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.
A sheriff in Ohio has renewed a program with the federal government to help deport people living in the U.S. without legal permission. This program involves local jails holding these individuals until they can be picked up by federal authorities.
Key Facts
President Trump is increasing deportations during his current term.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is working with local police through long-standing agreements.
These agreements let local jails hold undocumented immigrants for ICE to transfer them.
Sheriff Richard Jones in Butler County, Ohio, restarted this partnership after Trump was reelected.
Local law enforcement collaboration with ICE is becoming more active.
A nationwide recall of ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula is underway in the U.S. after an outbreak of infant botulism. This rare illness is caused by toxins that affect the nervous system, leading to concerns among health officials and parents.
Key Facts
The recall involves ByHeart Whole Nutrition Infant Formula.
Infant botulism is a rare illness that affects the nervous system.
Toxins are the cause of this illness.
Health officials are investigating the outbreak.
The recall is happening nationwide in the U.S.
The situation is causing concerns for both regulators and parents.
The article discusses political families and dynasties in American politics, as seen in the upcoming elections. It highlights several individuals who are seeking political office and have family ties to current or former politicians.
Key Facts
Rep. Adelita Grijalva was sworn into her late father's congressional seat after winning a special election.
Political dynasties have been a part of U.S. history, including father-son presidents like the Adams and the Bush families.
Jack Schlossberg, JFK’s grandson, plans to run for a congressional seat in New York.
Christine Pelosi, daughter of former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, is running for a legislative seat in California.
Stefany Shaheen, daughter of Sen. Jeanne Shaheen, is running for Congress in New Hampshire.
Beau Bayh, related to former Senators from Indiana, is running for Indiana's secretary of state.
Hannah Pingree and Angus King III, both with political parents, are candidates in Maine's governor race.
Mylie Biggs, daughter of Rep. Andy Biggs, is running for a state legislative district her father held.
More than a thousand Starbucks union workers in over 40 U.S. cities began an open-ended strike due to stalled negotiations with Starbucks Workers United. The strike started on the same day as Starbucks' Red Cup Day, a busy sales event, impacting operations at some stores. Workers are calling for a resolution to disputes over pay and working conditions.
Key Facts
Over a thousand unionized Starbucks employees went on strike in more than 40 U.S. cities.
The strike coincided with Starbucks' Red Cup Day, a popular sales event.
Starbucks Workers United, which represents about 550 stores, organized the strike.
The union claims the average barista works less than 20 hours per week with starting wages at $15.25 per hour in about 33 states.
Starbucks says it provides an average wage of $19 an hour with benefits for employees working at least 20 hours a week.
More than 1,000 charges of unfair labor practices were filed with the National Labor Relations Board by the union.
Starbucks states the strike has had a limited impact on its operations.
This strike may become the largest in Starbucks' history.
Federal border patrol agents are scheduled to arrive in Charlotte, North Carolina, according to the Mecklenburg County Sheriff's Office. The operation, coordinated by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), involves immigration control efforts, though details remain limited. Local officials have been informed, but their involvement is not required.
Key Facts
U.S. Border Patrol agents will be in Charlotte, North Carolina, as soon as this weekend.
The Mecklenburg County Sheriff’s Office received a notification about the operation from federal officials.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security did not share details about the operation.
Charlotte is in a swing state and has a significant immigrant population.
DHS operations in other cities have faced criticism for being aggressive and making arrests without charges.
Local groups in Charlotte are preparing residents by holding sessions about rights and identifying federal agents.
The sheriff’s office plans to keep the community informed about the federal operation.
The Social Security Administration's Office of the Inspector General (OIG) has warned people about a new scam targeting Social Security recipients across the U.S. Scammers are sending fake emails and messages that look official to trick people into giving away personal information or money. More than 70 million Americans depend on Social Security each month, making this an important issue.
Key Facts
The OIG warned about a new scam targeting Social Security recipients.
Scammers use letters, emails, and texts that look official to deceive people.
Fake communications claim a person's Social Security number might be suspended due to criminal activity.
The scam messages create urgency, telling people to respond quickly to avoid consequences.
Past scams included fake legal documents and threats related to bank accounts.
More than 70 million Americans rely on Social Security benefits monthly.
Public awareness can help protect people and their sensitive information from scams.
The United States has stopped making pennies, ending a production that lasted over 230 years. President Donald Trump decided to stop producing pennies, calling it an unnecessary expense. Existing pennies will stay in use until they gradually disappear as businesses adjust their prices.
Key Facts
The U.S. stopped making pennies after more than 230 years.
President Donald Trump said penny production was wasteful.
The half-cent coin was the last U.S. coin discontinued in 1857.
Existing pennies will remain in use but will gradually disappear.
Businesses will need to adjust prices as pennies become less common.
Federal agents plan to begin an immigration enforcement operation in Charlotte, North Carolina soon, as part of President Trump's strategy to enforce immigration laws in Democratic cities. Local officials and activists are preparing the immigrant community for this increased federal presence. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department states it will not participate in these federal operations.
Key Facts
Federal officials confirmed a plan to send U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents to Charlotte, North Carolina, as early as this weekend.
Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden announced the operation, but his office hasn't been asked to help.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has not commented on specific operations.
President Trump supports these operations to enforce immigration laws and says they help fight crime.
Charlotte has a large immigrant population, with over 150,000 foreign-born residents.
Local officials and groups are organizing to support and inform the immigrant community.
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police clarified they are not involved in enforcing federal immigration laws.
Similar operations have previously occurred in other cities like Los Angeles and Chicago.
Megyn Kelly, on her radio show, questioned the characterization of Jeffrey Epstein as a pedophile, based on the ages of the individuals involved. She discussed distinctions between legal terms related to sexual offenses with minors. Recent emails about Epstein have brought renewed attention to President Donald Trump’s past connections with the late financier.
Key Facts
Megyn Kelly questioned calling Jeffrey Epstein a pedophile, citing ages of those he was involved with.
Kelly mentioned her information came from a source close to the case but did not reveal the source.
A medical expert explained the difference between pedophilia (attraction to prepubescent children) and hebephilia (attraction to pubescent children).
Epstein died by suicide in 2019 while awaiting charges of sex trafficking.
In 2008, Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting prostitution from a minor and registered as a sex offender.
Recent communications have brought Epstein's past relationship with President Trump under scrutiny.
Trump has denied knowing about Epstein's crimes and claimed to have ended their relationship years before Epstein's death.
The age of consent is 17 in New York and 18 in Florida.
Matt Gaetz, a former U.S. Representative, denied allegations of having sex with a 17-year-old girl after court records and testimony surfaced. A report found substantial evidence that Gaetz violated Florida’s statutory rape laws, though no charges were brought against him. Gaetz claims the girl's story is false and accuses her of attempting to extort him.
Key Facts
Matt Gaetz is a former U.S. Representative from Florida.
Court records and testimony claim Gaetz had sex with a girl who was 17 at the time.
The girl was described as a homeless high school student in the documents.
The House Ethics Committee report found significant evidence of statutory rape law violations.
The Justice Department decided not to press charges against Gaetz.
Gaetz denies the allegations, calling the story "fiction."
Gaetz claims the girl threatened to sue him for $2.3 million.
After the end of the government shutdown, Republicans in Congress say they will talk with Democrats about extending health care tax credits that help many Americans pay for insurance. These tax credits are set to expire at the end of the year, and both parties need to agree to keep them going.
Key Facts
The government shutdown recently ended.
Republicans and Democrats will discuss possibly extending health care tax credits.
These tax credits help many Americans with insurance costs.
The credits will expire at the end of the year unless extended.
Some Republicans do not want to extend the credits.
A vote on the issue is expected by mid-December.
President Trump criticized the Affordable Care Act when signing the bill to reopen the government.
Democrats hope to negotiate further before the credits expire.
President Trump has proposed giving $2,000 checks to about 150 million Americans as a way to return money collected from tariffs on imports. This proposal requires Congress's approval, and current tariff revenue is insufficient to cover the entire cost. The plan has similarities to past stimulus payments but faces political and financial challenges.
Key Facts
President Trump suggests $2,000 payments to Americans using money from tariffs.
Around 150 million people making under $100,000 would be eligible.
The total cost of the proposal is estimated at $326 billion.
Currently, there is only about $90 billion available from tariff revenue after expenses.
Congress must approve the plan for the payments to happen.
Similar to past COVID-19 stimulus, but faces obstacles due to funding and political issues.
Alternatives like tax breaks instead of direct checks are being considered.
President Donald Trump announced construction work near the White House, including the building of a new ballroom. The East Wing has been demolished to make space for this new project. The new ballroom will have its entrance where the East Room currently is.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump mentioned the construction of a new ballroom.
The East Wing of the White House has been demolished.
The new ballroom will be larger than the current space.
The East Room will be part of the entrance for the new ballroom.
The project might need more changes to the existing White House structure.
The project is expected to be completed in about two years.
