Flight reductions at major U.S. airports will remain at 6% because more air traffic controllers are returning to work. This decision follows Congress's steps to end a prolonged government shutdown, which had left the air traffic system short-staffed.
Key Facts
Flight reductions at 40 major U.S. airports will stay at 6% instead of rising to 10%.
The cuts were necessary because air traffic controllers were missing work due to stress and the need for second jobs.
The government shutdown had caused air traffic controllers to miss paychecks, leading to increased callouts.
The Department of Transportation said the cuts were recommended by the FAA’s safety team due to safety concerns.
President Donald Trump signed a bill to end the government shutdown, which was the longest in U.S. history.
The FAA originally planned more significant cuts due to staffing shortages and safety data.
Affected airports include major hubs like New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles, and Chicago.
Delta Airlines expressed optimism about returning to full operations soon.
Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized after he fell and hit his face while walking near his home, due to a heart issue. He is staying in the hospital for observation and medication adjustment. This incident follows Fetterman's controversial vote with Republicans to end a government shutdown, and he has a history of significant health challenges.
Key Facts
Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized in Pittsburgh after falling during a walk.
He experienced a ventricular fibrillation flare-up, which affected his heart rhythm.
Fetterman has had a pacemaker and defibrillator since a stroke in May 2022.
He was treated for clinical depression earlier in 2023.
Fetterman recently voted with Republicans to end a 40-day government shutdown, upsetting some Democrats.
He has been open about his health struggles, including substantial weight loss and facing online criticism.
Fetterman discussed the challenges from both political sides in his book, "Unfettered."
The EPA is considering changing how companies report their use of certain chemicals known as PFAS. These substances have been linked to health risks, and the EPA's proposed rule would change reporting rules for chemicals used from 2011 to 2022. Public comments are being accepted on this proposal, which aims to reduce costs for small businesses but has raised concerns about potential health impacts.
Key Facts
The EPA wants to change reporting rules for PFAS, a type of chemical linked to cancer.
This change applies to chemicals used between 2011 and 2022.
The change would not affect future PFAS regulations.
The public can comment on this proposal for 45 days after the announcement.
The goal is to reduce costs for businesses, especially small ones, by simplifying reporting.
Some see these changes as creating loopholes for chemical companies.
PFAS are present in drinking water for millions of Americans.
The proposal has raised concerns about hiding important information regarding PFAS use.
President Donald Trump proposed sending $2,000 payments to most Americans using money collected from tariffs. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said those earning less than $100,000 would likely be eligible, but the plan requires congressional approval. The exact details of the payment method are still being worked out.
Key Facts
President Trump suggested $2,000 payments could be funded by tariff revenue.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said the money would probably go to people earning under $100,000.
About 120 million workers might qualify if the income cap is set at $100,000.
The plan would cost about $240 billion, but the U.S. has made roughly $130 billion from tariffs so far.
The payments need congressional approval before they can be given.
Treasury Department data shows more than $220 billion collected from tariffs so far.
The new payments might ultimately take the form of tax relief, not direct checks.
President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to end a 43-day U.S. government shutdown. This was the longest shutdown in U.S. history and resulted from disagreements over healthcare, leaving many workers without pay.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a bill to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history.
The shutdown lasted 43 days.
The shutdown was due to disagreements over healthcare.
Nearly a million workers were not paid during this period.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case about President Trump's tariffs. Legal experts have different opinions on whether the court will support or reject Trump's policy. The case will determine if the president can use emergency powers to impose tariffs without Congress's approval.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court heard arguments about President Trump's tariffs, a major policy during his second term.
The case involves the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, allowing the president to use trade authority during national emergencies.
Some experts think the court might support Trump, while others believe the court will rule against him.
Betting markets show low confidence in Trump winning, with odds decreasing after recent arguments.
Lower courts have previously ruled against Trump's tariffs.
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 majority and has supported Trump in some past cases, but justices showed skepticism about the tariffs.
The case could impact the president's ability to impose tariffs without Congress's approval.
The U.S. bishops have announced a new official Bible translation called the Catholic American Bible, set to be used starting on Ash Wednesday in 2027. It will replace the New American Bible—Revised Edition and aims to unify the scriptural texts used in various Catholic services nationwide.
Key Facts
The Catholic American Bible will be introduced on Ash Wednesday, February 10, 2027.
It is an official translation approved by the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops.
The bishops voted 216-4 to approve the new Bible, with three abstentions.
This translation will replace the New American Bible—Revised Edition (NABRE).
The new Bible includes a revised Old Testament and the Abbey Psalms and Canticles.
A revised New Testament is also part of the Catholic American Bible.
A new edition of the Roman Pontifical for pontifical Masses is expected by 2027.
A Spanish translation of the New Testament will be available on Ash Wednesday in 2026.
The Buckeye Environmental Network has filed a lawsuit against the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) over its approval of permits for two oil and gas waste injection wells near a city's water source. The lawsuit claims that the permits were approved based on outdated safety rules and that this could threaten local drinking water. The ODNR states it evaluated the permits under the rules that existed at the time of the application.
Key Facts
The Buckeye Environmental Network sued the ODNR on November 7 in the Franklin County 10th District Court of Appeals.
The group challenges the approval of two oil and gas waste injection wells near Marietta, Ohio's water source.
The lawsuit claims the permits were granted using old safety rules instead of updated 2022 regulations.
Injection wells are used to dispose of oil and gas industry wastewater.
Concerns exist that these wells could leak, contaminating water and soil.
Washington County, Ohio, currently has 17 active waste injection wells.
Between 2015 and 2024, Washington County’s wells received 2.4 billion gallons of wastewater.
The ODNR stated that if the wells begin operation, they must meet the current safety standards.
President Donald Trump signed a funding bill that ended the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. This means the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will start payments again. Millions of Americans who missed federal food assistance due to the 43-day shutdown can expect their payments to resume shortly, though timing will depend on each state.
Key Facts
President Trump signed a funding bill approved by both the Senate and the House.
The bill ended a 43-day government shutdown, the longest in U.S. history.
SNAP payments, which help people buy food, will resume soon after the shutdown.
Some states that hadn't issued any benefits during the shutdown will release payments within 1 to 3 days.
States providing partial benefits may take longer to adjust and complete payments correctly.
At least 19 states and Washington, D.C. managed to give full benefits to some SNAP recipients last week.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has accused a staff member from Senator Tammy Duckworth's office of pretending to be a lawyer to free a detained immigrant. The incident reportedly occurred at an ICE office in Illinois and involved falsifying official documents.
Key Facts
DHS claims a staffer from Senator Duckworth’s office falsely posed as a lawyer.
The incident involved the attempted release of a detained migrant named Jose Isemal Ayuzo Sandoval.
Ayuzo Sandoval has a criminal record, including four deportations and a DUI conviction.
The staffer, Edward York, allegedly entered an ICE office in Illinois and claimed to represent Ayuzo Sandoval.
York obtained a signature on a form authorizing legal representation, but later, a related law firm document lacked the detainee’s signature.
ICE officials found no evidence that York is a licensed attorney.
A Facebook post allegedly linked the incident to efforts involving Illinois state authorities.
Former North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper is currently leading in polls for the 2026 Senate race against two Republican candidates, Michael Whatley and Don Brown. The Democrats aim to increase their seats in the Senate during the upcoming midterm elections. A new poll shows Cooper ahead by a significant margin in North Carolina, although some polls show a narrower lead.
Key Facts
Roy Cooper, a Democrat, leads in polls for the 2026 North Carolina Senate race.
Cooper is ahead of Republican candidates Michael Whatley and Don Brown in recent surveys.
Democrats need to win several Republican-held seats to gain Senate control.
North Carolina voters often split their votes between different parties for national and state offices.
A recent Harper Polling survey showed Cooper with a 47% to 38.6% lead over Whatley.
Cooper raised $14.5 million in the third quarter of 2025 for his campaign.
President Trump and Democratic Governor Josh Stein have approval ratings of 45.7% and 49.5%, respectively, in the same poll.
Aggregate poll data shows Cooper's lead is narrower, with a 3.4 percentage point advantage over Whatley.
The longest federal government shutdown in U.S. history has ended, affecting flights across the country. Airlines are gradually restoring normal operations, but travelers may still face delays as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) resumes full function. Airlines are offering flexible travel options for disrupted passengers.
Key Facts
The government shutdown lasted over six weeks, leading to flight cancellations and delays.
The FAA required airlines to reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports.
Delta Air Lines canceled nearly 500 flights on a single day during the shutdown.
The FAA initially planned further flight reductions but halted those plans once the shutdown ended.
Airlines are progressively restoring their flight schedules as government functions return to normal.
Major airlines are offering waivers and flexible options for passengers affected by the shutdown.
Travel disruptions may continue temporarily as the airline industry readjusts.
Travelers are advised to check with airlines for the latest flight information and updates.
A judge will decide if Lindsey Halligan is lawfully serving in her role before Thanksgiving. Former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James want Halligan disqualified, claiming she was appointed too late. The Justice Department argues this was a minor paperwork mistake and shouldn't affect the indictments.
Key Facts
Judge Cameron McGowan Currie will issue a decision on Lindsey Halligan's role by Thanksgiving.
Comey and James argue Halligan was appointed after a 120-day deadline.
The Justice Department argues this is a minor mistake that doesn't invalidate the indictments.
A court reporter stopped taking notes, causing missing minutes in the grand jury transcript for Comey's case.
Trials in both cases are tentatively set for January.
President Donald Trump is working on a plan to send $2,000 checks to Americans using money from tariff revenue. The White House is still looking into how to make this happen, and details of the plan have not been finalized yet. Some experts worry about the plan's cost, estimating it could add significantly to the national deficit.
Key Facts
President Trump aims to send $2,000 checks to American individuals.
The plan would use money from tariff revenue, according to White House officials.
Specific details about the plan have not been released.
A White House official mentions that new tariffs have brought in $195 billion in revenue so far in 2025.
President Trump says he wants the payments to help middle and lower-income individuals.
Policy experts estimate the plan could cost $600 billion a year, potentially adding $6 trillion to the national deficit over 10 years.
For the plan to move forward, it would need approval from Congress.
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt changed the sentence of a death row inmate, Tremane Wood, to life in prison without parole just before his scheduled execution. Wood, who was involved in a 2002 robbery that resulted in a murder, received clemency after a recommendation from the Pardon and Parole Board. Governor Stitt's decision echoed the sentence given to Wood's brother, who admitted to the murder before his death in 2019.
Key Facts
Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt granted clemency to Tremane Wood.
Wood was scheduled to be executed for a murder during a robbery in 2002.
Wood's sentence was changed to life in prison without parole.
The decision followed a 3-2 recommendation from the Pardon and Parole Board.
Wood's brother, involved in the same crime, was also sentenced to life without parole.
Wood's legal team argued about ineffective counsel and concealed evidence in his trial.
Governor Stitt has previously granted clemency only one other time during his term.
The U.S. Supreme Court denied requests to stop Wood’s execution.
Virginia Giuffre, a key accuser of Jeffrey Epstein, has repeatedly stated that she does not believe President Donald Trump was involved in Epstein's criminal activities. Recently released emails and court documents have renewed focus on Trump's connections with Epstein, but there is no evidence from Giuffre or others to support any allegations against Trump. Both President Trump and former President Bill Clinton deny any wrongdoing linked to Epstein.
Key Facts
Virginia Giuffre has stated under oath and in her memoir that she does not believe President Trump was involved in Jeffrey Epstein’s crimes.
Newly released documents from the House Oversight Committee include emails referencing Trump.
The documents are part of ongoing investigations into Epstein’s activities and relationships.
An email from Epstein mentioned Trump, but other testimonies, including Giuffre’s, do not accuse Trump of misconduct.
Both President Trump and former President Bill Clinton have denied any criminal activities with Epstein.
Emails from the committee included references to a "Virginia," clarified to be Virginia Giuffre by the White House.
Names of victims were redacted from these documents to protect their privacy.
Trump has previously stated he declined invitations to Epstein's private island.
Democratic Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez criticized fellow Democrat Representative Jesús García for how he announced his retirement, calling it "undemocratic." García announced he wouldn't seek reelection after the filing deadline, sparking debate within the Democratic Party about fair election practices. Some Democrats support Pérez's condemnation, while others defend García's actions.
Key Facts
Representative Marie Gluesenkamp Perez criticized Representative Jesús García's retirement process.
Jesús García announced his retirement after the filing deadline, leading to criticism.
García's Chief of Staff filed to run for his seat before his retirement was announced.
Critics say this move limits voters' choice for a new representative.
García cited health issues as his reason for retiring.
Gluesenkamp Perez sought a House vote to condemn García's actions as undemocratic.
Opinions in the Democratic Party are divided over whether García's actions were fair.
Some Democrats support Pérez's resolution while others defend García.
The U.S. is facing a debate over whether the government should continue to pay for health insurance or let the market handle it. Politicians have not agreed on how much money should come from public funds and how much from private companies.
Key Facts
The debate is about government spending on health insurance in the U.S.
Republicans and Democrats have different views on this topic.
Supporters of government funding say it helps the economy and protects families.
Critics believe government funding increases costs and reduces competition.
The discussion is part of a larger conversation about government budgets and healthcare access.
The recent U.S. government shutdown caused many federal workers to make financial sacrifices. With the shutdown ending, these workers are questioning if it was worth the struggles they faced.
Key Facts
The shutdown was the longest in U.S. history.
Jessica Sweet, a Social Security claims specialist, had to reduce her spending to cope.
Federal workers missed paychecks during the shutdown.
Workers used credit cards to cover essential expenses.
Some workers feel their struggles were used for political purposes.
Jessica Sweet is also a union steward for AFGE Local 3343.
The shutdown affected trust in government agencies.
President Trump blocked the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein, but a batch of Epstein's emails eventually came out. These emails revealed personal comments about Trump from Epstein but showed no evidence of crimes. The release of these emails caused significant discussion in media and political circles.
Key Facts
President Trump initially stopped the release of Jeffrey Epstein files.
Thousands of Epstein emails were released, showing no evidence of crimes but causing controversy.
The emails contained negative descriptions of Trump written by Epstein.
The House Oversight Committee released these emails, increasing public pressure for full disclosure.
Trump's handling of the situation sparked comparisons to past controversies in his presidency.
Despite being mentioned in the files, Trump has not been linked to any criminal actions.
Epstein described Trump in unflattering terms in the emails, but they never communicated via email.
