Flags in the United States are at half-staff to honor former Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3. The flags will remain lowered until his interment, following U.S. Flag Code protocols. Cheney's funeral is set for November 20 at the Washington National Cathedral.
Key Facts
Former Vice President Dick Cheney died on November 3 at the age of 84.
Flags across the U.S. were lowered to half-staff starting November 4.
The U.S. Flag Code requires flags at half-staff after a vice president's death until their burial.
Cheney's funeral will be on November 20 at Washington National Cathedral.
The public can view the funeral online, but attendance is by invitation only.
Cheney died from complications of pneumonia and heart and vascular diseases.
President Donald Trump did not issue a proclamation about the flags, but they were lowered according to statutory law.
Flags will return to full-staff after sunset on the day of Cheney's interment.
The National Insurance Crime Bureau (NICB) released a report on car thefts in the United States, showing a 23% drop in the first half of 2025 compared to 2024. Despite this decline, over 334,000 cars were stolen, with certain models like the Hyundai Elantra and Honda Civic being the most targeted. The report shows that substantial reductions in thefts were seen in various states, except Alaska, which saw an increase.
Key Facts
The NICB report shows a 23% decrease in car thefts in the first half of 2025 compared to the same period in 2024.
Over 334,000 cars were stolen in the first six months of 2025.
The Hyundai Elantra was the most-stolen car, with 11,329 reported thefts.
Other frequently stolen models include the Hyundai Sonata, Honda Accord, Chevrolet Silverado 1500, and Honda Civic.
States like Puerto Rico, Washington, and North Dakota saw the largest declines in car thefts.
Alaska reported a 26% increase in car thefts, contrasting with the national trend.
Law enforcement, automakers, and insurers contribute to reducing vehicle theft through collaborative efforts.
Simple prevention measures like locked doors and visible deterrents can help reduce car thefts.
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on releasing the Epstein files, which President Trump initially opposed but later supported. This vote marks a rare instance where the Republican-led Congress defies President Trump. The files relate to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender.
Key Facts
The House is set to vote on releasing files related to investigations into Jeffrey Epstein.
President Trump initially opposed the release but later changed his stance to support it.
This vote shows a significant challenge to President Trump's influence within his party, the GOP.
Four Republican members plan to vote with Democrats for the files' release.
The Epstein files have become a point of contention amid rising economic concerns and internal GOP disagreements.
Democrats released parts of Epstein-related emails to pressure President Trump.
There is concern that a new investigation into Democrats by Attorney General Pam Bondi could delay the files’ release.
Jena-Lisa Jones, a woman who was abused by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, urged President Donald Trump to support the release of files related to Epstein's investigation. Jones criticized Trump for not showing leadership on this issue and called his behavior embarrassing, despite having voted for him. A group of survivors, with Reps. Ro Khanna, Thomas Massie, and Marjorie Taylor Greene, is pushing for a House vote to release these files.
Key Facts
Jena-Lisa Jones is a survivor of abuse by Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell.
Jones asked President Trump to help release Epstein investigation files.
She criticized Trump's handling of the issue, though she voted for him.
Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie are advocating for a vote to release the files.
Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is also involved.
If the vote passes, the Department of Justice would release the files within 30 days.
A press conference was held before the House vote on this matter.
Federal agents detained more than 130 people suspected of being in the U.S. illegally during raids in Charlotte, North Carolina, part of President Donald Trump's intensified immigration enforcement efforts. The operation, named "Operation Charlotte’s Web," focused on areas like apartment complexes and shopping centers and included individuals with criminal records among those detained.
Key Facts
Over 130 people were detained in Charlotte during the immigration raids.
The operation took place over two days.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) led the raids, calling it Operation Charlotte’s Web.
44 of those detained have criminal records, including gang membership and various offenses like assault and driving while intoxicated.
The raids occurred in a city with approximately 950,000 people and a Democratic political leaning.
Local officials have objected to the raids, arguing crime has decreased in the area.
DHS aims to remove individuals it sees as threats to public safety as per its enforcement strategy.
There has been criticism regarding the use of a children's book title for the operation’s name.
A survey by Gensler found that many young adults without children in cities like Baltimore, Charlotte, and Miami are thinking about moving away. The study looked at reasons such as job opportunities and housing costs. Fewer young people in San Diego, Boston, and Chicago are considering leaving.
Key Facts
Gensler surveyed 2,200 young adults aged 18-34 without children across 27 major U.S. cities.
About 62% of young adults in Baltimore are likely to leave, the highest percentage found in the survey.
Charlotte and Miami follow with 58% and 52%, respectively.
San Diego and Boston have lower percentages of young adults considering a move, at 27% and 28%.
The survey did not specify a timeline for when these young adults were thinking of moving.
The survey is part of Gensler's report "City Pulse 2025: The Magnetic City."
Reasons for moving include career opportunities and the cost of living.
Emotional connections and a sense of belonging are also important for why people stay in a city.
The Old Farmer's Almanac has released its predictions for snow on Christmas Day in the United States. It forecasts a milder-than-average winter, with the best chances for snow mainly in the Central region. Key areas likely to experience a white Christmas include New England, the Lower Great Lakes, and Alaska.
Key Facts
The Old Farmer's Almanac has been making weather forecasts since 1792.
It predicts most of the U.S. will have a milder-than-average winter in 2025.
New England, the Lower Great Lakes, and Alaska are most likely to see snow on Christmas.
The Appalachians, Upper Midwest, High Plains, and East Ohio Valley have a chance of snow.
Regions like the Atlantic Corridor, Southeast, Florida, and Texas–Oklahoma are unlikely to see snow.
In Minneapolis, there is an 80% chance of snow on Christmas, while New Hampshire’s White Mountains have a 97% chance.
Washington, D.C. has only a 6% chance of experiencing a white Christmas.
Travelers in areas forecasted to have snow should plan for possible delays and check travel conditions.
The U.S. House of Representatives plans to vote on a bill that would require the Justice Department to release its files on Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump and Republican leaders initially resisted the bill, but growing support has led to a change in their stance.
Key Facts
The House vote is scheduled for Tuesday.
The bill requires the Justice Department to publicly release files on Jeffrey Epstein.
A small bipartisan group in the House initiated the bill in July.
President Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson initially opposed the bill.
President Trump has since changed his position, urging Republicans to support the bill.
The bill is expected to pass with strong support in the House.
If passed, the Senate will then have to consider the bill.
The Trump administration wants to change a rule about green cards that was set by President Biden. This change could make it harder for immigrants to become permanent residents if they use government benefits like Medicaid. The proposed rule would allow more discretion in deciding who might need too much government help.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is proposing to change a Biden-era rule about green cards.
The rule, known as the "public charge" rule, affects green card applicants who use government benefits.
Biden's 2022 rule limited this concern to specific cash benefits and did not include many non-cash benefits like Medicaid.
If the new proposal goes through, more benefits could lead to denial of permanent residency.
The proposed changes could affect millions of current and future green card applicants.
The Department of Homeland Security plans to publish the new proposal on November 19.
Advocacy groups say the change could create more uncertainty and risk arbitrary decisions by officials.
Some immigrant groups, like refugees and veterans, are typically exempt from these rules.
California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a $100 million investment to create jobs in the state. The money will go to nine companies, resulting in 2,752 new jobs. These jobs will pay higher than the average state salary and bring in significant private investment.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom heads California.
The state is investing $100 million to create jobs.
Nine companies will benefit from this investment.
The investment expects to create 2,752 new jobs.
The jobs will be in sectors like aerospace, electronics, clean technology, and food production.
The average salary for these new jobs is $139,000, which is higher than the state average.
The investment is expected to attract $370 million in private investment.
President Donald Trump signed a new tax law called the "One Big Beautiful Bill" on July 4, bringing significant changes to taxes and other financial policies. Some parts of the tax law take effect immediately, affecting 2025 tax returns, while other provisions will be phased in over the next few years. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent mentioned possible future additional refunds for working families, which would need approval from Congress.
Key Facts
The new tax law begins to impact 2025 tax returns, with some immediate changes and others phased in.
The standard deduction increases to $15,750 for single filers and $31,500 for married couples, with annual adjustments for inflation.
Temporary tax breaks, which begin in 2025 and end in 2028, include exemptions on tip income and overtime pay for certain earners.
The Child Tax Credit increases to $2,200 per qualifying child with no end date and also adjusts for inflation.
The SALT deduction limit rises to $40,000 starting in 2025 and will revert to $10,000 in 2030.
In 2026, further changes include a limit on itemized deductions for higher-income individuals and an increased estate tax exemption.
Babies born from 2025 to 2028 will receive a one-time $1,000 in a "Trump Account," which tracks a stock index.
President Trump has proposed sending $2,000 refunds to families, pending Congressional approval.
A man named Gerardo Rodriguez was arrested for allegedly holding a 17-year-old boy at gunpoint in California, claiming to be a public officer. It is unclear if Rodriguez was working for Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), as the agency stated he is not an employee, but the incident is under investigation by authorities.
Key Facts
Gerardo Rodriguez is accused of ordering a 17-year-old out of a car at gunpoint.
He allegedly showed a badge during the incident.
ICE and other agencies deny that Rodriguez is an active employee.
The teenager and his family reported the incident to the police.
Rodriguez was arrested, accused of assault with a deadly weapon and other charges.
Video from the incident shows a man approaching a vehicle with a gun.
Rodriguez posted bail and is due in court on December 26.
President Donald Trump mentioned that $2,000 payments could be sent to Americans by the middle of next year. These payments would come from money made through tariffs, but the plan is not yet concrete. The proposal needs approval from Congress, and some experts doubt the funds from tariffs would be enough.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested $2,000 payments for Americans might come next year from tariff revenue.
The checks would go to lower- and middle-income Americans, but income thresholds are not clearly defined.
The plan requires congressional approval to proceed.
Experts question if tariff revenue, reported at $195 billion by 2025, is sufficient to cover the checks.
Some officials suggest the payments might take various forms, not necessarily just a one-time check.
Kevin Hassett believes there is enough tariff revenue to fund the proposal.
Republican Representative Ryan Zinke expressed doubts, noting the national debt concerns.
A new rule in the United States requires passport holders to list their biological sex as recorded at birth. The Supreme Court allowed this policy from President Trump's administration to proceed, impacting new passport applications but not existing ones. The rule eliminates the option for a gender marker other than 'M' (male) or 'F' (female).
Key Facts
The new passport rule mandates listing the sex assigned at birth on U.S. passports.
The Supreme Court approved this rule in November 2025.
The nonbinary 'X' gender marker option is no longer available for new passports.
This policy is part of an executive order from January 2025 focused on recognizing only two sexes.
Existing passports with 'X' markers remain valid until they expire.
The State Department will no longer accept requests for gender marker changes beyond the initial birth assignment.
Passport applications requesting gender markers not aligned with the birth certificate may face delays or denials.
Around 2.8 million people in the U.S. identify as transgender, according to UCLA’s Williams Institute.
Meteorologists are predicting winter storms and snowfall in the Midwest and Northern U.S. during Thanksgiving week. This weather could cause travel problems, as many people plan to journey during this busy holiday period.
Key Facts
Meteorologists forecast heavy snow and winter storms for the Midwest and Northern U.S. during Thanksgiving week.
Expected areas of snowfall include Iowa, northern Michigan, Minnesota, and northern New England, with some areas possibly seeing up to 8 inches of snow.
Nearly 82 million people are expected to travel for Thanksgiving, making it one of the busiest travel times in the U.S.
Snow is expected to start wet and heavy and may become powdery, leading to blowing snow if winds increase.
There is a chance of blizzard-like conditions, although no official blizzard warning has been issued yet.
Travelers are advised to prepare for potential travel disruptions, allow extra time for travel, and carry emergency supplies.
Meteorologists suggest closely monitoring weather forecasts and travel advisories due to possible changes in conditions.
The article discusses ongoing issues with members of the U.S. Congress not properly disclosing their stock trades. These problems involve lawmakers from both political parties, leading to potential conflicts of interest. Congress plans to review these financial disclosure failures, seeking accountability.
Key Facts
Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett did not disclose ownership of stocks in at least 25 companies.
Other Congress members from both parties have reportedly filed financial disclosures late or engaged in questionable stock trading.
More than 20 members reportedly gained almost double the S&P 500 average in 2024.
Current rules for Congress members on stock trades are weaker than those for executive branch officials.
Financial disclosures are meant to provide transparency and prevent corruption.
Lack of proper disclosure can undermine public trust in government.
Congress is considering actions to improve accountability in stock trading disclosures.
A man named Willy Aceituno, a U.S. citizen born in Honduras, was briefly detained by Border Patrol agents in Charlotte, North Carolina. He regretted voting for President Trump after agents broke his car window and removed him from his vehicle during an immigration enforcement operation. The operation, known as "Operation Charlotte's Web," led to more than 130 arrests over the weekend.
Key Facts
Willy Aceituno is a U.S. citizen who was born in Honduras.
He was stopped twice by Border Patrol agents in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Agents broke his car window and placed him on the ground before verifying his citizenship.
The incident made Aceituno regret his vote for President Trump, citing concerns about targeting Latino people.
"Operation Charlotte's Web" is an immigration enforcement effort in Charlotte that has resulted in many detentions.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Aceituno was behaving erratically and refused commands.
Aceituno filed a police report for the damage to his vehicle.
Over 130 arrests have been made as part of the operation.
President Donald Trump faced two legal challenges on Monday. A judge in New York upheld a law limiting immigration arrests at courthouses, and a judge in Tennessee blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis.
Key Facts
A New York federal judge upheld a law that restricts immigration arrests at courthouses.
The law, called the Protect Our Courts Act, prevents arrests without a judicial warrant.
The Trump administration argued this law violated the U.S. Constitution but the court disagreed.
A Tennessee judge stopped the deployment of state National Guard troops to Memphis.
The Tennessee ruling was based on potential violations of state constitutional limits.
These legal setbacks highlight opposition Trump's domestic enforcement policy is facing.
The New York ruling may influence similar cases in other states.
The White House responded to a photo that seemed to show the American flag on the ground after President Trump's return to the White House. A spokesman stated that high winds led to the flag being temporarily lowered into a protective container. The incident sparked discussions about the U.S. Flag Code and the flag's symbolism.
Key Facts
A photo appeared to show the U.S. flag on the ground at the White House.
The White House said the flag was lowered into a container due to high winds.
The incident took place when President Trump returned to Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Flag Code states the flag should not touch the ground but allows exceptions for emergencies or bad weather.
Photos circulated online show parts of the flag close to the ground, but these have not been verified.
President Trump has supported strong penalties for flag desecration.
The controversy highlighted the cultural and legal importance of flag handling in the U.S.
This article discusses various legal challenges and actions involving the Trump administration and related figures. It highlights different individuals, such as judges and lawyers, and their roles in ongoing legal battles. The piece is part of Newsweek's "Conventional Wisdom" series that uses arrows to indicate the influence of political figures and events.
Key Facts
Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-associated attorney, indicted James Comey and Letitia James, but faced criticism for investigative errors.
Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol commander, was found to have lied under oath but avoided immediate consequences.
Judge James Boasberg found probable cause against Trump officials for not following his orders, but the DC Circuit has temporarily blocked further actions.
Emil Bove, initially Trump's deputy AG, gave controversial advice, and was later confirmed to a Third Circuit judicial seat.
Jeanine Pirro left Fox News to become DC’s top prosecutor but has faced numerous legal setbacks.
Abbe Lowell has represented various figures both during Trump's first and second terms, showcasing legal dynamics within the administration.
"Conventional Wisdom" is a feature that uses arrows to show the changing influence of political figures, revived to critique media and political trends.
