Monday, Nov. 3
Trump threatens Nigeria over Christian persecution claims
President Donald Trump said he ordered the Pentagon to plan for a potential military action in Nigeria on Nov. 1 after claiming “Islamic terrorists” are persecuting Christians, the Associated Press reported.
Previously, Trump announced Nigeria as a “country of particular concern,” which Nigerian President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pushed back on, emphasizing the country’s religious tolerance.
According to AP, Nigeria does face insecurity from extremist groups; however, attacks cannot be attributed to just religious persecution, as there are varying motives. Although Christians are facing attacks in Nigeria, the majority of victims from armed groups have been Muslim.
Tuesday, Nov. 4
Top Israeli military leader arrested over leaked video
Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, a top lawyer in the Israeli army, was arrested after leaking a surveillance video of severe abuse of a Palestinian prisoner. Tomer-Yerushlami admitted last week she approved the leak, which was released last year, leading to a forceful resignation by Israel’s political leaders, the AP said.
The official was then found on a Tel Aviv beach, where she was arrested. This contributes to a long line of top officials who have been forced out of office or left to be replaced by Israeli loyalists.
Wednesday, Nov. 5
Democrats sweep elections across the nation
According to the AP, in the first elections after Trump’s win in 2024, Democrats have dominated across multiple states. Notable wins include the New York City mayoral race, the governor’s races in Virginia and New Jersey, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court and ballot measures in Colorado, Maine and California.
Democrats are now hoping this trend will continue through the midterm elections next fall, but AP recommends taking caution, considering many of these major wins were in already blue or leaning-blue states.
AP Voter Poll finds more Americans prioritize the economy
In a new poll by the AP, voters show they value affordability more than issues of immigration and crime.
During this time of high inflation and slow hiring, Trump has been highlighting his deportation efforts and cracking down on crime via the National Guard. However, few voters said these issues were a top concern for them.
Rather, 6 out of 10 voters in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City said they felt they could not get ahead in the economy, while one-quarter reported they were “falling behind."
Thursday, Nov. 6
FAA reducing air traffic by 10% across 40 major airports
According to the AP, the FAA is cutting flights across airports spanning more than two dozen states to keep air travel safe during the ongoing government shutdown.
Reductions started Friday by 4% and will increase to 10% by Nov. 14, impacting all airlines. American Airlines said they have cancelled 220 flights each day between Friday and Monday to reach 4%.
The FAA reports air traffic controllers, working without pay since Oct. 1, are exhibiting signs of strain and fatigue, making this reduction necessary for passenger safety.
Friday, Nov. 7
Supreme Court allows Trump to block transgender and non-binary people from choosing sex on passports
The U.S. Supreme Court allows Trump another win as it allows him to enforce his policy of blocking people from choosing their passport gender identity. The win allows the policy to continue while a lawsuit plays out, the AP reported.
Since the start of Trump’s second term, over two dozen Supreme Court decisions have allowed Trump to carry out his policies, including one banning transgender people from serving in the military.
Boat crews Trump accuses of being narco-terrorists proved otherwise
According to a series of interviews by the AP, the U.S. military strikes on drug boats were carrying drugs, but were not narco-terrorists, as Trump claimed.
Residents of coastal Venezuela and relatives of the smugglers remain upset the men were killed without due process, something they had been promised when caught previously.
So far, the U.S. military has blown up 17 vessels, causing over 60 deaths, with at least three of the vessels coming from Venezuela, according to the Trump administration.
