Monday, Nov. 17
FAA removes restrictions on commercial airlines, resumes regular schedule
According to the Associated Press, the Federal Aviation Administration announced the removal of all restrictions placed on commercial flights in 40 major airports during the government shutdown.
The restrictions imposed during the shutdown were in place due to safety concerns as staffing shortages climbed. The orders were in place since Nov. 7 and impacted thousands of flights across the U.S., the AP reported.
The FAA lifted order on Nov. 16, with normal flight schedules beginning Nov. 17.
Tuesday, Nov. 18
Trump’s plan for Gaza won UN approval, passed the Security Council
The Trump administration’s plan for establishing security and peace in Gaza was presented at the United Nations and approved in the U.N. Security Council on Nov. 17, the AP reported.
The resolution includes measures such as the approval of an international stabilization force that would aim to provide security in the region of Gaza. Additionally, it includes a transitional authority known as the Board of Peace, which is to be led by President Donald Trump.
Palestine and many Arab nations negotiated on the wording included in the resolution for weeks. The proposal does not contain a firm timeline for the establishment of an independent state of Palestine, only that it is possible after reconstruction in Gaza and reforms to the Palestinian authorities.
According to the AP, Trump made plans to announce members of the Board of Peace in the coming week.
Wednesday, Nov. 19
Trump continues plan to dismantle the Department of Education
Following Trump’s campaign promise of dismantling the Department of Education, many main offices are being taken apart and assigning responsibilities to other federal agencies, the AP reported.
Officials from the Department of Education said the Department of Labor will take over some of the federal funding given to schools and colleges, including Title I grants.
Other initiatives, such as a grant program for parents attending college and funding for foreign language programs, will be handed off to the Department of Health and Human Services and the State Department, respectively.
Student aid through the Free Application for Student Aid will remain unchanged at the moment, though government officials have signaled the possibility of moving the role to another organization, according to the AP.
Thursday, Nov. 20
Trump signs bill to compel the release of Jeffrey Epstein case files
Trump signed a bill requiring the Justice Department to release all of the files and communications relating to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, and the investigation into his death within 30 days, according to the AP.
The decision to sign the bill comes after months of Trump opposing the release of Epstein-related files. The bill passed the House with a 427-1 vote, and then passed the Senate unanimously.
Friday, Nov. 21
Federal judge orders the removal of National Guard deployment in DC
U.S. District Judge Jia Cobb ruled the Trump administration’s deployment of National Guard troops in Washington was illegal and intruded on local officials' ability to enact law enforcement on Thursday, the AP reported.
The deployment of troops began in August after Trump issued an executive order declaring a crime emergency in Washington. Since then, thousands of troops from eight states and the capital were brought in to patrol the city.
District of Columbia Attorney General Brian Schwalb led the lawsuit against the Trump administration. He argued a dangerous precedent would be set if military troops are used for domestic law enforcement.
Cobb’s order is on hold for 21 days to allow for an appeal, according to the AP.
Sunday, Nov. 23
Peace talks between US and Ukraine signal potential end to Russia-Ukraine war
According to the AP, top officials from the U.S. and Ukraine announced progress being made to end the Russia-Ukraine war.
Officials met in Geneva, Switzerland, to discuss, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio stating the talks were the most productive they have been thus far. The U.S. has proposed a plan to achieve peace that has been criticized by many for being too placatory towards Russia.
Trump said Ukraine has until Thursday to respond to the plan, but suggested there is room for negotiation and the deadline could slide if progress is made, the AP reported.
