Several House Democrats are calling for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign, expressing dissatisfaction with his leadership following a recent government shutdown deal they view as inadequate. Although Schumer opposed the deal, some Democrats believe he should step down to allow new leadership. Not all Democrats agree, as some key figures in the party continue to support Schumer.
Key Facts
A number of House Democrats want Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to resign.
They are unhappy with a recent shutdown deal made with Republicans, which they find lacking.
Schumer personally voted against the deal and opposed it in private.
Some Democrats think Schumer is not effectively responding to the current political situation.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and former Speaker Nancy Pelosi support Schumer staying in his position.
There are differences in opinion among Democrats, with some backing Schumer and others wanting new leadership.
An explosive device damaged a restaurant near the Las Vegas Strip. The incident involved two male suspects who have not yet been identified or found by the police. Authorities assure that there is no ongoing threat to public safety.
Key Facts
An improvised explosive device (IED) damaged Piero's Italian Cuisine near the Las Vegas Strip.
The restaurant was empty when the device exploded.
A cleaning crew found the damage about eight hours after the explosion.
Police are searching for two male suspects involved in the incident.
One suspect arrived at the restaurant on a scooter.
The suspects were dressed in black when they placed the device at the front door.
There is no current threat to public safety, according to the police.
Multiple agencies, including the FBI and ATF, are investigating the incident.
Senator John Fetterman from Pennsylvania was hospitalized in Pittsburgh after experiencing a heart issue that caused him to fall and suffer minor injuries. He is recovering and remains in the hospital where doctors are adjusting his medication.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized due to a heart issue that led to a fall.
He experienced a type of heart problem called ventricular fibrillation, known to be a serious heart rhythm disorder.
Fetterman has a past of heart problems and had a stroke during his 2022 political campaign.
He suffered minor facial injuries after feeling light-headed during a walk near his home.
Fetterman is currently in the hospital as doctors adjust his medications.
Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Dave McCormick have both expressed wishes for his speedy recovery.
Recently, Fetterman took part in voting to reopen the federal government and promoted his memoir, where he discussed his heart condition and past stroke.
Vice President JD Vance discussed his thoughts about potentially running for President in 2028 during an interview with Sean Hannity. Vance said he is currently focused on his job and the upcoming midterm elections, and any decision about running will come later. Recent polls show Vance in close races with some leading Democrats.
Key Facts
JD Vance is currently serving as Vice President.
During an interview, Vance was asked about a potential 2028 presidential run.
Vance stated he is focusing on Republicans winning the 2026 midterm elections.
Vance expressed that doing his current job well is his main priority.
Polls show Vance in close hypothetical matchups with Democrats Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg.
Political analysts see Vance as a potential front-runner for the GOP nomination in 2028.
No official declarations for the 2028 presidential race have been made.
President Donald Trump's administration has joined a lawsuit against California concerning its new congressional district map. California's redistricting plan, approved by a majority in a recent vote, faces opposition for allegedly favoring Democrats and possibly increasing their seats in the House. The U.S. Department of Justice argues the map unfairly strengthens Hispanic voting power, while California officials defend the changes.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration is involved in a legal challenge against California's redistricting map.
The new map was approved by about 64% of voters through a ballot measure known as Proposition 50.
The Department of Justice argues the map improperly boosts Hispanic voting influence.
California Governor Gavin Newsom is a vocal critic of President Trump's stance.
Republicans claim the map violates constitutional provisions by benefiting Democrats.
California's Proposition 50 could help Democrats gain up to five additional House seats in 2026.
California typically uses an independent commission to draw districts, but Proposition 50 changes this process for three election cycles.
Gerrymandering, the drawing of district lines to favor a party, is a key issue in this debate.
Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a bill to end the H-1B visa program, which allows U.S. companies to hire foreign workers for specialized jobs. The proposal highlights differing views within the Republican Party about immigration and labor policies. President Trump recently defended the need for the H-1B program, stating that the U.S. lacks enough domestic talent for certain specialized roles.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene introduced a bill to phase out the H-1B visa program.
The H-1B visa lets U.S. companies hire foreign workers for specialized jobs.
About 400,000 H-1B visas were approved in 2024, mostly renewals.
Greene's proposed bill includes an exemption for 10,000 medical professionals annually.
President Trump supports the need for H-1B visas, noting a lack of domestic talent.
The Trump administration imposed a $100,000 fee for new H-1B applications.
The fee faced legal challenges from employer groups.
The Justice Department is suing California over a new redistricting rule that could help Democrats gain more seats in Congress. The lawsuit accuses California of unfairly drawing district lines to favor Hispanic voters. This legal action is part of a larger political battle led by President Donald Trump to influence how voting districts are set up in different states.
Key Facts
The Justice Department filed a lawsuit against California over a redistricting measure called Proposition 50.
Proposition 50 was approved by California voters and could give Democrats up to five more seats in Congress.
The Trump administration claims that California's redistricting is unfairly designed to help Hispanic voters and Democrats.
Attorney General Pamela Bondi called California's actions a "brazen power grab."
California Governor Gavin Newsom's spokesperson dismissed the lawsuit, suggesting it will fail in court.
The case is part of President Trump's broader efforts to reshape voting districts across the United States.
Republicans aim to gain more congressional seats in states like Texas, Florida, Indiana, and Louisiana.
Democrats are focusing on redistricting in states such as Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Virginia.
President Donald Trump's administration has named four European left-wing groups as "global terrorists" due to their connections with the antifa movement. The U.S. plans to list these groups as "foreign terrorist organizations," blaming them for violent acts in Europe. Critics question the broad use of the term "terrorism" and express concerns about its implications on free speech and left-wing activism in the United States.
Key Facts
The U.S. named four European groups tied to antifa as "global terrorists."
The groups are from Germany, Italy, and Greece.
The U.S. State Department warns of sanctions for U.S. entities doing business with these groups.
Critics say the Trump administration is expanding the definition of "terrorism."
Antifa is described as a loose movement with no single leader.
There are concerns that labeling antifa as terrorists may affect free speech rights.
Experts argue antifa does not have centralized funding or organization.
The Trump administration plans to send U.S. Border Patrol agents to Charlotte, North Carolina as part of its immigration efforts. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed that federal officials informed him of the operation, but details are still unknown.
Key Facts
U.S. Border Patrol is scheduled to arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina as early as this weekend.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden confirmed the federal deployment.
Two federal officials informed McFadden about the operation on Wednesday.
The sheriff's office will not participate in the Border Patrol operation.
Sheriff McFadden has improved communication with federal immigration agencies since a meeting on October 17.
Border Patrol's presence in Democratic-led cities has recently led to protests.
Border Patrol usually works at the borders, while ICE enforces immigration laws inside the country.
Neither the Mayor of Charlotte nor North Carolina's Governor had prior knowledge of this deployment.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt has changed the sentence of death row inmate Tremane Wood to life in prison without parole, stopping his execution. Wood was found guilty in 2004 for his role in the murder of Ronnie Wipf during a robbery. The decision aligns with the wishes of the victim's family and others involved.
Key Facts
Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency to death row inmate Tremane Wood.
Wood's sentence is now life in prison without the possibility of parole.
Wood was convicted of first-degree murder for the 2002 stabbing of Ronnie Wipf.
The clemency decision was made hours before Wood's planned execution.
The Oklahoma parole board recommended clemency earlier this month with a 3-2 vote.
The victim's family and a surviving robbery victim agreed with the clemency recommendation.
This is the second time Governor Stitt has granted clemency to a death row inmate since 2019.
Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond opposes the clemency decision but will ensure Wood remains in prison.
The U.S. Department of Justice is suing California over new voting maps. These maps, approved by California voters, reportedly benefit Democrats. Attorney General Pam Bondi criticized Governor Gavin Newsom for using the maps for political gain.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Justice is taking legal action against California.
The lawsuit concerns new congressional voting maps in the state.
Voters in California approved the maps in a recent election.
The maps allegedly favor the Democratic Party.
The new maps aim to counteract Republican gains from new maps drawn in Texas.
Attorney General Pam Bondi claims this is a political power grab by Governor Newsom.
California's redistricting law, Proposition 50, was approved by voters and creates five new congressional districts favoring Democrats.
Lawyers for James Comey and Letitia James are asking a federal judge to dismiss charges against them, arguing that the prosecutor was appointed illegally by President Donald Trump's administration. The prosecutor in question, Lindsey Halligan, was previously part of Trump's legal team and took on her role under contentious circumstances. The court hearing took place in Alexandria, Virginia.
Key Facts
James Comey and Letitia James are facing criminal charges and want these cases dismissed.
They argue Lindsey Halligan, the prosecutor, was illegally appointed.
Halligan was an insurance lawyer and had been part of President Trump's legal team.
She became an interim US attorney in September without the usual Senate confirmation.
Halligan's appointment followed the forced resignation of the former US attorney, Erik Siebert.
Lawyers claim Halligan's lack of proper appointment makes the charges invalid.
The Department of Justice argues her appointment was legal and any issues are not grounds for dismissal.
James Comey has been charged with lying to Congress, while Letitia James faces bank fraud charges. Both deny wrongdoing.
Florida carried out its 16th execution of the year by lethal injection, breaking its previous record. Bryan Frederick Jennings was executed for the 1979 murder of a 6-year-old girl. Governor Ron DeSantis has signed more death warrants in Florida this year than any other governor since 1976.
Key Facts
Bryan Frederick Jennings was executed in Florida for the 1979 murder of a 6-year-old girl named Rebecca Kunash.
Jennings was pronounced dead at Florida State Prison after a three-drug injection.
This is Florida's 16th execution in 2023, setting a new record for the state.
Governor Ron DeSantis has signed more executions this year than any Florida governor since 1976.
Jennings was previously convicted twice, with both convictions being overturned before his final trial in 1986 resulted in a death sentence.
Florida plans two more executions in 2023, potentially bringing the total to 18 for the year.
Jennings had claimed he was without legal representation for months before his execution.
Bryan Frederick Jennings, a former Marine, was executed in Florida for the murder of a 6-year-old girl. He was the 16th person executed in Florida this year under Governor Ron DeSantis. Jennings was convicted three times, with his last sentence upheld in 1986.
Key Facts
Bryan Frederick Jennings was executed by lethal injection in Florida.
Jennings was convicted of murdering 6-year-old Rebecca Kunash in 1979.
He was arrested after shoe prints, fingerprints, and witness descriptions linked him to the crime.
Jennings received three separate death sentences; the last one was confirmed in 1986.
Governor Ron DeSantis has overseen a record number of executions this year in Florida.
Jennings was denied a final appeal by the U.S. Supreme Court just before his execution.
A legal group criticized Florida's handling of death penalty cases, highlighting Jennings' lack of legal counsel at points.
The next execution in the U.S. is scheduled to happen in South Carolina.
Texas A&M University System now requires professors to get approval from the school president before discussing certain race and gender topics in class. This new policy applies to all 12 schools in the system and seems to be a first for public universities in Texas. Critics say the policy could harm academic freedom and might violate First Amendment rights.
Key Facts
Texas A&M University System implemented a new policy requiring approval for some race and gender topics.
The policy affects all 12 schools in the Texas A&M University System.
Professors need approval from the campus president to teach topics related to race, gender, sexual orientation, or gender identity.
The policy aims to stop courses from promoting "race or gender ideology."
Critics argue the policy could limit academic freedom and breach First Amendment rights.
This policy comes after a student confronted an instructor over gender identity lessons, leading to the instructor's firing.
President Donald Trump has criticized universities over diversity and inclusion practices.
The Texas A&M policy is the first of its kind in the Texas public university system.
California is taking back 17,000 commercial driver's licenses from immigrants who are no longer legally allowed to stay in the U.S., after an audit found they were given out incorrectly. The Department of Transportation claims these licenses were issued illegally and has taken steps to ensure the issue is addressed. Governor Gavin Newsom and other state officials have criticized the federal government’s actions, saying the licenses were valid at the time they were issued.
Key Facts
California is revoking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses due to issues with legal status.
The Department of Transportation says the licenses were issued to immigrants who are now not allowed to stay in the U.S.
The licenses will expire in 60 days.
Following a fatal truck crash involving an undocumented immigrant, efforts to restrict immigrants from commercial driving have increased.
New federal rules aim to tighten the process of getting commercial driver's licenses for immigrants.
A lawsuit has temporarily paused these new regulations.
California Governor Gavin Newsom criticized the revocation as politically motivated.
California is the only state with a completed audit on these licenses. Other states are expected to release their audits soon.
President Donald Trump's approval rating among Hispanic voters increased, reaching 40 percent, according to a recent poll by The Economist and YouGov. This marks a significant rise from previous weeks, but overall, Trump's approval and disapproval ratings remain at 39 percent and 56 percent, respectively. Hispanic voters are expected to have a crucial impact on future U.S. elections.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating with Hispanics is now 40 percent.
His overall approval rating in the poll is 39 percent, with a disapproval rating of 56 percent.
The poll conducted by The Economist and YouGov surveyed 1,663 U.S. adults from November 7 to November 10.
The results have a margin of error of 3.5 percent.
Last week's Hispanic approval rating for Trump was 29 percent.
In mid-October, the approval rating among Hispanics was 25 percent.
Hispanic Americans are a key voting group in U.S. political elections.
There is attention on how policy changes and economic conditions influence Hispanic voter opinions as elections approach.
A legal challenge is being considered in a Virginia court over whether the U.S. attorney can continue prosecuting a case against James Comey and Letitia James. The prosecutor in question, Lindsay Halligan, is a supporter of President Trump and lacks experience in prosecuting cases.
Key Facts
The Justice Department, under President Trump, is facing scrutiny in court.
The case involves possible disqualification of the U.S. attorney handling it.
The U.S. attorney is prosecuting former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James.
The prosecutor, Lindsay Halligan, supports President Trump.
Halligan has no prior experience as a prosecutor.
A judge in northern Virginia is deciding on this legal challenge.
The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has ended, but its effects are still being felt. President Donald Trump has signed a bill to fund the government through January 30 to prevent more disruptions, although problems with airports, SNAP benefits, national parks, and government services may continue for some time.
Key Facts
The government shutdown officially ended, and the government is funded until January 30.
Air travel may still face delays due to a lack of air traffic controllers, with shortages of 3,800 fully certified controllers.
SNAP benefits should be received soon, but delivery may face delays due to limited issuing companies.
National parks and museums will reopen, but parks may take time to return to normal operations.
Federal workers will receive back pay by November 19, but federal contractors might not get the same guarantee.
Veterans and Social Security services faced disruptions, leading to backlogs and wait times for in-person services.
The U.S. Justice Department filed a lawsuit to stop California's new redistricting plan. Other news includes a strike by over 1,000 Starbucks workers and a hazardous spill in Oklahoma. Paris is marking the 10th anniversary of a major terrorist attack.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is taking legal action against California's redistricting plan.
More than 1,000 unionized Starbucks workers are on strike.
A tanker truck spilled ammonia gas in a hotel parking lot in Oklahoma.
At least four people are in critical condition due to the gas spill.
Paris commemorated the 10th anniversary of a terrorist attack that killed over 100 people.
