5 things to know for Nov. 17: Trump agenda, Israel, Safe schools, George Santos, Apple
By Alexandra Banner, CNN
(CNN) — One hundred days after a devastating wildfire tore through Lahaina on Maui, many residents have returned to see their scorched homes, but several people remain unaccounted for. Authorities launched new searches as recently as this week amid efforts to revitalize the disaster area.
Here’s what else you need to know to Get Up to Speed and On with Your Day.
1. Trump agenda
While a lot can happen before the 2024 presidential election, former President Donald Trump has already revealed the sheer extent to which he plans to wield executive power if reelected. Trump’s agenda, outlined on the campaign trail, includes a massive operation to detain and deport undocumented immigrants and a purge of the federal workforce of anyone deemed disloyal. Trump and his allies have also promised a sweeping transformation of the government that would utilize the power of federal law enforcement against political enemies. Meanwhile, Trump-aligned outside groups have been crafting executive orders, studying the Constitution in anticipation of legal challenges, and looking for ways to give Trump the means to invoke some of these policies on day one should he win a second term.
2. Israel
The UN human rights chief has called on Israel to grant his team access to Gaza to investigate competing claims about the Al-Shifa Hospital. The situation needs an “independent international investigation,” Volker Türk said. The request comes after Israel released a photo and video of an alleged “operational tunnel shaft” it claimed was found inside the Al-Shifa Hospital complex in Gaza. Hamas has rejected the claim as “baseless lies.” Earlier today, the body of a second hostage was recovered near the medical facility, an Israeli military spokesman said. She was identified as Yehudit Weiss, a 65-year-old Israeli woman who was kidnapped by Hamas militants on October 7.
3. Safe schools
The Department of Education has launched investigations into seven schools after receiving complaints about alleged incidents of antisemitism and Islamophobia. They are the first investigations of this kind by the Department of Education since the October 7 Hamas attack. At the conclusion of the investigations, the department will make recommendations to the schools, which risk losing federal funding if they don’t comply. Earlier this month, the Department of Education issued guidance to colleges and K-12 schools to maintain safe learning environments amid a rise in global tension — reminding them that they have a legal obligation to address incidents of discrimination, including against those who are Jewish, Israeli, Muslim, Arab or Palestinian.
4. George Santos
Republican Rep. George Santos announced he will not seek reelection to the House next year, following a damning report released by the Ethics Committee on Thursday. The report concluded that there is “substantial evidence” that the New York congressman used campaign funds for personal purposes. The committee said it uncovered additional “uncharged and unlawful conduct” by Santos that goes beyond the criminal allegations already pending against him and would refer the allegations to the Justice Department. The report shows some purchases included personal travel, meals and spa services noted as “Botox.” Santos has remained defiant and denounced the investigation, calling it “biased.”
5. Apple
Apple will make a big change next year that will finally bring iMessage features to Android users. The change will add read receipts, typing indicators, better support for group chats and higher quality media sharing of images and videos, across platforms. The move, however, doesn’t necessarily mean the green bubbles (Android or other users) and blue bubbles (Apple users) that are displayed when messaging someone on the other platform will go away anytime soon. Some experts have said that keeping the colors is an Apple marketing strategy that will likely continue. This also comes nearly two months after Apple said it is adopting USB-C, a universal charging system.
THIS JUST IN
Biden signs stopgap spending bill, averting government shutdown
President Joe Biden overnight signed into law the stopgap spending bill, averting a government shutdown for now and setting up a contentious fight over funding in the new year.
BREAKFAST BROWSE
Highlights from the 2023 Miss Universe pageant’s costume competition
Take a look at some of the stunning costumes showcased during the Miss Universe preliminary competition on Wednesday.
Martha Stewart canceled her Thanksgiving dinner
The cooking star said she’s “turkeyed out” this year.
Travis Kelce releases new Christmas jingle
It appears Taylor Swift isn’t the only singer in the couple!
Here are the MLB’s Most Valuable Players
Congratulations are in order for Ronald Acuña Jr. of the Atlanta Braves and Shohei Ohtani of the Los Angeles Angels.
Soon you’ll be able to buy a Hyundai on Amazon
Imagine this is your Amazon cart: tissue, soap, socks … and a new SUV.
QUIZ TIME
Which city was forced to close one of its busiest freeways due to a major fire?
A. Chicago
B. Los Angeles
C. Denver
D. Houston
Last week, 50% of readers who took the quiz got eight or more questions right. How will you fare?
TODAY’S NUMBER
450
That’s around how many patients at a Massachusetts hospital were potentially exposed to hepatitis and HIV in the past two years, according to hospital officials. An investigation is underway to determine whether improper administration of IV medication was the possible cause.
TODAY’S QUOTE
“There is never a justification for spreading the repugnant, evil, and antisemitic lies that the leader of al Qaeda issued.”
— White House deputy press secretary Andrew Bates, issuing a statement after dozens of young Americans posted videos on TikTok this week expressing sympathy with Osama bin Laden — the notorious terrorist who orchestrated the September 11 attacks. The videos recirculated a 2002 letter that Bin Laden wrote critiquing the US, including its government and America’s support of Israel. The videos received millions of views before they were later removed.
TODAY’S WEATHER
Check your local forecast here>>>
AND FINALLY …
Helping pets on the streets
This CNN Hero provides medical care to the pets of people experiencing homelessness. Watch this video to see his incredible work! You can also cast your votes for the 2023 CNN Hero of the Year now through December 5.
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