Marion County in Kansas has agreed to pay $3 million and apologize for a police raid on a local newspaper in 2023. The Justice Department will check security at UC Berkeley after protests at a conservative event led to arrests. A new political map for Utah will create a district that leans Democratic.
Key Facts
Marion County, Kansas, will pay $3 million to settle with the raided newspaper.
The county will also officially apologize for the police raid that happened in 2023.
The Justice Department plans to look into security measures at UC Berkeley.
Protests at a Turning Point USA event at UC Berkeley resulted in several arrests.
A judge approved a new electoral map in Utah.
The new map will create a political district in Utah that tends to favor Democrats.
A conservative judge named Mark Wolf is resigning after 40 years as a federal judge. He expressed strong concerns about the current White House, specifically mentioning concerns about President Donald Trump in an essay.
Key Facts
Mark Wolf is a federal judge appointed by President Reagan.
He has served as a judge for 40 years.
Judge Wolf is resigning from his position.
He wrote an essay in The Atlantic about his concerns.
Wolf is worried about the White House's actions affecting the rule of law.
He calls President Donald Trump "uniquely dangerous."
Wolf shared his thoughts in more detail with journalist Amna Nawaz.
President Donald Trump's administration is making changes to higher education policies. These changes affect funding and introduce new rules on topics like diversity, transgender rights, and antisemitism. UCLA is one of the universities dealing with these changes.
Key Facts
The Trump administration is changing policies that affect higher education.
Changes include cutting off funding to some universities.
New rules have been issued on diversity, transgender rights, and antisemitism.
Some universities have settled disputes with the government.
UCLA is specifically mentioned as navigating these new changes in the current school year.
The report about UCLA is part of a series called "Rethinking College," reported by Stephanie Sy.
President Trump proposed sending $2,000 checks to many Americans. He suggested that money could come from tariff revenue, helping both citizens and the national debt. Experts, however, doubt this plan is financially viable.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed sending $2,000 to millions of Americans.
He suggested using money from tariffs to fund these checks.
Tariffs are taxes on imported goods.
Trump believes this plan could also help reduce the national debt.
Experts have questioned whether the numbers in Trump's plan add up.
Erica York from the Tax Foundation discussed these concerns with Amna Nawaz.
President Trump spoke at Arlington National Cemetery on Veterans Day, criticizing political correctness and highlighting his policies. He announced plans to rename Veterans Day and discussed current military activities in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized political correctness during his Veterans Day speech.
He spoke at Arlington National Cemetery, highlighting American military strength.
Trump mentioned plans to rename Veterans Day to "Victory Day for World War I."
The U.S. military is currently involved in a campaign in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific.
The Gerald R. Ford Carrier Strike Group is supporting the mission in the region.
Trump's speech came as the Senate passed a package to end the government shutdown.
President Trump and his Defense Secretary have focused on reshaping the military.
A wreath-laying ceremony took place at Arlington National Cemetery.
The Supreme Court extended a temporary order that blocks full food assistance payments for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). This extension maintains a mixed system where some people get full benefits, but others do not get any help. The order is temporary and depends on Congress making a deal to end the government shutdown.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court extended a temporary order affecting SNAP payments.
Some SNAP recipients are not receiving any benefits due to this order.
The order is set to expire before midnight on Thursday.
Congress is working on a deal to end the government shutdown.
If Congress reaches a deal, SNAP operations could fully restart for 42 million Americans.
It is uncertain how fast full SNAP benefits will be restored once the government reopens.
The U.S. has experienced its longest-ever government shutdown, causing widespread flight cancellations and delays for the fifth day. Airlines reduced flights due to air traffic controller shortages, and a bill to end the shutdown is awaiting approval. Airline stocks have dropped amidst the disruptions.
Key Facts
Near 1,200 flights in the U.S. were cancelled, continuing a five-day trend of disruptions.
Over 1,300 flights were delayed on Tuesday morning alone.
LaGuardia Airport in New York reported delays averaging one hour and 40 minutes.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) instructed a reduction in flights due to staffing shortages.
The government shutdown has lasted 42 days, the longest in U.S. history.
A bill to end the shutdown has passed the Senate and awaits further approvals.
President Trump has urged air traffic controllers to return to work, warning of docked pay.
Airline stocks fell as a result of ongoing flight cancellations and delays.
President Donald Trump promised each American $2,000 from tariff revenue, claiming his administration has collected trillions of dollars through tariffs. He stated this money would also help reduce the national debt and support investment in U.S. factories.
Key Facts
President Trump promised $2,000 payments to Americans from tariff revenue.
He claimed to have collected trillions of dollars from tariffs during his administration.
Tariffs have been placed on various countries and goods like drugs, steel, and cars.
Trump mentioned that the money would also help reduce the $37 trillion U.S. debt.
He pointed out that high-income people would not receive the $2,000 payments.
President Trump stated that there is increased investment in U.S. plants and factories.
A Texas pastor and his family left the United States for Brazil after facing immigration delays. Pastor Albert Oliveira had been in the U.S. on a temporary religious worker visa and applied for a permanent residency visa, but processing delays prompted him to leave to avoid being undocumented. He plans to apply again for a visa so he can return.
Key Facts
Pastor Albert Oliveira and his family voluntarily left the U.S. to avoid undocumented status after their R-1 visa expired.
Oliveira applied for an EB-4 visa, which is for religious workers seeking permanent residency, but a backlog in immigration processing delayed their application.
The U.S. has a record number of 11.3 million pending immigration applications.
Oliveira first came to the U.S. on a student visa in 2011 and later worked at the First Baptist Church of Gordon.
A bill has been proposed to allow certain religious workers to stay in the U.S. while their visa applications are pending, but it is still in committee.
Oliveira and his family received an emotional farewell from the church community before their departure.
Oliveira plans to apply for a new R-1 visa in the future and continue his work remotely for now.
The U.S. Senate voted to pass a bill ending the longest government shutdown in history. This bill funds most of the government through January 30 and includes specific spending for various departments through September 2026. Some states will be reimbursed for federal expenses they covered during the shutdown.
Key Facts
The U.S. Senate passed the bill with a 60-40 vote.
Seven Democrats and one independent joined Republicans in passing the bill.
The government will be funded through January 30, 2024.
Specific funding is provided for the Department of Veterans Affairs, military construction, agriculture, and nutritional assistance programs through September 2026.
The deal reimburses states for federal expenses paid during the shutdown.
The bill reverses federal worker layoffs from the shutdown and prevents new ones until the end of January.
The legislative text of the bill is 328 pages long, with additional documents and statements adding to its length.
President Donald Trump has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a $5 million civil ruling that found he defamed and sexually abused writer E. Jean Carroll. A New York jury awarded damages to Carroll, and a federal appeals court upheld the decision, stating that no errors were made during the trial. Trump contends that improper evidence was allowed, and the Supreme Court is now his last chance to challenge the verdict.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has requested the U.S. Supreme Court review a $5 million civil case verdict involving E. Jean Carroll.
A jury in New York found that Trump sexually assaulted Carroll and defamed her, awarding her damages.
A federal appeals court supported the jury's decision, denying Trump's request for a new trial.
Trump argues that the trial judge improperly allowed evidence, like the 2005 Access Hollywood tape, to be shown to the jury.
Trump's appeal claims Carroll's accusations are politically motivated and false.
The Supreme Court has not yet decided if it will review the case.
Carroll alleges Trump attacked her in a Manhattan department store in the 1990s, which Trump denies.
Trump's appeal to a federal appeals court was rejected in June, leaving the Supreme Court as his last option.
This article discusses the positive change in mood among MAGA supporters after recent events. These include President Trump pardoning 77 people accused of 2020 election interference and Democrats compromising on the government shutdown. However, internal disagreements within the MAGA movement still persist, although they have been somewhat overshadowed by these new developments.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned 77 people involved in the 2020 election interference.
Democrats made concessions to avoid a government shutdown.
MAGA supporters felt relieved after these developments, following tensions over issues like Israel support and cancel culture.
Last week, Republicans faced losses in key elections in states like New Jersey and Virginia.
Internal disagreements continued within MAGA, including criticism from figures like Laura Loomer and comments on Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene.
MAGA supporters are now pushing for more legal actions against their opponents.
Ed Martin, the U.S. pardon attorney, mentioned plans to pursue legal accountability or public exposure for past actions by opponents.
President Trump's administration removed multiple online posts by the Department of Homeland Security related to U.S. Representative LaMonica McIver at the order of a judge. McIver was charged with assaulting federal officers at a New Jersey detention center but pleaded not guilty. The judge ordered the removal of these posts as they might impact her legal proceedings.
Key Facts
Posts by the Department of Homeland Security about Representative LaMonica McIver were taken down.
A judge, Jamel Semper, ordered the removal to prevent possible prejudice in McIver's case.
McIver was charged with assaulting federal officers during a congressional visit in May.
McIver has pleaded not guilty and claimed the charges could violate her political rights.
The Department of Homeland Security made several online statements criticizing McIver and other Democrats.
McIver's lawyers argued these posts could harm her legal process and asked the court to stop them.
Despite the judge's order, one post remained online because it was controlled by a private journalist, not the government.
Stewart Rhodes, leader of the Oath Keepers, is restarting the group after getting a pardon from President Donald Trump. Rhodes suggests the group could act as a militia supporting Trump, interpreting federal laws to support this idea.
Key Facts
Stewart Rhodes is the founder of the Oath Keepers, a militia group.
Rhodes received a presidential pardon from President Trump after being sentenced for involvement in the January 6 Capitol attack.
Rhodes is relaunching the Oath Keepers and suggests it can serve as a militia under Trump's command.
He claims the group can be used to handle invasions, insurrections, and enforce federal laws.
The Insurrection Act allows for military deployment under certain conditions, but Rhodes’ interpretation is legally debatable.
After being pardoned, Rhodes quickly became active again, speaking at the U.S. Capitol.
Nearly 1,600 people received pardons for crimes related to the Capitol riot.
Rhodes aims to ensure the Oath Keepers can continue should he be absent again.
Zohran Mamdani, elected as the next mayor of New York City, plans to contact President Donald Trump before he starts his term. Mamdani believes their relationship is important for the city's success, especially with ongoing federal and city tensions about immigration enforcement.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the mayor-elect of New York City.
Mamdani plans to call President Trump before assuming office.
He says this relationship is important for New York City's success.
There are tensions between the city's leadership and federal authorities.
These tensions particularly involve the potential use of ICE agents and National Guard troops in the city.
Mamdani has a Democratic Socialist platform.
President Trump has criticized the incoming administration.
The U.S. Senate voted to end a government shutdown with a proposal led by Republicans, a decision that upset some progressive Democrats. Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer faced criticism for allowing the vote to proceed without securing healthcare subsidies as demanded by Democrats. The bill funds parts of the government temporarily but leaves the issue of healthcare subsidies unresolved.
Key Facts
The Senate passed a bill to end the U.S. government shutdown without healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act.
Democratic leader Chuck Schumer faced backlash for enabling the vote on the Republican proposal.
The measure funds the government until January 30 but defers the decision on healthcare subsidies.
Seven Democratic Senators and one Independent Senator voted with Republicans to end the shutdown.
Schumer did not vote for the measure but is criticized for not preventing the defections.
Progressive Democrats are calling for stronger leadership and critiquing Schumer's previous political stances.
Senate Republicans agreed to a future vote on ACA subsidies in December, though approval is uncertain.
California voters have approved a plan to change the state's congressional map in a way that could help Democrats gain seats in the U.S. House of Representatives. This move is part of wider efforts across the country by both parties to change congressional districts before the 2026 midterm elections. Several states, including Texas and Missouri, have already made changes or are considering them.
Key Facts
California has approved a measure to change its congressional district map, potentially helping Democrats win more seats.
Five states, including California, have already changed their congressional maps.
Texas passed a redistricting plan that could boost Republican seats by up to five.
Missouri's new map targets Democratic Rep. Emanuel Cleaver's seat.
North Carolina's new map aims to gain one Republican seat by changing district lines.
Ohio's new congressional map could increase Republican seats by two.
Democratic chances could improve in states like Utah, where a judge ordered changes to the congressional map.
Illinois, Maryland, New York, and Virginia are also considering redistricting efforts to potentially gain more seats for Democrats in the House.
Graham Platner, a Democratic candidate for the U.S. Senate from Maine, faces challenges due to past social media posts and staffing issues. Despite this, he continues his campaign, emphasizing his personal experiences and desire to bring change. Platner aims to replace Republican Senator Susan Collins in the 2026 elections and must first secure the Democratic nomination.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is a Democratic candidate seeking to win a U.S. Senate seat in Maine.
He is an oyster farmer and a combat veteran who has openly discussed his struggles with PTSD.
Past social media posts with inflammatory content have resurfaced, causing controversy.
Platner believes voters want new faces in politics and hopes they will overlook his past.
His campaign aims to focus on economic equality and change within the political system.
He grew up in Maine, served in Iraq and Afghanistan, and emphasizes his roots in the community.
Platner must first win the Democratic nomination, facing competition from Gov. Janet Mills.
U.S. Catholic bishops have elected Oklahoma City Archbishop Paul Coakley as their new president. This decision signals a conservative direction during President Donald Trump’s second term. Coakley succeeded after three rounds of voting, defeating more centrist candidates.
Key Facts
U.S. Catholic bishops elected Archbishop Paul Coakley as their president.
Coakley was previously elected as secretary of the bishops' conference in 2022.
Coakley is known for his conservative stance, especially on issues like abortion and LGBTQ+ rights.
The election took place during President Donald Trump's second term.
Coakley beat centrist Bishop Daniel Flores, who was elected vice president.
Half of the candidates in the election were from the conservative wing.
The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops aims to discuss immigration policies.
Despite differences, even conservative bishops generally support migrant rights.
