President Donald Trump's approval ratings, ten months into his second term, show a strong divide across the United States. He has high approval in Republican states but low ratings in Democratic and key swing states. This divide could affect the upcoming 2026 midterm elections and party strategies.
Key Facts
President Trump's overall approval rating is 39%, with 56% disapproval.
Polling shows Trump has high approval in Republican states like Wyoming (+34%) and West Virginia (+27%).
Trump faces significant disapproval in Democratic states like Hawaii (-55%) and Vermont (-50%).
In key battleground states, Trump has net negative approval, with Michigan at -15% and Georgia at -14%.
National polls position Trump's approval at 42% or less, showing a downward trend since mid-September.
Trump's current disapproval rate is higher than at a similar point in his first term.
Analysts indicate ongoing negative trends in Trump's approval could impact the 2026 midterm elections.
Many Americans with Medicare Advantage plans are not using all their available benefits. These benefits, which can help seniors pay for non-prescription health items, often go unused because people aren't aware of them or how to use them. This results in billions of dollars of unused potential each year.
Key Facts
Medicare Advantage users have access to "over the counter" (OTC) benefits for non-prescription health items.
About 18 million people can use these benefits, receiving on average $400 annually.
Only about 30% of users fully use their benefits, leaving nearly $5 billion unused each year.
OTC benefits can cover items like vitamins, pain relievers, and first aid supplies.
Some plans provide a prepaid card for these benefits, but not all products are eligible.
People often don't know about the benefits or how to use them; expiration can also be an issue.
An app named Chapter OTC has been created to help seniors understand and use their benefits more easily.
A special election is taking place in Tennessee to fill a vacant House seat. Republican Matt Van Epps is favored to win against Democrat Aftyn Behn, according to polls and political analysts. This election is important for maintaining the Republican majority in the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
The election is to fill a seat vacated by former Representative Mark Greene.
Polls suggest Matt Van Epps is likely to win over Aftyn Behn.
Van Epps has an 85% chance of winning, according to a betting platform.
Two polls showed Van Epps leading Behn by 8 percentage points.
The Republican Party currently holds a slim majority in the House with 219 seats.
The Cook Political Report and Sabato’s Crystal Ball label the race as "Likely Republican."
Aftyn Behn’s campaign focuses on lowering costs of groceries, housing, and health care.
President Trump's administration has stopped all asylum claims in the U.S. after a shooting near the White House. A National Guard member was killed, and another was injured in the incident. The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services announced the pause to ensure thorough vetting of applicants.
Key Facts
The U.S. has halted all asylum decisions following a shooting near the White House.
One National Guard member, Sarah Beckstrom, died, and another, Andrew Wolfe, was critically injured.
The shooting suspect is Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who entered the U.S. through a program for assisting Afghans who helped U.S. forces.
Joseph Edlow, director of USCIS, confirmed the pause on asylum decisions to ensure rigorous vetting.
This move is part of President Trump's broader efforts to tighten immigration controls.
The decision may lead to legal challenges and affects many asylum seekers.
The U.S. State Department has stopped giving visas to people with Afghan passports and paused asylum requests. This decision by President Trump's administration follows an attack on National Guard members in Washington, DC, involving a suspect from Afghanistan.
Key Facts
The U.S. paused issuing visas for Afghan passport holders for “public safety” reasons.
U.S. immigration authorities have also stopped making decisions on asylum applications.
Afghan national Rahmanaullah Lakanwal is accused of attacking National Guard members, resulting in one death and another critically injured.
State Secretary Marco Rubio confirmed the visa pause on social media.
Lakanwal reportedly worked for the CIA in Afghanistan and came to the U.S. in 2021.
Charges against Lakanwal have been raised to first-degree murder and assault.
USCIS stated asylum decisions are paused to ensure thorough vetting.
President Trump critiques previous immigration policies and suggests further restrictions.
President Trump has recently increased his verbal attacks on female reporters, using negative language during press events. Press freedom groups have criticized these comments, saying they show a pattern of hostility towards the media. The White House responded by stating that the president's actions reflect declining trust in the media, not gender bias.
Key Facts
President Trump called CBS reporter Nancy Cordes "stupid" during a press conference.
He criticized ABC's Mary Bruce for asking about Saudi Arabia's crown prince and called her a "terrible reporter."
He told a Bloomberg reporter to be quiet using derogatory language when asked about the Epstein files.
Press freedom groups claim these remarks contribute to a hostile environment for the media.
The White House says Trump's comments are due to low trust in the media, not related to gender.
Trump's history of confronting female reporters includes a CNN town hall and various press briefings.
Press freedom organizations argue this behavior threatens the independence of the press.
Two people were injured in a shooting at the Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, California. Police described it as an isolated event and confirmed there is no ongoing threat to public safety. Authorities are investigating and have not released any suspect information.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Westfield Valley Fair Mall in Santa Clara, California.
Two individuals were injured and taken to the hospital.
The incident was described as isolated, not an active shooter situation.
Police are clearing the mall to ensure no further threat exists.
Authorities have advised the public to avoid the area while the investigation continues.
The police have not yet released information about a suspect.
Reports of the shooting first surfaced on social media.
President Donald Trump announced he plans to cancel all executive orders he believes President Joe Biden signed with an autopen, a device that replicates signatures. Trump claims, without evidence, that most of Biden's orders were signed this way and declared these orders invalid. Trump reiterated his stance that Biden was not in control of his presidency due to his age.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to invalidate executive orders he claims were signed by Joe Biden using an autopen.
Trump alleges that about 92% of Biden's executive orders were executed with the autopen.
An autopen is a machine that mimics a person's signature.
Trump accuses Biden of not being in control of the presidency and threatens legal action if Biden denies it.
There is no proven evidence that Biden’s orders were signed without his consent.
Biden has denied these claims, stating he made all presidential decisions himself.
Trump and Biden have faced each other in two presidential elections, with Trump winning the second in 2024.
The use of the autopen in the White House dates back to the early 19th century, and Trump has used it himself.
The Trump administration has paused all immigration requests for Afghan nationals due to concerns about vetting after a violent incident in Washington DC. The suspect involved in the incident entered the U.S. under a resettlement program launched by the Biden administration. This program was meant to help vulnerable Afghans after the Taliban took over Afghanistan.
Key Facts
The DHS has suspended Afghan immigration requests for security reviews.
The suspect in the Washington DC shooting was part of the Afghan resettlement program.
The program, called Operation Allies Welcome, started in August 2021.
Over 190,000 Afghans have been resettled in the U.S. through this and a similar program.
The suspect, Rahmanullah Lakanwal, entered the U.S. on September 8, 2021.
Most Afghans under the program received temporary residence permission called "parole" for two years.
Those supporting U.S. troops in Afghanistan were eligible for a Special Immigrant Visa for lawful permanent residence.
Lakanwal had an active Special Immigrant Visa application but was granted asylum under the Trump administration.
A Great Wolf Lodge in Northern California experienced a series of car break-ins on Thanksgiving, with 48 cars having shattered windows. Police are investigating the incident, which involved theft of various items such as electronics and at least one firearm.
Key Facts
48 cars had their windows smashed at a Great Wolf Lodge in Northern California.
The break-ins happened on Thanksgiving morning.
Thieves stole electronics, toiletries, financial documents, and at least one firearm.
Thieves entered the parking lot by jumping a barrier.
Police have not yet reviewed surveillance footage from the lodge.
California is highly ranked for car thefts during the holidays, with around 35 thefts per 100,000 residents.
Great Wolf Lodge stated they are working with police and mentioned their security measures like gates and video surveillance.
After a deadly shooting involving National Guard members in Washington, D.C., local police will join them on patrols to enhance security. This plan comes after one Guard member died and another was critically injured in an attack.
Key Facts
The incident happened in Washington, D.C., involving two National Guard members.
Specialist Sarah Beckstrom died, and Staff Sgt. Andrew Wolfe is critically injured.
President Trump stated that Wolfe is "fighting for his life."
Police will temporarily patrol with the National Guard to increase safety.
The plan includes "high-visibility patrols" and may change as needed.
The situation is described as "fluid," indicating potential changes to the response plan.
President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson will participate in a tele-rally on Monday to support Republican Matt Van Epps in a close Tennessee special congressional election. The race for Tennessee's 7th District is tight, with Van Epps barely leading Democrat Aftyn Behn. Both parties are investing significant resources as the election date approaches.
Key Facts
President Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson are hosting a tele-rally for Republican Matt Van Epps.
The election is for Tennessee's 7th District, and it is happening on December 2.
Trump previously won this district by 22 points, but the current race is closer, with Van Epps leading by just 2 points.
Trump's political action committee, MAGA Inc., has spent over $1.5 million on the race.
Conservatives for American Excellence and Club for Growth Action have each spent significant amounts in support of Van Epps.
Democrats, including groups like House Majority PAC, have spent around $1 million backing Aftyn Behn.
The election's timing right after Thanksgiving could affect voter turnout.
Republicans reported higher early and absentee voting than Democrats in this race.
Indiana state Senator Michael Bohacek, a Republican, has stated he will vote against a redistricting plan supported by President Donald Trump. Bohacek's decision comes after President Trump made derogatory comments about Minnesota Governor Tim Walz in a post on Truth Social.
Key Facts
Indiana Senator Michael Bohacek opposes a redistricting plan backed by President Trump.
Bohacek cites Trump's derogatory remarks towards Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as his reason.
Trump criticized Walz in a Truth Social post, using a term offensive to people with intellectual disabilities.
Trump suggested the redistricting plan could benefit Republicans by adding congressional seats.
Redistricting efforts in the U.S. impact political power distribution at state and national levels.
Indiana Senate plans to discuss redistricting again during the 2026 session.
Trump's comments have triggered further political reactions and discussions.
Two West Virginia National Guard members were shot near the White House earlier this week. Investigators are looking into why the shooter carried out the attack and how it might affect immigrants in the United States.
Key Facts
Two members of the West Virginia National Guard were shot near the White House.
The shooting took place earlier this week.
Investigators are trying to understand the shooter's motives.
There are questions about how this incident could affect immigrants in the U.S.
The incident occurred just a few blocks from the White House.
President Trump announced plans to stop immigration from poorer countries following the fatal shooting of two National Guard members. He expressed a desire to change immigration policies in response to the incident.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to halt immigration from poorer countries.
His announcement came after a shooting that killed two National Guard members.
The shooting happened on a Wednesday, leading to Trump's response by Friday.
David Bier from the Cato Institute was interviewed about Trump's proposal.
The focus is on changing U.S. immigration policies.
The announcement was made during a public address by President Trump.
President Donald Trump announced he plans to cancel executive actions signed by former President Biden using an autopen. In other news, Hong Kong police arrested people related to a fire incident, and Southeast Asia experienced heavy rains. Additionally, winter weather advisories affected over 50 million Americans from Idaho to the Great Lakes.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to cancel actions signed by former President Biden with an autopen.
An autopen is a device used to sign documents automatically.
Hong Kong police arrested individuals linked to a fire in an apartment complex.
Southeast Asia faced heavy rainfall.
Over 50 million people in the U.S. were under winter weather advisories.
The areas affected by the winter weather advisories ranged from Idaho to the Great Lakes region.
The article discusses President Donald Trump's call for stricter immigration policies after an Afghan national shot two National Guard members in Washington, D.C. Jonathan Capehart and Peter Wehner provide insights on this political issue.
Key Facts
President Trump wants stronger immigration rules after a shooting incident.
An Afghan national was involved in a shooting in Washington, D.C.
The shooting injured two National Guard members.
Jonathan Capehart and Peter Wehner discussed the political situation on MS NOW.
The conversation included reactions to national security and immigration.
The incident has sparked debates on immigration policy.
A shooting in Washington DC by an Afghan immigrant has led President Donald Trump to pause the processing of new Afghan immigration requests and review green cards for people from 19 countries. Afghans living in the United States have condemned the shooter’s actions and are asking not to be judged based on this incident. They are also calling for a detailed investigation and recalling the past partnerships between Afghanistan and the U.S.
Key Facts
A man named Rahmanullah Lakanwal, who moved from Afghanistan to the U.S. four years ago, is the suspect in a Washington DC shooting.
One person, National Guard member Sarah Beckstrom, died, and another, Andrew Wolfe, is critically injured.
President Trump responded by pausing new immigration requests from Afghans and reviewing green cards issued to people from 19 countries.
Afghans in the U.S. condemned the shooting and emphasized that Lakanwal does not represent the Afghan community.
Many Afghans came to the U.S. under special immigration programs after the U.S. military left Afghanistan in 2021.
Afghans in the U.S. expressed their gratitude to America for its involvement during Afghanistan's crisis in 2021.
The Afghan Community Coalition of United States is urging for a careful investigation into the incident without affecting Afghan immigration.
President Donald Trump announced plans to cancel all executive orders signed by Joe Biden, claiming they used an autopen. Legal experts challenged Trump's claims, stating that autopen signatures are valid. The White House had not commented at the time of the article.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to cancel executive orders signed by Joe Biden, alleging illegal use of an autopen.
Trump claims that about 92% of Biden's executive actions involved an autopen.
Legal experts say autopen signatures are valid and the signing method doesn't affect legality.
Biden signed 162 executive orders during his presidency.
The Department of Justice has stated that presidents do not have to personally sign documents for them to be valid.
Trump acknowledges having used an autopen for unimportant documents during his previous term.
The White House has not responded to Trump's new plan as of the article's publication.
Winter storm warnings have been issued across the northern United States, affecting travel during the Thanksgiving weekend with snow, rain, and cold temperatures. The heaviest snow is expected in the Midwest, particularly in Iowa and Illinois, continuing into parts of New York. The storm also brings dangerous driving conditions in several areas, with warnings stretching from Montana to New York.
Key Facts
Winter storm warnings are in effect across northern U.S. states from Montana to New York.
The National Weather Service predicted significant snowfall in the Midwest, especially Iowa and Illinois.
Up to one foot of snow is expected in parts of Illinois and New York.
Snow squalls may create dangerous driving conditions with quick, heavy snowfall.
The storm is bringing cold temperatures, with highs in the 20s and 30s degrees Fahrenheit in the Midwest.
The Rockies and the northern Plains will see snowfall taper off by Saturday.
Some heavy storms and possible flash flooding are forecasted for the western Gulf Coast.
Thanksgiving snow in Michigan led to multiple vehicle crashes.
