TikTok Ban Upheld; Government Shutdown Disrupts Flights
Key Takeaways
- Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the TikTok ban in TikTok Inc. v. Garland.
- Government shutdown caused 1200 US flight cancellations; air traffic controllers missed second paycheck.
- Grijalva sworn in, potentially enabling vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein files.
- Trump administration using White House website to troll Democrats, drawing criticism.
- Trump says US needs skilled foreign workers despite increased H-1B visa costs.
Top Stories
Supreme Court affirms TikTok ban's constitutionality.
In November 2025, the Supreme Court affirmed the constitutionality of the TikTok ban in TikTok Inc. v. Garland. The Court held that a law enacted for a content-based purpose may receive intermediate scrutiny if the government would have taken the same action for a content-neutral purpose.
Government shutdown causes flight cancellations, air traffic controllers miss pay.
On November 11, 2025, the ongoing government shutdown led to the cancellation of 1200 US flights due to air traffic control staffing issues, and air traffic controllers missed their second paycheck. The Senate approved legislation to end the shutdown, but the House's approval is pending, with potential for further flight disruptions.
Adelita Grijalva's swearing-in and potential Epstein files release.
On November 12, 2025, Adelita Grijalva was sworn in as a new member of the House of Representatives after a seven-week delay, potentially impacting the release of Jeffrey Epstein files. Her swearing-in enables her to become the 218th signatory on the Epstein Files Transparency Act discharge petition, paving the way for a potential vote on releasing the documents.
White House website used as political tool to troll Democrats.
On November 12, 2025, the Trump administration was reported to be using the White House website as a political tool to troll Democrats, featuring a government shutdown tracker and mocking webpages. This strategy has drawn criticism from former officials who argue it undermines the website's role as a trusted informational resource.
Trump: US needs skilled foreign workers, despite visa cost increase.
On November 11, 2025, President Donald Trump stated the US needs skilled foreign workers, despite his administration's recent actions to increase H-1B visa costs. He argued that certain specialized talents are not available domestically, referencing a recent incident involving South Korean workers in Georgia.
Capitol Hill Buzz
Jack Schlossberg, JFK's grandson, announces congressional bid.
On November 11, 2025, Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, announced his candidacy for New York's 12th Congressional District. Schlossberg aims to counter perceived abuses of power by President Trump.
Elaine Luria seeks Democratic nomination in Virginia's 2nd.
On November 12, 2025, former U.S. Representative Elaine Luria announced her bid for the Democratic nomination in Virginia's 2nd Congressional District. Luria, who investigated the Jan. 6th Capitol attack, emphasized holding Donald Trump accountable and addressing economic issues.
Economic Impact
Government shutdown threatens SNAP benefits for New Yorkers.
On November 11, 2025, officials warned that despite the government shutdown nearing its end, thousands of New Yorkers still face the risk of losing their SNAP benefits in the coming months. This is according to a report by Ali Bauman of CBS News New York.
Election Updates
Democrats holding their own in redistricting; Trump's circle concerned.
On November 11, 2025, Democrats are holding their own in the redistricting wars despite Republicans' initial advantage, with key developments in Utah, California, Kansas, Virginia, and Ohio. Concerns arise within Trump's circle about redistricting efforts potentially backfiring.
Policy Insights
California Governor Newsom criticizes Trump at COP30.
On November 12, 2025, California Governor Newsom criticized Trump's support for oil and withdrawal from the Paris Agreement at the COP30 US pavilion event in Belem, Brazil. Newsom praised Taiwan's technological innovation and emphasized California's commitment to climate policy and green technology.
Political Analysis
Analysis of Trump's second term reshaping America.
On November 12, 2025, an analysis by Peter Feaver for Foreign Affairs, published on RealClearPolitics, discusses how Donald Trump's second term is actively reshaping America and the world. The analysis examines the domestic and global implications.
Republicans' post-election strategy discussed.
On November 12, 2025, Star Parker discusses how Republicans should move forward after the recent Democratic election sweep, referencing Richard Feynman's observation about not fooling oneself. Parker argues that Republicans should focus on free markets and limited government intervention to address issues like affordability.
White House Watch
Laura Loomer, Trump's ally, discussed on NPR.
On November 12, 2025, NPR's Fresh Air interviewed The New Yorker's Antonia Hitchens about Laura Loomer, who has evolved from a conspiracy theorist into President Trump's close ally and self-proclaimed chief loyalty enforcer. Loomer has successfully pressured the firing of government officials accused of disloyalty to the president.
Trump to host dinner with Wall Street executives.
On November 12, 2025, Trump will host a dinner at the White House with Wall Street financial industry leaders, including JP Morgan Chase CEO Jamie Dimon. The meeting aims to strengthen relationships and garner support for the administration's policies, amid rising pressure regarding the economy and living conditions.