryland judge ruled that he should not be deported due to threats against him in El Salvador.
On March 15, 2025, he was mistakenly deported to El Salvador and imprisoned.
The U.S. Supreme Court in April 2025 ordered the Trump administration to return him to the U.S.
On June 6, 2025, he was brought back to the U.S. and charged with human smuggling from a 2022 incident.
ICE announced plans to deport him again in July 2025, but a Maryland judge blocked this.
On August 25, 2025, Abrego Garcia filed to reopen his immigration case to seek asylum in the U.S.
Former U.S. Vice-President Dick Cheney, who served under President George W. Bush, was honored at his funeral in Washington, D.C. Both Democrats and Republicans attended the service. Cheney, known for his role in the "war on terror," passed away from health complications at the age of 84.
Key Facts
Dick Cheney served as Vice-President under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009.
Cheney passed away due to complications from pneumonia, heart, and vascular disease.
The funeral took place in Washington, D.C., with attendees from both major political parties.
President George W. Bush spoke at the funeral, praising Cheney as a thinker and listener.
Cheney was influential in the "war on terror" and supported the Iraq invasion after 9/11.
President Donald Trump and Vice-President JD Vance did not attend the funeral.
Cheney's daughter, Liz Cheney, has been a critic of President Trump.
Cheney and his daughter supported Kamala Harris in the last White House election.
House Democratic leaders reached out to Capitol Police for protection after President Trump made statements that were interpreted as threatening towards Democrats. President Trump criticized comments from military veterans in Congress and suggested their behavior was "punishable by death." The Democratic leaders condemned Trump's words and requested increased safety for the lawmakers involved.
Key Facts
House Democrats contacted Capitol Police and the House sergeant-at-arms for safety concerns.
President Trump made social media posts suggesting harsh punishments for certain Democrats.
The comments came after military veterans in Congress urged soldiers to disregard unlawful orders.
Democrats released a video encouraging service members to resist illegal commands.
Democratic leaders condemned Trump's remarks and asked him to delete his posts.
The White House did not immediately reply to requests for comment.
President Donald Trump accused several Democratic lawmakers of sedition after they advised military service members that they do not have to obey illegal orders. Legal experts explained that their actions do not meet the legal criteria for sedition. The discussion centers around the laws and guidelines for military personnel regarding lawful and unlawful orders.
Key Facts
President Trump claimed several Democratic lawmakers committed sedition by advising military personnel to not follow illegal orders.
Trump expressed his opinion on Truth Social, calling the lawmakers' behavior seditious.
The lawmakers include Michigan Senator Elissa Slotkin and others with military or intelligence backgrounds.
The lawmakers released a video encouraging service members to defy "illegal orders."
Critics and experts say the actions do not legally constitute sedition.
The Uniform Code of Military Justice requires military personnel to obey lawful orders, but not illegal ones.
Determining whether an order is illegal can be complicated, and military legal advisers play a role in these decisions.
Sedition, as defined by U.S. law, involves an attempt to overthrow the government.
Political leaders in the United States gathered at the National Cathedral to attend the funeral of former Vice President Dick Cheney. Cheney, who served as vice president under George W. Bush, passed away on November 4 due to health complications. Notable figures like former U.S. Presidents and Supreme Court Justices were present, while President Trump and Vice President Vance were not invited.
Key Facts
Dick Cheney served as Vice President under President George W. Bush.
Cheney died on November 4 from pneumonia and cardiac and vascular disease.
He was 84 years old at the time of his death.
The funeral took place at the National Cathedral in Washington, D.C.
Attendees included George W. Bush, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, Mike Pence, Dan Quayle, and Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and John Roberts.
President Trump and Vice President Vance were not invited to the funeral.
Trump had a disagreement with Cheney's daughter, Liz Cheney, over her vote to impeach him.
The Trump administration has proposed new oil drilling off the coasts of California and Florida. This would be the first drilling in these federal waters in decades, aiming to increase U.S. oil production. The plan is facing opposition due to environmental concerns and potential impacts on local economies.
Key Facts
The proposal includes new oil drilling off California and Florida’s coasts for the first time in decades.
The plan aims to boost U.S. energy security and create jobs.
The eastern Gulf of Mexico, including offshore Florida, has not allowed drilling since 1995 due to oil spill concerns.
California has existing offshore rigs, but no new leases in federal waters since the 1980s.
President Trump has reversed policies to reduce climate change, seeking “energy dominance.”
The plan proposes offshore lease sales from 2027 to 2030 along the California coast and off Florida.
The proposal faces opposition from California and Florida politicians, citing environmental and economic concerns.
The U.S. broadcast regulator, FCC, contacted the BBC about a Panorama episode that edited a speech by President Donald Trump, potentially suggesting Trump advocated violence. The BBC acknowledged the edit might have been misleading and apologized but did not agree to pay compensation. The BBC claims it did not distribute the episode in the U.S., and Trump may sue for defamation.
Key Facts
The FCC contacted the BBC about a Panorama episode featuring an edited Trump speech.
The edit suggested Trump called for violent action during the Capitol riot on January 6, 2021.
FCC chief Brendan Carr is checking if the edited content aired on U.S. channels regulated by the FCC.
The BBC said it did not distribute the episode in the United States.
Trump threatened to sue the BBC, claiming defamation, with potential damages up to $5 billion.
The BBC apologized for the impression made by the edit but denied Trump's demand for compensation.
The edited speech was aired before the 2024 presidential election, which Trump won.
The BBC explained the documentary was only accessible to UK viewers via BBC iPlayer.
President Donald Trump suggested the possibility of the death penalty for Democratic Congress members who advised military personnel to reject illegal orders. He posted these remarks on his social media platform, Truth Social, calling the Democrats' behavior seditious. The Democrats defended their statements, referencing military law that obligates members to refuse unlawful orders.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested that some Democrats could face the death penalty for sedition.
Trump expressed support for imprisoning these Democrats for their comments.
The Democrats' video featured six senators and representatives urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders.
The Uniform Code of Military Justice requires service members to disobey illegal orders.
The Democrats stated they were reminding military and intelligence workers of their duty under existing law.
Stephens Miller, Trump's adviser, interpreted the Democrats' video as a call for insurrection.
The Democrats defended their statement as a lawful reminder to uphold Constitutional duties.
The video message ended with a historic Navy slogan, "Don’t give up the ship."
Fire crews in Washington, D.C., responded to smoke in a subway tunnel near the Rayburn House Office Building, which led to its closure. The Capitol Police confirmed the presence of a fire and the potential danger from smoke.
Key Facts
A fire occurred in the subway tunnel near the Rayburn House Office Building.
The fire led to the closure of part of the Capitol’s subway system.
Capitol Police mentioned that the smoke made it unsafe to stay in the area.
The District of Columbia Fire and EMS were on the scene to manage the incident.
The event is described as a breaking news story, implying ongoing developments.
Rep. Greg Steube announced he will push for a vote to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress after her federal indictment. This action follows a pattern of using expulsions and censures that some view as partisan. Cherfilus-McCormick, who faces charges of misusing FEMA funds, maintains her innocence and refuses to resign.
Key Facts
Rep. Greg Steube plans to force a vote on expelling Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress.
Cherfilus-McCormick was indicted for allegedly misusing $5 million in FEMA funds.
Expulsion from Congress requires a two-thirds majority vote.
Steube previously considered a censure, which is a less severe penalty than expulsion.
Cherfilus-McCormick claims the indictment is a "sham" and insists she is innocent.
She refuses to resign and intends to continue her role in Congress.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries stated that Cherfilus-McCormick deserves a fair trial.
Her indictment results in stepping down from her leadership role on a House subcommittee.
The family of Danielle Staley, a missing woman, is worried about her "abusive" relationship with her boyfriend, Alx Nunez. She disappeared on November 6 after being last seen near a beach in California, and the sheriff's office is investigating her disappearance as potentially involving foul play. Her boyfriend is cooperating with the investigation and denies being involved in her disappearance.
Key Facts
Danielle Staley is missing, last seen on November 6 near Rio Del Mar State Beach, California.
Her family says she was in a 13-year abusive relationship with Alx Nunez.
Nunez denies involvement and is cooperating with the investigation.
Staley was last seen wearing a dark hooded sweatshirt and leopard-print leggings.
The sheriff's office says foul play might be involved.
Detectives are looking for surveillance footage from November 5 to 7.
Staley's personal items and phone were left on the beach.
Her family expresses concern as she usually stays in contact with them.
A Florida congresswoman, Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, faces charges of stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds. She is accused of funneling money from a federal contract into her election campaign. The House Ethics Committee is investigating, and she could face up to 53 years in prison if found guilty.
Key Facts
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick is charged with stealing $5 million intended for federal disaster relief.
The funds were related to a FEMA contract for registering people for COVID-19 vaccines.
She allegedly used the money in her 2021 election campaign.
The investigation involves her family business, Trinity Healthcare Services, and her brother.
A federal grand jury in Miami approved her indictment.
The House of Representatives Ethics Committee is also investigating her.
She faces potential expulsion from Congress and a prison sentence of up to 53 years if convicted.
Ms. Cherfilus-McCormick denies the charges and plans to fight the indictment.
President Donald Trump announced a plan to open new offshore oil drilling near California and Florida for the first time in decades. The proposal aims to increase U.S. fossil fuel production, despite opposition from local leaders who are concerned about environmental risks and economic impacts on tourism. The plan includes several lease sales in areas that have been off-limits due to environmental concerns.
Key Facts
The plan involves new offshore oil drilling near California and Florida.
This is part of President Trump's effort to increase fossil fuel production in the U.S.
The proposal reverses previous policies under President Joe Biden, which focused on reducing offshore drilling.
The Interior Department suggests six lease sales from 2027 to 2030 along California's coast.
Florida's proposed drilling areas have been restricted since 1995 due to environmental concerns.
More than 20 additional lease sales are proposed off Alaska.
Interior Secretary Doug Burgum stated the plan would boost energy supply and preserve jobs.
There is strong opposition from leaders in California and Florida due to potential environmental risks and impacts on tourism economies.
U.S. Representative Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Florida faces charges of taking $5 million in federal disaster funds and using some of the money for her campaign. Cherfilus-McCormick denies these charges and remains in her congressional seat but has stepped down from a committee role. Other politicians have called for her resignation.
Key Facts
Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick, a U.S. Representative from Florida, is charged with stealing $5 million in federal disaster funds.
The funds allegedly came from a COVID-19 vaccination staffing contract and were overpaid to her family's healthcare company.
Prosecutors claim some of the money was used for Cherfilus-McCormick's congressional campaign.
Cherfilus-McCormick denies all charges and plans to defend herself in court.
She stepped down from a leadership role on a congressional subcommittee.
U.S. Rep. Greg Steube has called for her resignation and may introduce a resolution to expel her from Congress.
In 2024, a state agency sued her family’s company for overcharges during the pandemic.
She continues to serve Florida's 20th District and was elected in January 2022.
A federal grand jury in Maryland is investigating whether unauthorized personnel were involved in handling cases against U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James. This investigation looks into possible collusion to appoint those not properly authorized to work on these cases, previously ordered by President Trump. The grand jury's focus is on the conduct of officials under the Trump administration.
Key Facts
A federal grand jury in Maryland is conducting an investigation.
The cases involve U.S. Senator Adam Schiff and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The investigation looks at whether unauthorized personnel were assigned to these cases.
President Trump allegedly ordered targeting of Schiff and James, among others.
DOJ opened cases against Schiff and James on mortgage fraud accusations.
Prosecutors focused on potential collusion to appoint unauthorized personnel.
Preet Bharara claims investigator Ed Martin shows bias due to political connections.
The exact details and subjects of the investigation are not yet fully clear.
President Donald Trump called a female reporter "piggy" during a conversation on Air Force One. The White House press secretary explained that this shows his straightforward and honest communication style.
Key Facts
President Trump used the term "piggy" when speaking to a female reporter.
This incident happened while he was answering questions on Air Force One.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt commented on the event.
Leavitt described President Trump as frank and honest.
She mentioned that President Trump sometimes gets frustrated with reporters.
Leavitt called Trump the most transparent president in history.
