united states news

Federal immigration agents arrested 81 individuals during a five-hour operation in Charlotte, North Carolina on Saturday, marking the city as the latest target in the Trump administration's expanded immigration enforcement efforts. The operation, dubbed "Operation Charlotte's Web" and led by border official Greg Bovino, focused on individuals with alleged criminal and immigration violations. The raids sparked immediate community backlash, with residents protesting in the streets and North Carolina's Democratic Governor Josh Stein criticizing agents for what he characterized as racial profiling and targeting of citizens. During the operation, authorities reported that a U.S. citizen allegedly rammed law enforcement vehicles while trying to evade arrest, resulting in injuries to an officer. # Key Takeaways

Texas Congresswoman Jasmine Crockett traveled to Detroit to headline a fundraiser for Michigan Lieutenant Governor Garlin Gilchrist's gubernatorial campaign, generating significant social media attention with a viral video. Gilchrist is positioning himself as a progressive alternative to the Democratic establishment in a three-way primary race against Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson and Genesee County Sheriff Chris Swanson. Benson currently leads the fundraising race with over $4.5 million raised, significantly outpacing Gilchrist's totals, though Gilchrist emphasizes his connections to working people rather than wealthy donors. Gilchrist has secured endorsements from progressive figures like Representative Rashida Tlaib and refuses corporate PAC money, while courting voters dissatisfied with mainstream Democratic leadership ahead of the August 2026 primary.

Michigan lawmakers held a hearing to document the severe impact of a 43-day federal government shutdown on the state's aviation system, particularly at Detroit Metro Airport. The shutdown forced essential aviation workers including air traffic controllers and TSA officers to work without pay for over a month, leading to significant flight cancellations and delays that disrupted travelers and strained an already understaffed system. The economic consequences extended beyond air travel, affecting federal workers who accumulated debt, passengers who absorbed unreimbursed costs, and local economies dependent on airport operations. Led by Senator Erika Geiss, the Senate Transportation and Infrastructure Committee gathered testimony from airport officials, pilots, and federal employees to create a public record of how political dysfunction in Washington created tangible harm to Michigan residents and critical infrastructure. Though the shutdown has ended, witnesses emphasized that recovery continues as workers rebuild finances, airlines adjust schedules, and the aviation system addresses ongoing vulnerabilities. # Key Takeaways

The US Transportation Department has rescinded an emergency order that required airlines to reduce flights nationwide after air traffic controller staffing levels returned to normal following the end of a government shutdown. During the 43-day shutdown that began in October, controllers were forced to work without pay, leading to widespread absences that created safety concerns and prompted the FAA to mandate up to 10% flight reductions starting November 7th. The timing of the resolution is particularly crucial as it comes just before Thanksgiving, traditionally the busiest travel period in America with over 6 million expected passengers this year. Controllers who struggled financially during the shutdown, with many taking second jobs, will now receive back pay and face no termination threats for previous absences.

President Donald Trump has reversed his position and now urges Republican lawmakers to vote for releasing files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, claiming his party has "nothing to hide." This shift comes after House Democrats began releasing documents that reference Trump's past social connections with Epstein, though no wrongdoing is implied. A bipartisan bill called the Epstein Files Transparency Act is expected to have enough support to pass the House, with potentially dozens of Republicans breaking ranks to vote for it, though Senate passage remains uncertain. The controversy has sparked a public feud between Trump and previously loyal supporter Marjorie Taylor Greene, while the Justice Department has announced investigations into Epstein's connections to prominent Democrats and major banks.

The Detroit City Council delayed voting on two zoning proposals designed to make it easier to renovate abandoned institutional buildings and expand permitted land uses across the city. Several council members, including Mary Waters and Gabriela Santiago-Romero, argued the changes were being rushed without adequate community input and support, despite city planners noting that over 28 public meetings had been held across Detroit over the past year. The first proposal would enable adaptive reuse of former schools, churches, and government buildings by allowing approximately 50 new land uses without rezoning and cutting parking requirements in half. The second set of changes would revise zoning definitions, permit lofts in more districts, allow brewpubs in various areas, and expand the definition of "family" from two to four unrelated people living together. ---

The US State Department has announced it will designate Cartel de los Soles as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation starting November 24th, effectively labeling Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro a terrorist since Washington claims he leads this alleged criminal network. This escalated designation, which goes beyond previous Treasury sanctions, makes it illegal to provide support to the group and its associates, giving the US government stronger enforcement powers. The move represents the Trump administration's aggressive strategy to combat drug trafficking and increase pressure on Maduro, amid growing speculation about possible US military strikes on Venezuelan territory. While the US alleges the cartel engages in drug trafficking and illegal mining, it has not publicly released evidence of Maduro's direct involvement, and experts note that fentanyl primarily originates from Mexico rather than Venezuela.

San Diego County Behavioral Health Services is soliciting community feedback to determine funding priorities for mental health and substance abuse services under the recently passed Behavioral Health Services Act (Proposition 1). The act, approved by voters in March 2024, expands coverage to include substance use disorders, reallocates resources toward housing initiatives, and transfers some prevention funding to the state public health department for specialized populations. County officials are conducting virtual meetings and accepting online input to develop their first integrated plan, which will take effect in July 2026. The community engagement process aims to identify treatment gaps, care barriers, and specific needs across different age groups to ensure resources effectively serve Medi-Cal-eligible residents with serious mental health or substance use challenges.

Kris Boyd, a 29-year-old cornerback for the New York Jets, sustained a gunshot wound to his abdomen during an early morning incident in midtown Manhattan and remains hospitalized in critical condition. The shooting occurred around 2:00 AM Sunday near an upscale restaurant called Sei Less, prompting a police response after emergency services received a 911 call. Law enforcement authorities are actively investigating the incident but have not yet apprehended any suspects. Boyd, who has played for multiple NFL teams including the Vikings, Cardinals, and Texans before joining the Jets this year, was already on injured reserve due to a previous shoulder injury sustained during practice. # Key Takeaways

Republican Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene is publicly disagreeing with President Donald Trump over the release of Jeffrey Epstein's files, despite maintaining her support for him overall. Their relationship has deteriorated significantly, with Trump calling Greene a "traitor" on Truth Social, which she argues puts her personal safety at risk by potentially radicalizing people against her. The House is preparing to vote this week on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which would compel the Justice Department to release unclassified records related to the late convicted sex offender, with potentially 100 Republican members supporting it. Greene's current calls for unity and ending toxic political rhetoric mark a notable shift from her previous controversial behavior, which included promoting conspiracy theories and violent social media posts against political opponents.

The Department of Homeland Security has launched "Operation Charlotte's Web" in Charlotte, North Carolina, deploying federal immigration agents who arrested at least 81 people on Saturday as part of President Trump's expanded deportation efforts. Local officials have condemned the operation for creating fear in the community, while federal authorities justify it by claiming North Carolina has released nearly 1,400 ICE detainees due to sanctuary policies, though Charlotte is not officially a sanctuary city. The operation involves armored vehicles and special operations teams, and incidents include agents detaining a man at a church where congregants fled in fear. This Charlotte operation follows similar controversial crackdowns in Washington DC, Los Angeles, and Chicago, with New Orleans reportedly next on the list.

YouTuber Jack Doherty, who has amassed over 15 million YouTube subscribers through controversial prank content, was taken into custody by Miami-area police early Saturday morning on drug-related charges. According to police documents, Doherty was creating video content in the middle of a roadway while attempting to interact with officers, which resulted in traffic obstruction. During his arrest, authorities discovered what appeared to be a Schedule II amphetamine pill and three suspected marijuana cigarettes in his possession. The 22-year-old content creator, known for confrontational street videos where he often relies on his bodyguard for protection, has not yet issued a statement through representatives.

Large-scale anti-government protests erupted in Mexico City on Saturday, resulting in violent clashes that injured at least 120 people, predominantly police officers. The demonstrations were organized by Generation Z youth movements and focused on criticizing President Claudia Sheinbaum's handling of cartel violence and high-profile murders, particularly the recent assassination of Uruapan Mayor Carlos Manzo who had advocated for aggressive action against drug cartels. President Sheinbaum dismissed the protests as orchestrated by opposition politicians and online bot campaigns, though she maintains approval ratings above 70 percent. The violent confrontations led to authorities deploying tear gas and arresting 20 individuals for various crimes including robbery and assault. # Key Takeaways

Following the longest US government shutdown in history at 43 days, millions of Americans who depend on federal income and assistance programs are experiencing temporary relief but mounting anxiety about another potential shutdown in late January when the current funding agreement expires. Military families living on single paychecks faced uncertainty about whether service members would be paid, forcing some to make difficult sacrifices during the holidays. Food stamp recipients experienced delays in their benefits, while over 1.4 million federal workers went without wages for more than six weeks. Despite the government reopening, affected families are now preparing financially and stockpiling essentials in anticipation of another possible shutdown within the next two and a half months.

South Korea and the United States have finalized an agreement for South Korea to construct nuclear-powered attack submarines, marking a major advancement in their defense partnership. The deal, which includes US approval and cooperation on nuclear fuel sourcing, emerges alongside recent trade negotiations that reduced reciprocal tariffs to 15% following South Korea's commitment to invest $350 billion in America. This submarine program aims primarily to counter North Korea's advancing nuclear capabilities and submarine development, while also serving as a US strategic tool to pressure both Pyongyang and Beijing. The agreement positions South Korea to join an exclusive group of six nations operating nuclear-powered submarines, significantly enhancing its regional military capabilities and operational range compared to its current diesel-powered fleet.

A new AARP report reveals that approximately seven million California adults—23 percent of the adult population—serve as unpaid family caregivers for elderly parents, spouses, and other loved ones. These caregivers contribute an estimated $4.4 billion annually in unpaid care while often sacrificing their own financial stability, health, and employment. AARP California is pushing for policy changes to provide financial relief and support, including recent state legislation expanding paid family leave and proposed federal tax credits for working caregivers. The organization emphasizes the urgent need for government action as California's aging population continues to grow and caregiving demands increase. # Key Takeaways

The National Institute for Early Education Research has contributed to a two-part research series published in The Lancet examining the critical developmental period for children aged two to five years old, known as "the next 1,000 days." The research reveals that approximately 182 million children aged three and four in low- and middle-income nations lack access to nurturing care that supports healthy development. The studies demonstrate that high-quality early childhood care and education programs produce significant positive outcomes for children, while the failure to invest in these programs costs societies eight to nineteen times more than the initial investment would require. The research emphasizes the urgent need for equitable access to quality early education, safe environments, proper nutrition, and support for vulnerable families worldwide. # Key Takeaways

A suspect who allegedly vandalized the New Jersey office of acting US Attorney Alina Habba has been captured after authorities conducted a multi-day search. The individual initially attempted to enter Habba's office carrying a baseball bat on Wednesday but was denied entry, then returned without the weapon and destroyed federal property in the waiting area before escaping. Attorney General Pam Bondi announced the arrest on social media, while the FBI had previously offered a $25,000 reward and warned the suspect was dangerous. Habba, who previously served as President Trump's personal lawyer before her controversial appointment as acting US Attorney, faces legal challenges regarding her position, with a federal judge ruling she is serving illegally without Senate confirmation. # Key Takeaways

US lawmakers have published over 20,000 pages of documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate, revealing extensive communications between the late sex offender and numerous prominent figures across politics, media, and business. The records show email exchanges with journalist Michael Wolff discussing strategy regarding Trump's presidential campaign, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers declining association with the incoming Trump administration, and former Obama White House counsel Kathryn Ruemmler discussing Trump's hush-money payments with Epstein. Additional correspondence involves figures like investor Peter Thiel, linguist Noam Chomsky, and publicist Peggy Siegal, though these communications don't necessarily indicate wrongdoing by those mentioned. The documents particularly highlight how Epstein maintained an expansive network of influential contacts and occasionally attempted to leverage these relationships for his own purposes.

President Donald Trump has publicly withdrawn his support for Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene from Georgia, accusing her of moving "far left" and calling for her defeat in the upcoming midterm elections. The rupture stems from Greene's recent criticisms of Trump's policies, particularly his handling of Jeffrey Epstein-related files and his "America First" agenda implementation. Greene joined three other House Republicans in supporting a bipartisan effort to release Justice Department files on Epstein, the deceased financier with whom Trump had past associations. Greene claims Trump's attack is intended to intimidate other Republican lawmakers before an upcoming vote on releasing the Epstein documents, while Trump maintains the split occurred after he discouraged her from seeking higher office. # Key Takeaways

President Trump signed an executive order exempting over 100 food products from his tariff program, including coffee, bananas, beef, and various produce items that cannot be domestically produced in adequate quantities. This policy reversal follows the Republican Party's weak showing in recent elections and increasing political pressure over rising consumer prices, particularly grocery and beef costs. While Trump previously dismissed inflation concerns and insisted tariffs wouldn't raise prices, the administration is now retroactively removing levies on food staples and negotiating lower import taxes with Latin American countries. The exemptions represent a significant retreat from Trump's longstanding position that tariffs protect American industries without harming consumers, as economists had warned companies would pass increased costs to customers.

The San Francisco Muslim Community Center, originally founded in 1978 by African American Muslims in the Fillmore district, is returning to that neighborhood after spending 13 years in the Excelsior area. Rising rent costs and unsafe building conditions forced the community center to relocate from its Mission Street location to a permanent facility on Haight Street, made possible by a longtime congregation member who owns the property. While the new building undergoes preparation, the center operates temporarily from the African American Art and Culture Complex on Fulton Street, where it holds Friday prayers and distributes food. The organization provides religious services, educational programs, counseling, and community support to a diverse Muslim population while maintaining its historical African American leadership and connection to the Bay Area. # Key Takeaways

The Screen Actors Guild Awards is undergoing a rebranding to become the Actor Awards presented by Sag-Aftra, aligning the ceremony's name with its iconic statue called "The Actor." The change aims to make the show's purpose clearer to its expanding global audience across more than 190 countries, as many international viewers don't recognize the union's acronym but understand what actor-focused programming entails. This rebranding also allows the organization to better reflect the 2012 merger between the Screen Actors Guild and the American Federation of Television and Radio Artists. The newly renamed ceremony will debut at its 32nd edition scheduled for March 1, 2026, under new union leadership following Sean Astin's recent election as president.

Rapper Cardi B has given birth to a baby boy, her fourth child overall and her first with NFL player Stefon Diggs, whom she has been dating for approximately one year. The Grammy-winning artist announced the arrival on social media while promoting her recently released second album, "Am I The Drama?", which came out last month. She shares three other children with her estranged husband Offset, from whom she filed for divorce in mid-2024. Cardi B framed the birth as part of a new chapter in her life, emphasizing personal growth and her commitment to being the best version of herself for her children.

Over 20,000 pages of documents from Jeffrey Epstein's estate were released by the House oversight committee, revealing communications between the late convicted sex offender and Steve Bannon, Trump's former chief strategist. The messages show Epstein providing travel assistance to Bannon in late 2018, including helping arrange charter flights and offering logistical support during Bannon's UK visits for speaking engagements. The exchanges also included discussions about UK politics, particularly around Brexit and Theresa May's political future, with Epstein advising Bannon on political strategy. While Bannon has publicly acknowledged filming a documentary about Epstein, these documents suggest their relationship extended beyond filmmaker and subject, with Epstein functioning somewhat like a personal assistant to the political strategist.

John Beam, a 66-year-old athletics director and former football coach who gained recognition through Netflix's Last Chance U documentary series, was fatally shot at Laney College in Oakland, California. Police arrested Cedric Irving Jr., a suspect who knew Beam but never played for him and was not a Laney student, though authorities have not disclosed a motive for the attack. The beloved coach, who had spent over 40 years mentoring youth in Oakland, was mourned by hundreds at a hospital vigil and remembered by community leaders and former players who reached the NFL. This tragedy marked the second school shooting in Oakland within two days, as a separate incident had occurred at Skyline High School, where Beam had previously coached for 16 years.

Recent Gallup polling reveals a dramatic shift in American women's desire to relocate internationally, with 40 percent of women and girls aged 15-45 now wanting to permanently move abroad, compared to only 19 percent of men in the same age group. This represents a significant increase from 2008, when just 17 percent of younger women expressed this desire, nearly matching the 16 percent of men at that time. The gender gap in relocation desires appears closely tied to political satisfaction, with Americans disapproving of current leadership being 25 percentage points more likely to want to leave permanently. While women in other developed nations have consistently shown interest in relocating abroad at rates of 20-30 percent, American women were historically less likely to want to leave until a notable shift occurred in 2016. # Key Takeaways

The Urban Collaborative Project is launching a stewardship initiative in Southeastern San Diego to address community concerns about maintaining green spaces and trees. The project centers around developing the Brooks Huffman Plaza at Imperial and Euclid as a community gathering place with amenities, while partnering with local schools. This effort grew from community feedback gathered during climate planning sessions that revealed residents wanted more green spaces but worried about their upkeep. Multiple organizations including San Diego Canyonlands, Groundwork San Diego, and several educational institutions are collaborating on the stewardship program, which includes regular Friday events at Chollas Creekside Park. # Key Takeaways