A Democratic candidate, Lincoln Kretchmar, won the mayoral race in a Pennsylvania borough that had consistently voted for the Republican Party for 113 years. This marks a significant change in voting patterns in a key swing state, where President Trump recently won back the state in the 2024 elections.
Key Facts
Lincoln Kretchmar, a Democrat, won the mayoral election with 917 votes.
The Republican candidate, Thomas Todd Hamilton, received 904 votes.
The borough had voted for Republican candidates in presidential elections since 1912.
Before Hamilton, Robert Linn was the Republican mayor from 1946 to 2004.
In the same election cycle, Democrats won in Pittsburgh's mayoral race and the Philadelphia district attorney election.
The state of Pennsylvania is a significant swing state in U.S. elections.
The midterm elections are scheduled for November 2026, following this shift in local political outcomes.
President Donald Trump regained Pennsylvania with 50.4% of the vote in the 2024 election.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce air traffic by 10 percent at 40 major U.S. airports due to a government shutdown. This reduction could mean fewer flights and possible delays for passengers. The FAA is taking these steps to maintain safety despite air traffic controllers working without pay.
Key Facts
The FAA will cut air traffic by 10 percent at 40 major U.S. airports.
The government shutdown is the longest in U.S. history.
The list of airports affected includes major ones like Los Angeles International and New York John F Kennedy International.
The FAA aims to ensure safety despite many air traffic controllers working without pay.
Nearly 80 percent of air traffic controllers are absent at New York–area facilities.
Staffing shortages may lead to delays and flight cancellations.
The FAA emphasizes safety and will manage air traffic flow to ensure it.
Restrictions are expected to begin on Friday, but the list of affected airports could change.
Due to a federal government shutdown in the United States, flight delays and cancellations are affecting many airports. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) plans to reduce air traffic by 10% across 40 major markets to manage the situation. Airlines are adjusting their schedules to ensure safety as staffing shortages continue.
Key Facts
The U.S. is experiencing its longest government shutdown, affecting air travel.
Nearly 4,000 flight delays and 171 cancellations occurred in one day.
The FAA will cut air traffic by 10% in 40 major U.S. markets starting Friday.
13,000 air traffic controllers are working without pay during the shutdown.
Staffing reductions have reached 50% in some areas due to the shutdown.
Thanksgiving travel could be disrupted as millions of Americans are expected to fly.
Specific airports like Phoenix, San Francisco, and Newark have high numbers of delays.
Airlines, like American and United, are preparing to change schedules to maintain safety.
Several parts of Texas have been warned by the National Weather Service (NWS) about dense fog, which could reduce visibility significantly until Thursday morning. This fog poses a risk to driving conditions, and the NWS advises drivers to take precautions such as using low-beam headlights and maintaining a safe distance between vehicles.
Key Facts
Dense fog is expected to lower visibility to less than a quarter mile in some areas.
The fog warning affects many regions in Texas, including areas east of the I-35 corridor and several southeastern counties.
The NWS suggests using low-beam headlights and fog lights, if available, and advises against using high-beam headlights.
Drivers are urged to slow down and allow more time for travel.
In extremely dense fog, drivers should pull over safely, use hazard lights, and wait for the fog to clear.
The fog advisory is in effect until 9 a.m. Thursday morning.
The NWS advisory includes both Texas and parts of central Louisiana.
Fog-related accidents cause over 38,700 vehicle crashes annually in the U.S. according to the Department of Transportation.
Some experts suggest that for healthy individuals, it might be cheaper to pay for health care directly rather than through insurance. However, people who frequently need medical care usually benefit from having insurance. Rising costs in health insurance are partly due to increased expenses and the end of certain government tax credits.
Key Facts
Health insurance costs are expected to rise, with ACA plan costs increasing by about 20% and employer plans by over 6% next year.
Without insurance, health expenses might be less for those who rarely need medical care.
Paying cash for services can be cheaper in some instances because it avoids insurance paperwork costs.
57% of Americans are very worried about rising healthcare costs, according to an AP and NORC poll.
Approximately 20% of people account for 80% of medical expenses.
Catastrophic health plans exist for people who want less routine coverage but protection against high emergency costs.
Some pharmacies offer generic drugs at low prices when paid for in cash.
Experts caution against going without insurance due to unpredictable high medical expenses.
The Supreme Court is deciding if it will hear a case about same-sex marriage rights, challenging the 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges that allowed same-sex marriage nationwide. Kim Davis, a former Kentucky county clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples, wants the court to overturn this decision based on religious objections. The outcome could change how marriage laws apply across the United States.
Key Facts
The 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges made same-sex marriage legal across the U.S.
Jim Obergefell, involved in the original case, is worried about the potential overturn of the decision.
The Supreme Court will privately discuss whether to hear the case involving Kim Davis on November 7.
Kim Davis, a former county clerk, refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples due to her religious beliefs.
The Supreme Court previously refused to hear an appeal in Kim Davis's case in 2020.
If the Supreme Court overturns Obergefell, marriage laws could become the responsibility of individual states.
Other legal protections for same-sex couples were added into federal law in 2022.
Legal analysts think it is unlikely the Supreme Court will overturn same-sex marriage rights.
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has increased the amount of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits during the government shutdown. A court decision now allows partial funding of SNAP benefits using emergency funds, raising payments from the initially proposed 50% to 65% of normal amounts.
Key Facts
The government shutdown has lasted 36 days, the longest in U.S. history.
The shutdown occurred due to disagreements between Democrats and Republicans over government funding.
SNAP benefits, used by 42 million Americans, are affected by the funding halt.
A court ruled that the government must use emergency funds to partly continue SNAP payments.
The USDA raised SNAP benefits to 65% of typical amounts after initially planning for 50%.
Payments for a family of four in contiguous states have increased from $497 to $646.
The benefit reductions are temporary until the shutdown ends and full funding resumes.
The exact timing for SNAP payments is still uncertain, but partial payments will occur.
A new poll suggests Democrats have an edge over Republicans for the 2026 U.S. House elections. The survey showed more people believe Democrats are likely to win majority control of the House, raising concerns for Republicans and President Donald Trump’s legislative plans. Recent election victories for Democrats in key states add to the challenges Republicans might face.
Key Facts
A YouGov survey found 41% think Democrats will win the House majority in 2026, while 30% think Republicans will do so, and 29% are unsure.
Historically, the President's party typically loses seats in midterm elections.
President Trump's approval rating is below 50%, which historically leads to larger losses in midterms.
Democrats recently won significant victories in New York City, Virginia, and New Jersey.
Young and Hispanic voters played a significant role in the victories for Democrats.
In New York City, Zohran Mamdani won the mayoral race with record youth support.
In California, Proposition 50 passed, which could change control of some Republican-held seats.
A generic ballot shows a close race for the 2026 midterms, with 43% favoring Democrats and 41% favoring Republicans.
President Donald Trump has threatened military action against Nigeria if the Nigerian government does not stop the killing of Christians. He warned that the United States might cease aid and could possibly take military steps if necessary. Nigeria has denied targeting Christians specifically, claiming they are part of broader terrorist attacks.
Key Facts
President Trump warned Nigeria to stop the killings of Christians.
He mentioned the possibility of military action if the situation does not improve.
Trump threatened to stop all U.S. aid to Nigeria over this issue.
The U.S. has plans to label Nigeria a “country of particular concern.”
Nigeria claims Christians are not being specifically targeted but are affected by broader terrorism.
The president instructed the Department of War to prepare for potential military action.
A Nigerian government advisor expressed willingness to accept U.S. help against terrorism, as long as it respects Nigerian sovereignty.
Democrats won key elections in governor and mayor races, which has given them renewed energy as they look toward future elections. However, they face potential challenges due to redistricting efforts and a more difficult Senate election map in 2026. Analysts note that while the Democrats had recent wins, the outcome of future elections remains uncertain.
Key Facts
Democrats won several key elections for governors and mayors.
Redistricting and a Supreme Court ruling may pose challenges for Democrats.
Democrats will face a tough fight in the 2026 U.S. Senate elections.
President Donald Trump returned to office in 2024, affecting the political landscape.
Democrats aim to capitalize on their recent election wins for future elections.
The current Republican majority in the House is 219-213, soon to narrow slightly.
Recent Democratic wins are significant in New Jersey and Virginia governor races.
Future redistricting could either help or hinder Republican efforts in the House.
Alexis Wilkins, a country singer and partner of FBI Director Kash Patel, has filed a defamation lawsuit against Sam Parker. She claims Parker falsely suggested she works for Israeli intelligence to manipulate the FBI Director. Wilkins seeks $5 million in damages for what she describes as lies.
Key Facts
Alexis Wilkins is a country music singer from Tennessee.
She is the partner of FBI Director Kash Patel.
Wilkins filed a defamation lawsuit against Sam Parker, a former Utah Senate candidate.
Parker allegedly suggested on social media that Wilkins was an agent for Israeli intelligence.
Wilkins claims Parker used these statements as a way to raise money online.
U.S. Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has denied a report claiming she plans to run for president in 2028. The report from NOTUS, citing unnamed sources, suggested Greene was preparing for a presidential bid. Greene responded by calling the report baseless and expressing her dissatisfaction with the publication.
Key Facts
Marjorie Taylor Greene is a U.S. Representative from Georgia.
A report by NOTUS claimed Greene is planning a 2028 presidential run.
Four unnamed sources were cited in the report, suggesting Greene wants to pursue the nation's highest office.
Greene criticized the report on social media, calling it gossip and baseless.
She stated that her focus remains on her current role and passing legislation.
Greene's communication director was reportedly contacted by NOTUS before the article was published.
Greene shared a screenshot of a text expressing her frustration with the reporter.
President Donald Trump has indicated he might help New York's Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani, but emphasized the importance of Mamdani being respectful to Washington. Mamdani, the first Muslim and South Asian mayor of New York, plans to oppose Trump's policies but remains open to discussions. Trump has called Mamdani a "communist" and warned that lack of respect for Washington could hinder Mamdani's success as mayor.
Key Facts
President Trump said he might assist the new New York Mayor-elect, Zohran Mamdani.
Trump emphasized that Mamdani needs to be respectful towards Washington.
Mamdani is New York’s first Muslim and South Asian mayor.
Trump described Mamdani's approach as “communist” while referring to himself as a democratic socialist.
Trump warned Mamdani's statements could be dangerous if he opposes Washington.
Mamdani's plans include free childcare, free buses, and government-run grocery stores.
Mamdani aims to act as a model of opposition to Trump's influence among Democrats.
Mamdani, who takes office on January 1, expressed readiness for dialogue with the administration.
Democrats saw major victories in recent elections, winning governorships in Virginia and New Jersey with strong support from various groups, including women and Latinos. The success challenges previous voting trends and shows shifts in voter preferences, particularly among young and minority groups.
Key Facts
Democrats made significant advances in Tuesday's elections, gaining support from Black, Latino, and young voters.
Abigail Spanberger and Mikie Sherrill won governorships in Virginia and New Jersey with strong backing from women and nearly half of male voters.
A typical gender gap in voting, where women favor Democrats and men favor Republicans, was largely eliminated in these races.
Young voters under 29 played a crucial role in the elections, helping elect Zohran Mamdani as New York City Mayor.
Latino voters showed significant support for Democrats, with Spanberger and Sherrill receiving over two-thirds of their votes.
In New Jersey's Hudson County, Mikie Sherrill had the best Democratic outcome in more than a decade.
Democrats also saw voting pattern shifts in traditionally Republican states like Mississippi, breaking previously strong Republican control.
In California, voters approved a redistricting plan that could benefit Democrats, though nearly half of voters expressed an unfavorable opinion of the party.
President Trump is pushing for changes to the Senate filibuster rule. Some Republican senators, like John Cornyn and Ron Johnson, are now open to this idea. However, the changes don't have enough support to pass yet.
Key Facts
President Trump wants to change the Senate filibuster rule.
The filibuster is a rule that can delay or block Senate decisions.
Senator John Cornyn from Texas is open to changing the rule.
Senator Ron Johnson believes Republicans should act before Democrats do.
Retiring Senator Tommy Tuberville supports removing the filibuster.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune wants to focus on reopening the government.
President Trump needs more votes to change the filibuster rule.
Some senators remain undecided about supporting changes.
Senate Democrats are discussing their strategy for ending the government shutdown, considering election wins earlier in the week. While some Democrats want to push for a stronger stance, others are hesitant to move quickly without solid agreements. A caucus-wide meeting on Thursday might help decide their next steps.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats are pausing before making decisions to reopen the government after recent election wins.
Some Democrats want to continue holding out for better terms in negotiations.
A caucus-wide meeting on Thursday might influence Democrats' strategy on the shutdown.
At least nine Senate Democrats are urging colleagues to prolong the shutdown negotiation.
House Democrats warn against compromising too quickly on the shutdown.
Sen. Bernie Sanders emphasized the importance of getting significant results instead of a quick deal.
There is a divide in the Democratic Party on how to handle the shutdown negotiations.
Republicans' initial goal to end the shutdown by Friday has been delayed to the following week.
President Donald Trump promised to lower prices for groceries and electricity during his campaign for a second term. Official data shows that grocery prices have generally increased since he took office, with only some items becoming cheaper. Electricity rates have also gone up, contradicting Trump's campaign promise to significantly reduce them.
Key Facts
President Trump focused on reducing inflation as a key campaign promise.
Grocery prices rose by 2.7% in the 12 months ending September 2025, with higher increases for items like coffee and ground beef.
Tariffs and immigration policies under Trump may have contributed to price increases.
Some grocery items, such as eggs, butter, and frozen vegetables, decreased in price.
President Trump promised to cut electricity bills in half, but average residential electricity rates increased from January to August 2025.
Experts say changes in grocery and electricity prices are influenced by factors beyond Trump's control, including global events and climate issues.
Democratic Congressman Jared Golden from Maine has announced he will not run for re-election due to concerns about political violence and division in the U.S. He described his decision not as fear of losing but due to safety concerns for himself and his family. Golden has been a representative in a district that supported President Trump in the 2024 election.
Key Facts
Congressman Jared Golden is retiring and will not seek re-election in Maine.
Golden cites political violence and increased division in the U.S. as reasons for leaving.
His district voted for President Trump by a nine-point margin in the 2024 election.
Golden is considered a moderate Democrat and has occasionally voted with Republicans.
He was first elected to Congress in 2018, defeating a Republican.
The decision comes amid nationwide redistricting battles that affect political control.
Despite facing challenges, Golden felt he had a chance at re-election but was concerned about safety issues.
His departure could open opportunities for both Democrats and Republicans to contest his seat.
Zohran Mamdani plans to focus on making New York City more affordable as he becomes the city's mayor starting January 1, 2026. His goals include free public buses, lowering childcare costs, and freezing rents. The BBC asked New Yorkers which issues Mamdani should prioritize when he takes office.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani will become New York City's mayor on January 1, 2026.
Mamdani is a 34-year-old democratic socialist.
He aims to make public buses free in New York City.
He plans to lower the costs of childcare.
Mamdani intends to freeze rents to help make living in the city more affordable.
The BBC interviewed New Yorkers to find out what issues they believe Mamdani should focus on.
Airlines are responding to the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) decision to reduce air traffic by 10% at 40 major airports due to a government shutdown. The reduction aims to ensure passenger safety amid staffing shortages. Key flights like long-haul international routes remain unaffected.
Key Facts
The FAA will cut air traffic by 10% at 40 major U.S. airports starting November 7.
The reduction is due to staffing shortages from a government shutdown, particularly affecting air traffic controllers.
United Airlines stated that long-haul international flights will not be affected, focusing reductions on regional and domestic flights.
American Airlines also plans to reduce flight schedules but expects most travel to continue as planned.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy emphasized safety as the primary reason for the cuts.
President Donald Trump commented on social media, blaming Democrats for the shutdown and its consequences.
The timeline for resuming normal schedules depends on the federal funding situation, with hopes for quick resolution.
