[Friday, November 07] US News Headlines from r/politics

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DAILY BRIEFING

By Dr. Headline, HeadlineSquare November 7, 2025

Executive Summary

• The record-breaking government shutdown, now in its 38th day, triggers a legal battle over SNAP benefits, forces nationwide flight cancellations, and prompts dire national security warnings.
• The Supreme Court is weighing a petition that could overturn nationwide same-sex marriage legality and has reinstated an administration ban on transgender passport identifiers.
• New intelligence reveals U.S. officials may have known of internal warnings from Israeli military lawyers about potential war crimes in Gaza.
• The Trump administration wields broad executive authority through high-profile pardons, new DOJ investigations, and a rapidly expanding immigration enforcement apparatus.
• Partisan divisions manifest in unprecedented congressional actions as the Republican party shows signs of significant internal fracturing.

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1. The Government Shutdown: A Nation at an Impasse

Now the longest in U.S. history, the federal government shutdown continues to inflict escalating damage on the nation’s economy, infrastructure, and social safety net, with no legislative resolution in sight. The political and legal fallout has become a multi-front crisis, touching nearly every aspect of American life.

1.1 The SNAP Benefits Crisis

The battle over the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) intensified into the shutdown’s primary flashpoint. After a federal judge ordered the release of full November benefits, the administration initially fought the ruling, with Vice President JD Vance labeling it an “‘absurd ruling’” as an appeal sought an immediate halt [1, 2]. The move threatened food aid for a reported 42 million Americans. Following intense pressure, the administration reversed course, with the USDA confirming it would comply with the court order [3]. The standoff inflicted immediate hardship, with reports detailing a week-long delay in benefits in New York and profiling Americans navigating a week without their expected food aid [4].

Citations [1] Trump Administration Seeks Immediate Halt to Court Order to Pay Food Stamps, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/us/politics/trump-court-food-stamps.html
[2] JD Vance Warns More Shutdown Consequences Coming ‘Soon’, https://www.newsweek.com/jd-vance-warns-more-shutdown-consequences-coming-soon-11007072
[3] Trump Admin Says It Will Pay SNAP Benefits in Full in November, https://www.newsweek.com/snap-benefits-paid-trump-admin-usda-november-update-11013615
[4] We followed four Americans as they navigated a week without SNAP, https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/2025/11/07/snap-trump-benefits-families-hunger/

1.2 Aviation and Infrastructure Under Strain

The shutdown is severely disrupting the nation’s core infrastructure. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has been forced to order nationwide flight cuts, leading to the cancellation of over 700 U.S. flights as the measures took effect [1, 2]. U.S. authorities have issued a stark warning that a continued shutdown could force a 20% reduction in flights, an unprecedented move [3]. The head of the Air Traffic Controllers Union delivered a “dire warning,” highlighting unique air safety dangers from staffing shortages [4].

Citations [1] The FAA’s order to cut flights nationwide due to the government shutdown is in effect, https://apnews.com/article/flight-cuts-government-shutdown-airlines-c21ffa6c3d55e3d2fe7f53702112727b
[2] Airlines cancel more than 700 U.S. flights as FAA-ordered shutdown cuts begin, https://www.cnbc.com/2025/11/07/airlines-cancellations-flights-faa-shutdown.html
[3] U.S. warns it could force 20% flight cuts if government shutdown continues, https://www.cbc.ca/news/world/us-flight-cancellations-latest-government-shutdown-9.6971505
[4] Air Traffic Controllers Union Head Gives Dire Warning About How This Shutdown’s Different, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/air-traffic-controllers-resignations-union_n_690e1885e4b0063dd27d9f35

1.3 Congressional Deadlock and Economic Fallout

Despite mounting public pressure, Congress remains paralyzed. The Senate is preparing for what is reportedly its 15th unsuccessful vote to end the shutdown, and the House has extended its recess, further complicating any path forward [1, 2]. A potential bipartisan deal to reopen the government is said to have collapsed, with reports attributing the failure to a profound “distrust of Trump” among Democrats [3]. The economic consequences are deepening, with consumer sentiment dropping to a near-record low while the cancellation of the Jobs Report creates a federal data blackout, leaving analysts to rely on incomplete private data [4, 5].

Citations [1] Senate to hold 15th vote on ending record US government shutdown, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/07/government-shutdown-vote-latest-senate
[2] House Extends Recess, Complicating Shutdown Talks, https://www.barrons.com/livecoverage/government-shutdown-news-today-110725/card/house-extends-recess-complicating-shutdown-talks-EqqAwANsvf5xu64ku6dv?gaa_at=eafs&gaa_n=AWEtsqeKhDLejEGFEpctqVO-y4J5mjXdChA-Nzh_pdlUV8AAs3ldob7BhRiqcYn1wcg%3D&gaa_ts=690e6521&gaa_sig=g3IbPr7bIFjnLM_IVGmwC1bajZ58UMXU9q_t1DYyBySyf4un6_wIiylfoXtgYXXOGZRucxdsxBTpg_InbqYbaQ%3D%3D
[3] Deal to reopen government falters over Democrats’ distrust of Trump, https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5594333-government-shutdown-deal-democrats-trump/
[4] US consumer sentiment drops to near record low as shutdown persists, https://www.theguardian.com/business/2025/nov/07/us-consumer-sentiment-shutdown
[5] The Jobs Report Is Canceled. Here’s What Private Data Shows., https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/business/jobs-unemployment-layoffs-economy.html

1.4 Global and National Security Consequences

The shutdown’s impact extends into grave national security and global humanitarian concerns. Cybersecurity experts have identified the shutdown as a “ticking cybersecurity time bomb,” as furloughed federal IT staff leave critical systems vulnerable to attack [1]. In a report with stark implications, The New Yorker alleges that the halt of U.S.A.I.D. operations has “already killed hundreds of thousands,” though the headline does not provide the context for this claim [2].

Citations [1] The Government Shutdown Is a Ticking Cybersecurity Time Bomb, https://www.wired.com/story/the-government-shutdown-is-a-ticking-cybersecurity-time-bomb/
[2] The Shutdown of U.S.A.I.D. Has Already Killed Hundreds of Thousands, https://www.newyorker.com/culture/the-new-yorker-documentary/the-shutdown-of-usaid-has-already-killed-hundreds-of-thousands

2. Judicial Branch Confronts Executive Power and Social Policy

The nation’s courts are a central battleground for executive authority and social policy, with the Supreme Court considering cases that could reshape established constitutional law.

2.1 Supreme Court Weighs Landmark Precedents on Social Issues

In a highly significant development, the Supreme Court is actively considering a petition from former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis that could lead to the overturning of its 2015 decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide [1]. The Court’s discretionary decision to take up this challenge signals a potential willingness to revisit the Obergefell v. Hodges precedent. In a separate action, the high court has revived the Trump administration’s ban on transgender and nonbinary passport identification, reinstating the policy [2].

Citations [1] Supreme Court considers Kim Davis petition to overturn same-sex marriage ruling, https://abcnews.go.com/amp/Politics/supreme-court-considers-kim-davis-petition-overturn-same/story?id=127267561
[2] Supreme Court reinstates Trump administration’s transgender passport policy, https://thehill.com/regulation/court-battles/5593837-supreme-court-transgender-passports/

2.2 Lower Courts Scrutinize Administration Actions and State Laws

Federal courts are actively checking executive actions and state laws. A federal appeals court has revived Texas’s controversial “drag ban,” lifting an injunction and allowing the law to take effect [1]. In a check on the executive branch, a judge ruled that editing federal employees’ emails to blame Democrats for the shutdown violated their First Amendment rights [2]. Meanwhile, the administration is facing new lawsuits over an alleged MAGA ‘loyalty test’ in federal job applications and its transgender military ban, which attorneys argue is rooted in “bigotry, not national security” [3, 4].

Citations [1] Federal appeals court revives Texas’ drag ban and lifts injunction, https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/11/federal-appeals-court-revives-texas-drag-ban-and-lifts-injunction/
[2] Editing federal employees’ emails to blame Democrats for shutdown violated their First Amendment rights, judge says, https://www.cnn.com/2025/11/07/politics/emails-blaming-democrats-shutdown-violate-first-amendment
[3] Trump Sued Over MAGA ‘Loyalty Test’ in Job Applications, https://www.thedailybeast.com/trump-sued-over-maga-loyalty-test-in-job-applications/
[4] Attorneys urge appeals court to see Trump’s trans military ban is rooted in bigotry, not national security, https://www.advocate.com/news/talbott-trans-military-case-update

3. Executive Branch: Policy, Power, and Public Scrutiny

The administration continues to exercise its authority in ways that are generating significant controversy, from high-profile pardons and investigations to a major expansion of immigration enforcement.

3.1 Presidential Pardons and DOJ Investigations

President Trump has wielded his executive power in several high-profile cases. He pardoned a former Tennessee House Speaker convicted of federal public corruption charges, sparking what one report called “fury” [1]. The President also approved a pardon for an ex-NYPD officer convicted for helping the Chinese government stalk an expatriate in the U.S. [2]. Concurrently, the Department of Justice is reportedly investigating D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser over a trip to Qatar and has been ordered by the President to investigate foreign-owned meatpacking companies over allegations of price inflation [3, 4].

Citations [1] Trump pardons former Tennessee House speaker convicted of federal public corruption charges, https://apnews.com/article/trump-pardon-former-tennessee-house-speaker-fa22308ddf176ad83f35d649e7f0e498
[2] Trump Approves Pardon for Ex-Officer Convicted in a Chinese Government Plot, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/07/us/politics/trump-michael-mcmahon-pardon.html?smid=re-share
[3] Trump’s DOJ Investigating DC Mayor Muriel Bowser Over Qatar Trip: Report, https://www.newsweek.com/trump-doj-investigation-muriel-bowser-dc-qatar-11007381
[4] Trump accuses foreign-owned meat packers of inflating US beef prices and calls for investigation, https://apnews.com/article/trump-beef-justice-department-c6c57effee6ef1a8c1088d4e5edcc60a?utm_source=onesignal&utm_medium=push&utm_campaign=2025-11-07-Breaking+News

3.2 Immigration Enforcement Escalates Amid Legal and Humanitarian Concerns

The administration is expanding its immigration enforcement apparatus on multiple fronts. ICE’s detainee population has reached a record high of 66,000, and the agency is reportedly considering the purchase of large warehouses to convert into “mega detention centers” [1, 2]. New guidance is also being implemented to deny visas for a wider range of health-related reasons, including obesity [3]. These policies are unfolding amid humanitarian concerns, including a report of armed agents driving off with a toddler after an arrest and an allegation of “‘inhumane conditions’” at a Broadview, Illinois, facility [4, 5].

Citations [1] ICE’s detainee population reaches 66,000, a new record high, statistics show, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/ices-detainee-population-reaches-66000-a-new-record-high-statistics-show/
[2] ‘Mega detention centers’: ICE considers buying large warehouses to hold immigrants, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/immigration/mega-detention-centers-ice-considers-buying-large-warehouses-hold-immi-rcna242423
[3] Trump adds new reasons to deny visas to immigrants: obesity and other health issues, https://www.latimes.com/california/story/2025-11-07/immigrants-health-conditions-denied-visas-trump
[4] Armed US immigration agents drive off with toddler after arrest of father, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/05/los-angeles-immigration-agents-toddler
[5] Judge optimistic about improvements at Chicago-area ICE facility with alleged ‘inhumane’ conditions, https://apnews.com/article/chicago-illinois-immigration-ice-broadview-0a64beb77a085585abfc87bef71456cb

4. Foreign Policy and National Security

Significant developments in U.S. foreign policy include a major intelligence revelation concerning the Mideast, an escalating military campaign in the Caribbean, and high-level diplomatic meetings.

4.1 New Intelligence on Mideast Conflict and Lethal Caribbean Campaign

A major intelligence-related report from Reuters, citing former U.S. officials, reveals that U.S. intel found evidence that “Israeli military lawyers warned there was evidence of Gaza war crimes,” suggesting the U.S. was aware of an internal debate within Israel about its conduct [1]. Elsewhere, a U.S. military anti-drug campaign in Latin America and the Caribbean continues, with another strike on a boat bringing the campaign’s reported death toll to 70 [2]. While President Trump has labeled the boat crews “narco-terrorists,” an Associated Press investigation has found the reality to be “more nuanced” [3]. The Senate recently blocked a Democratic bid to check presidential authority for strikes in Venezuela [4].

Citations [1] US intel found Israeli military lawyers warned there was evidence of Gaza war crimes, former US officials say, https://www.reuters.com/world/us/us-intel-found-israeli-military-lawyers-warned-there-was-evidence-gaza-war-2025-11-07/
[2] US strikes another alleged drug boat bringing death toll from campaign in Latin America to 70 | US military, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/07/us-strikes-another-alleged-drug-boat-latin-america
[3] Trump has accused boat crews of being narco-terrorists. The truth, AP found, is more nuanced, https://apnews.com/article/trump-venezuela-boat-strikes-drugs-cocaine-trafficking-95b54a3a5efec74f12f82396a79617ea
[4] Senate blocks Democrats’ bid to check Trump power over Venezuela strikes, https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2025/nov/06/senate-trump-venezuela

4.2 Diplomatic Engagements and Pentagon Turmoil

On the diplomatic front, President Trump met in Washington with Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to discuss Russian oil and the war in Ukraine [1]. This meeting occurred amid concerns over stability at the Department of Defense, where reports allege that “unpredictable” purges of generals by Secretary Pete Hegseth are threatening “irreversible damage” to the Pentagon [2]. Separately, it was revealed the administration keeps a secret list of 24 “Designated Terrorist Organizations,” some of whose names have now been published by the press [3].

Citations [1] Orban meets Trump in Washington to discuss Russian oil, war against Ukraine, https://kyivindependent.com/orban-meets-trump-in-washington-to-discuss-russian-oil-war-against-ukraine/
[2] Pentagon Pete’s ‘Unpredictable’ General Purges Threaten Irreversible Damage, https://www.thedailybeast.com/pentagon-petes-unpredictable-general-purges-threaten-irreversible-damage/
[3] Trump Has a Secret List of 24 “Designated Terrorist Organizations.” We Got Some of the Names, https://theintercept.com/2025/11/07/trump-dto-list-venezuela-boat-strikes/

5. Congressional Landscape: Partisan Warfare and Internal Rifts

Congress is a stage for intense partisan battles and unprecedented procedural challenges, while the majority party navigates growing internal friction.

5.1 Partisan Battles Erupt Over NYC Mayor-Elect, Filibuster, and House Seating

The election of Zohran Mamdani as mayor-elect of New York City has prompted an immediate backlash, with Rep. Buddy Carter introducing the “MAMDANI Act” to restrict federal funding to the city [1]. Separately, in an unprecedented move, Speaker Mike Johnson is reportedly refusing to swear in a duly elected member six weeks after their election [2]. This occurs as the administration actively campaigns to “nuke” the Senate filibuster to pass its “voter reform” agenda [3]. Adding to the turmoil, the non-partisan Congressional Budget Office has confirmed it was hacked in a major breach [4].

Citations [1] Carter introduces MAMDANI Act, restricting federal funds to New York City, https://buddycarter.house.gov/news/documentsingle.aspx?DocumentID=15992
[2] I was elected 6 weeks ago. Speaker Mike Johnson refuses to swear me in., https://www.usatoday.com/story/opinion/2025/11/06/shutdown-congress-johnson-republicans-grijalva/87108530007/
[3] Trump ties his anti-filibuster crusade to a plan to pass ‘voter reform’ | If the president convinces Republicans to scrap the filibuster, what would he want to pass? Legislation specifically targeting elections., https://www.msnbc.com/rachel-maddow-show/maddowblog/trump-ties-anti-filibuster-crusade-plan-pass-voter-reform-rcna242380
[4] The Congressional Budget Office was hacked. It says it has implemented new security measures, https://apnews.com/article/congressional-budget-office-hacking-treasury-44b5c3e3f5ce09142b38d6f9ed62d861

5.2 Fractures Deepen Within the Republican Party and Conservative Movement

Significant fissures are appearing within the GOP and the broader conservative movement. Senator Ted Cruz has publicly stated it is time for the GOP to “stand up to Tucker Carlson,” highlighting a rift with influential media figures [1]. A reported “crack-up at the Heritage Foundation” is being interpreted as a broader “warning sign for MAGA World” [2]. At the same time, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly contradicted President Trump’s dismissal of economic concerns, stating “‘Affordability is a problem’” [3].

Citations [1] Cruz tells GOP: It’s time to stand up to Tucker Carlson, https://jewishinsider.com/2025/11/ted-cruz-tucker-carlson-gop-antisemitism-federalist-society-convention/
[2] The Crack-Up at the Heritage Foundation Is a Warning Sign for MAGA World, https://www.wsj.com/politics/policy/the-crack-up-at-the-heritage-foundation-is-a-warning-sign-for-maga-world-747a2c69?st=Lc66Ru&mod=wsjreddit
[3] Greene pushes back on Trump: ‘Affordability is a problem’, https://thehill.com/homenews/house/5595026-marjorie-taylor-greene-donald-trump-shutdown-2025-elections-affordability/

6. The Political Arena: Public Sentiment and Future Campaigns

Polling indicates a significant decline in the President’s public support amidst widespread economic anxiety, as the political landscape begins to shift toward the 2026 election cycle.

6.1 Presidential Approval Declines Amid “Affordability Crisis”

President Trump’s approval rating has plunged to a new double-digit deficit for his second term, a decline directly linked to the shutdown and the “affordability crisis” [1]. The President has reportedly grown angry when questioned about the cost-of-living and was quoted stating, “I don’t want to hear about the affordability” [2, 3]. This sentiment is occurring as reports indicate the President’s “multiracial, working-class coalition is fraying” [4].

Citations [1] Donald Trump’s approval rating plunges to double digit deficit, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trumps-approval-rating-plunges-to-double-digit-deficit-11008716?utm_source=reddit&utm_campaign=reddit_influencers
[2] Trump Gets Angry At Reporters For Asking About Cost-Of-Living Crisis, https://www.huffpost.com/entry/trump-gets-angry-at-reporters-for-asking-about-cost-of-living-crisis_n_690e4f7de4b0dd4ea75b8387
[3] Donald Trump: “I don’t want to hear about the affordability”, https://www.newsweek.com/donald-trump-affordability-inflation-thanksgiving-11008733
[4] Here’s Where Trump’s Multiracial, Working-Class Coalition Is Fraying, https://www.wsj.com/politics/elections/trump-voters-virginia-new-jersey-election-b15f5690?st=GQ9z1q&mod=wsjreddit

6.2 2026 Race Heats Up as Parties Analyze Shifting Electorate

The 2026 campaign cycle is officially underway, with Republican Rep. Elise Stefanik announcing her bid to unseat New York Governor Kathy Hochul [1]. Both parties are analyzing recent election results for insights, with Democrats reportedly laying out plans to capitalize on their recent “Blue Sweep” and some Republicans expressing alarm over unfavorable shifts among Latino voters [2, 3]. In Texas, voters approved a controversial “parents rights” constitutional amendment, which critics warn is “vague and broad” and could enable harm to children [4].

Citations [1] Stefanik to Launch Campaign to Challenge Gov. Hochul in New York, https://www.nytimes.com/2025/11/06/nyregion/stefanik-governor.html
[2] New Memo Lays Out How Democrats Plan to Capitalize on This Week’s ‘Blue Sweep’ in the 2026 Midterms, https://time.com/7331992/democrats-dnc-memo-elections/
[3] Latino voter shifts in Tuesday’s elections alarm some Republicans, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/elections/latino-voter-shifts-tuesdays-elections-alarm-republicans-rcna242186
[4] Texas approves “parents rights” amendment that could enable harm against kids. The “vague and broad” amendment could enable parents to justify child abuse or allow state agents to arbitrarily define acceptable parental standards., https://www.lgbtqnation.com/2025/11/texas-approves-parents-rights-amendment-that-could-enable-harm-against-kids/

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