An 80-year-old man named Mark Personette was found guilty of murdering 15-year-old Marissa Harvey in 1978. DNA evidence and investigative genealogy identified him as a suspect after the case remained unsolved for over 40 years. Personette, who claims there was reasonable doubt, now faces sentencing in December.
Key Facts
An 80-year-old named Mark Personette was convicted for a murder that happened in 1978.
The victim, Marissa Harvey, was a 15-year-old visiting San Francisco when she was killed.
DNA evidence was found on her clothing and a piece of gum, linking Personette to the crime.
Investigators used a method called investigative genealogy to identify Personette as a suspect.
Personette was seen discarding trash that contained his DNA, confirming his identity.
The case involved testimony from a woman claiming Personette raped her in 1979.
Personette denies being in San Francisco at the time of the murder.
He will be sentenced on December 17 and could face seven years to life in prison.
A federal appeals court in Washington, D.C., has stopped new rules by the Transportation Department that would limit immigrants' ability to get commercial driver's licenses. The court says the government didn't follow the right process to make these rules and didn't explain how they would improve safety. The proposed rules would have mostly affected immigrants with specific work visas.
Key Facts
A federal court blocked new Transportation Department rules for immigrant commercial drivers.
The court said the government did not follow correct procedures when creating these rules.
Data shows that immigrants with commercial licenses make up about 0.2% of fatal crashes, although they hold 5% of such licenses.
The rules would have limited licenses to immigrants with specific visas, affecting only 10,000 out of 200,000 immigrant drivers.
The crash that prompted the rule changes involved a driver in the U.S. illegally and raised safety concerns.
California recently revoked 17,000 licenses issued to immigrants due to expired work permits.
The new rules were not retroactive, meaning existing licenses wouldn't be affected until renewal.
A bill in Congress is trying to make the new rules permanent law.
U.S. officials shut down a logging project on 10,000 acres in Montana due to concerns about its impact on grizzly bears. The decision came after a court ruled that federal agencies violated laws protecting endangered species and their habitats. The agencies must now re-evaluate the project's environmental effects.
Key Facts
A federal judge ordered the shutdown of a 10,000-acre logging project in Montana.
The shutdown is due to the project's potential harm to grizzly bears and their habitat.
The U.S. Forest Service and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were sued in 2022 by the Center for Biological Diversity.
The project is in the Cabinet-Yaak grizzly bear recovery zone, with only about 50 bears remaining.
The project affects 5,070 acres of logging, burning on 4,757 acres, and road work totaling over 46 miles.
Roads are a concern because they allow human access to bear areas, leading to risks like poaching.
The judge ruled that agencies failed to meet legal obligations under laws like the Endangered Species Act.
A new prosecutor, Pete Skandalakis, has taken over the Georgia election interference case against President Donald Trump and others after the original prosecutor, Fani Willis, was removed. Skandalakis will review the case materials to decide how to proceed, as legal action against Trump is unlikely while he remains president. The case involves 14 other defendants, including Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.
Key Facts
Fani Willis was removed from the case due to a conflict of interest involving a relationship with the special prosecutor she appointed.
Pete Skandalakis, head of the Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council of Georgia, is now leading the case.
Legal proceedings against Trump cannot continue while he is serving as President.
The case includes charges against 14 other individuals, such as Rudy Giuliani and Mark Meadows.
Skandalakis received a large amount of case material, including 101 boxes of documents and an eight-terabyte hard drive.
Skandalakis can decide to follow the previous direction, pursue only some charges, or dismiss the case.
The Prosecuting Attorneys’ Council will not receive extra funding for handling the case.
Resources for the case may be limited, potentially leading to simpler charges or plea deals.
The episode explores concerns among some Republicans in the MAGA movement about President Trump's focus on foreign affairs instead of domestic issues. It examines pressures within the Republican party and how Trump might address these concerns.
Key Facts
The episode is part of the Americast podcast by BBC News.
It discusses potential divisions within the MAGA movement.
Some Republicans are questioning Trump's "America first" commitment.
President Trump spoke to Fox News about the need for foreign workers in the U.S.
Critics want Trump to focus more on the economy and domestic policy.
The hosts of the episode are Justin Webb, Anthony Zurcher, and Marianna Spring.
The episode is available on BBC Sounds and can be accessed via smart speakers.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is considering approving a new pesticide called epyrifenacil, which contains chemicals known as PFAS, sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals." This decision has caused concern among environmental experts due to potential health and environmental risks. The EPA states they have taken steps to ensure the pesticide does not pose significant risks to humans or the environment.
Key Facts
The EPA proposed approving the pesticide epyrifenacil for use on crops like canola, corn, soybeans, and wheat.
Epyrifenacil breaks down into trifluoroacetic acid (TFA), which is often found in drinking water.
PFAS chemicals, to which epyrifenacil belongs, are known to pose health risks even at low concentrations.
This is the fifth pesticide containing PFAS chemicals the EPA has sought to approve since President Trump began his second term.
The EPA claims epyrifenacil has a "moderate acute toxicity profile" and is not likely carcinogenic at certain levels.
The agency plans to implement measures like spray drift buffers to reduce potential side effects.
Critics argue these measures might not be enough to prevent contamination and adverse impacts on health and ecosystems.
PFAS chemicals are classified as a Group 1 human carcinogen, meaning there is enough evidence they can cause cancer in humans.
A new poll shows that Republican candidate Mike Rogers is close to Democratic candidates in the race for Michigan's Senate seat in 2026. The seat is open because Democratic Senator Gary Peters is not running again. Three prominent Democrats, including Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow, are competing in the primary.
Key Facts
Senator Gary Peters will not run for reelection in 2026, leaving his Senate seat open.
Republican Mike Rogers is competing for the seat against Democratic candidates.
A poll by EPIC-MRA indicates Rogers is close behind Democrats Haley Stevens and Mallory McMorrow.
Stevens leads Rogers by 2 percentage points, and McMorrow leads by 1 percentage point.
The poll surveyed 600 Michigan residents and has a margin of error of 4 percentage points.
Michigan is a critical swing state in U.S. elections.
President Donald Trump won Michigan in his 2016 and 2024 campaigns, but not in 2020.
U.S. Representative Chip Roy plans to introduce a bill to stop all immigration until specific goals are met. The bill would end H-1B visas, which many U.S. tech companies use to hire foreign workers with special skills. The proposal is part of ongoing discussions about immigration policies in the U.S.
Key Facts
Representative Chip Roy proposed legislation to halt all immigration into the U.S.
The bill includes ending H-1B visas, which allow foreign workers with special skills to work temporarily in the U.S.
Roy discussed the proposal on a podcast, expressing concerns about cultural issues in America.
The H-1B visa program is used by tech companies like Amazon, Microsoft, and Google.
Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene also introduced a bill to phase out the H-1B program.
In 2024, around 400,000 H-1B visas were approved, including renewals and new hires.
Some experts express concerns that ending the visa program may negatively affect U.S. innovation and the economy.
Lawmakers released many documents connected to Jeffrey Epstein, including emails mentioning President Trump. One email refers to "Trump blowing Bubba," drawing attention and speculation on social media. President Trump denies wrongdoing, and Epstein-related files continue to affect his administration.
Key Facts
Over 20,000 pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein were released by U.S. lawmakers.
An email from Mark Epstein mentioned President Trump "blowing Bubba," sparking online speculation.
"Bubba" is speculated to be former President Bill Clinton, but Mark Epstein denied this identification.
Social media posts about the email and its meaning have gained significant attention.
The documents have prompted bipartisan calls for more transparency about Epstein's case.
President Trump has consistently denied involvement in any of Epstein's alleged crimes.
Mark Epstein's email mentioned Steve Bannon and Russian President Vladimir Putin alongside the topic.
Previous friendships between Trump and Epstein ended in the early 2000s, according to Trump.
Sami Hamdi, a British journalist, was detained by U.S. immigration authorities but has since been released and returned to the United Kingdom. His detention was claimed to be influenced by Laura Loomer, a conspiracy theorist, although Hamdi and his lawyers argue it was due to his outspoken views on Israel and Palestine. There was criticism over President Trump's deportation policies and concerns that these measures may suppress freedom of speech.
Key Facts
Sami Hamdi is a British Muslim journalist who was recently detained by U.S. immigration agents.
His arrest happened at San Francisco International Airport during a speaking tour in the United States.
Laura Loomer, a far-right conspiracy theorist, claimed she pressured U.S. officials to act against Hamdi.
Hamdi was detained in connection with his visa status and comments made about the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023.
A Department of Homeland Security spokesperson labeled Hamdi as a "terrorist sympathizer."
No criminal charges were filed against Hamdi; his detention was linked to visa issues.
Hamdi and his supporters argue his remarks were misrepresented and edited to seem more extreme.
Civil rights groups expressed concern that anti-terror tools may be used to suppress voices critical of certain political views.
A Boston University student leader, Zac Segal, called immigration authorities which led to the detention of nine workers at a car wash in Allston. The involvement of these workers in the immigration operation has sparked criticism and support, highlighting debates on immigration enforcement under President Trump's administration. It remains unclear if Segal's calls directly influenced the immigration action.
Key Facts
Zac Segal, president of the College Republicans at Boston University, admitted to calling ICE, which led to nine workers being detained.
These workers were detained during an ICE operation in Allston on November 4.
A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security confirmed the operation but did not specify if it resulted from Segal's calls.
ICE's role includes detaining and deporting undocumented immigrants, a prominent issue under President Trump's policies.
The lawyer for the detainees claims that all nine have legal status and valid work permits.
Segal's actions prompted backlash, including posters at Boston University labeling him "racist" and "fascist."
College Republicans of America expressed support for Segal, calling him a "hero."
The car wash manager reported that ICE agents did not allow workers to present documentation before detaining them.
A grandmother in Louisiana, Kristen Anders, was arrested for running over and killing her 5-year-old grandson, Carson Lawson, while she was under the influence of alcohol and medication. The Slidell Police Department reported that the incident happened in a driveway as the child was preparing to go to school. The police are continuing their investigation.
Key Facts
The incident occurred in Slidell, Louisiana.
Kristen Anders, the grandmother, drove over her grandson while impaired.
The boy, Carson Lawson, was getting ready for school and was outside in the driveway.
Anders was driving a 2016 GMC Yukon.
Anders was arrested for vehicular homicide.
The Slidell Police Department found signs of impairment through a drug recognition expert.
The child's mother, Abi Combs, expressed her grief on social media.
A GoFundMe page for the family raised over $9,000 so far.
Peter J. Skandalakis, the leader of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia, has taken over as the special prosecutor in the 2020 Georgia election case involving President Donald Trump. This change happened after the previous Fulton County District Attorney, Fani Willis, was removed by a state court due to concerns about fairness.
Key Facts
Peter J. Skandalakis is now the special prosecutor in the Georgia election case against President Trump.
Skandalakis is the Executive Director of the Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia.
Fani Willis, the Fulton County District Attorney, was removed from the case.
The state appeals court stated there was an "appearance of impropriety" in her involvement.
The court decided that removing Willis was necessary to maintain public trust in the legal process.
Skandalakis could not find another prosecutor to take on the case before deciding to do it himself.
The government shutdown has ended, but air travel in the U.S. might still face disruptions. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is reducing flights at major airports, affecting many people's holiday travel plans.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has ended, but it could still cause travel delays.
38% of 1,000 people surveyed said the FAA shutdown affects their travel plans.
The FAA plans to reduce airport traffic at 40 major U.S. airports.
13,000 air traffic controllers worked without pay during the shutdown.
59% of people surveyed considered changing their travel dates.
64% of respondents would cancel trips if flight cancellations rise.
Staffing shortages may cause longer lines and slower checkpoints at airports.
Travel issues might continue for weeks even though the government is open again.
In December 2025, SNAP benefits will resume their normal payment schedules after a government shutdown that disrupted the process. President Donald Trump signed a funding bill that ended the shutdown, allowing SNAP payments to be distributed again. Each state has its specific schedule for distributing SNAP benefits.
Key Facts
SNAP provides food assistance to about 42 million low- and no-income Americans each month.
A 43-day government shutdown caused disruptions in SNAP payments in November.
President Trump signed a funding bill that ended the shutdown and resumed SNAP payments.
SNAP benefits will be paid according to each state's regular schedule in December.
Benefit payments are made through electronic cards similar to debit cards.
Payment dates vary by state, with some using case numbers or last names to determine timing.
The full fiscal year funding for SNAP benefits is now secured, lasting until October 2026.
The U.S. House of Representatives is moving forward with a plan to release files related to Jeffrey Epstein, a convicted sex offender. A bill for the release gained enough support for a vote, with some Republicans joining Democrats in backing it. President Trump opposes releasing these files and suggests focusing on other issues.
Key Facts
The House bill to release Epstein-related files gained 218 signatures, enough to force a vote.
Democrats and a few Republicans worked together to push the bill forward.
President Trump, once associated with Epstein, opposes the release of the files.
GOP leaders initially tried to stall the bill, aligning with Trump’s position.
A procedural tactic called a "discharge petition" was used to secure the vote.
Newly elected Representative Adelita Grijalva's vote was key in reaching the required number.
The House plans to vote on the measure in the week of November 17.
Epstein was previously investigated and faced charges related to underage girls.
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is facing a close race against Republican challengers in the 2026 midterm elections, according to recent polling. The polls show Hobbs slightly leading over her Republican opponents, with the most competition coming from Andy Biggs. The state remains a key battleground with both parties aiming for victory.
Key Facts
Arizona Governor Katie Hobbs is a Democrat running for reelection in 2026.
Recent polls show Hobbs has a small lead over Republican challengers Andy Biggs, Karrin Taylor Robson, and David Schweikert.
The Emerson College poll shows Hobbs leading by one to five percentage points over each candidate.
The surveys have a margin of error of around 3.2 to 3.3 percentage points.
Arizona is considered a swing state and has been competitive for both parties in recent elections.
President Donald Trump endorsed both Biggs and Robson for the governor race.
Hobbs won her last election in 2022 by a narrow margin against Kari Lake.
The 2026 Arizona governor race is expected to be closely watched and costly for both parties.
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer stated that recently released documents and emails linked to Jeffrey Epstein contain nothing harmful about Maxwell or President Trump. The emails have increased political tensions, with debates over their relevance and calls for the full release of Epstein-related files.
Key Facts
Ghislaine Maxwell's lawyer, Arthur Aidala, claims emails released from Epstein's estate are not damaging.
The House Oversight Committee Democrats released emails, leading to political disputes.
Maxwell's lawyer denies the emails implicate Maxwell or President Donald Trump.
The White House said the emails were selectively leaked to harm President Trump.
Maxwell stated she never saw President Trump at Epstein's house in any inappropriate situation.
Critics highlighted a potential discrepancy in Maxwell's statements based on the emails.
Maxwell's lawyer disputed claims of her receiving special treatment in jail.
There are calls for the release of all Epstein-related documents due to the recent email release.
The Nevada Supreme Court has allowed a case to proceed against six Republicans accused of submitting false electoral documents in the 2020 election. The court disagreed with a lower judge who had dismissed the case, saying it should proceed in Clark County. This decision means Nevada will be central in deciding if states can hold people accountable for fake electoral claims.
Key Facts
Six Republicans are involved in the case for signing false electoral documents in 2020.
The case was originally dismissed by a Clark County judge who said it happened in the wrong area.
The Nevada Supreme Court decided the case should proceed in Clark County.
The unusual aspect is the mailing of the documents, which reached Las Vegas, validating the location for the trial.
The documents were meant to show Donald Trump, not Joe Biden, won Nevada's electoral votes.
Nevada's Attorney General argued the fake documents must face accountability.
The defense argues the group acted based on legal advice and to keep Trump's options open in court challenges.
The Climate Prediction Center released new weather outlooks for the second half of November due to the ongoing La Niña conditions. The forecasts indicate cooler temperatures in the Western U.S. and warmer temperatures in the central and eastern regions. La Niña, a natural climate phase, is expected to continue into winter but remain weak.
Key Facts
The Climate Prediction Center shared weather forecasts for mid-to-late November.
La Niña is expected to continue into the winter season.
Western U.S. states may see cooler-than-average temperatures.
Central and Eastern U.S. regions could experience warmer-than-average conditions.
Maine and most of Florida are likely to have near-normal rain levels.
Northeast Texas and southern states like Missouri and Arkansas may face increased rainfall.
La Niña is associated with a natural climate cycle called the El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO).
Current La Niña conditions are expected to stay weak, resulting in less severe weather changes in winter.
