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As of November 2025, US schools and universities face escalating conflicts over antisemitism and diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) policies. California confronts a federal lawsuit challenging a new law aimed at combating antisemitism in schools. Universities like UVA and UCLA negotiate with the federal government over DEI bans and antisemitism probes, while K-12 schools report rising antisemitic harassment since 2023.
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Nancy Pelosi, the long-serving California congresswoman, announced her retirement effective January 2027. Her departure has opened a competitive race for her San Francisco seat, with potential candidates including her daughter Christine, San Francisco Supervisor Connie Chan, and California Senator Scott Wiener. The race is shaping up amid recent redistricting efforts supported by California voters.
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The US Senate passed a stopgap funding measure to avoid a government shutdown until January 2026. The bill includes funding for SNAP, veterans, military projects, and other agencies, with negotiations ongoing in Congress. The House is expected to vote soon, but key issues like healthcare subsidies remain unresolved.
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Nancy Pelosi's announced retirement from Congress has triggered a scramble for her San Francisco seat. Her daughter, Christine Pelosi, will run for California State Senate instead, while others prepare to contest the House seat in 2026. The move signals a significant political transition in the region.
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The US Senate advanced a bill to fund the government until January 30, amid ongoing negotiations over healthcare subsidies and federal worker protections. The measure still requires House approval and presidential sign-off, with the shutdown impacting millions of Americans.
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After 38 days, the US government reopened following a bipartisan deal. The agreement avoids further disruptions but leaves unresolved debates over health care subsidies, with Democrats pushing for extended Obamacare support and Republicans lacking a clear alternative. The issue remains a key political vulnerability ahead of 2026.
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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 US government ended its 43-day shutdown after Congress passed funding through January 30. Federal workers will receive back pay, and agencies are resuming operations. The shutdown caused widespread disruptions, including furloughs, service closures, and economic impacts, especially in the Washington D.C. area.
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Congresswoman Watson Coleman, 80, announces she will not seek re-election after decades in public service, citing personal reflection and family discussions. Her departure will open a second congressional seat in New Jersey, amid upcoming retirements and political shifts in the state.
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The US government has ended its 43-day shutdown, the longest in history, restoring federal services including air travel and food assistance. The deal funds the government until January 30 but leaves unresolved political divisions and does not address the national debt or health subsidies, raising concerns about future shutdowns.
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Congressman Clay Higgins was the sole Republican to oppose a bill that mandates the release of Jeffrey Epstein's case files. The measure passed overwhelmingly, with bipartisan support, and now awaits President Trump's signature. Higgins cited concerns over innocent people's privacy and legal procedures.
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The 2026 National Defense Authorization Act includes provisions demanding unedited videos of US military strikes and increased accountability, amid scrutiny of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's handling of strikes off Venezuela. The bill also addresses troop levels, Ukraine aid, and social policies, reflecting bipartisan concerns over transparency and military commitments.
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On December 19, 2025, the US Congress permanently repealed the 2019 Caesar Act sanctions on Syria, following the ouster of Bashar al-Assad in December 2024. Signed by President Donald Trump, the repeal removes major economic restrictions, aiming to facilitate Syria's reconstruction and reintegration into the global financial system under the new government led by President Ahmed al-Sharaa.
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The U.S. Congress is considering legislation to extend the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) until 2028, with provisions to liquidate tariffs incurred after September 2025. The bill aims to support U.S.-Africa trade, especially for textile-dependent economies, amid ongoing negotiations and political tensions.
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The U.S. Congress has passed a bipartisan defense bill supporting military funding, troop pay, and transparency measures. It includes restrictions on troop withdrawals in Europe and increased aid to Ukraine, amid ongoing investigations into military strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific regions. President Trump is expected to sign the bill soon.
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The AFL-CIO, led by Liz Shuler, plans to challenge Trump’s policies in 2026, focusing on restoring union rights and fighting economic inequality. They are mobilizing workers and preparing for key legislative battles amid ongoing political tensions and economic concerns.
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Several Republican and Democratic House members are pushing to extend the expiring Affordable Care Act tax credits, which could prevent millions from facing higher health insurance premiums. The effort involves discharge petitions and bipartisan support, but faces hurdles in the Senate and Republican opposition.
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Recent hearings in Georgia reveal new details about Donald Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election, including a call where he suggested justifying a legislative session to uncover fraud. Prosecutors and Republicans clash over the case's integrity amid ongoing investigations and dismissals.
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The U.S. House voted largely along party lines to oppose President Trump's military campaign against Venezuelan drug vessels, demanding congressional approval for hostilities. The votes follow Trump's recent escalation, including a blockade of Venezuelan oil tankers, raising concerns over legality and regional stability.
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The Trump administration has conducted multiple strikes on vessels in the Pacific and Caribbean, killing at least 104 people since September. The campaign aims to disrupt drug trafficking, but faces scrutiny over legality and transparency. Recent strikes include targeted attacks on vessels linked to narco-trafficking, with ongoing political debates about their justification.
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The Biden administration proposes new rules to cut federal funding for hospitals providing gender-affirming care to minors, including puberty blockers, hormone therapy, and surgeries. The move aims to restrict access nationwide, facing legal challenges and opposition from medical groups. The rules are not yet final and will undergo a public comment period.
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Recent elections and legal challenges across the US highlight ongoing political shifts. Iowa Democrats secured a key Senate seat, preventing a GOP supermajority, while legal disputes threaten to reshape congressional districts nationwide. The Supreme Court's upcoming decision on race-based districts could significantly impact future elections.
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As of January 15, 2026, US lawmakers face challenges passing a Homeland Security spending bill amid tensions after an ICE shooting. President Trump floated canceling the 2026 midterms, citing historical losses for incumbent parties. The five-year Jan. 6 Capitol riot anniversary saw partisan disputes over its legacy and memorials. Meanwhile, Congress passed a health care subsidy extension in the House, but Senate approval remains uncertain.
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Rep. LaMalfa, a conservative representing California's 1st District since 2013, died unexpectedly at age 65 during surgery for a suspected aortic aneurysm. His death reduces the House GOP majority to 218 seats, prompting a special election. LaMalfa was known for rural advocacy and strong alignment with Trump.
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The upcoming US midterm elections on November 3 will test democratic norms amid political tensions, with potential impacts on President Trump’s influence. Brazil’s October presidential vote and Bangladesh’s January transition also highlight global democratic challenges and opportunities for stability.
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Congress is actively challenging President Trump’s authority on military and budget issues. Recent votes in the Senate and House show bipartisan opposition to Trump’s policies on Venezuela and vetoes on spending bills, highlighting ongoing partisan tensions and debates over executive power and foreign intervention. The story is current as of Thu, 15 Jan 2026.