San Francisco officials have opposed President Donald Trump's suggestion to send the National Guard to the city, which he described as troubled by crime. President Trump stated that some government officials requested federal troops, but local leaders, including Governor Gavin Newsom, disagree and assert that crime has decreased.
Key Facts
President Trump has proposed sending the National Guard to San Francisco, calling the city a mess.
Local officials, such as California Governor Gavin Newsom, have rejected the need for federal troops.
Trump claims that unidentified officials requested the troops, but local leaders deny this.
Some Democratic politicians argue that Trump is overstepping his authority and targeting Democrat-run areas.
Governor Newsom states that violent crime in San Francisco has decreased by 22% in the last year.
Figures like Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff and Tesla CEO Elon Musk support the use of federal troops in the city.
San Francisco Mayor Daniel Lurie trusts local law enforcement to handle the city's issues.
Brown University rejected a funding proposal from President Donald Trump's administration. The proposal would have offered benefits like federal grants in exchange for commitments that Brown felt would limit academic freedom. Brown is one of several universities to decline this agreement.
Key Facts
Brown University turned down a funding offer from President Trump's administration.
The proposal required universities to sign a 10-point agreement, which included commitments affecting academic freedom.
Brown's president, Christina Paxson, expressed concerns that the deal would limit the university's independence.
The proposal aimed to promote conservative viewpoints on campuses.
Brown is among nine universities invited to sign this compact.
MIT also declined the proposal earlier.
The compact lacked guarantees for maintaining control over curriculum or academic speech.
Brown had previously made a different agreement with the administration in July, including a payment of $50 million and other terms.
In 2024, the number of U.S. states with obesity rates at or above 35% decreased slightly compared to the previous year, according to a report. However, obesity-related health issues remain a significant concern. The report suggests that recent reductions in federal health program funding could affect progress in tackling obesity.
Key Facts
In 2024, 19 states had adult obesity rates at or above 35%.
This is a decrease from 23 states the year before, marking the first drop since 2013.
In 2014, only three states had obesity rates at or above 35%.
The highest obesity rates in 2024 were in West Virginia (41.4%), Mississippi (40.4%), and Louisiana (39.2%).
No state had an obesity rate below 25% in 2024.
The Trust for America's Health bases its findings on data from the CDC's Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System.
Obesity rates are higher among Black and Hispanic Americans, and in low-income households.
The report criticizes recent federal funding cuts to public health programs targeting obesity and chronic disease.
President Trump and Elon Musk are upset about a recent court decision where two teenagers who attacked a staff member at DOGE, known as 'Big Balls,' were given probation instead of jail time. Judge Kendra D. Briggs sentenced the teens to probation and prohibited them from contacting each other. President Trump and Musk criticized the verdict, with Trump calling it "terrible" and Musk suggesting it was racially biased.
Key Facts
Two 15-year-olds assaulted a DOGE staff member named Edward Coristine, known as 'Big Balls.'
The teenagers received probation instead of jail time.
Judge Kendra D. Briggs made the sentencing decision.
The probation terms prevent the two teenagers from contacting each other.
President Trump expressed disappointment over the verdict, calling it "terrible."
Elon Musk commented on X, calling the verdict "racist" and criticized the judge.
The story is still developing and may have updates.
President Donald Trump plans to build a triumphal arch, called the 'Arc de Trump', in Washington DC to commemorate the United States' 250th anniversary. The arch is to be privately funded by Trump's supporters and is part of broader development efforts, including updates to the White House and clearing homeless encampments in the capital. Trump has presented plans with different sizes for the arch and prefers the largest version.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to build a triumphal arch in Washington DC named 'Arc de Trump.'
The arch aims to celebrate the United States' 250th anniversary.
Trump's supporters reportedly fund the construction of the arch.
Trump wants the arch to resemble the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, France.
The arch is part of Trump's broader plans to make changes in Washington DC, including updates to the White House.
Trump has proposed other developments like a new $250 million ballroom and paving over the Rose Garden.
He intends to clear homeless encampments in the capital city.
Trump has shown different sizes for the arch and prefers the largest version.
Many Democratic candidates running for the U.S. House are not committing to support Hakeem Jeffries as their party leader. These candidates are either undecided, critical of Jeffries' leadership, or seeking more progressive changes. This signals a shift in some Democrats' views on their party leadership.
Key Facts
Over 100 Democratic candidates responded to Axios about their stance on voting for Hakeem Jeffries as party leader.
20 candidates stated they would not vote for Jeffries, while five more said they were likely to oppose him.
57 candidates have not committed to supporting Jeffries, citing issues like ideological differences and a desire for strategic changes.
Only 24 candidates expressed full support for Jeffries, with another seven likely to support him.
Some candidates believe new leadership is needed to oppose President Trump more vigorously.
One point of contention is Jeffries' lack of endorsement for New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani.
Several candidates who are critical of Jeffries are raising significant funds and challenging incumbent Democrats.
Jeffries has faced unanimous support since 2022, but this may change in the next Congress due to growing dissatisfaction.
Senate Democrats are deciding how to handle a vote on funding the Defense Department. They are unsure if Majority Leader John Thune will propose a defense bill alone or with other bills. This decision comes as Democrats consider their strategy amid a government shutdown issue.
Key Facts
Senate Democrats met privately to discuss their response to a proposed Defense Department funding vote.
Majority Leader John Thune plans to push for a decision but Democrats are unsure of his exact plan.
Democrats need clarity on whether the defense bill will be standalone or combined with other bills.
Some Democrats are ready to block a procedural vote moving the defense funding forward.
There is internal debate among Democrats about the political impact of the vote related to a government shutdown.
Some Democrats worry voting for the bill might reduce their negotiating power over health care-related shutdown issues.
Democrat Senator Chris Coons said he would oppose proceeding without clear information.
Senator Mark Kelly highlighted the rising concern over health care costs as a priority issue.
The new superintendent of public schools in Oklahoma, Lindel Fields, has canceled a rule that required schools to have Bibles in classrooms and teach from Scripture. The mandate, established by the previous superintendent Ryan Walters, faced opposition and a lawsuit, as critics argued it violated the constitutional separation of church and state.
Key Facts
Lindel Fields is the new superintendent of public schools in Oklahoma.
Fields canceled the rule that required Bibles in classrooms.
The previous superintendent, Ryan Walters, set the mandate.
Walters' policy was opposed by civil rights groups.
A lawsuit against the Bible mandate is ongoing in the Oklahoma Supreme Court.
Critics argue the mandate violated the principle of separating church and state.
The issue has sparked national debate on religion in public education.
Walters had intended to install Bibles in classrooms for grades five through 12.
U.S. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was asked at a CNN Town Hall if she plans to challenge Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer in a Democratic primary. Ocasio-Cortez dismissed the idea, while comments from other politicians suggested Schumer might be concerned about a potential challenge. The discussion occurred amid an ongoing government shutdown.
Key Facts
Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was questioned about the possibility of running against Chuck Schumer.
The question came up during a live CNN Town Hall.
There is speculation that Ocasio-Cortez might run in the 2028 Democratic primary.
Polling suggests Ocasio-Cortez has a lead over Schumer in a hypothetical matchup.
Republican Speaker Mike Johnson claimed Schumer supports the shutdown to avoid a primary challenge.
Ocasio-Cortez called this claim baseless and criticized Republican leaders.
Bernie Sanders emphasized that more important issues should be the focus, such as healthcare and wages.
Schumer has been accused by some of prioritizing political strategy over national issues.
Republican Senator Markwayne Mullin criticized improper messages from Young Republican leaders that were leaked, disagreeing with comments by Vice President JD Vance. The leaked messages contained offensive language, causing notable scrutiny within the Republican Party. Mullin emphasized the importance of accountability and condemned the language used.
Key Facts
Senator Markwayne Mullin from Oklahoma spoke against offensive messages leaked from Young Republican leaders.
The messages included racist, antisemitic, misogynistic language, and calls for violence.
Vice President JD Vance stated he does not support canceling young people for making offensive jokes.
Mullin, however, stated he would not tolerate such language from his own children.
The Young Republican National Federation's Board of Directors called the language "vile and inexcusable" and demanded resignations.
This issue comes during a period of high political tension following violence against conservative activist Charlie Kirk.
Pentagon reporters from most major U.S. media outlets gave up their press badges after refusing to agree to new rules set by the Defense Department. These rules are criticized by media groups for limiting press freedom and potentially punishing national security reporting. The Pentagon's spokesperson defended the policy, stating it is necessary for national security.
Key Facts
Pentagon reporters from major American media outlets turned in their press badges.
The Defense Department introduced rules that reporters say hinder their ability to work independently.
Media groups argue that these rules violate the First Amendment, which protects freedom of the press.
Major media companies, including Axios, CNN, and the Washington Post, refused to agree to the new rules.
The conservative network One America News (OAN) indicated it would sign the agreement.
Defense-oriented trade newspapers also criticized the new rules.
The Pentagon's spokesperson said the policy is designed to protect troops and national security.
The Defense Department did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the new rules.
The U.S. Supreme Court is reviewing a case that could change how voting districts are drawn in the South. This case examines a key part of the Voting Rights Act, which helps ensure fair representation for minority voters. A ruling in favor of the challenge could shift control of several congressional seats and impact future elections.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court is assessing a case regarding the Voting Rights Act, which is designed to protect minority voting rights.
This case could lead to changes in electoral districts in Southern states.
A change in district boundaries might result in some congressional seats changing from Democratic to Republican.
The case originated from a lawsuit by black voters in Louisiana seeking fairer representation.
Currently, 31% of Louisiana's population is black, but only one of six districts has a black majority.
The Supreme Court's decision could influence President Donald Trump's party's chances in upcoming elections.
Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act prohibits race-based voting discrimination.
There is debate over whether this section requires considering race in district drawing, which the court is now reviewing.
A federal judge in California temporarily stopped President Donald Trump's plan to lay off government workers due to a partial government shutdown. The judge will consider claims from unions that say the layoffs are illegal. This decision came as the shutdown continued with discussions between Democrats and Republicans ongoing.
Key Facts
A judge in California halted President Trump's plan to lay off thousands of government workers during a shutdown.
The order blocks layoffs at more than 30 federal agencies while the court reviews the unions' claims.
Over 10,000 federal workers could have lost their jobs because of the shutdown, according to the White House Budget Director.
The judge cited public statements suggesting political motivations behind the layoffs, targeting agencies supported by Democrats.
Unions argue the administration cannot use a funding lapse to justify mass layoffs since many federal workers are already furloughed.
Around 4,100 employees at eight agencies were notified of layoffs as part of these efforts.
The Trump administration prioritizes military pay and immigration measures while reducing jobs in health and education sectors.
Democratic lawmakers demand healthcare protections in exchange for reopening talks on government funding.
President Trump's administration and Republican lawmakers are blaming the No Kings protests for the ongoing government shutdown. While Republicans have control of Congress and the White House, they target the protests and Democrats as the reason for the funding issues. The shutdown, which began on October 1, continues as disagreements remain unresolved between Republicans and Democrats.
Key Facts
President Trump and Republicans blame No Kings protests for the government shutdown.
The protests were announced nearly a month before the shutdown on October 18.
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent linked the protests to the shutdown's impact on government pay.
House Speaker Mike Johnson has kept the House out of session during this period.
Republicans are in control of both Congress and the White House during the shutdown.
Democrats refused to negotiate on renewing Affordable Care Act tax credits to end the shutdown.
The Trump administration is using the shutdown to reduce staffing and bureaucracy.
White House threatened to withhold backpay for furloughed workers after the shutdown ends.
A grand jury charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with new federal offenses related to the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles. These charges could result in a 45-year federal prison sentence.
Key Facts
Jonathan Rinderknecht is 29 years old.
He is accused of starting the fire known as the Palisades Fire.
The Palisades Fire is one of the most destructive in Los Angeles' history.
The new charges include arson affecting interstate commerce and setting timber on fire.
If convicted, Rinderknecht could face up to 45 years in federal prison.
A judge has temporarily stopped the Trump administration from laying off thousands of federal workers during the government shutdown. The decision came after two unions argued that the layoffs were politically motivated and not necessary during a funding lapse. The layoffs were planned across several major government departments.
Key Facts
A judge halted the Trump administration's plan to lay off around 4,000 federal workers during the shutdown.
US District Judge Susan Illston granted an emergency order at the request of two unions.
The unions argued that the layoffs had political motives, citing comments from President Trump.
Major departments like Treasury and Health and Human Services were starting to issue layoff notices.
The Department of Homeland Security planned layoffs at its Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency.
The unions claim the layoffs are not essential services required during a funding gap.
The administration has been downsizing agencies it called "Democrat agencies."
The two unions involved in the case are the American Federation of Government Employees and AFL-CIO.
The National Weather Service (NWS) issued frost advisories for parts of four northern U.S. states due to a cold front. These advisories, meant to protect crops and infrastructure, are in effect during the early hours of Thursday and will last until 9 a.m. Other areas in the U.S. are also facing winter weather with snow predictions in California and Nevada.
Key Facts
Frost advisories affect parts of Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Ohio, and New York.
The advisories start at midnight or 2 a.m. and end at 9 a.m. on Thursday.
In Ohio, counties such as Carroll, Harrison, and Jefferson are impacted.
West Virginia's affected areas include Taylor County and regions like Northwest Pocahontas.
Pennsylvania's affected counties include Crawford and Southern Erie.
New York sees impacts in Erie and Genesee Counties.
Other U.S. regions, including parts of California and Nevada, are facing snow storms.
Residents are advised to protect sensitive plants and prepare for winter conditions.
FBI agents will continue to get paid during the government's shutdown. President Donald Trump arranged funding to ensure law enforcement, including the FBI, and military personnel receive their paychecks.
Key Facts
FBI agents will still receive paychecks despite the government shutdown.
FBI Director Kash Patel announced this decision.
President Trump secured the necessary funds for this purpose.
Most other federal workers will not be paid during the shutdown.
The news is part of a broader, ongoing story with more updates expected.
The Supreme Court is reviewing a case that may change how electoral maps are drawn in the U.S. The focus is on whether lawmakers can consider race when creating voting districts. The decision could affect a key part of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
Key Facts
The Supreme Court's conservative justices are hearing a case about electoral map drawing.
The case examines if race can be a factor when lawmakers draw congressional districts.
This case could impact the 1965 Voting Rights Act, a major law for voting rights.
Ali Rogin from News Hour spoke to experts about the possible effects of the case.
Amy Howe, a Supreme Court analyst, and David Wasserman, a political expert, discussed the case's implications.
President Trump's administration is supporting a national school voucher program to expand parent choice in education. Arizona started the U.S.'s first universal school voucher program in 2022, and its effects are being closely watched.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration supports a national school voucher program.
The program is designed to give parents more educational options for their children.
Critics argue that school voucher programs can negatively affect public schools.
Arizona launched the first universal school voucher program in 2022.
Observers are studying Arizona's program to predict the impact of a national rollout.
The report focuses on how the voucher program is working in Arizona.
