Politics: 5 stories from this week

November 8, 2025

Here are some stories you might have missed this week, curated by Times editors and personalized for you.

Sean Duffy, the transportation secretary, stands at a podium, speaking into a microphone. Bryan Bedford, the administrator of the Federal Aviation Administration, stands behind him.

Tasos Katopodis/Getty Images

Trump Officials to Cut Air Traffic at 40 Major Airports if Shutdown Continues

The plan, which officials said was intended to help air traffic controllers, could force the cancellation of thousands of flights as the administration seeks to pressure Democrats to end the shutdown.

By Karoun Demirjian

James Comey in a dark suit and red tie, his hand resting near a microphone. A nameplate in the foreground reads “DIR. COMEY.”

Doug Mills/The New York Times

Judge Berates Justice Dept. in Its Prosecution of Comey

The flashpoint was the Justice Department’s failure to turn over seized communications from a confidant of Mr. Comey’s, Daniel C. Richman, a law professor at Columbia University.

By Glenn Thrush and Alan Feuer

A black and white photo of General Colin L. Powell, left, testifying in Washington before the House Armed Services Committee in 1990. At right is Defense Secretary Dick Cheney.

Jose R. Lopez/The New York Times

Dick Cheney, Powerful Vice President and Washington Insider, Dies at 84

A former defense secretary and congressman, he held the nation’s No. 2 job under President George W. Bush and was an architect of policies in an era of war and economic change.

By Robert D. McFadden

President Trump, along with Marco Rubio, Scott Bessent and Jamieson Greer, the U.S. trade representative, speaking to the press by an exit door.

Haiyun Jiang/The New York Times

Supreme Court Confronts Trump and His Tariffs in Test of Presidential Power

The justices face a so-called legitimacy dilemma as they deal with a tricky legal dispute and a president who has made clear he would view defeat as a personal insult.

By Ann E. Marimow

Jack Smith walking and holding a folder.

Kenny Holston/The New York Times

News Analysis

Jack Smith, Trump’s Target, Shifts From Defense to Counterattack

The former special counsel has told people in his orbit he welcomes the opportunity to present the public case against the president denied to him by adverse court rulings and the 2024 election.

By Glenn Thrush

Trump Officials to Cut Air Traffic at 40 Major Airports if Shutdown Continues

Judge Berates Justice Dept. in Its Prosecution of Comey

Dick Cheney, Powerful Vice President and Washington Insider, Dies at 84

Supreme Court Confronts Trump and His Tariffs in Test of Presidential Power

Jack Smith, Trump’s Target, Shifts From Defense to Counterattack

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