The Trump administration's attempt to deport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an undocumented man from El Salvador, faces challenges due to a missing formal removal order from 2019. Without this order, courts question the legal basis for his deportation. The case has sparked discussions about legal procedures and immigrant rights.
Key Facts
Kilmar Abrego Garcia is an undocumented immigrant from El Salvador.
In 2019, an immigration judge did not issue a formal removal order for Abrego.
This missing order affects the government's ability to legally deport him.
Courts are examining the case, focusing on due-process concerns.
Legal discussions highlight the necessity of a valid removal order for deportation.
Abrego's attorney argued the absence of an order violates due process rights.
The Trump administration considered multiple countries for Abrego's deportation.
Judge Paula Xinis indicated there is no record of a removal order for Abrego.
Iowa Senator Joni Ernst has put forward a new bill aiming to change how certain people use SNAP benefits to buy meals. The legislation, called the McSCUSE ME Act, wants to limit spending to healthier prepared food options instead of fast food. The bill will now be presented to the Senate for consideration.
Key Facts
Senator Joni Ernst introduced the McSCUSE ME Act to reform the SNAP program.
SNAP helps over 42 million low- and no-income Americans with food purchases.
The Restaurant Meals Program (RMP) under SNAP allows certain participants like the elderly, disabled, and homeless to buy prepared meals.
Nine states currently use RMP: Arizona, California, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, Rhode Island, and Virginia. Oregon is testing it.
Over the last two years, $524 million was spent on RMP meals, mostly on fast food.
California was the highest spender with $475 million.
The new bill proposes that only grocery stores and places offering healthy prepared foods can accept SNAP benefits, excluding fast food chains.
The bill also calls for an annual report on RMP costs and vendor participation.
President Donald Trump’s approval rating on the economy in New Hampshire has reached its lowest point, according to a new poll. The UNH survey shows that more people disapprove than approve of how he is handling economic issues, which could affect the 2026 midterm elections. The poll also highlights that many voters do not like Trump's tariffs policy.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump's net approval rating for the economy in New Hampshire is -14 percentage points.
57 percent of people in New Hampshire disapprove of Trump's economic management, while 42 percent approve.
38 percent of those who disapprove cite Trump's tariffs policy as a main reason.
Trump's overall approval rating in New Hampshire is -9 percentage points.
The survey interviewed 1,402 residents between November 13 and November 17, with a margin of error of +/- 2.6 percentage points.
Nationwide, Trump's approval rating is also low, with some polls showing his economic rating lower than former President Biden's at the end of Biden’s term.
President Trump criticized polling as biased against him on social media.
Democrat Representative Al Green plans to file articles of impeachment against President Donald Trump before Christmas. Green announced he would do this through a special motion before Congress takes a break for the holidays. However, with Republicans in control of the House, the impeachment attempt is unlikely to succeed.
Key Facts
Al Green is a Democrat Representative.
Green intends to file impeachment articles against President Trump.
The filing is planned before the Christmas holiday.
Green will introduce it as a privileged motion, meaning it's treated with priority in Congress.
President Trump was impeached twice during his first term but acquitted both times.
Republicans currently have the majority in the House of Representatives.
The likelihood of impeachment success is low due to the Republican majority.
A study by Opera Beds evaluated U.S. states based on the quality of life for seniors, focusing on health and longevity factors. Vermont ranked highest, while West Virginia was identified as having the lowest quality of life for seniors. The report highlights the varying conditions for seniors across the U.S. and gives insight into effective policies and strategies.
Key Facts
93% of Americans aged 65 and over have at least one chronic condition.
Vermont scored 8.4 out of 10, making it the best state for seniors.
West Virginia was rated the worst state for seniors, with a score of 0.9 out of 10.
Hawaii had the highest post-65 life expectancy at 20.6 years.
Southern states largely made up the bottom of the list, indicating poorer conditions for seniors.
The study also includes each state's scores on health conditions and life expectancies.
Vermont is implementing a 10-year plan to improve its conditions for seniors.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) announced that more than $272 million in medical bills for veterans will be forgiven. This is to address backlogged debts caused by technical issues in the VA's billing system. The change aims to help veterans who faced economic challenges due to unprocessed healthcare payments.
Key Facts
More than $272 million in veterans' medical debts will be forgiven.
The debts were due to unprocessed copayments for community care.
Payments paused in February 2023 under the Biden administration due to technical issues.
The VA's Program Integrity Tool (PIT) caused the backlog by not finalizing payments.
The VA resumed billing on November 11, 2025, and forgave past due amounts.
This action is part of a broader effort to improve services for veterans.
An earlier $77 million meant for electric vehicle chargers was redirected to healthcare.
VA committed $42 million in grants to help unhoused veterans.
The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has filed a federal lawsuit against Texas Governor Greg Abbott. Abbott designated CAIR's Texas chapter as a "foreign terrorist organization," which CAIR claims is unconstitutional. The lawsuit also involves Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
Key Facts
CAIR sued Texas Governor Greg Abbott in federal court.
Abbott called CAIR in Texas a "foreign terrorist organization."
The lawsuit also targets Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton.
CAIR argues the designation is unconstitutional and defamatory.
CAIR is the largest Muslim civil rights organization in the U.S., founded in 1994.
The designation prevents CAIR from buying or acquiring land in Texas.
Governor Abbott announced his designation on a social media post.
CAIR has previously won lawsuits against Abbott for issues related to free speech.
A funeral for former U.S. Vice President Dick Cheney, who passed away on November 3, 2025, took place at the Washington National Cathedral. The seating arrangement, which included several former political leaders sitting together, sparked interest online. Notably absent were current President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance.
Key Facts
The funeral for Dick Cheney was an invitation-only event held on November 20, 2025.
Former political leaders, including George W. Bush, Joe Biden, Kamala Harris, and Mike Pence, attended.
President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance were not invited.
Dick Cheney, who served as vice president from 2001 to 2009, passed away at age 84.
Cheney was influential in U.S. national security policy, especially after 9/11.
The funeral took place at Washington National Cathedral.
No formal rule requires only former vice presidents to attend such funerals.
Former Presidents Barack Obama and Bill Clinton were also invited but did not attend.
President Donald Trump's approval rating has fallen to a record low during his second term, according to pollster Nate Silver. Various polls show his approval declining, with poor ratings attributed to his handling of the economy and other factors. These trends raise concerns about his and his party's prospects in the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
Nate Silver's tracker shows President Trump's approval rating at -14 points, with 42% approval and 56% disapproval.
Trump's popularity began declining after the government shutdown on October 1.
Recent polls show even lower approval, such as an AP-NORC poll with a -26 point net approval and a Reuters/Ipsos poll at -22 points.
Trump is facing criticism for his economic policies, with a Fox News survey indicating a drop in public confidence.
62% of voters in a survey blame Trump more than former President Biden for current economic conditions.
42% of Republicans believe Trump is more responsible for the economy, despite party differences.
Rising costs of living, including vehicle and grocery prices, are significant concerns for voters.
Pollster predictions suggest Trump's popularity might not recover easily during his second term.
A senior Democrat criticized President Donald Trump for comments suggesting the death penalty for Democratic Congress members. The comments related to a video urging military personnel to not follow illegal orders.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump made comments about the death penalty concerning Democratic Congress members.
The comments were linked to a video that advised military members to disobey illegal orders.
A senior Democrat publicly called these comments "unhinged."
There is tension between President Trump and some Democratic Congress members.
The controversy involves issues related to military orders and legal boundaries.
The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) announced that certain immigration fees will increase in 2026 to adjust for inflation. These changes will affect fees for asylum applications, work permits, and Temporary Protected Status (TPS). The changes follow new policies under President Trump’s administration, focusing on stricter immigration measures.
Key Facts
Immigration fees for some applications will increase starting January 1, 2026.
The fee for annual asylum applications will rise from $100 to $102.
Fees for employment authorization documents (EADs) for asylum and parole applicants will increase slightly.
The fee for Temporary Protected Status (Form I-821) will increase from $500 to $510.
Some fees, like the initial asylum application fee and the Special Immigrant Juvenile Fee, will not change.
USCIS will adjust immigration fees for inflation each fiscal year.
The Trump administration introduced stricter screening and reduced refugee admissions for 2026.
The USCIS rolled back fee hikes for the EB-5 investor visa program following a court ruling.
The Trump administration is planning to introduce an $18 fee for airline passengers who arrive at security checkpoints without a valid government ID. This fee is part of implementing new biometric systems to improve airport security and is linked to the REAL ID Act. Travelers will need to have a REAL ID, passport, or another approved ID to avoid the fee.
Key Facts
An $18 fee will be charged to passengers without a valid ID at TSA checkpoints.
The fee is to support a new biometric system for verifying identities.
The REAL ID Act, signed into law over 20 years ago, will be fully enforced by May 2025.
Travelers without a REAL ID, passport, or alternative ID will incur the fee.
Paying the fee allows access to TSA checkpoints for up to 10 days.
The rule stems from requirements to enhance security following recommendations from the 9/11 Commission.
The $18 fee rule is open to public comments, with implementation details pending.
The TSA states that their biometric kiosks do not assure entry if verification fails.
New rules from President Donald Trump's education bill will change how some degrees are classified as "professional." This affects how much financial aid students can receive for these degrees. Some degrees, like nursing and engineering, are not on the list of professional degrees, causing concern about education costs and student choices.
Key Facts
President Trump's One Big Beautiful Bill changes how degrees are classified as "professional."
Professional degree classification affects student reimbursement for higher education costs.
Nursing, engineering, and other high-demand degrees are not on the new professional list.
The Repayment Assistance Plan (RAP) replaces previous financial aid programs.
The Grad PLUS program is ending, and Parent PLUS loans will have limits.
New loan caps are $20,500 for graduate students and $50,000 for professional students.
The Department of Education defines professional degrees, but the list can be unclear.
Concerns arise over fewer students choosing careers like nursing due to cost issues.
CBS found messages that allegedly show Bill Gates had interactions with Jeffrey Epstein through an adviser. The messages, dating from 2017, discuss a planned donor fund that was never set up. Gates has previously said he had no business or personal relationship with Epstein.
Key Facts
CBS revealed messages from 2017 involving Jeffrey Epstein and someone advising Bill Gates.
The messages talked about setting up a donor-advised fund, but it was never created.
Epstein contacted Gates years after pleading guilty to charges involving minors in 2008.
Gates' ex-wife, Melinda French Gates, reportedly opposed Gates speaking with Epstein.
High-profile figures were mentioned in documents related to Epstein, but none are accused of crimes.
Bill Gates has stated he had no business or personal ties with Epstein, calling their meetings a "huge mistake."
Epstein died in New York jail in 2019 while facing charges for sex trafficking.
The U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that the country benefits economically from President Trump’s peace agreements. He mentioned that oil prices might drop further if certain changes occur in Venezuela. Meanwhile, the U.S. is experiencing increased tensions with Venezuela due to recent military actions in the Caribbean.
Key Facts
Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent highlighted economic benefits from President Trump's peace deals.
Oil prices could potentially decrease if changes occur in Venezuela.
President Trump’s administration has helped reduce oil and gas prices.
Lower energy prices are linked to affordability improvements, including food costs.
The U.S. recently conducted over 20 military strikes on suspected drug ships in the Caribbean.
The U.S. has moved significant military resources to the area amid tensions with Venezuela.
Rep. Eric Swalwell announced he is running for governor of California in 2026. He declared his candidacy on a television show, joining more than 20 others in the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell is a Democratic representative from California.
Swalwell announced his run for governor on the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" show.
He is one of more than 20 candidates in the 2026 California governor's race.
Current Governor Gavin Newsom cannot run again because of term limits.
Swalwell criticized President Trump during his announcement.
His campaign focuses on making homes and jobs more affordable in California.
Swalwell expressed concerns about immigration and safety in the state.
The U.S. State Department has introduced new rules for visa applicants, focusing on their health and financial status. These guidelines mean foreigners can be denied visas if they have medical conditions like diabetes or if they could become a financial burden. The rules have sparked debate over their legality and fairness.
Key Facts
The State Department's new visa guidelines affect people seeking visas to work, visit, or live in the U.S.
Visas can now be denied based on medical conditions such as diabetes, obesity, or heart disease.
Applicants who might become a financial burden on the U.S. can also be denied visas.
These new rules add to the existing requirement for visa applicants to undergo health screenings and provide medical history.
The guidelines consider applicants' potential lifetime medical costs without the consular officials having medical or financial expertise.
Critics argue the guidelines were not reviewed through normal legal channels and conflict with existing immigration regulations.
A State Department spokesperson stated the rules aim to protect American taxpayers by ensuring immigrants do not become public charges.
Research indicates that immigrants generally use public services less than native-born U.S. citizens.
The article discusses recent events in Dearborn, Michigan, where cultural clashes highlight questions about American identity. These incidents emphasize the longstanding debate about what it means to be American, beyond just legal citizenship, stressing a blend of legal and cultural identity rooted in historical Protestant values.
Key Facts
A demonstrator in Dearborn, Michigan, attempted to burn a Qur'an, leading to confrontations.
The mayor of Dearborn, a Muslim, clashed with a Christian minister over renaming a street after a Hezbollah-supporting journalist.
These events bring attention to discussions about U.S. immigration policies and American identity.
Legally, an American is anyone who is a U.S. citizen, either by birth or through naturalization.
The U.S. has both legal and cultural identities, with a shared ethos historically influenced by Protestant values.
Cultural identity in the U.S. includes values like individual responsibility, hard work, and respect for the law.
The article argues that American citizenship involves assimilating cultural norms alongside maintaining one's private traditions.
A recent debate arose when Democratic lawmakers released a video reminding military service members that they can refuse illegal orders, which President Trump called "seditious" and punishable by death. While U.S. law allows the death penalty for military sedition, executions are rare, with the last occurring in 1961. A survey showed that most military members understand the duty to refuse unlawful orders, challenging the notion that such reminders are dangerous.
Key Facts
Democratic lawmakers posted a video telling troops they can refuse illegal orders.
President Trump reacted strongly, calling the video "seditious" and suggested it was punishable by death.
U.S. law does permit death for sedition but military executions are extremely rare.
The last military execution in the U.S. was in 1961.
A survey found 80% of service members know they should refuse clearly illegal orders.
Republicans were divided, with some criticizing the Democrats' video and others saying Trump's response was too extreme.
Democratic leaders expressed concern that Trump's comments could incite violence.
The article discusses infighting among supporters of President Donald Trump, focusing on key figures and their political standings. It highlights the connections between these figures and their influence on Trump's political base, especially for the upcoming elections.
Key Facts
JD Vance is a strong candidate for the 2028 GOP nomination and has ties to Trump as his Vice President.
Peter Thiel supported Vance and helped him get on the 2024 ticket, with his company, Palantir, receiving $113 million in federal contracts.
Elon Musk has reconnected with Trump after past disagreements and remains influential.
Laura Loomer influenced some of Trump's recent decisions, including removing certain national security officials.
Ron DeSantis, who opposed Trump in the past, is looking to differentiate himself on issues like AI and visas as he prepares for 2028.
Newsweek's "Conventional Wisdom" uses arrow symbols to show the political momentum or decline of public figures, portraying current political dynamics without taking sides.
