Nebraska has converted a minimum-security state prison into a federal immigration detention center in the city of McCook. The facility currently holds between 50 to 60 immigration detainees and aims to reach its full capacity of 200 by Thanksgiving. The conversion has faced legal challenges, but the facility continues to operate as part of a larger immigration effort led by President Donald Trump.
Key Facts
The prison in McCook, Nebraska, is now functioning as a federal immigration center.
The facility currently houses 50 to 60 detainees and plans to accommodate 200 by Thanksgiving.
A second phase of construction will expand capacity to 300 beds early next year.
Previously, the facility served low-level offenders who participated in rehabilitation programs.
Local residents and officials filed a lawsuit challenging the decision to convert the prison.
The conversion aligns with President Donald Trump's immigration enforcement efforts.
A judge recently denied a request to stop the prison's conversion, allowing it to continue.
The largest portion of immigration detainees nationwide have no criminal record.
A federal judge in Rhode Island ordered the Trump administration to ensure full funding for SNAP food aid in November. The order followed complaints that the administration planned to cover only 65% of the benefits. President Trump's administration was given until Friday to comply with the court's ruling.
Key Facts
A Rhode Island federal judge mandated full funding of SNAP benefits for November.
The ruling was against the Trump administration's plan to cover only 65% of these benefits.
Approximately 42 million Americans rely on SNAP for groceries.
The federal judge's decision stemmed from a challenge posed by cities and nonprofits.
The judge pointed out the harms of delayed or reduced benefits to those dependent on SNAP.
Last week's rulings required the use of $4.6 billion from an emergency reserve fund for SNAP but allowed tapping into other funds.
President Trump's administration initially said additional funds needed Congress's approval.
By the end of the week, the USDA announced benefits would be 65% of the usual amount without further supplemental funds.
The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in favor of a policy by President Donald Trump that requires U.S. passports to list sex based only on birth certificates. Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson expressed strong disagreement with the decision, highlighting concerns that it harms transgender rights.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court allowed a rule limiting passport gender markers to birth sex.
Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson voiced opposition to the ruling.
President Trump's Executive Order 14168 requires listing only "male" or "female" on passports based on birth certificates.
Previous policies under President Biden allowed a third option, "X," for gender identity.
The State Department changed its passport policy to match the new rule.
The decision has sparked ongoing debates about transgender rights and executive power.
Justice Jackson criticized the Court for often siding with the Trump Administration quickly in legal disputes.
Some public figures, like California State Senator Scott Wiener, criticized the decision, linking it to larger societal issues.
Parts of Ohio and Michigan may see up to 3 inches of snow this weekend due to a cold front moving across the United States. The National Weather Service predicts that the snow belt regions in Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania are likely to receive most of the snow. More accurate snowfall amounts will be available closer to the event.
Key Facts
Ohio and Michigan might get up to 3 inches of snow this weekend.
A cold wave is bringing winter-like weather to the Central and Eastern U.S.
The National Weather Service expects snowfall in the snow belt areas of Northeast Ohio and Northwest Pennsylvania.
Snow will start in the northern areas and move eastward, impacting the Northeast by early next week.
Snowfall predictions remain unclear, but more information will be available soon.
The snow belt region, known for heavy snowfall, includes areas east of Cleveland to Erie, Pennsylvania.
Southwest Michigan may also see several inches of snow early next week.
Residents are advised to watch the weather updates and get ready for snow, which might stick to the ground for the first time this season.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated he will not promise a vote on extending tax credits for Affordable Care Act coverage as part of a shutdown agreement. This contrasts with Senate Majority Leader John Thune, who offered Democrats a vote on the issue. Johnson mentioned that the House has already passed a short-term funding solution.
Key Facts
Mike Johnson is the Speaker of the House.
Johnson will not guarantee a vote for extending ACA tax credits in a shutdown deal.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune offered Democrats a vote on ACA tax credits to resolve the shutdown.
Johnson stated the House has passed a short-term funding measure.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) provides health insurance coverage.
Tax credits under the ACA help people pay for insurance.
The Supreme Court has allowed President Donald Trump's administration to enforce a policy that blocks transgender and nonbinary people from choosing passport sex markers that match their gender identity. This decision means the policy will remain in effect while legal challenges continue. The policy mandates that passports display the sex assigned at birth.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to enforce a passport policy affecting transgender and nonbinary people.
The decision permits the policy to stay in effect while a lawsuit challenging it is ongoing.
The policy requires passports to show the sex assigned at birth.
The court's three liberal justices disagreed with the decision.
The policy comes from a Trump executive order recognizing only male and female sexes based on birth certificates.
Before 2021, sex markers on passports could be changed with medical documentation.
President Biden's administration allowed nonbinary people to choose an X gender marker.
Nonbinary and transgender plaintiffs argue that the policy puts them at risk of harassment or violence.
Zohran Mamdani has become New York City's first Muslim and first South Asian mayor. His election has led to both praise and controversy, including false claims about communism and election integrity.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was elected as New York City's mayor.
He is the first Muslim and first South Asian to hold this position in the city.
Some people have made false claims about communism related to his victory.
There are also unproven claims about ballot rigging during his election.
Concerns were raised about possible federal funding cuts, despite no evidence.
House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is asking for a detailed briefing on airline safety. He wants to know the effects of layoffs and changes at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that happened under the Trump administration, before government shutdowns.
Key Facts
Hakeem Jeffries is the House Minority Leader from New York.
He wants information on FAA changes and layoffs during President Trump's administration.
He is concerned about the impact of these layoffs on airline safety.
Jeffries mentioned a government shutdown led by Republicans.
He insists on understanding the situation independent of the shutdown.
The Trump administration has reportedly been making changes at the FAA since January 20th.
Rep. Nancy Pelosi, a Democratic leader from California, focused heavily on climate change during her time as House Speaker. She initiated several actions to address environmental concerns, though some have been reversed by Republican efforts. Her initiatives included setting up committees and passing bills to advance clean energy and climate actions.
Key Facts
Nancy Pelosi served as the Speaker of the House and prioritized climate change.
She helped create the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming in 2007.
Republicans disbanded the committee in 2010 and again in 2023.
Pelosi passed a 2007 energy bill to improve vehicle fuel efficiency.
The House approved a cap-and-trade bill under her, but it didn't pass the Senate.
She played a role in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, which included funds for clean energy.
In 2019, she pushed for the U.S. to stay in the Paris Agreement after President Trump withdrew.
President Trump's administration has undone various climate initiatives from her tenure.
The Supreme Court allowed President Donald Trump's administration to enforce a rule that prevents transgender and nonbinary people from choosing gender markers on passports that match their gender identity. This decision overturned a previous lower court ruling that supported allowing gender marker options beyond male and female. The legal case against this policy is still ongoing.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration's passport policy to take effect while legal challenges continue.
This policy requires passport gender markers to match the sex listed on birth certificates.
The policy removes the option to select a nonbinary "X" marker, introduced by the Biden administration in 2021.
The State Department change followed an executive order issued by President Trump in January.
Transgender and nonbinary applicants argue the policy leaves them with IDs that may not reflect their gender identity, causing potential risks.
Transgender actor Hunter Schafer reported being listed as male on her passport under the new rule, despite being identified as female elsewhere.
The appellate court previously left a block on the policy, but the Supreme Court's decision reversed this.
The lawsuit challenging the policy will continue in federal court.
A jury found Sean Dunn not guilty of misdemeanor assault after he was charged for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent in Washington, D.C. Jeanine Pirro, who was appointed by President Trump and serves as a U.S. Attorney, faced a setback in this case. Initially, there was an attempt to charge Dunn with a felony, but a grand jury did not proceed with those charges.
Key Facts
Sean Dunn was accused of throwing a sandwich at a federal agent in Washington, D.C.
Dunn was found not guilty of misdemeanor assault by a jury.
The trial lasted three days.
Jeanine Pirro, a U.S. Attorney appointed by President Trump, was involved in prosecuting the case.
Pirro's team originally wanted to charge Dunn with a felony.
A grand jury did not indict Dunn on felony charges.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing President Donald Trump's use of emergency powers to impose tariffs on international trade partners. Lower courts have already found these tariffs to be illegal, stating that Congress holds the authority to regulate commerce. The Supreme Court's decision will determine the future legality of these tariffs.
Key Facts
President Trump used emergency powers to impose tariffs on countries like Canada, Mexico, and China.
The Supreme Court is questioning the legality of these tariffs under U.S. law.
A 1977 law called the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) allows presidents to regulate trade during national emergencies.
Lower courts have ruled that Trump exceeded his authority, stating Congress regulates commerce.
Small businesses have challenged the tariffs, saying they harm their operations and lead to job losses.
Solicitor General John Sauer defended the tariffs, claiming the U.S. trade deficits justify them as an emergency action.
The Supreme Court hearing included arguments from lawyer Neal Katyal, representing the small businesses against the tariffs.
The Trump administration has revised calculations for SNAP (food stamp) payments, leading to changes in benefits for millions of Americans. Some recipients may receive a smaller portion of their usual benefits due to these updates. The USDA is working to correct calculation errors that could lead to delays and reduced payments.
Key Facts
The Trump administration changed the formula for calculating SNAP payments after finding mistakes.
About 42 million Americans use SNAP benefits for groceries.
Some beneficiaries might receive only 65% or less of their usual benefits.
Secretary of Agriculture blamed Democrats and a government shutdown for these issues.
Two judges decided the administration must continue SNAP payments but can use partial funding.
The USDA is working to fix an error that reduces available SNAP funding.
The USDA's error led to some recipients getting less than 50% of their benefits.
State officials expressed concerns about the complexity of the new calculation method for benefits.
President Donald Trump stated that if the Supreme Court rules against his tariff policy, his administration will need to create a new plan. This remark came after a Supreme Court hearing on the issue, and Trump's team did not share if they have a backup plan.
Key Facts
President Trump talked about a possible need for a new plan if the Supreme Court opposes his tariff policy.
He described a potential unfavorable decision as "devastating for our country."
Trump's comments followed a Supreme Court hearing on tariffs.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent did not comment on backup plans.
Trump's statement was made on a Thursday following the court session.
The matter is related to how tariffs, which are taxes on imported goods, are managed by the U.S. government.
Nancy Pelosi, the first female speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced she will retire from Congress at the end of her term in early 2027. Pelosi has served since 1987 and was a key figure in the Democratic Party, notably aiding the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
Key Facts
Nancy Pelosi is the first female speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives.
She announced she will not seek re-election and will retire in early 2027.
Pelosi has served in Congress since 1987.
She announced her decision in a video message to her constituents in San Francisco.
Pelosi was House speaker from 2007 to 2011 and from 2019 to 2023.
After stepping down from House leadership, Hakeem Jeffries became the Democratic minority leader.
Pelosi played a significant role in passing the Affordable Care Act in 2010.
She opposed the Iraq war in 2003 and has supported Israel.
Sean Charles Dunn, a former Justice Department worker, was found not guilty of assault for throwing a sandwich at a federal agent during President Trump's law enforcement surge in Washington, D.C. The incident became a notable protest event against the deployment of federal agents, and the court ruled in favor of Dunn, viewing his action as a form of protest.
Key Facts
Sean Charles Dunn, a former Justice Department employee, threw a sandwich at a federal agent.
The event happened during President Trump's law enforcement surge in Washington, D.C.
Dunn was found not guilty of assault on the federal agent.
His lawyers argued the sandwich throw was a protest, protected by the First Amendment.
Prosecutors claimed Dunn did not have the right to throw the sandwich.
Dunn's initial felony charge was reduced to a misdemeanor after a grand jury's decision.
The incident was recorded, showing Dunn calling agents "fascists" and "racists."
Dunn lost his job at the Justice Department after the incident, as announced by Attorney General Pam Bondi.
Nancy Pelosi announced she will retire from Congress in 2027. She has served for over 40 years and was the first and only female House Speaker. Her retirement is expected to impact California politics significantly.
Key Facts
Nancy Pelosi will retire from Congress in 2027.
Pelosi was the first and only female Speaker of the House.
She served in Congress for over 40 years.
Pelosi stepped down from congressional leadership in 2022.
Her retirement may lead to a political shake-up in her San Francisco district.
She highlighted her roots, thanking San Franciscans for their support.
Pelosi helped pass significant legislation like the Affordable Care Act and Inflation Reduction Act.
Nancy Pelosi has announced she will retire from the U.S. Congress at the end of her term in January 2027. She has had a long career in politics, including becoming the first woman to serve as Speaker of the House.
Key Facts
Nancy Pelosi announced her retirement from Congress in a video message.
She will not seek re-election at the end of her current term in January 2027.
Pelosi is 85 years old.
She was the first female Speaker of the House.
Pelosi led the Democratic Party in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2003 to 2023.
She emphasized the importance of San Francisco and democracy in her message.
U.S. airports in over 24 states will reduce air traffic by 10% due to the government shutdown. This measure is to ease pressure on air traffic controllers who aren't getting paid, leading to staffing shortages and flight delays. The start of these reductions is set for Friday, and it's not clear when they will end.
Key Facts
A 10% reduction in flights is planned for Friday at U.S. airports in more than 24 states.
The Federal Aviation Administration is making this change to reduce the stress on unpaid air traffic controllers during the government shutdown.
The list of affected airports includes major ones like Atlanta, Denver, and Dallas.
Staffing shortages have been worsened by controllers calling in sick and working overtime without pay.
Experts say travelers should check flight statuses before heading to airports due to potential delays.
Airlines like United and Delta will offer refunds for some tickets due to these disruptions.
The shutdown has resulted in up to 1,800 canceled flights and impacted around 268,000 seats.
There's no clear end to these reductions as the shutdown continues.
A federal judge in Chicago has ordered federal agents to limit their use of force against peaceful protesters and journalists. The judge's decision is a response to a lawsuit claiming agents used too much force during an immigration operation in the area. The ruling also requires agents to wear body cameras and not use tear gas on peaceful crowds.
Key Facts
A federal judge in Chicago issued an order to limit force used by federal agents.
The decision affects how agents interact with peaceful protesters and journalists.
The ruling came after complaints of excessive force during an immigration crackdown.
Federal agents are now required to wear badges and body cameras.
The use of tear gas and other riot-control tactics on peaceful protesters is banned.
The order is expected to face an appeal from President Trump's administration.
Judge Sara Ellis issued the preliminary injunction, which means it is an early, temporary court order.
