The Trump administration filed a lawsuit on Monday challenging California’s law banning federal immigration agents from wearing face masks to hide their identities, arguing that the measure is unconstitutional. The lawsuit claims that the state does not have the authority to restrict federal agents. California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the No Secret Police Act and the No Vigilantes Act into law in September. Under the bills, most law enforcement, including federal agents, would be barred from wearing masks on the job and non-uniformed officers would be required to visibly display identification during their duties. Exceptions to the mask ban would be permitted for undercover agents, for those using medical masks like N95 respirators or as part of tactical gear. NEWSOM BANS LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM WEARING MASKS, TAUNTS ICE AGENTS: ‘WHAT ARE YOU AFRAID OF?’ Newsom said that federal immigration officers would no longer be “hidden from accountability” while performing operations in California. “That’s not the America we’ve grown up in. And so we are pushing back,” he said ahead of the bill signings. Federal agents have conducted immigration raids in Southern California since June, targeting migrant workers at local businesses that sparked protests and the subsequent federal deployment of the National Guard and Marines. During the raids, some federal agents wore masks and hid their identities. The administration urged the court to deem the laws a violation of the Supremacy Clause of the U. S. Constitution and issue a preliminary injunction blocking California from enforcing the laws. The Supremacy Clause establishes that federal law is the “supreme Law of the Land,” overriding state law. CALIFORNIA LEGISLATURE PASSES BILL PROHIBITING LAW ENFORCEMENT FROM WEARING FACE MASKS TO SHIELD IDENTITIES The lawsuit also argues that the California laws violate Article 5, Section 301 of the U. S. Code, which says agency heads “may prescribe regulations for the government of his department [and] the conduct of its employees.” Attorney General Pam Bondi said on Monday that the California laws “discriminate against the federal government and are designed to create risk for our agents.” After Newsom signed the measures, administration officials directed ICE agents to ignore the California laws. The Department of Homeland Security said on Sept. 22 that it will “NOT comply with Gavin Newsom’s unconstitutional mask ban,” pointing to an increase in threats towards ICE officers. The lawsuit also argues that the California laws “would recklessly endanger the lives of federal agents and their family members and compromise the operational effectiveness of federal law enforcement activities.” CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE.
https://www.foxnews.com/politics/trump-admin-sues-over-california-law-banning-ice-from-wearing-face-masks-shield-identities
Tag Archives: administration
Sharon Jackson to stay on as Bethel town manager
Town Manager Sharon Jackson was recently given a new contract to serve through Oct. 31, 2027. The wage is the same $75 per hour. Other provisions include mileage reimbursement to and from her residence in Oxford to the Town Office. Jackson was named interim town manager in 2023 when former manager Natalie Andrews left. A new contract was approved in July 2024 and extended through Oct. 31, 2025. The new contract extends to Oct. 31, 2027. Jackson has wide-ranging experience, having served as town manager for 10 years in Fryeburg and five in Paris. In Oxford she has been finance director, served twice as interim town manager, and was on the Select Board. Bethel Airport Coordinator Randy Autrey said Jackson’s sweet demeanor balanced by her toughness when necessary has earned her the nickname Honey Bear. According to Bethel Town Code, “The Town Manager shall be responsible to the Select Board for the proper administration of all affairs of the Town.” Bethel’s track record for keeping town managers is spotty compared to other nearby towns. Jackson is the seventh town manager in 11 years. Three of the seven managers were interim positions. Andrews, who is now town manager for Paris, lasted less than a year in Bethel. When she resigned in 2023, she cited a lack of cohesive support from the Select Board. In nearby Woodstock, Town Manager Vern Maxwell stayed 37 years. Greenwood’s Kim Sparks has been on board as manager of that town for nearly 22 years.
https://www.sunjournal.com/2025/11/17/sharon-jackson-to-stay-on-as-bethel-town-manager/
Hochul demands Trump admin release $400 million in funding for HEAP heating bill assistance program
Gov. Kathy Hochul urged President Trump’s administration on Monday to release $400 million in federal funds that the state can use to help 1. 5 million New Yorkers heat their homes through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP). Hochul and upstate Rep. Paul Tonko are making the demand after the federal government reopened last week following a 43-day shutdown, the longest in U. S. history. The state had not been able to start the program due to the shutdown, according to Hochul’s office.
https://politicsny.com/2025/11/17/hochul-demands-trump-admin-release-400-million-in-funding-for-heap-heating-bill-assistance-program/
FAA lifts order slashing flights, allowing commercial airlines to resume their regular schedules
Airlines can resume their regular flight schedules beginning Monday at 6 a.m. EST, the agency announced in a joint statement by Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy and FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford.
Citing safety concerns amid growing staffing shortages at air traffic control facilities during the government shutdown, the FAA issued an unprecedented order to limit traffic in the skies. This order, in place since November 7, affected thousands of flights across the country, impacting major hubs including New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, and Atlanta.
Initially, flight cuts started at 4% and later increased to 6%. However, on Friday, the FAA rolled back restrictions to a 3% reduction, attributing the change to continued improvements in air traffic controller staffing following the end of the record 43-day shutdown on November 12.
This weekend saw the lowest number of flight cancellations since the order took effect, falling well below the 3% cuts mandated by the FAA for Saturday and Sunday. Flight tracking website FlightAware reported 149 flights canceled on Sunday and 315 on Saturday.
According to the FAA statement, an agency safety team recommended rescinding the order after “detailed reviews of safety trends and the steady decline of staffing-trigger events in air traffic control facilities.” The statement also acknowledged reports of non-compliance by carriers during the emergency order and noted that the agency is reviewing enforcement options, though it did not provide further details.
Flight cancellations peaked on November 9, when more than 2,900 flights were cut due to the FAA order, ongoing controller shortages, and severe weather conditions in parts of the country. Conditions improved throughout the following week as more controllers returned to work, encouraged by news that Congress was close to resolving the shutdown. This progress led the FAA to pause plans for further rate increases—the agency had initially targeted a 10% reduction in flights.
During the shutdown, air traffic controllers were among the federal employees required to work without pay, missing two paychecks amid the impasse. Secretary Duffy has not shared specific safety data prompting the flight restrictions but cited reports during the shutdown of planes getting too close in the air, increased runway incursions, and pilot concerns regarding controller responses.
Airline leaders have expressed optimism that operations will rebound in time for the Thanksgiving travel period now that the FAA has lifted its order.
—
Yamat reported from Las Vegas and Funk reported from Omaha, Nebraska.
https://whdh.com/news/faa-lifts-order-slashing-flights-allowing-commercial-airlines-to-resume-their-regular-schedules/
FAA will lift emergency flight reductions Monday
The emergency order will officially lift on Monday at 6 a.m. ET, bringing an end to the reductions that caused mass cancellations and delays at airports.
The cuts, which began with a 4% reduction in flights at 40 major airports on November 7, were implemented to address fatigue and staffing issues among air traffic controllers during the record-long government shutdown.
The FAA announced that these reductions are being rolled back now that staffing levels have “stabilized” following the end of the government shutdown on Wednesday.
There has been a dramatic improvement in staffing triggers, with only six reported on Friday, eight on Saturday, and one on Sunday, compared to a record high of 81 staffing triggers on November 8.
In addition to the flight reductions, other restrictions will also end, including limitations on some visual flight rule approaches, commercial space launches, and parachute operations.
Transportation Secretary Sean P. [Last name or statement to be completed as needed].
https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/faa-will-lift-emergency-flight-reductions-monday-rcna244282
‘Simply lying’: Nobel economist bashes Trump’s ‘false’ claims on the state of the economy
A Nobel Prize-winning economist has criticized President Donald Trump’s “false” claims about the state of the U.S. economy in a new Substack essay published on Sunday.
Paul Krugman, who won the 2008 Nobel Prize in economics for his work on trade theory, argued that Trump is “simply lying” about the economy’s condition. While data indicate that the economy is faring better than popular sentiment might suggest, Krugman highlighted several warning signs — including the continued rise in grocery prices.
“Donald Trump continues to claim that grocery prices are ‘way down,’” Krugman wrote. “Yet anyone who does their own food shopping unlike Trump — can tell you that Trump’s statement is false.”
Krugman further explained that Trump’s economy has created what’s known as a “vibecession” — an economy that feels like it’s in a recession to consumers even if the economic data doesn’t support that conclusion.
“Many observers have compared Trump’s predicament with the problems faced by the Biden administration, whose attempts to highlight good economic data alienated many voters who felt their concerns weren’t being taken seriously,” Krugman added.
“In one important way this is false equivalence: Biden and his officials were pointing to actual data that did indeed seem to paint a relatively positive picture of the economy. Trump and company, by contrast, are simply lying.
“But although Biden and his people were honest, while Trump and his people aren’t, it’s true that we now have two presidencies in a row in which Americans are far more negative about the economy than the usual measures would have predicted,” he concluded.
https://www.rawstory.com/trump-2674300425/
Foot Locker’s relocation deal is dead on arrival
Local business and civic leaders had celebrated companies that “become St. Pete” in February, and Foot Locker’s impending arrival was a highlight. Now, those moving trucks have been called off. Following its acquisition by Dick’s Sporting Goods, Foot Locker will no longer relocate its global headquarters to St. Petersburg.
Mayor Ken Welch’s administration informed City Council members of the decision in a memo on Wednesday—one day before a formal vote on updating the city’s incentive package. As a result, the Manhattan-based Fortune 500 company will not receive up to $475,000 in municipal financial incentives previously approved for its relocation.
Foot Locker had planned to open an expansive office in the Gateway business district this fall. “Following the acquisition, the company reevaluated its corporate strategy and decided not to move forward with relocating its global headquarters to St. Petersburg,” wrote City Development Administrator James Corbett. “As a result of this decision, Foot Locker will not be fulfilling the conditions required under the city’s approved incentive package. Therefore, no financial incentives or tax exemptions will be provided to Foot Locker, Inc. by the City of St. Petersburg.”
City officials had anticipated that Foot Locker’s move would generate $18 million in new salaries and spur local workforce development. Under the approved package, the company stood to receive a $235,000 base incentive plus up to $240,000 more for meeting targets on job creation, wage levels, capital investment, and supplier diversity. The mayoral administration also preliminarily approved an economic development property tax exemption for the new headquarters.
Corbett stressed that the change carries no fiscal impact for the city: “The previously allocated incentive funds within the Economic and Workforce Development Division will remain unexpended and available for future qualified projects.”
The acquisition by Dick’s Sporting Goods—a $2.4 billion deal announced Sept. 25—came less than two months after Foot Locker secured 110,998 square feet of Class A office space at 570 Carillon Parkway. The company had planned a $20 million build-out for its new headquarters.
Welch had lauded the relocation as “an investment in the promise of St. Pete’s culture, workforce and local economy.” Foot Locker would have joined fellow Fortune 500 firms Raymond James Financial and Jabil in the Gateway area.
Council member Brandi Gabbard expressed disappointment at the announcement: “I wholeheartedly supported the incentives, and I felt like we did a very good job with the administration… I am incredibly disappointed.”
Council member Richie Floyd, who requested the memo, said he still wants to raise questions publicly—such as whether Foot Locker will occupy any of the space it leased earlier this year. Although the company already has a small corporate office in St. Petersburg, no details have been provided.
Gabbard cautioned against dwelling on the setback: “We know what is happening. It seems like we should be focusing on things that are happening rather than aren’t.” Floyd’s push for a committee discussion on the matter resulted in a 4–4 tie vote, falling short of the support needed for further public debate.
Foot Locker did not immediately respond to a request for comment. In March, President Frank Bracken had called the company a “beacon to attract talent” during the St. Petersburg Economic Development Corporation’s annual meeting, praising the city for its warm welcome and expressing excitement about deepening the company’s roots in St. Petersburg.
https://floridapolitics.com/archives/765777-foot-lockers-relocation-deal-is-dead-on-arrival/
Crisis in the Chilean left: even with Boric’s support, Jara would be overwhelmed by a united right in the runoff, according to all polls
A few hours before the first round of the Chilean presidential elections, the candidate of the ruling bloc, Jeannette Jara, is emerging as the favorite to obtain the highest number of votes next Sunday, November 16. However, the latest projections warn that, despite this initial advantage, she would be destined to lose to any right-wing rival in a potential runoff.
Jara, former Minister of Labor under Gabriel Boric’s government and a member of the Communist Party of Chile, received the endorsement of the governing left-wing coalition after winning her bloc’s primaries with more than 60% of the valid votes. Her campaign has emphasized the continuity of the progressive project underway since 2022, although she also inherits the weaknesses of Boric’s administration: citizen insecurity, irregular immigration, and unfulfilled promises appear as growing burdens.
The right-wing opposition arrives divided to this electoral event, with three contenders competing to advance to the runoff: José Antonio Kast (Republican Party), Johannes Kaiser (radical libertarian), and Evelyn Matthei (traditional right). Polls show that any of these three could be Jara’s opponent in the runoff, but all indicate that in that second round Jara would lose to each of them.
A recent survey by the CEP consultancy, released at the end of October, shows Jara leading with approximately 25% of the vote in the first round, followed by Kast with 23% and Matthei with 12%. However, the same poll indicates that if she faces either of them, the official candidate is at a disadvantage.
Additionally, the media highlights that the introduction of compulsory voting has raised participation to more than 13 million voters, doubling previous electoral figures and transforming the electorate’s profile.
The division of the right’s three strong candidacies is not necessarily a weakness: on the contrary, analysts estimate that in the event of a runoff, the bloc would unite to prevent the left from remaining in power. This scenario turns the first round into little more than an informal “primary” for the right, according to Chilean media.
For the left, this is a moment of maximum urgency: Jara must consolidate her leadership on Sunday and, at the same time, prepare her artillery for a runoff that places her in full defense of power. Her challenge is twofold: convincing centrist and moderate voters that her project, tied to the Communist Party and the continuity of Boric, offers institutional security, order, and protection for Chilean families — precisely when those values are under pressure.
No less relevant is the issue of public safety. The right has built its discourse around restoring order, curbing crime, and addressing irregular migration — issues that the governing left has failed to tame, in the view of a large segment of the electorate. In this arena, the right’s campaign appeals precisely to the restoration of legitimate authority, the protection of the family unit, and the defense of social traditions.
The situation is therefore high-risk for the ruling bloc: a victory in the first round does not guarantee the final triumph, and Jara’s initial advantage becomes a burden if she fails to demonstrate solidity, breadth, and the ability to summon support beyond the progressive base.
The right sees this margin as its historic moment to retake La Moneda. The backing of the 15.7 million registered voters and compulsory voting give the opposition a golden opportunity. From a conservative perspective, this scenario involves much more than an election: the model of social coexistence, the role of the state, the protection of the family, public order, and institutional continuity are at stake.
For the left to lead Chile without having restored control and public trust puts at risk the social fabric and democratic authority. The fragmentation of the right until now has generated uncertainty, but its ability to come together for the runoff represents a factor of stability for those who defend traditional values.
Ultimately, the progressive bloc led by Jara and the left faces a trial by fire. If they do not react with speed, coherence, and the ability to rally support, the union of the three right-wing forces could strip them of power.
—
**Trending:**
*Total Rejection! Only 9 Out of 60 Countries Attend the CELAC-EU Summit in Santa Marta: Historic Isolation of Gustavo Petro Due to Trump Sanctions and Massive Boycott by European and Hispanic Leaders*
After years of ideological experiments, controversial reforms, and policies that have eroded authority and the family structure, the left now shows more weakness than strength. The election is no longer just about names: it is about who guarantees order, security, institutional respect, and the defense of traditional Chilean society.
—
**About The Author**
*Rafa Gómez-Santos Martín*
Rafael Santos is a Portuguese writer and political analyst dedicated to educating Hispanics on traditional values and the importance of protecting children and families. With years of experience in media and public discourse, he has been a strong advocate for cultural preservation and moral principles in an ever-changing world.
Passionate about culture, sports, and current affairs, Rafael brings insightful analysis to political and social debates, striving to empower the Hispanic community with knowledge and a deeper understanding of the issues that shape their lives.
See author’s posts.
https://gatewayhispanic.com/2025/11/crisis-chilean-left-even-borics-support-jara-would/
Massachusetts weighs Democrat-backed bill that would scale back climate goals
Massachusetts Lawmaker Warns Climate Targets Are Unlikely to Be Met as Bill Proposes Major Changes
State Representative Cusack told the Commonwealth Beacon, “We’re looking at the real possibility here, in the objective analysis, that we are not going to make our greenhouse reduction mandates. I have not found anyone who says that we are going to make our mandates.” Massachusetts currently aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions in half by 2030, compared to 1990 levels.
However, Cusack’s proposed legislation would change how these targets are approached. Under the bill’s current language, climate targets would no longer be enforceable and instead be considered “advisory in nature.” The commonwealth would also be granted “immunity” if it fails to reach these emissions limits.
Changes to Energy Efficiency Program Funding
A critical component of Cusack’s bill involves capping the budget for the state’s energy efficiency program, Mass Save. The Department of Public Utilities approved Mass Save’s budget at around $4.5 billion in late February of this year. Cusack’s legislation would cap the budget at $4 billion and further reduce it by more than $300 million over three years, ending in 2027. This reduction would specifically target funds dedicated to marketing and advertising initiatives.
Delays in Offshore Wind Development Targets
The bill would also adjust Massachusetts’ timeline for offshore wind energy development. Current law requires the state to contract more than 5 gigawatts of offshore wind by 2027. Cusack’s legislation proposes delaying this deadline until 2029.
Defending the Bill: Challenges from Federal Policies and Rising Energy Costs
Cusack has stated that his intent is not to undermine the state’s climate goals but to reassess short-term mandates in order to lower energy bills and address the effects of federal policies. He mentioned the Trump administration’s opposition to renewable energy, such as its crackdown on offshore wind, the termination of funding for the Solar for All program, the withholding of electric vehicle infrastructure funds, and efforts to phase out clean energy tax credits. According to the bill, these actions threaten jobs, supply chain development, and emissions reduction goals in Massachusetts, while also adding regulatory risk and increasing costs for ratepayers.
“We want to get there, but if we’re going to miss our mandates, and it’s not the fault of ours, it’s incumbent on us not to get sued and not have the ratepayers be on the hook,” Cusack told the Commonwealth Beacon. He did not respond to requests for further comment from the Washington Examiner.
Response from Environmental and Climate Advocates
Cusack’s bill has received backing from many Democrats in the state House and was advanced out of the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities, and Energy on Wednesday. Despite this support, it has sparked backlash from environmental and climate advocacy groups who warn that the bill would threaten Massachusetts’ clean energy progress. Critics say that funding cuts to Mass Save could ultimately increase energy bills.
In 2024, Mass Save program directors estimated that it generated around $2.8 billion in total benefits for participants, including over 1 million megawatt-hours in electric savings.
Amy Boyd Rabin, vice president of policy for the Environmental League of Massachusetts, told Canary Media, “We want good energy-affordability legislation. This is not that. The claim that climate policies are the thing making prices rise is just not based in fact.”
Next Steps for the Legislation
Cusack aims to bring the bill to a vote in the Massachusetts House by November 19, when lawmakers break for the year. From there, it would need to pass in the state Senate before heading to the governor’s desk. The bill is expected to face challenges, as many legislators have previously supported the very measures the legislation seeks to revise.
https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/news/3887443/massachusetts-weighs-democrat-mark-cusack-backed-bill-scale-back-climate-goals/
Tariff Relief In The Works To Cut Grocery Bills
**Seeking Alpha News Quiz: Test Your Investing Knowledge**
Up for a challenge? Test your knowledge on the biggest events in the investing world over the past week with the latest Seeking Alpha News Quiz. See how you stack up against the competition!
—
### Almost the Weekend! Here Is the Latest in Trending:
**Major Restructuring:**
Verizon (VZ) is set to undergo its largest round of layoffs next week. The company’s new CEO is aggressively cutting costs to reverse customer losses and improve performance.
**On the Hill:**
President Trump has proposed several changes to Obamacare. Separately, the newly signed federal funding package includes a ban on hemp THC products.
**Next Stop, Mars:**
Jeff Bezos’ Blue Origin (BORGN) successfully launched NASA’s landmark Mars mission using its New Glenn rocket, marking the first time the company recovered its booster for this mission.
—
### Easing Prices with Tariff Relief
The Trump administration plans to remove tariffs on select goods from four Latin American countries—Ecuador, Argentina, Guatemala, and El Salvador—that are not produced in the U.S. This move aims to lower food prices and reduce grocery bills for American consumers.
**Details of the Agreement:**
The White House announced agreements with these nations to deepen bilateral trade and investment. The four countries committed to addressing various non-tariff barriers affecting U.S. goods and businesses. Notably:
– Argentina will open its market to live cattle from the U.S.
– Argentina will also allow U.S. poultry market access within a year.
According to a senior U.S. official, bananas, coffee, beef, cocoa, and certain textile products imported from these countries will be exempt from tariffs, while other imports will maintain existing rates: 15% for Ecuador and 10% for Argentina, Guatemala, and El Salvador.
The deals are expected to be signed within approximately two weeks, with the White House expecting retailers and wholesalers to pass on savings to consumers.
**Bigger Picture:**
Paul Donovan, UBS’ chief economist, commented, “Heightened political concerns about U.S. consumers’ inflation perceptions seem to be leading a drive to reduce the tariffs U.S. importers pay on food products.”
Inflation impacts are significant: between January and September, banana prices rose approximately 8%, coffee increased by 15%, and U.S. beef prices reached record highs due to droughts, high feed costs, smaller herds, and strong demand.
—
### Seeking Alpha Analysis Highlights
– **5 Tech and Consumer Stocks at Risk of Steep Declines**
– **The Big Short’s Big Bet**
– **The Next AI Winner Isn’t Big Tech — It’s Energy**
– **Why Meta’s Post-Earnings Selloff Is an Early Gift (Rating Upgrade)**
– **BDC Battle: The 16% Yield Comeback, or 12% From The Rising Star**
—
### What Else Is Happening?
– Comcast and Netflix (NFLX) prepare bids for Warner Bros. (WBD).
– Bitcoin (BTC-USD) drops below $100K amid intensifying market selloff.
– Fed’s Kashkari did not support the last rate cut and remains undecided on December’s move.
– October jobs report will exclude the unemployment rate, says Hassett.
– Ackman to host livestream on Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac proposals.
– Robinhood (HOOD) and Gopuff partner for a new cash-delivery service.
– Anavex (AVXL) tumbles after Martin Shkreli announces it as his next short.
– Gilead (GILD) achieves late-stage trial success for a new one-pill HIV therapy.
– Tariffs, not the Grinch, may increase costs of Christmas trees.
– Yum! (YUM) puts Pizza Hut up for sale.
—
### Today’s Markets
**In Asia:**
– Japan: -1.8%
– Hong Kong: -1.9%
– China: -1.0%
– India: +0.1%
**In Europe (at midday):**
– London: -1.9%
– Paris: -1.5%
– Frankfurt: -1.6%
**Futures at 7:00 AM:**
– Dow: -0.6%
– S&P 500: -0.8%
– Nasdaq: -1.2%
**Commodities and Yields:**
– Crude oil: +2% to $59.86
– Gold: -1% to $4,153.10
– Bitcoin: -6.6% to $96,123
– 10-year Treasury Yield: Unchanged at 4.13%
—
### On The Calendar
Stay tuned for upcoming economic reports and events that could impact the markets.
—
Test your investing knowledge and stay informed with Seeking Alpha!
https://seekingalpha.com/article/4843752-tariff-relief-in-the-works-to-cut-grocery-bills?source=feed_all_articles