After the shooting of two National Guardsmen by an Afghan refugee, MAGA supporters are urging President Trump's administration to increase tough immigration measures. The administration has paused immigration applications from Afghan nationals and is reviewing green card holders from 19 countries considered high-risk. There are also calls from some quarters to end asylum, impose an immigration moratorium, and remove citizenship from certain naturalized citizens.
Key Facts
After an Afghan refugee shot two National Guardsmen, the Trump administration reviewed immigration policies.
Immigration applications from Afghan nationals are currently paused.
U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services has paused immigration applications from 19 high-risk countries.
President Trump may expand the travel ban to 30 countries.
Some MAGA supporters want to end asylum and refugee applications completely.
Calls exist for a moratorium on all legal immigration until illegal residents are deported.
There is a push to end Temporary Protected Status for certain groups.
Suggestions have been made for a campaign to strip citizenship from some naturalized citizens.
The Lafayette Parish School System (LPSS) in Louisiana announced a 90-minute delay for all 45 of its schools on Thursday because of expected rain and possible flooding. This decision affects more than 31,000 students and adjusts bus schedules accordingly. The move follows wider regional school disruptions caused by winter storms.
Key Facts
LPSS delayed the start of school by 90 minutes for all 45 schools due to anticipated rain.
The delay affects over 31,000 students who attend schools within the LPSS.
Bus routes will also run 90 minutes later than usual.
The decision aims to ensure safety during the expected early-morning rain.
LPSS communicated the delayed start via Facebook, indicating concern for possible isolated flash flooding.
Many parents expressed concerns on Facebook about the delay affecting their work schedules.
No weather alerts were active in Louisiana as of Wednesday night, though rain was expected in the region.
The National Weather Service in Lake Charles forecasted rain moving into the area from late Wednesday, with the heaviest expected Thursday into early Friday.
Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released new photos and videos of Jeffrey Epstein's private island, Little Saint James, located in the U.S. Virgin Islands. These images are part of an ongoing investigation into Epstein's activities and aim to provide more details to the public.
Key Facts
The photos and videos were released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.
They show different areas of Jeffrey Epstein's private island, Little Saint James.
The images are meant to add to existing documents the committee already has.
These images come from files provided by the U.S. Virgin Islands' Department of Justice.
More documents from the investigation are expected in the near future.
The committee wants to ensure public understanding of Epstein's activities.
Republicans on the committee criticized the release as selective information.
There have been approximately 5,000 documents collected during the investigation.
President Donald Trump announced he will pardon Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda, who are facing charges of bribery and other crimes. Cuellar was accused of taking bribes to influence U.S. foreign policy in favor of Azerbaijan and a Mexican bank. Trump suggests the charges were politically motivated due to Cuellar's stance on immigration.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to pardon Congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife, Imelda.
Cuellar was charged with accepting $600,000 in bribes from an Azerbaijani company and a Mexican bank.
The indictment claims the money was used to influence U.S. foreign policy.
Cuellar's wife, Imelda, is accused of laundering the bribe money.
Both Cuellars have denied the charges and maintain their innocence.
Cuellar has filed for re-election as a Democrat.
Trump argues the charges were due to Cuellar's immigration views.
This is part of recent clemency acts by Trump during his second term, including pardoning other individuals convicted of financial crimes.
A new poll shows Graham Platner leading Governor Janet Mills in the Maine Senate Democratic primary. The race is significant as the winner will challenge GOP Senator Susan Collins in a key match of the 2026 midterms. The poll sparks debate among Democrats over who is the best candidate to contest against Collins.
Key Facts
Graham Platner has a double-digit lead over Janet Mills in the latest Democratic primary poll.
Platner is favored by 58% of respondents, while Mills has 38% support.
Younger voters, under 50, show strong support for Platner.
Both candidates have national endorsements; Mills has support from Democratic leaders, while Platner has backing from progressives.
Past controversies involving Platner include social media posts and a tattoo linked to Nazism, for which he has apologized.
Senator Susan Collins is the only Republican up for reelection in a state that Kamala Harris carried.
Democrats need the Maine seat to have a chance at a Senate majority, as Republicans hold a 53-47 majority.
Polling results vary, with some showing a tighter race between Platner and Mills.
A group of U.S. senators from both major political parties introduced a resolution to stop what they call unauthorized U.S. military actions in Venezuela. The resolution seeks to require President Trump to withdraw U.S. forces unless Congress gives explicit permission. This resolution will now be reviewed in a committee.
Key Facts
Senators from both the Democratic and Republican parties introduced the resolution.
The resolution aims to stop U.S. military actions in Venezuela that the senators say are not authorized by Congress.
Key senators involved include Democrats Tim Kaine, Chuck Schumer, and Adam Schiff, and Republican Rand Paul.
The U.S. Constitution states that Congress must authorize military actions.
The resolution will be discussed and reviewed by a committee.
The initiative suggests that the current actions in Venezuela did not receive legislative approval.
President Donald Trump plans to lower U.S. fuel economy standards for new cars, which the White House says will make vehicles cheaper and could save Americans $109 billion. Auto industry leaders praised the move, saying these standards better match current market conditions, while environmental groups criticized it for possibly leading to less fuel-efficient cars. This change is part of a broader effort by Trump to reverse policies from previous Democratic administrations.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to lower fuel economy standards to make new cars cheaper.
The White House claims this could save American families up to $109 billion.
The average price of a new vehicle in the U.S. is now over $50,000.
Auto industry leaders, including Ford and Stellantis executives, support Trump's plan.
Critics argue it may lead to less efficient cars that use more gas.
This is Trump's second rollback of fuel economy standards previously tightened by Democrats.
President Biden had increased these standards to push for more electric vehicles.
Trump's administration is reversing several Biden-era policies regarding vehicle regulations.
U.S. immigration officials detained a South Korean man, Taeha Hwang, during a green card interview due to an old deportation order. The order was related to Hwang not updating his address after a divorce, which he claims he did not know about. A judge has delayed his deportation and scheduled a new court hearing.
Key Facts
Taeha Hwang, a South Korean national, was taken into custody by ICE during a green card interview in Los Angeles.
Hwang's detention is linked to a removal order issued in May 2024 because he failed to update his address after a divorce.
He claims he did not receive the order as he did not update his address, but officials say it was his responsibility.
Hwang has been in detention for 36 days as of when the article was written.
A judge postponed his deportation and set a new hearing for March.
Hwang initially came to the U.S. as an infant, left, and returned in 2000.
His wife, Xelena Diaz, has started a fundraiser to help with his case costs.
Diaz reports hoping that recent changes in policy mean Hwang can seek bond release.
President Donald Trump pardoned Democratic Congressman Henry Cuellar, who was charged with foreign influence and money laundering. Trump claimed the charges were politically motivated by former President Biden's administration. Cuellar, who was a vocal critic of Biden's border policies, had pending legal proceedings before the pardon.
Key Facts
President Trump granted a pardon to Congressman Henry Cuellar and his wife.
Cuellar was indicted for alleged foreign influence and money laundering in 2024.
Trump claimed the charges were a result of Cuellar's criticism of Biden's border policies.
Cuellar's district is close to the US-Mexico border, and he had criticized Biden's immigration approach.
Trump stated Biden used the Justice Department to target political opponents.
Cuellar and his wife were accused of accepting $600,000 in bribes from foreign entities.
Cuellar's trial was set for April 2026, and he denies the charges.
Cuellar expressed gratitude to Trump for the pardon and emphasized his intent to continue his work.
Federal immigration agents arrested an Afghan national named Jaan Shah Safi in Virginia. He is accused of supporting the group ISIS-K and providing weapons to his father, a militia leader in Afghanistan. Safi entered the U.S. through a special program in 2021 after the U.S. military left Afghanistan.
Key Facts
U.S. Immigration authorities arrested Jaan Shah Safi in Virginia.
Safi is accused of supporting ISIS-K, a terrorist group.
He allegedly supplied weapons to his father, a militia commander in Afghanistan.
Safi arrived in the U.S. in 2021 under the "Operation Allies Welcome" program.
His arrest has sparked political discussions about how Afghan evacuees were vetted after the U.S. withdrew from Afghanistan.
The Department of Homeland Security announced his arrest.
Michael and Susan Dell will donate over $6 billion to Trump accounts, which are new investment accounts for children, created under President Donald Trump's recent law. These accounts will start accepting contributions on July 4, and children born between 2025 and 2028 will get $1,000 from the government, while those born before 2025 will receive $250 from the Dell's donation. The accounts work like retirement accounts, allowing withdrawals for education or buying a home after age 18.
Key Facts
Michael and Susan Dell announced a donation of over $6 billion to Trump accounts.
Trump accounts were established through a law signed by President Trump on July 4.
Children born between 2025 and 2028 will receive $1,000 from the federal government.
Children born before 2025 and 10 years old or younger will get $250 from the Dell donation.
These accounts are aimed at children in families with annual incomes below $150,000.
Funds can only be withdrawn after age 18 for education or buying a first home.
Parents will manage these accounts through IRS Form 4547 and online enrollment.
The accounts will be invested in stock market indexes, similar to retirement accounts.
The article discusses criticisms directed at Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for a precision military strike on a vessel suspected of carrying narco-terrorists in the Caribbean. Critics label Hegseth a "war criminal," but the article argues the president has the authority to protect the nation from threats under the U.S. Constitution.
Key Facts
The article involves criticism of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth for authorizing a military strike.
The strike targeted a boat involved in smuggling operations allegedly linked to narco-terrorists.
Critics label this action as making Hegseth a "war criminal."
The strike was part of ongoing operations against drug cartels in the Caribbean.
The president has constitutional powers to repel threats without prior congressional approval.
The U.S. Supreme Court has confirmed the president's powers to act swiftly in matters of national security.
The article references historical debates about executive power in national defense.
It suggests that critics are applying a double standard in their response to military actions depending on the political context.
President Donald Trump's administration has started a new immigration enforcement operation called "Operation Catahoula Crunch" in New Orleans, Louisiana. The operation targets cities with sanctuary policies, where local authorities do not cooperate with federal immigration enforcement. Louisiana's Governor Jeff Landry has requested National Guard support, despite local criticism.
Key Facts
President Trump's administration launched "Operation Catahoula Crunch" in New Orleans targeting sanctuary cities.
The operation focuses on undocumented individuals with criminal convictions who have been released.
Sanctuary policies refer to local rules that limit cooperation with federal immigration authorities.
New Orleans is included in a list of sanctuary cities, but local officials dispute this claim.
About 250 federal agents are expected in Louisiana as part of the operation, dubbed "Swamp Sweep."
The initiative aims to arrest 5,000 individuals across the state.
Governor Jeff Landry has asked for 1,000 National Guard members to be deployed to New Orleans.
Local officials, including Congress member Troy Carter, criticize the operation, labeling it a political tactic.
President Trump announced he will fully pardon Rep. Henry Cuellar from Texas, who faced charges of conspiracy and bribery. Cuellar, a Democrat, denied these charges, and Trump’s decision is seen as unusual because Cuellar is a sitting Democratic congressman.
Key Facts
President Trump granted a full pardon to Rep. Henry Cuellar.
Cuellar was indicted last year for conspiracy and bribery charges.
Cuellar denied the charges against him.
The pardon is notable because Cuellar is currently serving as a Democratic member of Congress.
President Trump has previously granted clemency to other former Democratic officials.
Rep. Cuellar did not reply to the request for a comment.
This is a developing news story, and updates may follow.
President Donald Trump has pardoned several individuals in 2025, including politicians, business figures, and participants in the January 6 Capitol riot. These pardons, issued since the start of his second term, have been marked by controversy and have included prominent individuals like Rod Blagojevich and Ross Ulbricht. The actions have sparked debates about the justice system and political motivations.
Key Facts
President Trump pardoned Texas Representative Henry Cuellar and his wife for a bribery and conspiracy case.
Nearly 1,500 people involved in the January 6 Capitol riot received pardons, including those convicted of violent actions.
Ross Ulbricht, founder of the Silk Road dark web marketplace, received a full pardon.
Two Washington, D.C. police officers involved in a high-speed chase leading to a young man's death were pardoned.
Trump pardoned 23 anti-abortion activists convicted under the FACE Act for blockading an abortion clinic.
Former Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich was pardoned, clearing his corruption charges.
Former Tennessee Senator Brian Kelsey received a pardon for campaign finance violations.
Trump granted a pardon to Devon Archer, linked to a fraud case involving a Native American tribe.
Trevor Milton, founder of Nikola, was pardoned after being sentenced for fraud.
President Donald Trump made remarks criticizing Somali immigrants in the United States, and federal authorities plan an immigration crackdown targeting undocumented Somalis in Minnesota. Trump expressed negative views about Somali immigrants and indicated plans for increased immigration enforcement in Somali communities.
Key Facts
President Trump criticized Somali immigrants, saying they contribute nothing to the U.S.
Federal authorities plan an immigration crackdown on undocumented Somalis in Minnesota.
Trump’s remarks included calling Somali immigrants derogatory terms.
ICE will reportedly conduct operations in Somali neighborhoods in Minneapolis-St. Paul.
Trump has previously targeted Somali immigrants and Congresswoman Ilhan Omar with negative statements.
The U.S. has paused immigration from 19 countries considered "high risk" after a recent shooting incident.
The Trump administration has reduced the U.S. refugee admission cap to its lowest since the 1980 Refugee Act.
The White House says President Trump was not falling asleep during a cabinet meeting. Some people thought he looked like he was dozing off because he closed his eyes and slouched at times.
Key Facts
The White House denied claims that President Trump was sleeping during a cabinet meeting.
Observers noted President Trump appeared with his eyes closed during the meeting.
At times, President Trump was seen slouching in his chair.
The White House called these accusations false.
The focus was on President Trump's behavior during this specific meeting.
Minneapolis Police Chief Brian O'Hara warned about possible "kidnapping" incidents in the city amid increased immigration enforcement. This follows President Trump’s recent remarks about the Somali population in Minneapolis, prompting intensified operations targeting those with final deportation orders. Officials are concerned about reports of people impersonating law enforcement.
Key Facts
Minneapolis Police warned about potential "kidnapping" linked to increased immigration enforcement.
President Trump made statements focusing on Minneapolis's Somali population.
The enforcement targets those with final deportation orders in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area.
There have been reports of people possibly impersonating law enforcement agents.
Minneapolis has experienced issues with individuals pretending to be law enforcement.
Mayor Jacob Frey mentioned concerns about potential wrongful arrests of citizens.
The operations occur alongside accusations that taxpayer money went to al-Shabab.
Minnesota has a large Somali community, with many immigrating since the 1990s.
Some Republicans in the House of Representatives are unhappy with Speaker Mike Johnson. The disagreements center around government spending, leadership decisions, and certain legislative proposals. This has led to tensions within the party, which could affect the passage of important bills.
Key Facts
House Republicans are experiencing disagreements, especially regarding Speaker Mike Johnson's decisions.
Disputes include issues like government spending and specific legislative provisions.
Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized Johnson, adding to the tension.
The GOP House majority is slim, making it harder for Johnson to pass legislation without unanimous support.
Some Republicans, including Elise Stefanik, accuse Johnson of blocking legislative provisions important to them.
Elise Stefanik is pushing for a bill related to past FBI investigations but claims Johnson is hindering its progress.
The National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) is stalled in the House due to amendments and party disagreements.
Representative Anna Paulina Luna has proposed a discharge petition to force a vote on banning stock trading by Congress members, bypassing Johnson's leadership.
The House Judiciary Committee, led by Republicans, has subpoenaed Jack Smith, a former special counsel from the Justice Department, for a private interview about his prosecutions of President Donald Trump. Smith was ready to attend a public hearing, but he will comply with the request for a closed-door session. Smith had investigated President Trump's efforts to overturn the 2020 election results and handling of classified documents.
Key Facts
The House Judiciary Committee, led by Republicans, subpoenaed Jack Smith for a private interview.
Smith had volunteered for an open hearing but will now testify in private on December 17.
The committee wants information on Smith's work as special counsel.
Smith had led investigations into President Trump's actions regarding the 2020 election and classified documents.
Smith resigned from his role after Trump was re-elected, citing Justice Department rules against indicting a sitting president.
The committee has focused on having access to phone record data from the Jan. 6 Capitol riot time period.
Smith’s team clarified that the phone records did not include conversation content, only call details.
Smith maintained his actions were lawful and not influenced by politics.
