President Donald Trump has changed his stance on cutting funding to New York City, following the election of democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor. Trump initially threatened to defund the city and take strong actions against Mamdani if he won, but he has now expressed a willingness to support New York.
Key Facts
President Trump initially threatened to cut funding to New York City if Zohran Mamdani was elected.
Trump also suggested the possibility of arresting and deporting Mamdani.
Zohran Mamdani has been elected as the mayor of New York City.
Trump referred to Mamdani as a "communist."
In a recent statement, Trump indicated he might help New York City under Mamdani's leadership.
Trump made these comments while speaking to business leaders and athletes in Miami.
President Trump called on Republican Senators to end the filibuster, a Senate rule that makes passing some laws harder, so they could quickly reopen the government, which is experiencing the longest shutdown in history. Many Republican Senators, including their leader John Thune, resist this idea. President Trump also criticized other Senate traditions and suggested they should change to make passing his proposals easier.
Key Facts
President Trump has asked Republican Senators to end the filibuster to expedite government actions.
Ending the filibuster would allow measures to pass with a simple majority.
The U.S. government is experiencing its longest shutdown in history.
Some Republican leaders, like John Thune, do not support ending the filibuster.
President Trump also wants to eliminate the "blue slip" process, which lets senators block certain nominations.
He believes these changes would help pass his agenda without needing Democratic support.
A recent election resulted in significant Democratic victories, emboldening the party.
Despite Trump's wishes, there is not enough support among Republicans to change the filibuster rule.
President Donald Trump has renominated Jared Isaacman, a billionaire investor and friend of Elon Musk, to lead NASA after previously withdrawing his nomination. Isaacman is known for his involvement with SpaceX and being the first non-professional astronaut to walk in space. His nomination requires Senate approval where Republicans hold a majority.
Key Facts
Jared Isaacman is a billionaire and has strong ties with SpaceX and its founder, Elon Musk.
President Trump withdrew Isaacman's initial nomination in May due to concerns about his past associations.
Isaacman has experience in space as an amateur astronaut and has funded a SpaceX mission.
The Senate, which can still confirm appointments despite a government shutdown, must approve Isaacman's nomination.
Isaacman previously faced questions about potential conflicts of interest and his focus on Mars instead of the Moon mission.
He founded the payment processing company Shift4 Payments and is a skilled pilot.
Despite skepticism, Isaacman expressed his commitment to NASA's missions on social media.
Nearly five million Americans might not get their food assistance benefits in November due to changes by the Agriculture Department. These changes come amid a U.S. government shutdown, and despite court orders to continue benefits, the Trump administration has announced new rules that could cut benefits by about 61% for some recipients.
Key Facts
Roughly 42 million Americans rely on SNAP, a program that provides grocery funds to low-income people.
President Donald Trump had suggested not paying SNAP benefits during the shutdown but later agreed to follow court orders.
New rules require states to recalculate SNAP benefits, potentially reducing them significantly.
SNAP helps low-income families, children, and seniors buy groceries using an electronic card.
The Trump administration decided not to use federal contingency funds initially but later agreed to fund SNAP partially during the shutdown.
Experts say even partial SNAP benefits provide economic support to local communities.
Progressive-backed candidates won three school board seats in the Cypress-Fairbanks Independent School District near Houston, Texas. This shift reduced the conservative majority on the board and occurred during elections that showed Democratic gains in various areas of the country.
Key Facts
Three progressive candidates won seats on the Cypress-Fairbanks ISD school board in Texas.
The district is the third-largest school district in Texas.
Before the election, conservatives held a 6-1 majority on the board; now, they have a 4-3 minority.
The school board races became partisan, though the board is technically nonpartisan.
The recently elected candidates had participated in Democratic primaries.
The election results were part of broader Democratic gains in various elections nationwide.
There is ongoing debate in Texas about religion in schools, with recent bills requiring the display of the Ten Commandments in classrooms.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton instructed schools to comply with this bill.
Zohran Mamdani, known for his work as a state assemblyman, has been elected as New York City's 111th mayor. He is the first Muslim mayor of the city and has plans to make New York more affordable for working-class residents. Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, an organization that supports progressive policies.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was elected as the 111th mayor of New York City.
He is the first Muslim and the first mayor of South Asian descent in the city's history.
Mamdani is a member of the Democratic Socialists of America since 2017.
The Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) is the largest socialist group in the US with nearly 100,000 members.
The DSA wants to make the economy more equal and advocates for universal healthcare and affordable housing.
Mamdani's election marks a push for progressive policies in New York City.
He is the youngest person to become mayor of New York in more than 100 years.
The DSA operates as a network of local groups across the US, pushing for policies like stronger unions and climate action.
Democrats won several key elections, including governor races and the New York City mayor election, boosting their spirits after losses in 2024. Jay Jones won as Virginia’s attorney general despite a controversy over old text messages. His win suggests voters might overlook scandals, which could help Graham Platner in his Maine Senate run.
Key Facts
Democrats won multiple elections, including governors' races and the New York City mayoral election.
California's new redistricting map was also approved.
Jay Jones, elected as Virginia’s attorney general, faced backlash due to past controversial text messages.
The public and politicians from both parties criticized the content of these texts.
Despite the controversy, Jones won against the incumbent, Jason Miyares.
Graham Platner, running for the Senate in Maine, also faces backlash over past social media posts and a tattoo.
Platner is supported by progressive leaders and has raised significant campaign funds.
Both Jones and Platner's situations highlight changing voter attitudes toward candidates' personal controversies.
California Republicans sued to stop a new congressional map approved by voters as Proposition 50. They claim the map favors Hispanic voters and violates constitutional protections. The map could help Democrats gain more seats in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Key Facts
California Republicans filed a lawsuit against Proposition 50 the day after it was passed.
Proposition 50 is a new U.S. House map approved by voters.
The lawsuit claims the map uses race to favor Hispanic voters.
Governor Gavin Newsom supports Proposition 50.
Democrats might gain up to five House seats from the new map.
Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the House.
The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
It is unclear if the court will block the map before December 19, when election preparations begin.
President Donald Trump has suggested eliminating the Senate filibuster to resolve the ongoing government shutdown, but several Senate Republicans, including Majority Leader John Thune, oppose this idea. The filibuster is a Senate rule that requires 60 votes to proceed with legislation, which currently prevents Republicans from passing funding bills without some Democratic support.
Key Facts
President Trump proposed ending the Senate filibuster to help pass government funding.
The filibuster requires 60 votes to move legislation forward in the Senate.
Republicans currently hold 53 Senate seats and need support from at least seven Democrats due to the filibuster rule.
Democrats are using the filibuster to push for the extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies.
The government shutdown has lasted for two months.
Senate Majority Leader John Thune and several other Republicans are against ending the filibuster.
"Nuclear option" refers to using a simple majority to change Senate rules and eliminate the filibuster.
The filibuster was first addressed by creating a cloture rule in 1917 and changed in 1975 to require 60 votes.
Stephen King commented on reactions to New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, highlighting criticism he received after being elected. Mamdani is the first Muslim mayor of NYC and faced backlash for his views on Israel and his political stance as a Democratic Socialist. President Trump and Elon Musk both discussed Mamdani’s election and its implications.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani was elected as the first Muslim mayor of New York City.
Mamdani faced criticism for his refusal to condemn the phrase “globalize the intifada.”
He identifies as a Democratic Socialist and supports policies like government-run grocery stores and free buses.
Stephen King remarked on people upset with Mamdani's election despite voting for President Trump.
Elon Musk made mixed comments about Mamdani, calling him charismatic but a "swindler" with potentially harmful policies.
President Trump encouraged voters to support Andrew Cuomo to prevent Mamdani's election.
Democrats had significant wins nationwide, suggesting a possible shift in political trends.
Mamdani will take office in January, and Republicans plan to review their strategies for future elections.
Ghazala Hashmi has become the first Indian American and first Muslim to win a statewide office in Virginia by securing the position of lieutenant governor. Hashmi, who moved to the U.S. as a child from India, is currently a state senator and previously worked as a college professor.
Key Facts
Ghazala Hashmi won the election for lieutenant governor in Virginia.
She is the first Muslim to win a statewide office in Virginia.
Hashmi is also the first Indian American to achieve this milestone in Virginia.
She moved to the U.S. from Hyderabad, India, as a child.
Prior to her political career, she worked as a college professor.
Hashmi became a state senator by winning a seat previously held by Republicans in 2019.
She entered the race for lieutenant governor by winning a Democratic primary.
Islamophobia was noted during Zohran Mamdani's campaign, related to the broader election context.
California Republicans have filed a federal lawsuit aiming to stop a new congressional map approved by voters. The lawsuit claims the map unfairly uses race to benefit Hispanic voters and asks the court to block it before the 2026 elections. The case will be heard in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
Key Facts
A group of California Republicans filed a lawsuit to stop a new U.S. House map.
The map was approved by voters through Proposition 50.
The lawsuit claims the map unfairly benefits Hispanic voters.
The case was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.
The lawsuit was filed by The Dhillon Law Group, led by Harmeet Dhillon.
Governor Gavin Newsom supports the new map.
The lawsuit argues the map violates the 14th and 15th Amendments.
A decision is hoped for before candidate filings begin on December 19, 2026.
The Supreme Court reviewed arguments about President Trump's power to impose tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA). Justice Amy Coney Barrett and other justices questioned the administration's interpretation of this law. The main issue is whether the president has the right to use tariffs as a regulatory tool under IEEPA.
Key Facts
Justice Amy Coney Barrett and other justices questioned the Trump administration's interpretation of IEEPA.
IEEPA is a law that allows the president to respond to unusual threats from outside the U.S. by declaring a national emergency.
President Trump used IEEPA to justify imposing tariffs through executive orders.
The Supreme Court has a 6-3 conservative majority.
Solicitor General D. John Sauer argued for the administration, claiming IEEPA gives broad authority for various actions, including tariffs.
Justice Barrett pointed out that some terms in IEEPA, like "nullify" and "void," have specific meanings and might not imply broad power.
Justice Elena Kagan noted that IEEPA doesn't mention revenue-raising actions like tariffs.
Justice Neil Gorsuch raised concerns about setting limits on presidential power under this law.
Jacob Frey won a third term as the Mayor of Minneapolis after defeating Democratic state Senator Omar Fateh and other challengers in a ranked-choice voting election. Frey secured just over 50% of the votes in the final count. The election saw a high turnout, with over 147,000 ballots cast.
Key Facts
Jacob Frey was re-elected as Minneapolis' mayor, securing just over 50% of the vote.
Frey competed against Democratic state Senator Omar Fateh and 13 other candidates.
Under ranked-choice voting, voters ranked up to three candidates by preference.
If no candidate gets a majority in the first round, the lowest candidates are removed, and votes are redistributed.
Frey and Fateh were the main frontrunners throughout the election.
Fateh congratulated Frey and highlighted the campaign's focus on housing, labor rights, and public safety.
The election saw the highest turnout for a municipal race in Minneapolis, with over 147,000 voters.
The Minneapolis City Council will certify the final results soon.
Dick Cheney, a former vice president, passed away at 84, leading to mixed reactions in his home state of Wyoming. While some praised his legacy, many residents disagreed due to his and his daughter Liz Cheney's criticism of President Donald Trump. Cheney's political influence in Wyoming has declined over time.
Key Facts
Dick Cheney, former vice president, died at age 84 in Wyoming.
Wyoming's governor ordered flags lowered in his honor.
Many Wyoming residents have viewed Cheney unfavorably for over five years.
Cheney and his daughter Liz have criticized President Donald Trump.
Liz Cheney lost support in Wyoming after opposing Trump.
In 2022, Trump-supported Harriet Hageman defeated Liz Cheney in a Republican primary.
Dick Cheney had a 30-year political career, including serving as U.S. defense secretary.
Wyoming remains a stronghold of Trump support in recent elections.
President Donald Trump is facing criticism as people express worries about the U.S. economy. Economic concerns recently led to Democratic victories in important elections. President Trump acknowledged these issues and emphasized the importance of making life more affordable.
Key Facts
President Trump faces criticism over economic concerns affecting American voters.
Democrats won key elections by highlighting these economic issues.
President Trump mentioned affordability as a priority moving forward.
Vice President JD Vance reiterated the focus on making life affordable.
People in Virginia, New Jersey, New York City, and California indicated the economy as a top concern.
In recent elections, Democrats won, while Republicans struggled to secure major victories.
President Trump originally promised to lower inflation and boost jobs.
Concerns have grown over high prices for essentials, such as groceries and housing.
Democrats won key elections by focusing on the economy, particularly affordability. They succeeded in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City by highlighting economic concerns, which helped them in areas President Trump previously won. These victories highlight a shift in the political landscape since the previous year's focus on similar economic issues by Republicans.
Key Facts
Democrats won significant races in Virginia, New Jersey, and New York City.
Abigail Spanberger won the governorship in Virginia against GOP's Winsome Earle-Sears.
Mikie Sherrill defeated Republican Jack Ciattarelli in New Jersey.
Zohran Mamdani was elected as mayor of New York City.
Democrats focused on affordability during their campaigns, addressing issues like housing and energy costs.
In 2024, 32% of voters named the economy as their top concern in New Jersey, and 65% of those voters supported Sherrill.
In Virginia, 48% of voters said the economy was the most important issue, and Spanberger won those voters by 63-37%.
A federal judge has told prosecutors in the case against former FBI Director James Comey to give defense lawyers materials from the investigation. Comey is accused of lying to Congress, and he has pleaded not guilty. The judge is concerned the prosecution might have charged Comey before gathering enough evidence.
Key Facts
A federal judge ordered prosecutors to provide investigation materials to Comey's defense lawyers.
James Comey is charged with lying to Congress in 2020.
President Donald Trump had previously called for action against Comey.
The judge noted the case seemed unusual because it appeared to charge first and investigate later.
Comey’s lawyers claim the case is politically motivated and should be dismissed.
Prosecutors need to give the defense grand jury materials and evidence from 2019 and 2020.
The case involves discussions about media leaks and Comey’s communication with reporters.
A federal judge ordered the White House to include American Sign Language (ASL) interpreters at its press briefings. This decision comes after a lawsuit claimed that not providing ASL violated disability rights laws. The order ensures deaf Americans can access important government information.
Key Facts
A judge has required the White House to use ASL interpreters at briefings.
The decision was made because the lack of interpreters likely violates the Rehabilitation Act.
The National Association of the Deaf and two deaf men filed the lawsuit against President Trump and others.
They argued that not using ASL at briefings is discriminatory.
The Rehabilitation Act prohibits discrimination against people with disabilities by the federal government.
ASL has a different vocabulary and grammar from English, making closed captions insufficient for many.
The order asks for qualified interpreters whose signing must be visible.
The lawsuit did not succeed in requiring ASL interpretation for events by the vice president, first lady, or second lady.
A new sign has been put up outside the Oval Office at the White House, as part of renovations that President Donald Trump decided on. These renovations include making a ballroom in the East Wing, which Trump thinks is needed for hosting large events. There was some criticism over the sign’s style, but the construction costs are not covered by taxpayers.
Key Facts
A new sign is outside the Oval Office at the White House.
President Trump is having the East Wing renovated to create a large ballroom.
The ballroom will be able to seat 650 people for events.
The new sign has cursive gold letters against a white background.
Some people criticized the sign for not matching the White House and for its style.
Renovations include a "Presidential Walk of Fame" and other decorative changes.
The costs for the new ballroom are paid by President Trump and donors, not taxpayers.
There is a chance the sign could be temporary, as it might just be a decal.
