Senate Nears Deal to End Shutdown; Trump Announces Tariff Dividend
Key Takeaways
- Senate nears deal to end 40-day shutdown; Rand Paul threatens hemp industry bill.
- Trump announces tariff dividend of $2,000 for most Americans, excluding high-income.
- BBC Director-General Tim Davie and CEO Deborah Turness resign amid bias allegations.
- Judge Wolf resigns, warns of “existential threat to democracy” from Trump's actions.
- Treasury plans Trump coin for 250th anniversary, reflecting national divide over presidency.
Top Stories
Government Shutdown: Senate nears deal, filibuster, and hemp industry issues.
On November 9, 2025, the Senate neared a deal to end the 40-day government shutdown, with at least 10 Democrats expected to support a procedural vote. Senator Rand Paul threatened to obstruct any bill targeting the hemp industry, and President Trump continued to push for the elimination of the Senate filibuster.
Trump: No ACA Defunding Plan, Tariff Dividend Announced.
On November 9, 2025, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated there was no formal White House proposal to defund the Affordable Care Act, despite President Trump's social media posts. Trump also announced a tariff dividend of at least $2,000 for most Americans, excluding high-income individuals.
BBC Director-General Resigns Amid Bias Allegations.
On November 9, 2025, BBC Director-General Tim Davie and BBC News CEO Deborah Turness resigned due to criticism over biased coverage of the Gaza war and misleading editing of Donald Trump’s January 6 speech. A leaked report detailed systemic failures, leading to condemnation from various groups.
Judge Wolf Resigns, Citing Threat to Democracy.
On November 9, 2025, Federal Judge Mark L. Wolf resigned, warning of an “existential threat to democracy,” and accused President Trump of using the law for partisan purposes. Judge Wolf cited Trump's call to prosecute James Comey, Adam Schiff, and Letitia James as evidence of the President's actions.
Treasury Plans Trump Coin for 250th Anniversary.
In 2026, the Treasury Department plans to celebrate the country’s 250th anniversary with a one-dollar coin depicting President Trump. The proposed coin reflects the national divide over his presidency.
Election Updates
Filibuster Becomes a Key Issue in Republican Primaries.
In November 2025, the filibuster has become a central issue in Republican Senate primaries, with candidates using it to align with MAGA voters. Donald Trump's repeated calls to end the filibuster are influencing these races.
Democrats Emulate NYC Mayor-Elect's Online Campaign Style.
In 2025, Democrats are emulating New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's online campaign style, characterized by saturated colors and quick cuts. Candidates are using similar techniques to address voters' concerns about economic issues.
Foreign Affairs
Trump Administration's Diplomatic Efforts in Sudan.
On November 9, 2025, the Trump administration is making diplomatic efforts to end Sudan's civil war. NPR's Ayesha Rascoe spoke with Sudan scholar Alex de Waal about the challenges in bringing an end to the conflict.
Government Shutdown
Military Air Traffic Controllers Proposed Due to Shutdown.
On November 8, 2025, the US Secretary of Defense proposed to the head of the US Department of Transportation to send military air traffic controllers to civilian airports due to the staff shortage caused by the government shutdown. The head of the US Department of Transportation expressed doubts about the possibility of using military controllers.
Health Alert
Infant Botulism Outbreak Linked to ByHeart Formula.
From August to November 2025, a multistate outbreak of 13 infant botulism cases across 10 states was linked to ByHeart powdered infant formula, prompting a recall on November 8, 2025. The FDA and CDC are investigating the outbreak.
Local Issues
Jersey Shore Challenges: Affordability, Energy Costs, Regulations.
On November 8, 2025, Curtis Bashaw discussed key challenges facing Jersey Shore communities, including affordability, rising energy costs, and excessive government regulations. He also emphasized the need for diverse housing solutions.
Policy Insights
Trump Administration's Immigration Enforcement Agenda.
As of November 9, 2025, federal agencies like CBP, ICE, the Coast Guard, and the National Guard have significantly altered their roles to support President Trump's immigration enforcement agenda. This shift has led to controversies regarding agent training, use of force, transparency, and the prioritization of immigration enforcement.
Naomi Seibt Seeks Asylum in US.
On November 9, 2025, German far-right activist Naomi Seibt applied for political asylum in the United States, citing fears for her safety due to alleged persecution in Germany for her political views. This action coincides with signals from the Trump administration that it may prioritize protections for White refugees.
Gunman Opens Fire on Border Patrol Agents in Chicago.
On November 9, 2025, a gunman opened fire on US Border Patrol agents during an immigration enforcement operation in Chicago’s Little Village neighborhood. No injuries were reported, but a violent mob attacked law enforcement, and the shooter remains at large.
Flight Delays, Chicago Shooting, and Food Benefit Withholding.
On November 8, 2025, the Nightly News Full Episode reported that thousands of flights were delayed due to FAA cuts, shots were fired at federal immigration agents in Chicago, and the Supreme Court allowed the Trump administration to withhold some food benefits.
Political Analysis
Far-Right Provocateur Fuels MAGA Civil War.
On November 8, 2025, Will Oremus reported that far-right provocateur Nick Fuentes has triggered a MAGA civil war, driving a wedge through the conservative movement.