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As of November 10, 2025, the US government shutdown, the longest in history at over 40 days, is close to ending after bipartisan talks yielded a short-term funding deal. The impasse, rooted in disputes over healthcare subsidies under the Affordable Care Act, has caused widespread disruptions including unpaid federal workers, flight cancellations, and halted food aid for millions.
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As of early November 2025, a US-brokered ceasefire between Israel and Hamas holds tenuously amid ongoing violence and political tensions. Hamas has returned all surviving hostages and some bodies, but delays in handing over deceased hostages threaten the truce. Gaza remains devastated, with urgent aid and infrastructure repair underway, while complex diplomacy over Gaza's governance and security continues.
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On November 3, 2025, the US imposed sanctions on Russia’s largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil, freezing their US assets and barring US business with them to pressure Moscow to end its war in Ukraine. The EU also adopted new sanctions, including a ban on Russian liquefied natural gas imports. India and China, major buyers of Russian oil, are reconsidering their purchases amid these measures. Meanwhile, diplomatic efforts continue with US President Trump seeking China's cooperation to pressure Russia, while Russia showcases new nuclear weapons amid ongoing conflict.
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Amid national efforts to redraw congressional districts ahead of 2026 midterms, Indiana and Kansas face internal resistance to passing new GOP-favored maps. Meanwhile, legal battles in New York challenge district boundaries, highlighting the complex, politically charged redistricting process across the U.S. today.
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Major US airports face increasing delays and cancellations due to staffing shortages caused by a government shutdown. Nearly 13,000 air traffic controllers are working unpaid, leading to safety concerns and widespread disruptions, especially in New York, Dallas, and Los Angeles, as the holiday travel season approaches.
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Hamas has handed over some remains of Israeli hostages in Gaza, but accusations of staged recoveries and violations of the Gaza ceasefire persist. Israel and the US warn Hamas is stalling on returning all bodies, risking escalation amid ongoing violence. Today’s date is Sun, 09 Nov 2025.
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Indiana lawmakers have decided against redrawing congressional districts mid-cycle, citing insufficient votes and ethical concerns. The move follows pressure from President Trump and internal GOP divisions, amid broader national debates on partisan gerrymandering ahead of the 2026 elections. Today's date is Tue, 25 Nov 2025.
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On November 5, 2025, Zohran Mamdani won the New York City mayoral election, becoming the city's first Muslim and South Asian mayor. His victory, focused on affordability and progressive policies, marks a shift in Democratic politics amid national challenges. Former governor Andrew Cuomo conceded after a divisive campaign, while Republicans and Democrats alike assess the implications ahead of 2026 elections.
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Recent US elections highlight ongoing economic concerns, especially inflation and high living costs, influencing voter behavior. Democratic gains in key states suggest a shift in public focus, while President Trump’s efforts to address affordability face skepticism amid persistent inflation and political tensions. The midterms are shaping up as a referendum on economic management.
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Zohran Mamdani, a socialist Democrat, wins the New York City mayoral election, becoming the first Muslim and South Asian to hold the position. His victory reflects a broad coalition and the influence of electoral reforms, amid a wave of Democratic wins nationally. The race was shaped by ranked-choice voting and extensive progressive campaigning.
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Michelle Obama expressed skepticism about the US being ready for a female president, citing ongoing gender biases. She made these remarks during her book promotion, emphasizing that men still need to grow up before women can lead effectively. The comments follow recent election results and ongoing political debates.
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As of November 27, 2025, the US has boycotted the G20 summit in Johannesburg, citing unsubstantiated claims of persecution against white Afrikaners and land confiscation. South Africa, led by President Cyril Ramaphosa, condemned the boycott as based on misinformation and confirmed its full G20 membership. Despite US absence, the summit proceeded with a declaration addressing global challenges, supported by most members except the US and Argentina.
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At a Washington summit, Robert F. Kennedy Jr. endorsed the 'Make America Healthy Again' movement, praising its questioning of traditional health policies. The event, linked to anti-vaccine groups and attended by political figures, signals increased White House backing for controversial health reforms amid ongoing vaccine skepticism and public distrust.
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On November 10, 2025, Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the White House, the first Syrian leader to do so since independence. The meeting with President Donald Trump focused on lifting sanctions, Syria’s integration into a US-led coalition against ISIS, and a potential security pact involving Israel. The US suspended Caesar Act sanctions for six months, signaling a shift in regional alliances and Syria’s international rehabilitation.
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On November 23, 2025, Georgia Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation effective January 5, 2026, citing a bitter feud with former President Donald Trump. Once a staunch MAGA ally, Greene criticized Trump over the Jeffrey Epstein files and foreign policy, prompting Trump to label her a "traitor" and endorse a primary challenger. Greene is considering a 2028 presidential run.
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Graham Platner, a Maine Democratic Senate candidate, covered a Nazi-like tattoo with a Celtic knot after it was revealed. Despite past social media posts and controversy over the tattoo, he continues his campaign, emphasizing his Marine background and local roots amid scrutiny over his past behavior.
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An 18-year-old IDF soldier, Cpl. Ermias Bahata, collapsed and died during training in southern Israel. Suspected to be an allergic reaction, his death is under investigation. This rare incident follows a previous IDF allergy-related death in 2015.
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The US government has ended a 43-day shutdown after Congress passed a funding bill extending government operations until January 30. The measure, supported by President Trump, restores funding for federal workers and key services but does not resolve healthcare subsidy issues, raising concerns about another shutdown in January.
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The Biden administration is set to announce exemptions on tariffs for certain food imports, including beef, citrus, coffee, and bananas, aiming to reduce consumer prices amid political pressure and recent election results highlighting affordability concerns. The move signals a shift from previous tariff policies.
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Democrat Doug Jones has announced a bid for Alabama governor, setting up a potential rematch with Republican Tommy Tuberville, who defeated Jones in 2020. Jones's campaign aims to challenge Alabama's long-standing Republican control amid a deeply conservative electorate. The race is expected to be highly competitive with key endorsements and fundraising efforts underway.
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The wives of President Trump and Vice President Vance visited Camp Lejeune and Marine Corps Air Station New River, honoring military families and highlighting the role of technology, including AI, in military innovation. The visits included speeches, recognition of service milestones, and discussions on future tech integration.
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Dan Driscoll, Army Secretary and close Vance ally, has taken a leading role in recent Ukraine-Russia peace negotiations, traveling to Kyiv, Geneva, and Abu Dhabi to push a revised peace framework. His efforts mark a significant shift in U.S. diplomatic engagement on the conflict, with high-level meetings and progress reported.
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US employment increased by 119,000 jobs in September, exceeding forecasts, but underlying weaknesses persist. Rising layoffs, hiring decoupling, and economic risks continue to shape the labor market outlook as analysts debate AI's impact and recession signals.
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European leaders, the UK, and Ukraine are negotiating over a US-backed peace plan for Ukraine, set with a deadline of November 27. The plan involves territorial concessions and military limitations, sparking concern among allies about Ukraine's security and sovereignty amid ongoing diplomatic efforts in Geneva and Washington.
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Russian forces continue to push towards Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, employing encirclement tactics amid ongoing Ukrainian resistance. Moscow claims control of parts of the city, while Kyiv reports fighting and counterattacks. The situation remains fluid as peace negotiations and battlefield developments unfold.
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President Trump pardoned turkeys Waddle and Gobble during a Thanksgiving event, but the ceremony was marked by political insults, jokes about crime, and attacks on Illinois Governor Pritzker. Trump claimed Biden's pardons were invalid and criticized Chicago's crime, continuing his combative tone.
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On November 26, 2025, two West Virginia National Guard members were shot near the White House in Washington, DC. Both were critically wounded and later confirmed dead. The suspect, also wounded, was taken into custody. The shooting occurred amid ongoing controversy over President Trump's deployment of National Guard troops to combat crime in Democratic-run cities.
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On November 26, 2025, two West Virginia National Guard members were critically wounded in a targeted shooting near the White House. The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan national who arrived in the US via the Biden administration's Operation Allies Welcome in 2021, was taken into custody with non-life-threatening injuries. President Trump ordered 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington, DC.
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On November 27, 2025, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, a 29-year-old Afghan who served in CIA-backed paramilitary units, shot two National Guard members near the White House, killing one and critically wounding the other. Lakanwal entered the US in 2021 under Operation Allies Welcome and was granted asylum in 2025. The attack has sparked scrutiny of refugee vetting and immigration policies.
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Avondale City Councilwoman Jeannette Garcia is sued for alleged misconduct, including drunken propositioning and kidnapping of a minor. Garcia denies wrongdoing, claiming she was helping the girl. The case raises concerns about abuse of power and misconduct in local politics.
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Two prominent sports journalists, Josina Anderson and Zac Jackson, are embroiled in a dispute after Jackson received threatening messages allegedly linked to Anderson's sister. Meanwhile, a separate controversy involves a debate society president at Oxford making offensive comments about a political figure, leading to his resignation. The stories highlight tensions in media and political discourse.
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Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu will meet with US President Trump on December 29 to discuss the second phase of a US-led plan to end the Gaza conflict. Topics include Hamas disarmament, Gaza governance, and regional security arrangements amid ongoing tensions and military operations in Gaza and Syria.
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The US Department of Transportation is increasing scrutiny on immigrant truck drivers, with new licensing restrictions and audits. Several schools face decertification, and thousands of drivers are worried about license revocations amid ongoing enforcement efforts following a fatal Florida crash involving an undocumented driver.
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President Trump unveiled a new national security strategy endorsing a quick peace in Ukraine, favoring non-intervention in European security, and adopting a conciliatory stance toward Russia. Meanwhile, Congress reaffirmed support for Ukraine and NATO, restricting troop reductions in Europe. The strategy signals a shift in US foreign policy priorities.
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A Pentagon investigation concluded that Hegseth, a former Fox News host, did not improperly declassify information but violated policy by using personal devices for official communication. The report also highlighted concerns over sharing sensitive military details via unsecured apps, prompting calls for improved security training.
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On December 4-5, 2025, a Pentagon Inspector General report cleared Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth of wrongdoing after he used the Signal app on his personal device to share sensitive information about planned strikes on Yemen's Houthi militants. While Hegseth had authority to declassify the material, the report found his actions violated Pentagon policy and risked operational security. The case is considered closed amid bipartisan scrutiny.
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On December 5, 2025, the US released a 33-page National Security Strategy (NSS) outlining a major shift in foreign policy. It prioritizes American dominance in the Western Hemisphere, military strength in the Indo-Pacific, and adopts a critical stance on Europe’s future, warning of "civilizational erasure" due to migration and political trends. The strategy downplays ideological promotion abroad, focusing on pragmatic trade and alliances, and signals a distancing from traditional European partnerships.
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In recent speeches, former President Trump has criticized Somali migrants, citing crime and fraud allegations. His comments follow a major Minnesota fraud scandal involving Somali immigrants and a broader debate on immigration policies. Trump’s rhetoric has intensified, drawing both support and criticism.
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On December 6-8, 2025, the US released a National Security Strategy under President Trump, sharply criticizing Europe’s self-confidence and immigration policies, warning of 'civilizational erasure,' and signaling a pivot to the Indo-Pacific and Latin America. The strategy calls for ending the Ukraine war and restoring strategic stability with Russia, which Moscow welcomed. European leaders strongly rebuked the document, emphasizing alliance shifts and defending European sovereignty.
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South Africa has revised its policies to allow foreign companies to meet affirmative action requirements through 'equity equivalent' programs, such as skills training. This move follows criticism of its ownership laws, notably from Elon Musk, who accused the country of racial discrimination. The US has also criticized South Africa's policies and excluded it from upcoming G20 events.