A California official, Assemblyman James Gallagher, plans to reintroduce a resolution to split California into two separate states after Proposition 50 was passed. This would create a 51st state from 36 counties, but it faces challenges as it requires approval from the Democrat-controlled state legislature and the U.S. Congress.
Key Facts
Assemblyman James Gallagher wants to split California into two states.
Proposition 50, which redraws congressional districts, passed on November 4.
The new state would include 36 counties from the northern to southern borders of California.
Gallagher argues that coastal cities take tax revenues from inland areas.
California became the fourth-largest economy in the world this year.
Creating a 51st state needs approval from the state legislature and U.S. Congress.
The last time a U.S. state was divided was in 1863 when West Virginia split from Virginia.
Proposition 50 could help Democrats by creating more Democratic seats in California.
Christine Pelosi, daughter of Nancy Pelosi, announced her intention to run for the California Senate. She stated her plans through a video, emphasizing her past advocacy efforts and desire to serve in the Senate.
Key Facts
Christine Pelosi is the daughter of Nancy Pelosi.
She announced her plans to run for the California Senate.
Christine Pelosi shared her announcement via a video on X.
Scott Wiener currently holds the California Senate seat Christine Pelosi is targeting.
Scott Wiener is running to replace Nancy Pelosi in the House.
A TikTok user named Nikalie Monroe conducted a social experiment by calling churches across the U.S. to ask if they would help feed a "starving baby," which was not real. Out of the 42 churches contacted, nine agreed to help, while 33 did not. The experiment brought attention to issues of poverty and food insecurity in the U.S.
Key Facts
Nikalie Monroe, a TikTok user, posed a hypothetical scenario to churches, asking them to help feed a non-existent starving baby.
Monroe called churches in various states across the U.S. as part of her experiment.
Out of 42 churches contacted, nine agreed to provide assistance, and 33 declined.
Monroe's videos have gone viral, gaining millions of views on social media.
The experiment aimed to highlight the challenges of poverty and food insecurity in the U.S.
In one highlighted case, a church that offered to help received over $75,000 in donations.
Monroe encouraged positive engagement and reviews rather than negative criticism towards churches.
There have been significant disruptions in SNAP benefits due to a government shutdown, increasing focus on food insecurity in the U.S.
Justices Neil Gorsuch and Clarence Thomas expressed their belief that the Supreme Court should revisit an 1886 decision, United States v. Kagama, which granted the federal government authority over internal affairs within Native American tribes. The Supreme Court decided not to review the case of Quentin Veneno, Jr., a member of the Jicarilla Apache Nation, who argued against federal jurisdiction in his conviction for domestic assault on tribal land. Gorsuch criticized the longstanding interpretation of federal power over Native American tribes as outdated and lacking constitutional basis.
Key Facts
Justice Neil Gorsuch, with Justice Clarence Thomas, wants to change a decision from 1886 about federal power over Native American tribes.
The case, United States v. Kagama, confirmed federal control over certain crimes on Native American lands.
Gorsuch argues that this federal control is not based on the Constitution but on outdated ideas.
The Supreme Court chose not to take up Quentin Veneno, Jr.'s case, which challenged federal jurisdiction over tribal matters.
Veneno was convicted of domestic assault on his tribe's land, and his lawyer argued that federal authority should not apply.
The 10th Circuit Court of Appeals rejected Veneno's argument, keeping the federal ruling in place.
Gorsuch believes that if Kagama is overturned, tribes could fully exercise their own legal powers concerning major crimes.
President Donald Trump announced that any leftover money from proposed $2,000 payments from tariff income will be used to reduce the U.S. national debt. He communicated this plan via a post on Truth Social, mentioning that the funds come from tariffs on foreign imports.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump discussed plans related to $2,000 payments for U.S. citizens.
The money for these payments would come from tariffs on foreign countries.
Tariffs are taxes on goods from other countries, often used to control trade.
Any leftover money from these payments would go towards paying down the U.S. national debt.
President Trump shared this information on a social media platform called Truth Social.
The focus of the announcement is on handling both economic relief and debt reduction.
Flight cancellations in the U.S. are likely to continue even after the government shutdown ends. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is cutting flights because some air traffic controllers have stopped working without pay. The number of canceled flights will increase at major U.S. airports until the FAA decides conditions are safe.
Key Facts
Flight cancellations in the U.S. are ongoing and might continue after the government shutdown ends.
Some air traffic controllers are not working due to not being paid, leading to reduced flights.
The Senate is working to end the government shutdown, but it may take a few days.
The FAA requires safety conditions to improve before allowing more flights.
Airlines reduced thousands of flights over the weekend by 4%.
On Tuesday, canceled flights will go up to 6% at 40 major airports.
By the end of the week, 10% of all flights at these airports might be canceled.
President Donald Trump's administration is asking the Supreme Court to continue freezing full SNAP payments during the government shutdown. This affects the grocery aid program that helps 42 million Americans. Lower courts have ruled to keep payments active, but the Supreme Court is reviewing the situation.
Key Facts
The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court to freeze full SNAP payments while the government is shut down.
SNAP is a federal program that helps 42 million Americans buy groceries.
Lower courts have ordered the government to keep SNAP payments flowing.
A U.S. appeals court in Boston maintained this order, keeping full benefits in place for now.
Some states are giving out partial SNAP benefits, using federal or state funds.
The Supreme Court is expected to decide soon whether to extend the freeze on full payments.
Congress may soon end the shutdown, which could resolve the funding issue.
Millions of people have received their SNAP payments, but others are waiting for further instructions.
A bipartisan group of Senate Democrats and Republicans agreed to end the longest U.S. government shutdown by funding most federal agencies until January 30. The deal ensures Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will continue, as it provides full-year funding for several agencies, including the Department of Agriculture. This agreement also ensures federal employees affected by the shutdown will get back pay.
Key Facts
The government shutdown lasted 40 days.
A bipartisan Senate group reached an agreement to reopen the government until January 30.
The deal provides full-year funding for the Department of Agriculture and other agencies.
SNAP benefits, which help 42 million Americans with groceries, were disrupted but are now secured with full-year funding.
Federal employees who were not working because of the shutdown will be rehired and receive back pay.
Senate Republicans agreed to a future vote on extending Affordable Care Act tax credits, a key issue for Democrats.
Legal challenges have been filed against the White House regarding SNAP benefits, leading to court orders to pay full benefits.
Emergency crews are responding to a plane crash in a residential area near Coral Springs, Florida. The crash occurred near a preschool, and police and fire departments are investigating. Details about injuries or fatalities are not yet available.
Key Facts
A plane crashed near Coral Springs, Florida.
The crash happened in a densely populated area, close to a preschool.
Emergency response teams, including police and fire departments, are at the site.
The area is under active investigation.
A staging area has been set up for emergency responders.
No information about injuries or fatalities is currently available.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been contacted for more information.
Nearly 100 American faith leaders have sent a letter to President Donald Trump, asking him to discuss the persecution of religious minorities in southern Syria during a meeting with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the White House. The meeting is significant because it is the first time a Syrian head of state will visit the White House, during a shift in U.S. policy toward Syria. The faith leaders want an end to the blockade of humanitarian aid to affected areas and protection for religious minorities.
Key Facts
Nearly 100 faith leaders sent an open letter to President Trump.
The letter asks Trump to discuss the plight of religious minorities in Syria.
Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa is visiting the White House for the first time.
Faith leaders want an end to the blockade of humanitarian aid in southern Syria.
President Trump's leadership on religious freedom is acknowledged in the letter.
U.S. policy toward Syria has changed since the fall of the Assad regime.
The letter warns of atrocities against Christians and other minorities by extremists.
The meeting could impact U.S.-Syria relations and humanitarian aid policies.
President Donald Trump granted pardons to Rudy Giuliani and 76 others who were accused of trying to interfere with the 2020 presidential election results. The pardons are "full, complete, and unconditional," but none of those pardoned were facing federal charges at the time. State crimes, which the President cannot pardon, were not affected by this action.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned Rudy Giuliani and 76 others related to the 2020 election.
The pardons were announced by U.S. pardon attorney Ed Martin.
The document shows the pardons as "full, complete and unconditional."
None of the individuals pardoned were facing federal charges.
Presidents cannot pardon state crimes, and this applies to the allegations.
Giuliani and others were charged in state investigations about the 2020 election.
Sidney Powell pleaded guilty to state charges and received probation.
The case in Georgia is ongoing, with a new prosecutor to be assigned.
U.S. flight operations are affected by a government shutdown that has reduced flights by 10% at major airports due to some air traffic controllers not working without pay. As a result, more than 4,400 flights were canceled and 10,000 flights were delayed, impacting both everyday travelers and celebrities. Senators passed a bill to reopen the government, which needs approval from the House and President Trump.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown is the longest in American history.
Flight cuts of 10% have been made at 40 major airports.
Over 4,400 flights were canceled, and 10,000 experienced delays.
Air traffic controllers not working without pay contributed to delays.
Celebrities shared their experiences with disrupted travels on social media.
A bill to reopen the government was passed by the Senate and awaits further approval.
The bill also needs President Trump's signature to become law.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized aviation safety during the shutdown.
The Supreme Court has agreed to decide if states can keep counting mail ballots that arrive after Election Day. This decision follows an appeal from Mississippi, where a lower court ruled against the practice under federal law. Mississippi is one of several states that accept such ballots if postmarked by Election Day.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court will decide on the legality of counting late-arriving mail ballots.
This issue has been a focus of President Donald Trump.
The appeal comes from Mississippi, challenging a state law on this.
A lower court had ruled the Mississippi law violated federal law.
18 states and Washington D.C. allow late-arriving ballots if postmarked by Election Day.
The decision could impact how mail ballots are handled in future elections.
President Donald Trump directed air traffic controllers to return to work during the government shutdown. He threatened to reduce the pay of those who do not comply and promised a $10,000 bonus to those who continued working. The shutdown has led to the cancellation of thousands of flights due to a lack of staff.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered air traffic controllers to return to work immediately.
He warned that pay would be reduced for those who did not return.
A $10,000 bonus was offered to controllers who worked during the shutdown.
The federal government shutdown has resulted in many flight cancellations.
Employees are dealing with staff shortages affecting flight safety.
President Trump used Truth Social to share his message.
Trump criticized those taking time off, calling it a "Democrat Shutdown Hoax."
An early-season arctic blast has brought extreme winter weather to parts of the U.S., affecting over 80 million people. Experts advise taking steps like using humidifiers, thermal curtains, and portable heaters to protect homes and stay safe during the cold snap.
Key Facts
An arctic blast is affecting a large part of the U.S., with more than 80 million people under freeze alerts.
At least 13 states, including Tennessee, Illinois, and New York, are experiencing significant snowfall and ice.
Record-low temperatures and high winds have disrupted travel across several areas.
Experts recommend using humidifiers to add moisture to dry indoor air caused by heating systems.
Thermal curtains can help retain heat by blocking drafts around windows.
Portable power banks are useful for keeping phones charged during power outages.
A backup portable heater can provide heat if the main heating system fails.
Door draught excluders can help keep cold air out and warm air in, improving energy efficiency.
A new bill, introduced by Senator Elizabeth Warren, seeks to increase Social Security payments by $200 per month for six months. This bill has over 10 cosponsors and aims to help seniors with rising costs, which some lawmakers attribute to President Trump's trade policies. The proposal highlights challenges such as Social Security's funding issues and political divisions.
Key Facts
The bill is called the Social Security Emergency Inflation Relief Act.
It proposes a $200 monthly increase in Social Security and Veterans Affairs benefits for six months.
Senator Elizabeth Warren introduced the bill on October 30.
Over 10 lawmakers, including Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, support the bill.
Supporters link rising costs to President Trump's trade policies, including tariffs.
Social Security may face funding shortages by the early 2030s, reducing payments by about 20%.
Some experts and politicians doubt the bill's passage due to political divisions.
The FAA has instructed airlines to reduce flights at 40 major U.S. airports due to a federal government shutdown. This has caused staffing issues among air traffic controllers and TSA agents, leading to hundreds of flight cancellations by major airlines. Airlines like Delta, American, United, and Southwest are allowing ticket changes or refunds without penalties.
Key Facts
The FAA ordered airlines to cut flights at 40 large U.S. airports.
This action is due to the long-lasting government shutdown that started on October 1.
Air traffic controllers and TSA agents are working without pay during the shutdown.
On November 5, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy demanded at least 4% of flight cuts, rising to 10% if the shutdown continues.
On November 8, over 1,500 flights were canceled as per FlightAware data.
Delta, American, United, and Southwest have all announced significant cancellations.
Passengers on these airlines can change or cancel flights without extra fees.
President Donald Trump's administration is highlighting Zohran Mamdani, the soon-to-be mayor of New York City, as a reason for stricter immigration policies. There is concern among some Republicans about Mamdani's influence on other cities with large immigrant populations. The administration has made immigration laws stricter, focusing on reducing admissions from certain countries and increasing visa requirements.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani, born in Uganda, is set to become New York City's next mayor.
President Trump and his administration are focusing on Mamdani to argue against legal immigration.
Immigration policies are being tightened, including fewer refugee admissions and stricter visa requirements.
The Trump administration is scrutinizing new citizens' records for potential denaturalization.
New immigration tests will be more difficult, stressing English language skills and community ties.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is now assessing "good character" in citizenship applications.
Some Republicans have raised questions about Mamdani's citizenship.
President Trump has made statements questioning Mamdani's political beliefs and citizenship.
Senate Democrats and Republicans are working on a legislative package to end the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The package would provide funding to reopen the government and include measures such as backpay for furloughed workers. However, it does not resolve the issue of expiring health care subsidies, which has been a major concern for Democrats.
Key Facts
A group of Senate Democrats joined Republicans to push for ending the government shutdown.
The legislative package provides funding to keep the government running temporarily until January 30.
The package includes backpay for federal workers affected by the shutdown.
The deal does not address health care subsidies, leading to dissatisfaction among some Democrats.
A procedural vote passed in the Senate with a 60-40 margin, allowing the bill to proceed.
The House will need to approve the bill before it goes to President Trump for signing.
The proposed funding includes full financing for programs like agriculture and military construction until September 2026.
An agreement on health care funds is postponed, with a vote expected next month.
Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson gave the Trump administration a deadline to provide additional legal arguments regarding a ruling on SNAP benefits during the government shutdown. The case involves funding for food assistance programs, and the Supreme Court will decide on how the benefits are paid. The urgency of the case indicates its importance and potential impact on federal policies.
Key Facts
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson is involved in a case about SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program) benefits.
The Trump administration faced a deadline to submit additional legal arguments by 4 p.m. on a specific Monday.
This case is part of a dispute about paying SNAP benefits during a government shutdown.
The case is Rollins v. Rhode Island State Council of Churches.
Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins leads the applicants seeking a legal stay.
The Rhode Island State Council of Churches is one of the respondents.
Responses from the opposing side were due by 8 a.m. the next day.
The Supreme Court could make a quick decision after receiving all filings.
