DOJ Joins Lawsuit Against California's Prop 50; Government Shutdown Ends with Bipartisan Deal
Key Takeaways
- DOJ joins lawsuit against California's Prop 50, alleging unconstitutional use of race in district lines.
- Government shutdown ends with bipartisan deal after Trump administration support for stopgap funding bill.
- Trump administration plans to cut housing grants for homeless, shifting funds to short-term initiatives.
- Trump administration to ease tariffs on food to lower prices, applying to reciprocal tariffs.
- Supreme Court to hear transgender sports ban case from West Virginia and Idaho in early 2026.
Top Stories
DOJ joins lawsuit against California's Prop 50, challenging district lines.
On November 13, 2025, the U.S. Justice Department joined California Republicans in a federal lawsuit against Proposition 50, passed November 4, which redraws congressional districts. The suit claims the maps unconstitutionally use race and seeks to block them for the 2026 midterms.
Government shutdown ends with bipartisan deal.
Around November 13, 2025, the longest federal government shutdown concluded with a bipartisan deal, after the Trump administration announced its support for a bill to end the shutdown. The House of Representatives narrowly approved a stopgap funding bill to end the shutdown.
Trump administration plans to cut housing grants.
On November 12, 2025, the Trump administration revealed plans to cut housing grants for the homeless, shifting funds to short-term initiatives. Critics warn this could put up to 170,000 individuals at risk of returning to the streets.
Trump administration to ease tariffs on food.
On November 13, 2025, the Trump administration is preparing broad exemptions to certain tariffs to ease elevated food prices. The change would apply to certain reciprocal tariffs the president announced in April.
Supreme Court to hear transgender sports ban case.
In November 2025, the family of transgender athlete Becky Pepper-Jackson filed a response challenging West Virginia's transgender sports ban. The Supreme Court will hear this case, along with Little vs. Hecox from Idaho, in early 2026.
Capitol Hill Buzz
Senator John Fetterman hospitalized after a fall.
On November 13, 2025, Senator John Fetterman was hospitalized in Pittsburgh after a fall attributed to a ventricular fibrillation flare-up. He is remaining at the hospital for observation and medication fine-tuning.
Rep. Eric Swalwell faces federal criminal referral.
On November 13, 2025, Rep. Eric Swalwell was hit with a federal criminal referral for alleged mortgage and tax fraud. Swalwell claims the investigation is politically motivated due to his criticism of Donald Trump.
Election Updates
Ben McAdams to run for House seat.
On November 13, 2025, Ben McAdams announced his candidacy for a new Democratic-leaning House seat in Utah. This move could potentially help Democrats reclaim the House of Representatives.
Local News
NYC subway trains: Gov. Hochul to decide on two-person crews.
By the end of 2025, Gov. Kathy Hochul will decide whether to sign a law mandating two-person crews on all New York City subway trains. A study found that only 6% of train lines worldwide require two-person crews.
Policy Insights
Chicago and St. Paul sue Trump administration over COPS grant.
On November 12, 2025, Chicago and St. Paul filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block withholding a $6.25 million COPS grant. The suit challenges conditions requiring certification against using funds for DEI-linked programs.
DOJ unveils cryptocurrency scam strike force.
On November 12, 2025, the Department of Justice (DOJ), FBI, and Secret Service unveiled a new 'Strike Force' to combat cryptocurrency scams. This effort will target operations linked to Chinese crime syndicates.
Comey and James seek to dismiss cases.
On November 13, 2025, a federal judge will hear arguments from lawyers for James Comey and Letitia James seeking to dismiss their cases. They contend that the prosecutor who charged them was illegally appointed.
Missile strikes on drug vessels in the Caribbean.
In November 2025, the Trump Administration's policy of missile strikes on alleged drug vessels in the Caribbean led to international backlash. Colombia and the U.K. suspended or curtailed intelligence sharing with the U.S.
Judge orders release of ICE detainees.
On November 12, 2025, District Judge Jeff Cummings ordered the release on bond of at least 615 Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detainees arrested in Chicago. The ruling stems from a lawsuit alleging violations of a consent decree.
State Politics
Pennsylvania budget passed after months-long impasse.
On 2025-11-13, nonprofit leaders in Pennsylvania expressed relief and frustration as the state budget passed after a months-long impasse. Organizations like Family Promise Montco PA and the Victim Services Center of Montgomery County were affected.
White House Watch
Epstein emails: Democrats release emails, Trump denies involvement.
On November 12, 2025, Democrats released emails suggesting Jeffrey Epstein mentioned Donald Trump, while Trump and Republicans denied any wrongdoing. Conservative influencers defended Trump, claiming the emails are part of a Democratic hoax.
White House releases list of donors for Trump's ballroom project.
On November 12, 2025, the White House released a list of 37 donors funding President Donald Trump's $300 million White House ballroom project. While Trump stated he and friends are covering 100% of the cost, specific contribution amounts were not disclosed.
Trump to sign executive order on foster care.
On Thursday, November 13, 2025, President Trump is expected to sign an executive order focused on supporting youth in foster care. The order aims to expand access to education, workforce development, and digital resources.
Trump plans to bring 600,000 Chinese students to the US.
In November 2025, Donald Trump stated he plans to bring 600,000 Chinese students to the US in two years. He believes this will help universities, improve US-China relations, and boost the economy.