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.
Federal judges have ruled against a new Texas congressional map drawn by Republicans, saying it involved racial gerrymandering. This decision could impact the Republican party's chances in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections. Texas plans to appeal the ruling to the Supreme Court.
Key Facts
Federal judges in Texas blocked a new congressional map, saying it involved racial gerrymandering.
The map was meant to give Republicans five more seats in Congress.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.
Two congressional districts in Texas have shifted toward the Democratic side, according to Sabato’s Crystal Ball.
The Republican party currently holds a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.
Redistricting can significantly impact election results and party control in Congress.
Some political forecasters have varied predictions for Texas congressional races.
Redistricting disputes are also happening in other states like Colorado, Florida, Illinois, and Maryland.
The National Weather Service has issued winter storm warnings and weather advisories in several U.S. states. Heavy snow and strong winds are expected, causing potentially dangerous travel conditions. States affected include parts of California, Nevada, Colorado, and Alaska.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service issued storm warnings for up to 18 inches of snow in some areas.
Winter storm warnings mean dangerous weather is happening or about to happen, needing quick action.
Winter weather advisories signal hazardous conditions that are less severe but still require caution.
Areas under advisory include parts of Alaska, California, Nevada, and Colorado.
Poor visibility, icy roads, and strong winds are expected, making travel risky.
Alaska's Fairbanks area is under alert, with 6-12 inches of snow forecasted.
In California, parts of San Bernardino and Riverside Counties could see up to 16 inches of snow.
The advisories are during a busy travel season, increasing risks of accidents and delays.
Rep. Jasmine Crockett from Texas said someone came to her Washington D.C. office and made threats that were white supremacist in nature. She criticized President Donald Trump, suggesting that his actions contribute to political violence. The increase in threats against lawmakers has prompted action from House Democratic leadership to ensure safety.
Key Facts
Rep. Jasmine Crockett reported white supremacist threats at her D.C. office.
Crockett criticized President Trump, linking his behavior to rising political violence.
Threats against lawmakers have increased recently.
House Democratic leadership has contacted U.S. Capitol Police for protection measures.
Crockett stated that leaders promoting hate lead to more hate incidents.
The White House and Capitol Police did not provide immediate comments.
This situation is part of ongoing concerns about the safety of lawmakers.
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis is discussing ideas to change property taxes in Florida. He suggests eliminating or reducing these taxes, but some lawmakers are unsure about his plans. DeSantis is seen as preparing for a possible presidential run in 2028.
Key Facts
Florida Governor Ron DeSantis wants to reduce or eliminate property taxes in Florida.
DeSantis described property taxes as "oppressive and ineffective."
Eliminating these taxes would require a constitutional amendment approved by 60% of Florida voters.
DeSantis proposed $1,000 rebate checks for homeowners as a temporary relief measure.
The Florida House of Representatives proposed eight different bills about changing property taxes.
DeSantis criticized the multiple proposals, saying they are not serious attempts to fix the issue.
Some lawmakers doubt that the proposed bills will pass without changes.
DeSantis is viewed as possibly gearing up for a presidential bid in 2028.
President Donald Trump's administration faces criticism from both supporters and opponents over its mixed immigration policies. While the administration aims to curb illegal immigration, there is disagreement within Trump's base about the extent of restrictions on legal immigration. Efforts are underway to reverse certain immigration policies from President Joe Biden's term.
Key Facts
President Trump is addressing immigration policies amidst mixed opinions from his base.
Some Trump supporters want stricter limits on both illegal and legal immigration.
Trump discussed the need for foreign talent through H-1B visas for certain jobs.
The administration is working to expedite citizenship applications.
Policies from the Biden era providing protection for immigrants are being reversed.
Trump aims to end programs like Temporary Protected Status (TPS) that offer asylum.
Illegal border crossings surged during the later part of the Biden administration.
President Donald Trump supported efforts to redraw electoral maps to benefit Republicans, but these efforts are facing legal and bureaucratic challenges in several states. Democrats have also been involved in redistricting, gaining some successes, such as in California. The outcome of these redistricting efforts could influence future elections, including the 2026 midterms.
Key Facts
President Trump supported redistricting efforts to benefit Republicans.
Legal issues have arisen in states like Texas, Utah, and Indiana regarding these plans.
Judges ruled against a Republican-drawn map in Texas, citing racial gerrymandering.
Utah adopted a map favoring Democrats after rejecting a Republican plan.
California voters approved a change to the state’s congressional map, benefiting Democrats.
The GOP succeeded in passing new district maps in Missouri and North Carolina, though legal challenges exist.
Redistricting outcomes could affect the 2026 midterm elections and Trump's future agenda.
Democratic Representative Eric Swalwell announced his candidacy for California governor on the television show Jimmy Kimmel Live!. He joins the race to replace current governor Gavin Newsom, who cannot run again due to term limits.
Key Facts
Eric Swalwell is a Democratic Representative.
He announced his run for California governor.
The announcement was made on the show Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
Gavin Newsom is the current governor of California.
Newsom cannot run again because of term limits.
The gubernatorial race is crowded with candidates.
President Donald Trump posted an AI-generated video showing him playing football with Cristiano Ronaldo inside the White House. The video quickly went viral, gathering millions of views online. This event follows a recent state dinner with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, where Ronaldo was also present.
Key Facts
President Trump shared an AI-created video of him playing football with Cristiano Ronaldo.
The video had Trump performing football moves like keep-ups and dribbles.
It was posted on Trump’s Truth Social and Instagram accounts, gaining over 55 million views on Instagram.
The video raises questions about the use of AI in media and its impact on public perception.
Trump recently hosted a state dinner attended by Ronaldo and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman.
During the state dinner, Ronaldo received a symbolic golden key to the White House.
Social media reactions included humor and disbelief, highlighting the mixed opinions on AI-generated content.
Senator Elissa Slotkin from Michigan now has constant security from Capitol Police after President Donald Trump accused her and other lawmakers of treason. The accusation came after these lawmakers released a video urging military and intelligence personnel to refuse illegal orders. This situation involves concerns over rising political tensions and threats in the U.S.
Key Facts
President Trump accused Senator Elissa Slotkin and other Democrats of treason on social media.
The accusation followed a video by these lawmakers urging military and intelligence staff to refuse illegal orders.
Senator Slotkin, with a CIA background, reported receiving numerous threatening messages after the accusation.
Capitol Police are now providing Slotkin with 24/7 security.
President Trump suggested the lawmakers' actions were punishable by death, intensifying public concern.
The Democratic lawmakers, all veterans, reaffirmed their commitment to the Constitution despite threats.
Political violence in the U.S. is a rising concern, with recent incidents involving assassinations and threats.
The White House press secretary stated no charges against the lawmakers were planned.
Starting in December, new federal rules will change the requirements for those receiving SNAP benefits. The changes will mainly affect able-bodied adults without dependents, who will now need to work or engage in related activities for at least 80 hours a month. Some groups remain exempt from these work requirements.
Key Facts
SNAP benefits support about 42 million low- and no-income people in the U.S.
New rules will require many adults aged 18-64 without children under 14 to engage in work or training for at least 80 hours monthly to keep their benefits.
Work requirements apply to paid or unpaid work, volunteering, community service, or participation in SNAP Employment & Training programs.
Exemptions include people under 18 or over 64, those living with a child under 14, pregnant individuals, and those with certain physical or mental limitations.
Some exemptions apply to Native Americans, caregivers for an incapacitated person, and individuals attending drug or alcohol treatment programs.
The USDA plans to require all SNAP recipients to reapply for benefits under these new rules.
The changes tie into the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA), as directed by the USDA.
Democrats have recently experienced election successes, but internal disagreements are causing distractions. While they have achieved major electoral victories and passed significant legislation, infighting over leadership and policy issues is drawing attention away from their accomplishments. This could affect their preparations for the upcoming 2026 midterm elections.
Key Facts
Democrats won key elections in New Jersey and Virginia, surpassing polling predictions.
There is infighting among Democrats over a Senate deal to end the government shutdown, with some accusing party members of conceding to Republicans.
Representative Ro Khanna called for Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer to be replaced over the shutdown deal, which Schumer did not support.
Anger over the deal suggests ongoing dissatisfaction within the Democratic base.
Republicans and President Trump claim the shutdown's end as a victory, with approval ratings slightly higher than those of Democrats.
Democrats succeeded in passing a bill regarding Jeffrey Epstein-related files, which President Trump signed into law.
Internal disputes, such as objections to a last-minute retirement move by Representative Jesús García, continue to cause distraction.
A U.S. judge sentenced Pras Michel, a member of the hip-hop group the Fugees, to 14 years in prison for illegally directing foreign money to Barack Obama’s 2012 presidential campaign. Michel worked with Malaysian financier Jho Low, who is wanted for financial fraud. The court found Michel guilty of multiple charges related to this scheme.
Key Facts
Pras Michel, a Fugees rapper, received a 14-year prison sentence.
He funneled foreign contributions into Barack Obama's 2012 re-election campaign.
Michel got more than $120 million from Malaysian financier Jho Low.
Jho Low is connected to the 1MDB scandal and is wanted for financial crimes.
Michel faced charges including conspiracy and acting as an unregistered foreign agent.
U.S. law prohibits foreign contributions to election campaigns.
Prosecutors suggested a life sentence due to the seriousness of the crimes.
Michel plans to appeal the conviction and sentence.
The U.S. Coast Guard revised its policy on displaying hate symbols after criticism over using the term "potentially divisive" to describe symbols like swastikas and nooses. The new policy now explicitly bans these symbols, stating they are prohibited as hate symbols.
Key Facts
The U.S. Coast Guard initially called symbols like swastikas and nooses "potentially divisive."
This approach replaced a 2019 description of them as "widely identified with oppression or hatred."
After public and political backlash, the policy was changed again.
The new policy bans divisive or hate symbols, including nooses and swastikas.
The Coast Guard states this policy aims to prevent hate-based symbols.
This revision occurred after criticism from figures like Democratic Senator Jacky Rosen.
Representative Jasmine Crockett reported that her office in Washington, D.C., was targeted by a person who made threats related to white supremacy. Crockett stated that increasing political hostility, fueled by national leaders' rhetoric, is a concern. President Donald Trump recently accused some Democratic lawmakers of sedition, which Crockett believes adds to the climate of risk for Congress members.
Key Facts
A person made white supremacist threats at Representative Jasmine Crockett's office in Washington, D.C.
Capitol Police responded quickly, and everyone in the office was safe.
Crockett links the rise in threats to rhetoric from national leaders, including President Donald Trump.
President Trump accused some Democratic lawmakers of seditious behavior on social media.
Crockett insists that threats increase whenever she speaks out or stands up for her constituents.
She committed to continuing her work for Texas' 30th Congressional District despite the threats.
A new study suggests raccoons might be on the path to becoming pets in the U.S. Researchers found physical changes in urban raccoons that resemble early domestication signs seen in animals like dogs and cats. This change is connected to raccoons' frequent interactions with human environments, particularly through trash.
Key Facts
A study observed urban raccoons have shorter snouts than rural ones, which is a sign of early domestication.
Urban raccoons interact closely with humans, often searching through trash.
The study comes from researchers who examined nearly 20,000 photos of raccoons.
Some pet raccoons have become popular on social media, like TikTok.
Raccoons are present all over the contiguous U.S., seen as pets in some areas and pests in others.
Researchers found that raccoons might be naturally adapting to human environments which affect their responses to threats.
This adaptation could be causing their features to soften, similar to traits found in domesticated animals.
The domestication process might start naturally when animals repeatedly live near humans and adapt to these conditions.
During a long government shutdown, about 7% of air traffic controllers will receive a $10,000 bonus from President Trump for perfect attendance. Many other controllers, who worked without pay, will not receive this recognition, leading to concerns from their union. The union hopes to work with the administration to recognize all workers.
Key Facts
The $10,000 bonus is for air traffic controllers with perfect attendance during the government shutdown.
776 out of approximately 11,000 air traffic controllers and technicians will receive the bonus.
The shutdown was the longest in U.S. history and lasted 44 days.
The National Air Traffic Controllers Association is concerned that many workers who attended work during the shutdown were not recognized.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reduced flights at 40 airports due to staff shortages.
President Trump expressed dissatisfaction with controllers who did not consistently attend work.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised the workers for maintaining safety during the shutdown.
Bonuses for those with perfect attendance will be distributed by December 9.
Speaker Mike Johnson is considering making it harder to use a tool called a discharge petition in the House of Representatives. This tool recently brought attention by forcing a vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act. Johnson believes discharge petitions are being used too often and wants to change the rules to limit their use.
Key Facts
A discharge petition can force a vote on a bill if a majority of House members support it.
Speaker Mike Johnson is thinking about raising the requirements for discharge petitions as they have become more common.
The Epstein Files Transparency Act passed with almost unanimous support after using a discharge petition.
There have been only seven successful discharge petitions since 1935, but three happened in the last two years.
A recent discharge petition that reached the needed number of signatures involves restoring union rights for federal workers.
Any changes to the discharge petition rules can only happen at the start of a new Congress.
House Majority Leader Steve Scalise also supports making it harder to use discharge petitions.
Rep. Thomas Massie is worried that increased use of this tool could lead to its restriction or removal.
A U.S. judge has ordered a temporary stop to President Trump’s deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, DC. This decision comes after city officials filed a lawsuit against the federal government, arguing that the deployment overstepped policing powers.
Key Facts
A federal judge has paused the deployment of National Guard troops to Washington, DC.
Washington, DC officials filed a lawsuit against the deployment, claiming it overstepped local policing authority.
The judge, Jia Cobb, gave the Trump administration 21 days to appeal the decision.
President Trump wanted to send troops to various cities to address crime and immigration issues.
The federal government has special powers in Washington, DC because it is not a state.
Some city residents and groups argue that the troop deployments have led to rights violations.
President Trump threatened to punish local officials opposing the military presence.
The legal challenge claims that democracy could change if these military deployments continue.
