President Donald Trump has experienced the longest stretch of negative approval ratings in his second term, with no positive ratings in 20 days according to major polls. The government shutdown, which has become the longest in U.S. history, is impacting his approval as citizens express disapproval of how he is handling the situation. Polls show a significant majority of Americans disapproving of Trump's performance.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump has not recorded a positive approval rating in major polls for 20 days straight.
His last positive net approval rating was on October 22, according to RMG Research.
The government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history and has affected many Americans, including federal workers and those receiving food assistance.
RMG Research found that 46% of voters approve of Trump, while 51% disapprove, resulting in a net rating of -5.
Other polls: Morning Consult (-10), Newsweek tracker (-10 recently), Quinnipiac (-14), YouGov/Economist (-18), Ipsos/Reuters (-17), Navigator Research (-15).
The YouGov/Economist poll shows 58% disapproval of Trump's handling of the shutdown.
The shutdown has led to disrupted services, furloughed workers, and reduced food assistance benefits for 42 million recipients.
Trump defends his actions on social media, while critics accuse him of using the shutdown for political leverage.
President Donald Trump proposed giving Americans a $2,000 dividend from tariff revenue collected by his administration. However, experts are skeptical because the actual tariff income might not be enough to fund such payments. There are no detailed plans about how or when these payments would be made.
Key Facts
President Trump promised $2,000 to Americans from tariff revenue.
Trump has imposed tariffs on goods like drugs, steel, and cars.
Experts say the revenue might not be as high as Trump claims.
The legality of Trump's tariffs is being reviewed by the U.S. Supreme Court.
The administration has not detailed how these payments would be funded.
Trump mentioned that high-income people would not receive the payments.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he hadn't discussed the payments with Trump.
Critics say rebranding tax cuts as dividends is misleading.
President Donald Trump discussed the importance of foreign students attending American universities to help keep them operating. Protests occurred at the University of California, Berkeley, during a Turning Point USA event. President Trump also expressed support for Chinese students studying in the U.S., emphasizing their financial contributions to universities.
Key Facts
President Trump defended allowing Chinese students at U.S. colleges to help them stay in business.
Protests took place at the University of California, Berkeley, during a Turning Point USA event.
Several arrests occurred during the protest as attendees clashed over differing views.
President Trump stated that many colleges would go out of business if foreign student enrollment was cut in half.
Students from China and other countries often pay higher tuition fees than domestic students.
President Trump previously allowed a large number of Chinese students to study in the U.S. during trade talks with Beijing.
The protests at Berkeley included strong anti-Charlie Kirk sentiments and resulted in at least three arrests.
The FAA is cutting flights at major U.S. airports due to the ongoing government shutdown and air traffic controller shortages. Flights have been reduced to ease stress on unpaid air traffic controllers and improve safety. The Senate passed a bill to reopen the government, but it still needs House approval.
Key Facts
The FAA ordered domestic airlines to cut 4% of flights at 40 major U.S. airports.
Starting Tuesday, the flight cuts increased to 6% and are planned to reach 10% by Friday.
Nearly 1,200 flights were canceled on Tuesday.
Severe weather is causing additional delays and cancellations at some airports.
Staffing shortages continue to delay flights, such as a five-hour delay at Chicago O'Hare.
Over a dozen air traffic towers and centers are experiencing staffing shortages that affect various cities.
The Senate passed a bill to reopen the government, but it needs approval from the House.
Flight operations may not normalize immediately even after the government shutdown ends.
A video from San Diego International Airport shows passengers climbing onto a baggage carousel to clear a suitcase jam. Airport officials said this incident was not related to the ongoing U.S. government shutdown, although the shutdown has affected airport operations across the country.
Key Facts
Passengers at San Diego International Airport cleared a baggage jam themselves.
The incident was recorded by a traveler named Taylor, who shared the video online.
The video gained significant attention, with over 12 million views on TikTok.
San Diego airport officials clarified that the baggage jam had nothing to do with the government shutdown.
The U.S. government shutdown has affected airport operations nationwide, causing longer security lines and delays.
President Donald Trump ordered air traffic controllers to return to work during the shutdown.
Bank of America has announced a $350,000 grant to support American Corporate Partners, a nonprofit that assists veterans and military spouses in transitioning to civilian jobs. This funding will help 250 mentorships over the next year and is part of the bank’s broader effort to support veterans and military families.
Key Facts
Bank of America is giving $350,000 to American Corporate Partners (ACP).
ACP helps veterans and military spouses move into civilian careers.
The funding will support 250 mentorships over one year.
The announcement was made to coincide with Veterans Day, which is on November 11.
Bank of America and ACP have been partners since 2018.
Bank of America aims to hire 10,000 more people with military backgrounds over five years.
ACP’s program has helped nearly 40,000 veterans and spouses nationwide.
Bank of America also runs a Military Support & Assistance Group with 43 chapters across the country.
A Utah Republican lawmaker wants to impeach a state judge, Judge Dianna Gibson, for her decision to reject a Republican-led congressional map. Judge Gibson ruled the map violated a voter-approved law meant to prevent unfair redistricting. The move to impeach the judge showcases a dispute over redistricting within Utah and mirrors larger national conflicts on similar issues.
Key Facts
A Utah state judge struck down a Republican-created congressional map, citing it violated a voter-approved measure (Proposition 4) designed to prevent gerrymandering.
Proposition 4 set up an independent commission to ensure fair redistricting.
Judge Gibson ordered a new map to be used in the 2026 elections instead.
A Utah Republican lawmaker introduced a resolution to impeach Judge Gibson, claiming she overstepped her authority.
Impeaching a judge in Utah requires approval by two-thirds of both the House and Senate, which is unlikely to happen in this case.
Democrats praised the judge’s decision as a victory for fairness, while some Republicans criticized it as biased.
A political science professor stated that the judge's decision was based on law, not partisanship.
A judge in Utah has turned down a congressional map made by Republican lawmakers. Instead, the judge accepted a map that creates a new district likely to favor Democrats before the 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
A Utah judge rejected a map drawn by Republican lawmakers.
The original Republican map aimed to maintain the party's hold on all four U.S. House seats in Utah.
The judge chose an alternative map that could create a district favoring Democrats.
This change affects the setup of districts before the 2026 midterm elections.
Utah currently has all its U.S. House seats held by Republicans.
Some Senate Democrats made a deal to reopen the government, leading to disagreements within the party. These divisions are mostly about how to deal with President Trump and his policies.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats created a deal to end the government shutdown.
The decision has caused disagreements among Democrats.
The disagreements are not just between progressives and centrists.
Some Democrats are frustrated with how to challenge President Trump and the Republicans.
Progressive members are calling for Democratic Senate leader Chuck Schumer to resign.
The differences come after Democrats had significant election victories.
The issue of party strategy is important as the 2026 midterms approach.
A high school teacher in Southern Oregon asked her sophomore class about their biggest dreams. Instead of aspiring to careers or education, many students said their dream was to win the lottery. The teacher observed this change over the last five years, connecting it to financial concerns and social media influences on students.
Key Facts
The teacher's name is Kelly Gibson, and she has been teaching high school English for 28 years.
Gibson runs an exercise at the start of the school year to learn about her students' dreams and aspirations.
Recently, a significant number of her students expressed a desire to win the lottery as their biggest dream.
In previous years, students often talked about going to college or getting internships.
Gibson believes this change is linked to the economic challenges and pessimistic news young people are exposed to.
Two-thirds of young Americans have thought about leaving the U.S., according to a survey by the American Psychological Association.
Gibson uses TikTok to discuss her observations, noting that social media plays a role in how students perceive financial success.
She expressed concern that financial worries are overshadowing students' broader dreams and aspirations.
The Tijuana River area uses a trash boom to stop waste from Mexico entering the U.S. The system has caught 500 tons of trash from October 2024 to June 2025. There are plans to add more systems to prevent pollution.
Key Facts
A trash boom on the Tijuana River caught 20 tons of trash in one hour during a rainstorm.
The system stopped about 500 tons of trash from October 2024 to June 2025.
The California Water Quality Control Board funded the system.
The system is managed by the Rural Community Assistance Corporation.
Alter Terra, a nonprofit organization, developed the system.
The booms are located around a quarter-mile from the U.S.-Mexico border.
Debris collected is removed and taken to landfills in Chula Vista, National City, or Miramar.
Plans are in place to expand the system and possibly install more across the border.
The U.S. Supreme Court decided not to hear Kim Davis's appeal about her refusal to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015. This decision means Davis remains responsible for legal costs from previous court rulings. The case highlights the ongoing enforcement of marriage equality in the United States.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court chose not to hear Kim Davis’s case on November 10, 2025.
Kim Davis, a former Kentucky clerk, refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples in 2015.
This case involved balancing religious freedom with public responsibilities.
Lower court rulings find Davis personally liable for her actions.
Davis faces legal bills exceeding $360,000.
The decision supports the 2015 ruling from Obergefell v. Hodges, guaranteeing marriage equality.
The lawsuit concluded Davis's ten-year battle over her actions.
Legal challenges focused on whether Davis’s actions violated constitutional rights.
The U.S. Supreme Court and Congress are deciding when full payments will restart for the SNAP program, which aids 1 in 8 Americans with groceries. Some states give full or partial benefits, while others give none, causing different situations for people depending on where they live.
Key Facts
The U.S. Supreme Court is set to decide on continuing full SNAP payments.
President Trump's administration wants to keep blocking states from giving full benefits.
The SNAP program helps 1 in 8 Americans with buying food.
Some states like Hawaii and New Jersey have given full monthly benefits.
Other states like Nebraska and West Virginia have not provided any SNAP benefits.
Some states such as North Carolina and Texas have given partial benefits.
Congress could resolve the issue if a bill passes and President Trump agrees.
Different states have different responses due to legal rulings.
A recent analysis by WalletHub ranked U.S. states based on charitable behaviors, including donations and volunteer work. Wyoming, Utah, and Maryland topped the list of most charitable states in 2025. The study used data from various sources to evaluate states across 17 measures of generosity.
Key Facts
WalletHub ranked U.S. states by examining 17 indicators of charitable behavior.
Indicators included income donated to charity, volunteer hours, and number of public charities.
Wyoming, Utah, and Maryland were the top three states for charitable activities.
In 2024, Americans donated over $592 billion and volunteered nearly 5 billion hours.
The analysis used data from organizations like the IRS and U.S. Census Bureau.
Utah had the highest volunteer rate, with about 40.7% of people volunteering.
Maryland had the highest percentage of taxpayers donating to charity.
Low-ranked states for charity included New Mexico, Arizona, and Nevada.
A new study reviewed existing research and found no strong links between taking Tylenol during pregnancy and autism or ADHD in children. The study highlighted flaws in earlier research that suggested a connection. There has been public debate after President Donald Trump claimed that acetaminophen use during pregnancy could be a cause of autism.
Key Facts
The study reviewed nine previous studies and found no strong evidence linking Tylenol during pregnancy to autism or ADHD.
President Donald Trump suggested earlier that acetaminophen use while pregnant could lead to autism.
Pregnant women publicly disagreed with President Trump's warnings, sharing videos of themselves taking Tylenol.
All nine earlier reviews found some connection between Tylenol during pregnancy and neurodevelopmental issues but had methodological flaws.
The study pointed out that previous research often did not thoroughly check for bias or consider the full range of evidence.
Seven of the nine reviewed studies advised against assuming a direct link due to lack of rigorous data.
The study was published in the British Medical Journal and looks at 40 different primary studies related to the topic.
The authors called for more investment in research about medication use during pregnancy.
SNAP benefits, which help low-income Americans buy groceries, have been disrupted because of a government shutdown and legal issues. Some states have started distributing these benefits, but many recipients are still waiting. A Senate-approved funding bill could soon resolve the issue if passed by the House and signed by President Trump.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits were delayed due to the U.S. government shutdown and legal disputes.
SNAP helps 42 million Americans purchase food and is similar to food stamps.
Funding for the program ran out on October 1, causing disruptions.
A court order required the federal government to distribute benefits, but a Supreme Court order temporarily halted this.
Some states have begun to release November SNAP payments following a court ruling.
A new funding bill, if approved, would ensure SNAP benefits through September 2026.
The Trump administration has asked the Supreme Court to halt full funding despite lower court decisions.
The USDA is working on providing November benefits but has faced legal and internal challenges.
President Donald Trump is demolishing the White House's East Wing to construct a large ballroom, despite a government shutdown. The East Wing, which housed the office of the first lady, is being replaced without formal approval, prompting mixed reactions among Americans.
Key Facts
President Trump is removing the East Wing of the White House.
The East Wing contained the office of the first lady.
The new addition is a ballroom, twice the size of the current White House.
Construction of the $300 million ballroom will end in 2029.
The decision is controversial as Trump did not get approval from the National Capital Planning Commission.
Some Americans are upset because Trump previously promised to preserve the East Wing.
The ballroom project is criticized amid a government shutdown impacting public workers' pay.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer is facing calls to resign due to his handling of the recent government shutdown. The Senate reached a deal to end the shutdown, but some Democrats are unhappy with Schumer's actions, fearing future compromises with Republicans on healthcare. If Schumer resigns, several high-profile Democrats are potential replacements.
Key Facts
Chuck Schumer is the Senate Minority Leader facing criticism over his handling of the government shutdown.
The shutdown, the longest in U.S. history, ended with a Senate vote needing 60 approvals.
Some Democrats are worried about Schumer potentially compromising with Republicans on healthcare issues.
The deal included a promise for Republicans to vote on healthcare subsidies by mid-December.
Potential replacements for Schumer, if he resigns, include Brian Schatz, Amy Klobuchar, Cory Booker, Elizabeth Warren, Mark Warner, and Tammy Baldwin.
Schumer's critics think he didn't effectively unite Democrats against Republicans during the shutdown.
On Veterans Day 2025, many restaurants in the U.S. are offering free meals and discounts to veterans and active-duty military members as a way to thank them for their service. Restaurants like California Pizza Kitchen, In-N-Out Burger, and Chili’s are among those participating. These deals are available on Veterans Day, November 11, and generally require proof of military service.
Key Facts
Veterans Day is observed on November 11.
California Pizza Kitchen offers veterans a free entrée and drink from a special menu.
In-N-Out Burger provides veterans with a free burger, fries, and a beverage.
Red Robin offers a free Red’s Big Tavern Burger and Bottomless Side to veterans.
Red Lobster provides a free Shrimp & Chips entrée to veterans who show proof of service.
Chipotle offers a buy-one-get-one-free deal on entrées for veterans between 4-8 p.m.
Logan’s Roadhouse offers a free lunch to veterans from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.
Golden Corral hosts Military Appreciation Night with a free dinner buffet.
Chili’s offers veterans a complimentary entrée from a special menu.
Veterans Day is a U.S. holiday on November 11, honoring those who served in the military. The American flag is generally flown at full staff on this day because it is a celebration of service. The U.S. Flag Code gives guidelines on flag displays, but does not specify rules for Veterans Day.
Key Facts
Veterans Day is celebrated every year on November 11.
This day honors U.S. military veterans.
The American flag is usually flown at full staff on Veterans Day.
The U.S. Flag Code was established in 1942.
The president or a state governor can order the flag to be flown at half-staff.
On Memorial Day, the flag is flown at half-staff until noon, then at full staff.
If the flag is displayed 24 hours a day, it must be illuminated at night.
