The U.S. Senate is trying to end the government shutdown by considering new spending bills that aim to gain Democratic support. The bills do not include the health care subsidy extension that Democrats want. A decision on voting might happen soon, as Democrats weigh their options between reopening the government or holding out for health care negotiations.
Key Facts
Republican senators aim to end the shutdown with a new package of spending bills.
The Democratic Party has voted against reopening the government 14 times so far without health care subsidy extensions.
A vote on the spending package could occur as soon as Friday.
Democrats face a decision between continuing the shutdown for health care or voting to reopen the government.
President Trump urged Republicans to end the shutdown, describing it as a negative factor for the elections.
A proposal includes funding government programs like food aid and veterans programs until late in the year.
Democrats feel increased urgency to resolve issues caused by the shutdown, such as airport delays and unpaid government workers.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune is keeping the Senate in session until an agreement is reached.
The federal government shutdown has led to delays and reductions in SNAP benefits for more than 42 million Americans. Courts have ordered the government to continue funding SNAP partially using emergency funds, but full payments' timing and sources remain uncertain. Some states have already distributed SNAP benefits for November, while others are working to release funds.
Key Facts
Over 42 million Americans rely on Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits.
The ongoing federal government shutdown has caused delays and reduced payments in SNAP benefits.
The shutdown began due to a disagreement between Democrats and Republicans over a government funding bill.
Courts in Rhode Island and Massachusetts ordered the federal government to use emergency funds to continue partially paying SNAP benefits.
As of November 7, Alaska, California, Illinois, Louisiana, Nevada, Oregon, Vermont, and Wisconsin have distributed SNAP benefits.
States like Massachusetts and North Carolina expect to distribute benefits by next week.
SNAP benefits are loaded onto electronic benefit transfer (EBT) cards, which recipients use like debit cards at authorized stores.
Indianapolis plans to give some pregnant women up to $20,000 to help reduce high infant mortality rates. The BIRTH Fund targets low-income mothers in Indianapolis areas where infant deaths are most frequent. The funds will be given over three years and recipients can use the money as they need.
Key Facts
Pregnant women in certain Indianapolis areas could receive up to $20,000 in cash over three years.
The initiative, named the BIRTH Fund, aims to lower high infant mortality rates in seven specific ZIP codes.
Those eligible must be at least 18 years old, up to 27 weeks pregnant, and have a family income of $39,000 or less.
The total program funding is $2.3 million and is entirely from private donors.
The Bridge Project, a nonprofit organization, will help manage the program.
Cash payments are given during pregnancy and for 36 months postpartum, starting with $1,125 and then monthly payments.
Funds are unrestricted, allowing recipients to use them for needs such as housing, medical care, food, or child care.
The program will monitor outcomes to study the effectiveness of direct cash support for families.
The Trump administration asked a federal appeals court to block a judge's order to release full November SNAP benefits due to a government shutdown. The administration argued that it shouldn't have to spend more money than available and emphasized the need for Congress to allocate additional funds. Some states, like Wisconsin, have already started distributing the benefits.
Key Facts
The Trump administration sought to block a judge's order to distribute full SNAP benefits for November.
The request came amid a partial U.S. government shutdown.
A federal judge had ordered full payments due to lawsuits from cities and nonprofits.
The administration argued they couldn't spend more than was available in the contingency fund.
SNAP serves about 1 in 8 Americans, mostly with low incomes.
States like Wisconsin confirmed some SNAP benefits were already distributed.
The administration said only Congress can provide additional funding.
The Justice Department claimed the court's order violated the U.S. Constitution's separation of powers.
Representative David Scott from Georgia has not voted in six consecutive elections, including the 2024 presidential election. This has led to multiple Democratic challengers planning to run against him in 2026, questioning his engagement and ability to represent his district effectively.
Key Facts
David Scott is an 80-year-old Congressman representing Georgia's 13th District.
Public records show Scott has not voted in six consecutive elections.
Scott did not participate in the 2024 presidential election.
Five Democrats are challenging Scott for his seat in the 2026 election.
Challenger Jasmine Clark revealed Scott's voting record using public records.
Concerns are growing about Scott's age and capability to serve in office.
The 2026 Democratic primary in Georgia's 13th District is expected to be closely watched.
The Department of Education announced changes to federal student loan programs under President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA). These changes remove the Grad PLUS program, set limits on Parent PLUS loans, and create a new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP). The revisions also alter eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF), excluding some nonprofit and government workers from benefits.
Key Facts
The Grad PLUS program has been eliminated.
Parent PLUS Loans now have stricter borrowing caps.
A new Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) will start in July 2026.
Graduate students can borrow up to $20,500 annually, with a lifetime limit of $100,000.
Professional students have a cap of $50,000 per year, with a total limit of $200,000.
The Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) program will exclude organizations with "substantial illegal purposes."
Some organizations may be excluded for supporting undocumented immigrants or providing certain healthcare services against specific regulations.
Four U.S. cities and labor unions have filed a lawsuit against the new PSLF criteria.
A man in Florida was arrested after firing a gun at people during an argument about how many eggs chickens lay. The incident occurred outside a bar in Port St. Lucie, and no one was injured. The man faces multiple charges, including aggravated battery and using a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Key Facts
A Florida man allegedly fired a handgun during an argument about chicken egg production.
The incident happened outside Harper's Pub in Port St. Lucie.
The suspect, Peter Riera, fired shots at three people but did not hit anyone.
Riera faces several charges, including aggravated battery with a deadly weapon.
Police reported Riera became paranoid and believed the victims were targeting him.
Riera and the victims had been drinking before the incident.
One victim was also arrested for resisting an officer and obstructing during the investigation.
A woman in Ohio named Maggie Livingston shared a TikTok video showing her reaction after her mother gave her a haircut that looked different from what she expected. She planned for a chic bob hairstyle, but the result reminded her of a "little Dutch boy" haircut, leading to laughter from her family. Despite the unexpected outcome, the incident was taken humorously by all involved.
Key Facts
Maggie Livingston, from Ohio, wanted a stylish bob haircut.
Her mother, Marcy Nesselroade, has regularly cut her hair at home since college.
Livingston's instructions for a "shorter" and blunt cut led to an unintended result.
The haircut ended up shorter than expected, compared to a "little Dutch boy" style.
Maggie's sisters reacted with laughter upon seeing her new haircut.
The family did not take the incident too seriously and found it funny.
Maggie planned to get couples photos taken soon, which prompted the haircut.
Her sister Emma requested her own haircut to be longer than Maggie’s.
President Donald Trump's administration requested an emergency pause on a court order forcing it to pay full SNAP benefits for November during a government shutdown. This request followed a decision that required using allocated funds from child nutrition programs to cover the full SNAP benefits, which the administration argued was not a feasible solution. The ongoing legal and administrative disputes affected millions of low-income Americans relying on these benefits.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration sought to delay a court order to pay full SNAP benefits in November.
The court order required using money from child nutrition programs to cover the SNAP payments.
U.S. District Judge John J. McConnell Jr. instructed the government to find a way to pay the full benefits using over $4.6 billion from the USDA.
SNAP provides federal funds to help low-income Americans buy groceries.
The case stemmed from a lawsuit against a decision to cover only 65% of the benefits due to a shutdown.
The federal shutdown was ongoing, prompting uncertainty about SNAP payments.
USDA stated they lacked both the legal authority and sufficient funds for full SNAP benefits during the shutdown.
Nancy Pelosi, the first female U.S. House Speaker, will retire in January 2027. PolitiFact has fact-checked 56 statements by Pelosi, with most ratings being "Half True." Pelosi and President Trump have had several public disagreements, including over Pelosi's criticism of Trump's language and actions.
Key Facts
Nancy Pelosi announced she will retire in January 2027.
PolitiFact began fact-checking Pelosi in 2008; she has been rated 56 times.
The median rating for Pelosi's statements is "Half True."
Pelosi, 85, is considered a highly effective legislative leader.
Pelosi served as Speaker of the House and as minority leader at different times.
She was targeted by Republicans for her speech style and liberal district representation.
Pelosi's disputes with President Trump include a controversy over ripping up a copy of his State of the Union address.
In 2022, conspiracy theories arose after an attack on Pelosi’s husband, partly fueled by President Trump.
The Justice Department is trying to investigate an activist accused of revealing personal information about Stephen Miller, a top adviser to President Trump. Some judges and a prosecutor have blocked or limited parts of this investigation. The situation highlights political differences between Democratic officials in Northern Virginia and President Trump's administration.
Key Facts
The Justice Department wants to investigate Barbara Wien, accused of doxxing Stephen Miller.
A judge denied the FBI's request to search Wien's smartphone, leading the Department of Justice to plan an appeal.
A Virginia prosecutor and judge previously limited the scope of a related investigation, ensuring the FBI could not access certain data.
Wien's lawyer claims she did not break the law and is being unfairly targeted.
Due to concerns about safety, Stephen Miller and other officials have been moved to secure locations.
The controversy began after Wien allegedly distributed flyers with Miller's address and a QR code linked to a local activist group.
Politically, the case underscores a divide between local Democrats in Virginia and the Trump administration.
President Trump faces challenges with high living costs despite being known for strong economic policies. Recent Democratic wins have partly been due to public concern over these costs. Though the economy is performing well overall, many Americans still feel financial strain.
Key Facts
President Trump and Republicans are facing criticism over high costs of living, similar to issues that affected former President Biden.
Democrats recently won elections, with voters concerned about high prices during Trump's second term.
Inflation is lower than before, but prices for everyday items like coffee and groceries have risen significantly since 2024.
A large number of Americans blame President Trump for rising prices based on recent polls.
Corporate layoffs are reportedly at their highest in 22 years.
There's a federal government shutdown lasting 38 days, not helping economic perceptions.
Exit polls show Democrats gaining support from voters worried about the economy, even in typically Republican issues.
President Trump has been criticized for lavish spending and events during a time when many Americans feel economic pressure.
Former Trump adviser Steve Bannon stated that he might face prison if Republicans do not win the midterms in 2026 and the presidential race in 2028. Bannon has a history of legal issues, including a past prison sentence and a recent guilty plea for fraud. His comments come amid recent Democratic electoral victories and concern over Republican chances in upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Steve Bannon said he could go to prison if Republicans lose the 2026 midterm elections and the 2028 presidential race.
Bannon served four months in prison in 2024 for defying a congressional subpoena.
He recently pleaded guilty to defrauding donors but avoided more jail time.
President Trump had previously pardoned Bannon for related federal charges.
Recent Democratic wins in various states have increased concerns for Republicans.
Bannon warned that Democrats might try to remove President Trump from office if they win in 2026.
Polls indicate Democrats are currently leading for the 2026 midterm elections.
Bannon voiced his concerns on social media about the Republican Party's future.
Payments from the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) are delayed in some states due to a federal government shutdown. This delay affects people who rely on these payments to help cover their heating costs. States are handling the situation differently, with some using leftover funds, but many states can't fully cover the delays.
Key Facts
LIHEAP helps low-income households with energy bills.
The program's funding is stalled because of a federal government shutdown.
States like Kansas, Pennsylvania, and New York have warned of delays in payments.
Minnesota expects a month-long delay in distributing LIHEAP benefits.
Some states, like Alaska and Massachusetts, are using leftover funds from previous years.
Connecticut plans to use state funds to cover heating costs temporarily.
Rising energy and food prices are increasing financial pressure on families.
States may ask utility companies to delay cutting off services for non-payment.
Veterans across the United States plan to protest against President Donald Trump's administration on Veterans Day, November 11. The protests, known as "Vets Say No," are organized by veterans' groups as a response to the administration's policies affecting veterans and other communities.
Key Facts
The protests are organized by About Face and May Day Strong.
Events will be held in multiple cities, including in California, New York, and Washington D.C.
Organizers emphasize that the protests will be nonviolent, and ask participants not to bring weapons.
The protests oppose cuts to important services, military deployment in cities, and have linked these to concerns about democracy.
Veterans have previously protested against job cuts at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) under the Trump administration.
The demonstrations will occur on Veterans Day, a day honoring military service members since 1918.
Organizers criticize the administration's impact on veterans' healthcare and related services.
Dr. Mehmet Oz shared details of how President Donald Trump responded when a man fainted in the Oval Office. President Trump personally comforted the man's wife over the phone, ensuring she was calm and informed. The incident highlighted Trump's personal attention during the situation.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz reported on President Trump's actions after a man fainted in the Oval Office.
President Trump took the phone to talk to the man's wife, helping to comfort her.
Dr. Oz mentioned that the man who fainted is doing well now.
President Trump's actions have been compared to former President Obama's response to a similar incident in 2013.
The White House shared a video clip featuring Dr. Oz describing President Trump's response.
Dr. Oz noted that Trump showed care for people he had never met before.
This event was shared as a breaking news story, with more details expected soon.
The FAA has ordered a reduction in flights across the United States due to a prolonged government shutdown, affecting major and smaller airports. Airlines have canceled hundreds of flights, and passengers are seeking alternative travel plans. This move aims to ease the burden on unpaid air traffic controllers, who have been working under difficult conditions.
Key Facts
The FAA's flight reduction order is due to the ongoing government shutdown.
40 airports, including large hubs like Atlanta and Los Angeles, are affected.
Airlines canceled over 815 flights across the U.S.
The flight cuts started at 4% and will reach up to 10% by November 14.
Air traffic controllers are working without pay, causing staffing challenges.
Hertz reported a 20% increase in one-way car rentals as travelers seek alternatives.
The cuts are in effect from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. for commercial airlines.
The Trump administration is pressuring Congress to resolve the shutdown.
Dr. Mehmet Oz, who works for Medicare and Medicaid Services, hopes for a rise in the U.S. birth rate, calling them "Trump babies," by the 2026 midterms. President Trump and Dr. Oz announced efforts to lower infertility drug costs as part of a broader strategy to address the declining U.S. fertility rate.
Key Facts
Dr. Mehmet Oz is the head of Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Dr. Oz hopes for an increase in U.S. births by 2026, referring to them as "Trump babies."
The U.S. fertility rate has been decreasing, now at an average of 1.6 births per woman.
The Trump administration is working on lowering the cost of infertility and weight-loss drugs.
The administration discussed a previous executive order to expand access to fertility treatments.
There is a proposal to give women a "baby bonus" of $5,000 to encourage more births.
President Trump and Dr. Oz discussed fairness in drug pricing, comparing U.S. prices to those in Europe.
Elise Stefanik, a Republican U.S. Representative, has announced her candidacy for governor of New York. She criticized current Governor Kathy Hochul and New York's affordability in a social media video. The race for governor in 2026 is expected to be challenging for any Republican, but Stefanik brings recognition and connections from her time in Congress and association with President Trump.
Key Facts
Elise Stefanik is running for governor of New York as a Republican.
Stefanik criticized Democratic Governor Kathy Hochul, calling her ineffective.
She claimed New York is the most unaffordable state in the U.S.
President Donald Trump had previously nominated Stefanik for U.N. ambassador.
Trump withdrew her nomination due to concerns about maintaining Republican seats in the U.S. House.
Mike Lawler, a Republican congressman, decided not to run for governor and will seek reelection in the House.
Kathy Hochul's current term as governor is being challenged within her own party.
Stefanik has been in Congress since 2014 and is closely aligned with Trump policies.
Videos of reactions by President Donald Trump and former President Barack Obama to guests feeling unwell at public events have gained attention online. During Obama's presidency, he helped a fainting woman during a speech. More recently, Trump witnessed a man fainting during a White House event, with a photo of the incident going viral.
Key Facts
A video from 2013 shows former President Obama helping a woman who nearly fainted during his speech about the Affordable Care Act.
The woman, Karmel Allison, has Type 1 diabetes and was a guest of honor due to her blog about Obamacare.
The video resurfaced on social media, gaining significant attention with over 112,000 upvotes on Reddit.
A separate incident involved a man fainting during President Trump's announcement about lowering the cost of obesity drugs.
A photo of Trump's reaction to the fainting man also went viral, with over 123,000 upvotes on Reddit.
The Trump incident took place in the Oval Office, with the man quickly receiving assistance from those nearby.
White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt confirmed the man received medical attention and is okay.
