The U.S. government shutdown has reached its 40th day, affecting federal employees and many Americans' access to services. Federal workers have been furloughed, food assistance programs face cuts, and air travel has been disrupted due to political disagreements over spending priorities in the Senate. Efforts to end the shutdown have so far been unsuccessful.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown began on October 1 and has lasted 40 days.
Around 750,000 federal employees are furloughed, meaning they are temporarily out of work without pay.
The shutdown impacts food assistance programs, like SNAP, which helps low-income Americans buy groceries.
Air travel across the U.S. is disrupted due to employee shortages, leading to flight cancellations and delays.
The U.S. Senate has failed to agree on 14 funding measures to end the shutdown.
Democrats and Republicans disagree on spending priorities, including healthcare subsidies and social programs.
The Federal Aviation Administration reported significant staffing shortages affecting air travel in major cities.
President Trump stated he will only restore food aid once the government reopens.
The U.S. government is in its sixth week of a shutdown, affecting SNAP benefits and air travel. Lawmakers are hopeful for a resolution before Thanksgiving, as the shutdown started over health care funding disputes. Both the House and Senate need to pass a funding bill for President Trump to end the shutdown.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history, now in its sixth week.
Around 42 million Americans rely on SNAP benefits, which are at risk due to the shutdown.
Air travel is disrupted due to staff shortages as employees work without pay.
The shutdown began over disagreements on health care subsidies related to the Affordable Care Act.
Senate Republicans did not vote on a funding bill due to lack of support.
President Trump and Vice President Vance insist negotiations on health care will happen after the government reopens.
A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the restoration of full SNAP benefits, countering a reduction attempt.
The U.S. government shutdown has continued for 40 days. The Senate held a weekend session trying to end the shutdown, but progress was limited. President Trump and some lawmakers remain divided on how to fund the government and handle healthcare subsidies.
Key Facts
The U.S. government shutdown has lasted 40 days, impacting flights and food assistance.
The Senate met over the weekend but made little progress on ending the shutdown.
Republican leaders aim to pass bills to reopen the government temporarily and provide full-year funding for some departments.
Democrats want to extend health care subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, which Republicans have opposed.
President Trump urged Republicans to remove Senate filibuster rules to pass legislation without needing 60 votes.
Moderates are discussing a plan to fund parts of the government and extend other funding, with a promise for a future healthcare vote.
Five more votes are needed in the Senate to fund the government, with ongoing negotiations involving both parties.
Some Republicans support extending healthcare subsidies but want new limits on who can receive them.
President Donald Trump's administration told states to reverse full SNAP benefits given out under court orders, following the U.S. Supreme Court's intervention. This move caused concern among states about financial disruptions, as they had already distributed the benefits based on prior rulings that were then put on hold.
Key Facts
The U.S. Department of Agriculture instructed states to undo full SNAP payments for November.
The U.S. Supreme Court stayed previous court rulings that allowed extra SNAP payments.
Over two dozen states worry about operational and financial issues if not reimbursed.
SNAP benefits help 42 million Americans with food assistance.
Wisconsin issued SNAP benefits to 700,000 people, but faces financial issues due to reimbursement delays.
The Trump administration initially resisted reimbursing the states before the Supreme Court decision.
States fear they might have to return millions of dollars, which could disrupt services.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has decreased significantly, according to pollster Nate Silver and a series of polls. This decline in approval ratings comes amid recent election results where Democrats gained ground in key seats. The impact of these ratings on future elections is uncertain.
Key Facts
Nate Silver reported that Trump’s net approval rating dropped to its lowest during his second term.
Silver's analysis shows Trump's approval rating declined from -7.5 points on October 19 to -13 points on November 8.
A poll by The Economist/YouGov reported Trump's approval at 39%, with 58% disapproving, giving a net approval of -19 points.
Rasmussen Reports indicated Trump's net approval stands at -8 points, the lowest since his second term began.
RealClearPolitics, which combines multiple polls, shows Trump’s net approval rating at -8.9 points.
Recent elections saw Democrats making gains, causing concern for the GOP.
Trump's strong disapproval reached a high of 45% during his second term.
Silver noted Trump’s current approval rating is about 5 points higher than the same time in his first term.
Thousands of flights have been canceled or delayed due to staffing shortages linked to a government shutdown and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) orders to reduce flight operations at major U.S. airports. The disruptions have primarily affected large airport hubs like Atlanta, New York, and Chicago. Ongoing political disagreements about government funding have contributed to the shutdown, impacting air traffic control staffing.
Key Facts
The ongoing government shutdown is causing significant flight delays and cancellations.
The FAA has instructed airlines to cut flight operations by up to 10 percent by November 14 due to staffing issues.
Major airports affected include Atlanta, New York area airports, Chicago, and San Francisco.
FlightAware’s "Misery Map" is a tool used to track disruptions at these major airports.
On November 8, at noon ET, there were 720 flight delays and 184 cancellations across U.S. airports.
Air traffic controllers are working without pay, causing increased absences and mandatory overtime.
Political tensions between Democrats and Republicans continue over resolving the government shutdown.
Travelers are advised to check their flight status, anticipate longer wait times, and consider flexible travel plans.
Some Republican lawmakers have called for an investigation into Zohran Mamdani’s U.S. citizenship after he was elected as New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor. They accuse him, without evidence, of lying in his citizenship process and have suggested stripping him of his citizenship. PolitiFact found no credible proof supporting these claims, and experts say denaturalization is rare and complex.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York City's first Muslim and South Asian mayor.
Some Republican lawmakers want to stop Mamdani from taking office, questioning his U.S. citizenship.
President Trump threatened to withhold federal funds from New York City if Mamdani won.
The lawmakers accuse Mamdani of being a communist and having ties to terrorism without evidence.
PolitiFact found no credible evidence Mamdani lied in his naturalization process.
Mamdani moved to the U.S. in 1998 and became a citizen in 2018.
Experts say taking away citizenship, called denaturalization, is rare and requires strong proof.
The accusations include Mamdani’s membership in a group labeled by some as communist.
Many mothers in the U.S. are informally sharing breast milk with each other due to limited support for breastfeeding and parental leave. A study found that while some mothers use formal milk banks, many rely on sharing milk directly with other parents. This practice raises concerns about safety and inadequate support systems for mothers.
Key Facts
Mothers across the U.S. are sharing breast milk informally, often due to a lack of support for breastfeeding and limited parental leave.
A University of Pittsburgh and RAND Corporation study found 1 in 27 first-time mothers shared breast milk.
Factors like limited paid parental leave and insufficient access to milk alternatives contribute to this practice.
Of the surveyed mothers, 9.4% reported using donor or shared milk for their infants.
Shared milk is often not screen-tested like milk from formal milk banks, which poses potential safety concerns.
Donor and shared milk use was more common among uninsured participants.
Research suggests a need for better lactation support even when alternative milk sources are used.
Informal milk sharing involves exchanging fresh or frozen milk from one parent to another without the safety processes of milk banks.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy has apologized for not disclosing that she received donations from David Kogan, whom she chose as her top pick for England's new football regulator. An investigation found that Kogan donated money to Nandy during her 2020 campaign for Labour leader. This has led to calls from the Conservative Party for further investigations.
Key Facts
Lisa Nandy is the Culture Secretary in the UK government.
She failed to disclose donations from David Kogan, a candidate for England's football regulator position.
Kogan donated £1,450 to Nandy's campaign when she ran for Labour leader in 2020.
Nandy admitted to not meeting "the highest standards" in this situation.
The Conservative Party claims Nandy's actions breached public trust.
Conservatives are calling for an investigation into Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who also received donations from Kogan.
Nandy decided not to be involved in the appointment after Kogan's donations were disclosed.
An online influencer known as Catturd, whose real name is Phillip Buchanan, claims to be facing a serious legal issue, sparking reactions from his supporters within the MAGA movement. Catturd posted on social media that this legal matter is much worse than any previous incidents he has encountered, such as "swatting." He has not yet provided specific details on the situation.
Key Facts
Catturd is a popular figure in the MAGA movement with over 3.9 million followers on the social media platform X.
He recently posted about facing a new legal issue, describing it as more severe than swatting.
Swatting is a dangerous prank where emergency services are falsely sent to someone’s home.
Catturd has been swatted multiple times in the past, with two perpetrators now in prison.
He has not yet shared detailed information about the new legal issue but promised updates.
His followers reacted with concern and support, with some expressing readiness to help him.
Previous incidents of swatting led Catturd to establish a relationship with local police officers.
President Donald Trump defended his tariff policies, criticizing those against them and promising a $2,000 dividend to many Americans. The Supreme Court is reviewing whether Trump can legally impose these tariffs, as some lower courts claim he overstepped his authority. Trump suggests the economic benefits he promises are tied directly to his tariff policies.
Key Facts
President Trump supports tariffs and criticizes those who oppose them, calling them "fools."
He promises a $2,000 dividend to many Americans, excluding high-income individuals.
The Supreme Court is deciding if Trump's tariff actions are within his legal authority.
Lower courts have suggested Trump's tariffs go beyond his power as President.
Trump claims tariffs are responsible for the country's economic success, including low inflation and a high stock market.
Trump stated that if the court rules against him, a new plan will be developed.
The situation is ongoing, with updates expected as the story develops.
The Supreme Court, led by Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, temporarily paused a lower court's order that required the White House to fully fund SNAP benefits during a government shutdown. This decision affects around 42 million Americans who rely on these benefits for groceries. The ruling has sparked reactions from both political parties and will be reviewed by the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals.
Key Facts
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson paused a lower-court order related to SNAP (food assistance) funding.
SNAP benefits are crucial for about 42 million Americans who need them for groceries.
The funding pause is part of a larger debate during the government shutdown.
The USDA had planned to reduce SNAP payments to 65% of usual amounts in November.
The Department of Justice requested that the Supreme Court intervene for further review.
Efforts to resolve the government shutdown have failed multiple times in the Senate.
The case is returning to the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals for further examination.
President Donald Trump is proposing a new plan to introduce 50-year mortgages for homebuyers. This idea has drawn criticism from some commentators who worry it could increase debt levels, though others say it offers financial flexibility.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed 50-year mortgage terms aimed at helping home affordability.
The Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) is working on this plan, according to Director Bill Pulte.
Critics argue that longer mortgage terms can lead to higher total interest costs and delay building home equity.
The average age of first-time homebuyers in the U.S. is now 40, which is an all-time high.
Some people say the best way to lower home costs is to increase the housing supply.
Supporters of the idea claim it provides more financial flexibility for homeowners.
More than 1,530 flights were cancelled and thousands more delayed in the U.S. due to a government shutdown causing staffing shortages among air traffic controllers. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has reduced the number of daily flights to manage safety concerns, which may continue as the shutdown persists. This has created significant travel disruptions during an already busy travel season.
Key Facts
Over 1,530 flights were cancelled and around 6,000 delayed on a single day in the U.S.
The FAA ordered a reduction in flights because of air traffic control staffing issues during the ongoing government shutdown.
The government shutdown has lasted for 39 days, affecting federal workers including air traffic controllers and security officers.
The FAA reduced daily flights by 4% at major airports and plans to increase these cuts to 10% by mid-November.
Staffing issues affected 42 airport towers and delayed flights in at least 12 major U.S. cities.
Many air traffic controllers have been working without pay, leading to shortages.
Political disagreements over a government spending bill continue to stall resolution of the shutdown.
Travel during the upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas seasons may face further disruptions if the shutdown persists.
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather warnings in nine U.S. states, predicting up to 18 inches of snow in some areas from Sunday to Tuesday morning. The affected states include Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Alaska, and Maine. Travelers in these areas are advised to prepare for difficult travel conditions and slippery roads.
Key Facts
Nine U.S. states are under winter weather warnings: Michigan, Wisconsin, North Carolina, Virginia, Tennessee, New York, Kentucky, Alaska, and Maine.
Some regions may receive up to 18 inches of snowfall from Sunday through Tuesday morning.
The National Weather Service advises residents to expect challenging travel conditions and slippery roads.
Michigan counties such as Alger and Marquette may experience heavy lake effect snow, with up to 12 inches of rapid snowfall.
Wisconsin's Ashland and Iron Counties could see between 3 and 7 inches of snow, mainly in higher regions.
North Carolina's Appalachian regions may have mixed wintry weather with snow, wind, and ice, and wind gusts up to 45 mph.
In Virginia, areas like Grayson County are expected to get up to 3 inches of snow and winds up to 45 mph.
Snow and winds could result in poor visibility and scattered power outages in certain areas.
Major U.S. cities are organizing protests against President Trump's administration on Veterans Day. These protests, called "Vets Say No," are organized by veterans and community groups to oppose military occupation and funding cuts. The events are planned to be nonviolent and will take place in several states and Washington, D.C. on November 11.
Key Facts
Protests, called "Vets Say No," are organized by veterans and anti-authoritarian groups.
The demonstrations will occur on Veterans Day, a federal holiday.
Protests will happen in states like California, New York, Oregon, Tennessee, and Massachusetts, as well as Washington, D.C.
Organizers describe the protests as nonviolent and ask participants not to bring weapons.
The protests oppose military occupation and cuts to federal funding for essential services.
The events respond to concerns about immigration policies and use of military force in cities.
A strong turnout is expected in cities like Chicago, Washington, D.C., and New York City.
California Governor Gavin Newsom's team has used social media to mock President Donald Trump, highlighting a large crowd at a Democrat rally in Texas. Newsom spoke at the rally about political strategies, including redistricting, to help Democrats in future elections. The event underscored ongoing political battles over redistricting in several states.
Key Facts
Governor Gavin Newsom's team posted on social media about a large crowd at a Democrat event in Texas, mocking President Trump.
Newsom's communications often use humor to engage online audiences and comment on political issues.
Newsom is considered a possible candidate for the 2028 presidential election.
At the rally in Texas, Newsom spoke about gaining political power for Democrats in upcoming elections.
California's Proposition 50, supported by Newsom, aims to redraw districts to favor Democrats, potentially adding up to five House seats.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott signed a new map to increase Republican representation, with influence from President Trump.
Redistricting efforts are a major focus, with both parties working to change congressional maps in various states.
Democrats in Virginia and other blue states are also pursuing redistricting efforts to their advantage.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has decreased among his supporters according to recent polls. This decline coincides with an ongoing government shutdown, which has led to reductions in benefits like food assistance. The polling indicates that economic concerns might be affecting support for Trump among his base.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating among his supporters has dropped from +74 in August to +70 recently.
A government shutdown has been ongoing and is now the longest in history, lasting over 36 days.
The shutdown has led to reduced food assistance benefits, with many recipients getting only 65% of usual benefits.
Two federal judges ruled that stopping payments for food assistance was unlawful.
Trump's approval regarding the shutdown has dropped by 7 points among his supporters since October.
54% of Trump supporters believe food assistance should continue during the shutdown.
Trump's net approval on handling the economy among his supporters fell from +70 to +62 since September.
Economic issues such as rising prices and tariffs are reportedly contributing to declining support for Trump.
The Trump administration plans to change the leadership in ICE by placing Border Patrol leaders in ICE field offices. This move aims to intensify deportations and make enforcement tactics tougher. Some former ICE officials worry this could shift the agency's focus and affect how it operates.
Key Facts
The Trump administration wants to put Border Patrol leaders in charge of ICE field offices in big cities.
This change aims to boost deportations and toughen enforcement tactics.
ICE typically focuses on removing individuals with final deportation orders.
Former ICE and DHS staff are concerned about changes in detention and community relations.
Officials expect enforcement operations to become more aggressive.
The White House aims for ICE to make about 3,000 detentions per day to meet its deportation goal.
Leaders from the Border Patrol have been impressed with operations in Los Angeles and Chicago.
Some concerns involve the Border Patrol’s different style and lack of experience in interior enforcement.
A video showing long lines outside a Cleveland food bank went viral as people seek help during a federal government shutdown that paused SNAP benefits. The court temporarily blocked full SNAP payments while the White House and states dispute over benefit funding. Ohio plans to offer state food assistance while SNAP benefits are on hold.
Key Facts
A viral video shows long queues outside a food bank in Cleveland due to a pause in SNAP benefits.
The federal government shutdown has lasted 40 days and is affecting SNAP benefits.
Over 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for groceries.
Ohio plans to provide $25 million in state food assistance during the SNAP pause.
A federal judge ordered the restoration of SNAP payments, but the Supreme Court blocked this pending review.
Emergency food distributions are occurring in other cities, like Tallahassee, Florida.
Feeding America reported a sixfold increase in traffic to its food-bank locator tool.
President Donald Trump and other officials have commented on the SNAP situation and government shutdown.
