Whoopi Goldberg, co-host of ABC's The View, called Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene a "voice of reason" during the ongoing government shutdown. Greene has urged House Speaker Mike Johnson to bring Congress into session as many federal workers are without pay. The shutdown persists due to a standoff between Republicans and Democrats over funding plans.
Key Facts
Whoopi Goldberg called Marjorie Taylor Greene a "voice of reason" on The View.
The U.S. government is in a shutdown, the first one since 2018.
Greene has urged action as federal employees are furloughed without pay.
Republicans hold a majority in the House, Senate, and the White House.
The shutdown continues as Democrats refuse to pass a stopgap bill without healthcare changes.
Greene has disagreed with her party on healthcare subsidies and urges extension to prevent premium hikes.
Discussions mention the possible negative impact of recent legislation on Republicans' reelection chances.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Customs and Border Protection have allocated $4.5 billion to build new barriers along the U.S.-Mexico border. This project will extend about 230 miles with the addition of technology, such as cameras and sensors, to improve monitoring. The expansion is part of efforts under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and includes waivers to speed up construction in certain areas.
Key Facts
DHS and CBP are building about 230 miles of new Smart Wall on the southwest border.
Smart Wall improvements include steel fencing, patrol roads, lighting, cameras, and sensors.
Contracts were awarded between September 15 and 30, 2023.
This expansion is backed by the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and leftover funds from 2021.
Waivers were issued to speed up construction, including 9 miles in the San Diego sector.
Key construction areas include California, Arizona, New Mexico, and Texas.
A $96 million project will add 17 miles of floating barriers on the Rio Grande.
A 2025 Pew Research Center study shows 56% of Americans support expanding the border wall.
A man started a new job in New York City and found his office still holding belongings of an employee who died in 2018. The company left the office untouched, and previous managers had avoided using it due to its messy state and lack of heating. The man began cleaning the office himself but has concerns about the role and the company's practices.
Key Facts
A service manager in New York City discovered his new office contained items of a worker who died in 2018.
The man's story was shared on Reddit and received significant attention.
The office was left as it was for seven years due to reasons not fully explained by the employer.
Previous managers avoided the office because it was untidy and had heating issues.
The man decided to clean the office on his own, finding much of it was old and useless.
He has concerns about his new job and the apparent high employee turnover at the company.
Despite reservations, financial needs are pressing him to continue with the job for now.
The U.S. unemployment rate increased in 2024, contributing to his decision to stay in the position.
A man from Kentucky, who is a legal permanent resident, was detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) while passing through a toll booth in West Virginia. Despite holding a green card and work visa, the reasons for his detention are unclear, and he may be moved to another state while immigration procedures are ongoing.
Key Facts
A Kentucky man named Vicente Castillo Flores was detained by ICE while driving through a toll booth in West Virginia.
He holds a green card and a work visa and has lived in the United States for over 30 years.
His wife reported that he was traveling to West Virginia to help his nephew with work when he was detained.
The details of whether he has a criminal record that led to his detention are not provided.
He is currently being held in West Virginia but might be moved to New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
President Trump’s administration has focused on deportation efforts, including those without violent criminal records.
Immigration and deportations remain significant political issues in the U.S.
A Customs and Border Patrol spokesperson stated that a green card could be revoked if laws are violated.
Two Democratic candidates, Katie Porter in California and Jay Jones in Virginia, are facing campaign troubles due to leaked videos and messages, not their opponents. Porter's campaign for governor is struggling after videos showed her in tense situations, while Jones’ bid for attorney general is affected by past violent text messages.
Key Facts
Katie Porter is running for governor in California.
Videos show Porter in tense interactions, impacting her campaign.
Porter's past behavior includes a high staff turnover rate in Congress.
Porter's chances of winning have dropped significantly.
Jay Jones is a Democratic candidate for attorney general in Virginia.
Text messages from Jones in 2022 show violent rhetoric.
Both Porter and Jones led early polls before these issues surfaced.
National Guard troops started patrolling Memphis, Tennessee, as part of a federal task force initiated by President Donald Trump. This move has led to legal challenges, and local officials, including Mayor Paul Young, emphasize that the Guard should focus on crime prevention rather than intimidating the public. In Illinois, a judge temporarily blocked similar troop deployments, citing a lack of evidence for their necessity under federal law.
Key Facts
National Guard troops began patrolling Memphis, Tennessee, on Friday, escorted by local police.
President Donald Trump initiated the federal task force involving the National Guard, which is facing legal challenges.
Memphis officials, including Mayor Paul Young, want the Guard to focus on serious crime and not intimidate residents.
Memphis has dealt with high violent crime rates, despite recent statistical improvements.
Federal task force activity in Memphis led to hundreds of arrests and over 2,800 traffic citations.
A federal judge in Illinois temporarily blocked National Guard deployment in Chicago, stating no evidence of rebellion existed.
The legal challenge claims the deployment violates parts of the U.S. Constitution, protecting state powers and due process.
The National Guard presence is part of an ongoing legal discussion about their role in American cities.
A storm called a nor’easter is expected to hit the U.S. East Coast, bringing heavy rain and potential flooding. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued alerts from Florida to New England as strong winds and high tides could cause damage.
Key Facts
A nor’easter is a type of storm that typically affects the Eastern Seaboard of North America, especially from September to April.
The National Weather Service has issued flood watches, warnings, and advisories along the East Coast.
Wind gusts from the storm could reach 40 to 60 mph, possibly toppling trees and power lines.
Rainfall could total 4 to 8 inches, which may cause urban flooding.
Tides are expected to rise 1 to 3 feet above normal from North Carolina to Cape Cod, causing coastal flooding.
Offshore waves might reach 10 to 20 feet, risking beach erosion and dune damage.
Power outages are possible due to the strong winds expected over the weekend into Monday.
The storm's impacts will vary along the coast, with some areas experiencing worse conditions than others.
The National Weather Service has warned thousands of people across several U.S. states to avoid ocean waters due to dangerous conditions. Alerts have been issued for several states, cautioning people about hazardous waves, rip currents, and potential coastal flooding. These warnings are active in states like Virginia, North Carolina, and Florida, with different advisory levels in place.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued beach hazard warnings in Virginia, Maryland, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, New Jersey, Texas, and Florida.
These warnings are due to risks from large waves, rip currents, and dangerous swimming conditions.
Rip currents can pull even strong swimmers away from shore into deeper waters.
Some areas in North Carolina may experience up to 4 feet of water due to coastal flooding.
Virginia and Maryland could see up to a foot of flooding in some places.
In New Jersey, coastal areas could face up to three feet of water, potentially causing structural damage.
Texas and Florida also face high risks of rip currents and minor coastal flooding.
People are advised not to drive through flooded roads and to avoid hazardous areas while swimming or surfing.
California has added two new state symbols. The bigberry manzanita is now the state shrub, and the giant garter snake is the state snake. These designations highlight California's biodiversity and help raise awareness about conservation.
Key Facts
California Governor Gavin Newsom signed new legislation to establish the bigberry manzanita and giant garter snake as state symbols.
The bigberry manzanita is an evergreen shrub native to California and is well-suited to wildfire-prone areas due to its resilient nature.
The giant garter snake is native to California’s Central Valley and has faced a significant population decline, being listed as threatened.
The legislation aims to promote awareness of California's biodiversity and conservation needs.
California now has 42 official state symbols, including the recently designated Dungeness crab, banana slug, and black abalone.
The new state symbols are intended to be used in educational and conservation efforts to teach about native species and their ecological importance.
The U.S. Senate voted to repeal the authorization for the 2003 Iraq war, following a similar vote in the House, aiming to return war powers to Congress. This repeal is part of a larger defense bill and marks a push to close the chapter on the Iraq conflict. It is uncertain if President Trump will support the repeal.
Key Facts
The Senate voted to repeal the authorization for the 2003 Iraq war.
The repeal was part of an annual defense bill, approved without objections.
The House also passed a similar measure in September.
The repeal aims to prevent future misuse of war powers and recognize Iraq as a U.S. partner.
President Trump has not yet said if he will support the repeal.
The defense bill also includes the repeal of the 1991 Gulf War authorization.
A separate 2001 authorization for the war on terror will remain in place.
The decision comes amid discussions over a potential government shutdown.
Some U.S. cities are planning to raise their minimum wage by 2026. These changes aim to help workers better cover living costs, as the federal minimum wage has not changed from $7.25 for 16 years. Several cities and states have set or plan to set higher minimum wages.
Key Facts
The federal minimum wage is $7.25, unchanged for 16 years.
Cities with planned 2026 wage increases include Seattle ($21.30), New York City ($17.00), and Denver ($19.29).
Some cities, like Los Angeles and Portland, will adjust their minimum wage rates in July 2026.
Several states already have wages of $15 or higher, including California at $16.50 and New York at $15.50.
Five states have no minimum wage laws, so they follow the federal rate.
Georgia and Wyoming's minimum wage is $5.15, so they also follow the federal rate.
Senators have proposed a federal minimum wage increase to $15 per hour.
Governor Kevin Stitt of Oklahoma criticized Texas Governor Greg Abbott for sending National Guard troops to Chicago without the approval of Illinois authorities. The Trump administration aims to deploy National Guard soldiers to protect federal officers in response to protests. A judge in Illinois temporarily blocked this deployment.
Key Facts
Governor Greg Abbott of Texas sent National Guard troops to Chicago, a move opposed by the city's mayor and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker.
President Trump's administration plans to use 500 National Guard troops from Texas and Illinois in Chicago, saying it's to protect federal officers.
Deployments like this are controversial as some argue they violate state rights.
Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth authorized sending 400 Texas National Guard members to federal service in Chicago and Portland.
Abbott publicly supported the deployment, though Pritzker opposed it.
A federal judge in Illinois temporarily blocked the deployment of troops to Chicago.
Trump criticized Illinois Governor Pritzker, saying more action was needed to protect federal officers.
A series of executions are scheduled across the United States, with six executions planned over eight days. This rise follows President Donald Trump's executive order aimed at expanding the use of the death penalty. Some state governments are also supporting changes to increase the types of crimes eligible for the death penalty.
Key Facts
Six executions are set to occur in six U.S. states over eight days.
Roy Ward was executed in Indiana; he was convicted of a 2001 crime.
There have been 34 executions in 2025 so far, the most in over a decade.
Florida has conducted 13 executions this year, the highest for any state.
President Trump signed an order to expand the death penalty.
Upcoming executions include individuals in Missouri, Florida, Mississippi, Texas, Arizona, Alabama, and Tennessee.
Some men set to be executed claim innocence, including Robert Roberson in Texas.
Roberson's execution was previously halted by the Texas Supreme Court over disputed evidence.
The U.S. House of Representatives is not in session after passing a bill to fund the government, leading to a shutdown. Speaker Mike Johnson blames the Senate Republicans for the standoff, as Democrats resist the bill without health care subsidies. Senate Republicans are trying to negotiate a deal, but progress remains slow.
Key Facts
The U.S. government has shut down because the House is not in session after passing a funding bill.
Speaker Mike Johnson sent lawmakers home three weeks ago and said the Senate should act on the bill.
President Trump threatened to fire federal workers amid the shutdown.
A Democrat from Arizona, Adelita Grijalva, won a special election but has not taken office because of the shutdown.
Senate Republicans are trying to pass the House bill, but need more Democratic support due to demands for health care funds.
Lawmakers are having private talks to find a solution, with proposals including extending health care subsidies.
Some lawmakers in Washington are using social media to comment on the lack of action during the shutdown.
The article discusses how media outlets that support President Trump are focusing on violent protests involving antifa to present Democratic-led cities as chaotic. These media efforts are backed by the Trump administration, which seeks to highlight left-wing violence. Though violent incidents occur, local law enforcement generally reports that most protests are peaceful.
Key Facts
MAGA media focuses on violent incidents involving antifa to show Democratic-led cities as chaotic.
President Trump and his administration use these reports to support claims of left-wing violence.
Local officials indicate that most protests remain peaceful, with violence being limited and isolated.
MAGA-aligned reporters have been present at protest sites, reporting and even participating in events.
Reporters like Nick Sortor and Katie Daviscourt have attended high-level meetings at the White House, influencing discussions on antifa.
Despite federal claims, local scenes are often calmer than depicted in these media reports.
Antifa has been labeled a domestic terror organization by the Trump administration.
There is a contrast between media narratives: right-wing media focuses on violence, while some left-wing accounts highlight peaceful protests.
New York Attorney General Letitia James has been charged with bank fraud and making false statements on a loan application involving a property in Virginia. Prosecutors claim she falsely declared the property as her secondary residence to secure a favorable loan. James denies wrongdoing, accusing President Trump of using the charges to retaliate against her for a past legal action she took against him.
Key Facts
Letitia James is the Attorney General of New York.
She has been charged with bank fraud and making false statements.
The charges are connected to a property she purchased in Virginia.
Prosecutors allege she incorrectly stated the property was her secondary residence.
James is accused of saving money on her loan by misrepresenting the property's purpose.
James claims the charges are politically motivated by President Trump.
This follows a civil fraud case she led against Trump in 2022.
The Department of Justice is handling the charges against James.
The article discusses President Donald Trump's involvement in Middle East peace efforts and domestic political issues. It also mentions a ceasefire and hostage release related to Israel and Palestine and the federal indictment of New York Attorney General Tish James. The piece highlights the challenges and controversies surrounding these events.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump is involved in Middle East peace efforts, including a ceasefire and hostage release.
The article suggests Trump may play a significant role in future peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians.
There is mention of a theory on autism by RFK Jr. and President Trump's response at a Cabinet meeting.
Concerns exist about whether both sides in the Middle East will maintain the ceasefire.
The article states that Israeli forces have allegedly targeted civilians in Gaza, based on testimonies from foreign doctors.
Tish James, New York Attorney General, has been indicted on charges of mortgage fraud.
The indictment in Virginia was related to James allegedly misrepresenting information to get better lending terms.
Millions of people in 13 U.S. states are experiencing very cold temperatures, expected to fall as low as 24 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued freeze warnings and frost advisories, warning that the conditions could harm crops and outdoor plumbing. People are advised to protect plants and pipes from the cold.
Key Facts
The cold affects states like Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and others on the East Coast and Midwest.
Freeze warnings mean sub-freezing temperatures could damage crops and outdoor plumbing.
Temperatures might drop to 24 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
People should cover plants and take precautions with outdoor water pipes.
Frost advisories are also in place, indicating potential harm to sensitive plants.
Warnings are expected to last until 8 or 9 a.m. Friday in most areas.
The National Weather Service suggests wrapping, draining, or letting water pipes drip to prevent freezing.
Warnings include possible strong winds that could cause power outages and travel difficulties.
The National Weather Service (NWS) announced winter weather alerts across several U.S. states, predicting up to 15 inches of snow in certain areas. Heavy snow could impact travel and cause power outages in parts of Montana and Idaho, while frost conditions in the Northeast might damage crops. Winter advisories are also in place for various regions, including Alaska and the Midwest.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued winter weather alerts for multiple states.
Up to 15 inches of snow is possible in parts of Montana and Idaho.
Heavy snow could disrupt travel and recreation in these areas.
Up to 14 inches of snow could fall in the Continental Divide along the Rocky Mountain Front.
Winter weather advisories in Alaska predict up to four inches of snow.
Frost and freeze warnings affect the Midwest and Northeast, endangering crops and plants.
States like New York, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts are under freeze warnings.
Tennessee National Guard troops began patrolling Memphis streets as part of a multiagency initiative to tackle violent crime. Their role is mainly to support Memphis police by providing extra observation and they won’t be making arrests. This move is part of a broader national debate on using the National Guard in domestic law enforcement.
Key Facts
Tennessee National Guard troops started patrolling Memphis streets.
The deployment aims to support local police as part of the Memphis Safe Task Force.
The task force includes state troopers and federal agents, such as the FBI and DEA.
Guardsmen will not make arrests and are there to assist police with observations.
Mayor Paul Young emphasized progress in reducing crime in the city.
Crime rates in Memphis have lowered since early 2024 but remain high.
The deployment raises national questions about the use of military in law enforcement.
Recent court rulings in Illinois blocked similar federal deployment efforts in Chicago.
