A man named Willy Aceituno, a U.S. citizen born in Honduras, was briefly detained by Border Patrol agents in Charlotte, North Carolina. He regretted voting for President Trump after agents broke his car window and removed him from his vehicle during an immigration enforcement operation. The operation, known as "Operation Charlotte's Web," led to more than 130 arrests over the weekend.
Key Facts
Willy Aceituno is a U.S. citizen who was born in Honduras.
He was stopped twice by Border Patrol agents in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Agents broke his car window and placed him on the ground before verifying his citizenship.
The incident made Aceituno regret his vote for President Trump, citing concerns about targeting Latino people.
"Operation Charlotte's Web" is an immigration enforcement effort in Charlotte that has resulted in many detentions.
The Department of Homeland Security stated that Aceituno was behaving erratically and refused commands.
Aceituno filed a police report for the damage to his vehicle.
Over 130 arrests have been made as part of the operation.
President Donald Trump faced two legal challenges on Monday. A judge in New York upheld a law limiting immigration arrests at courthouses, and a judge in Tennessee blocked the deployment of National Guard troops to Memphis.
Key Facts
A New York federal judge upheld a law that restricts immigration arrests at courthouses.
The law, called the Protect Our Courts Act, prevents arrests without a judicial warrant.
The Trump administration argued this law violated the U.S. Constitution but the court disagreed.
A Tennessee judge stopped the deployment of state National Guard troops to Memphis.
The Tennessee ruling was based on potential violations of state constitutional limits.
These legal setbacks highlight opposition Trump's domestic enforcement policy is facing.
The New York ruling may influence similar cases in other states.
The White House responded to a photo that seemed to show the American flag on the ground after President Trump's return to the White House. A spokesman stated that high winds led to the flag being temporarily lowered into a protective container. The incident sparked discussions about the U.S. Flag Code and the flag's symbolism.
Key Facts
A photo appeared to show the U.S. flag on the ground at the White House.
The White House said the flag was lowered into a container due to high winds.
The incident took place when President Trump returned to Washington, D.C.
The U.S. Flag Code states the flag should not touch the ground but allows exceptions for emergencies or bad weather.
Photos circulated online show parts of the flag close to the ground, but these have not been verified.
President Trump has supported strong penalties for flag desecration.
The controversy highlighted the cultural and legal importance of flag handling in the U.S.
This article discusses various legal challenges and actions involving the Trump administration and related figures. It highlights different individuals, such as judges and lawyers, and their roles in ongoing legal battles. The piece is part of Newsweek's "Conventional Wisdom" series that uses arrows to indicate the influence of political figures and events.
Key Facts
Lindsey Halligan, a Trump-associated attorney, indicted James Comey and Letitia James, but faced criticism for investigative errors.
Gregory Bovino, a Border Patrol commander, was found to have lied under oath but avoided immediate consequences.
Judge James Boasberg found probable cause against Trump officials for not following his orders, but the DC Circuit has temporarily blocked further actions.
Emil Bove, initially Trump's deputy AG, gave controversial advice, and was later confirmed to a Third Circuit judicial seat.
Jeanine Pirro left Fox News to become DC’s top prosecutor but has faced numerous legal setbacks.
Abbe Lowell has represented various figures both during Trump's first and second terms, showcasing legal dynamics within the administration.
"Conventional Wisdom" is a feature that uses arrows to show the changing influence of political figures, revived to critique media and political trends.
Changes are coming to Medicare Parts A and B in 2026, including increases in premiums and deductibles. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) announced these updates, which will affect costs for hospital stays and other medical services. These adjustments coincide with a period of broader rising health care costs.
Key Facts
Medicare Part A inpatient hospital deductible will rise from $1,676 to $1,736 in 2026.
Part A coinsurance for hospital stays from the 61st to the 90th day will increase from $419 to $434 per day.
Daily coinsurance for skilled nursing facility stays for days 21-100 will go up from $209.50 to $217.
The monthly premium for individuals with at least 30 quarters of coverage will go to $311, while those with fewer than 30 quarters will pay $565.
The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will increase from $185 to $202.90 in 2026.
The annual deductible for Medicare Part B will increase from $257 to $283.
Income affects Medicare Part B premiums, with higher income individuals paying more, up to $689.90 for those earning $500,000 or more.
President Donald Trump commented on rumors that Texas Senator Ted Cruz may run for president in 2028. Although Cruz is reported to be preparing for a potential run, he has said he is currently focused on his role as a senator for Texas. Trump expressed that he was not surprised by the rumors and described Cruz as a friend.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump reacted to reports about Senator Ted Cruz planning a 2028 presidential run.
Axios reported Cruz might be preparing for a future presidential bid.
Ted Cruz has not officially announced any plans to run and stated he is concentrating on his responsibilities in Texas.
Trump called Cruz a "very good guy" and a friend in response to the rumors.
Newsweek contacted the White House and Cruz's office for comments.
The story is still developing, with more information expected to follow.
U.S. lawmakers are voting on a bill to make files concerning Jeffrey Epstein public. President Donald Trump, after initially telling supporters to ignore the file release effort, has asked House Republicans to support the bill. The release could reveal more connections between Epstein and notable public figures.
Key Facts
The U.S. House is voting on a bill to release the Justice Department's Epstein-related files within 30 days.
Victims' names will be hidden (redacted) in the files.
President Trump initially called the file release effort a "hoax" but now urges support for the bill.
Epstein was previously convicted of a crime involving a minor in 2008 and died in 2019 after being charged with sex trafficking.
New documents have been released showing Epstein’s links with influential people.
Larry Summers, highlighted in the emails, expressed regret and is stepping back from public roles.
The Justice Department is looking into several Democrats after Trump's request.
President Donald Trump's administration has revoked more than 80,000 visas over the past year as part of a strict immigration policy. The cancellations include thousands of student visas and have targeted individuals for various reasons, including criminal activities and potential national security threats. The administration plans to continue its visa enforcement actions.
Key Facts
Stephen Miller, an adviser to President Trump, announced that "tens of thousands" of visas have been revoked.
The State Department has revoked over 80,000 nonimmigrant visas in the past year, including more than 8,000 student visas.
The increase in cancellations marks a significant rise from the year 2024.
Visas can be revoked if a holder is suspected of overstaying, involved in criminal activity, or poses a security risk.
Common reasons for revocations include offenses like assault, theft, and driving under the influence (DUI).
The Trump administration claims the visa cancellations are aimed at enhancing public safety and tightening immigration control.
Pro-Palestinian activists have been among those affected by visa revocations.
The administration is also reviewing visa holders' social media activities to identify individuals for potential cancellations.
President Donald Trump defended his support for H-1B visas, saying the U.S. needs skilled foreign workers to support key industries like semiconductor manufacturing. This stance has caused disagreement within his party, as some members want to limit high-skilled immigration. Trump argues there is a current lack of trained American workers in certain areas and highlights plans to grow domestic manufacturing.
Key Facts
President Trump supports H-1B visas to bring skilled foreign workers to the U.S.
He says the U.S. needs these workers for specialized fields like semiconductor manufacturing.
Trump claims that the U.S. does not have enough trained workers in these areas.
The H-1B visa program has received criticism from some Republicans who want to limit immigration.
A $100,000 fee was introduced for companies applying for H-1B visas under Trump's administration.
Some Republican figures are pushing to end the program, arguing it replaces American workers.
Trump's support for foreign labor is causing tension with conservatives within his party.
A large winter storm is expected to bring up to two feet of snow to parts of the U.S. from Monday through Thursday. The National Weather Service (NWS) warns that the snow and high winds could make travel difficult and cause power outages. People in affected areas are advised to stay informed about local forecasts and avoid travel if possible.
Key Facts
The storm could bring up to two feet of snow to some areas from Monday night to Thursday.
Alaska may see up to 12 inches of snow and 40 mph winds in certain regions.
California mountains above 9,500 feet could get up to two feet of snow, with possible road closures.
Mono County might get between 7 to 15 inches of snow with wind gusts up to 45 mph.
Nevada's Sheep Range and Spring Mountains might receive between 16 and 24 inches of snow.
The Southern Mountains in Utah could see up to 15 inches of snow in high areas.
The NWS advises carrying a flashlight, food, and water in vehicles if travel is necessary.
High winds and heavy snow could lead to reduced visibility and blizzard conditions.
President Donald Trump is planning for someone to succeed him in the 2028 presidential election, with candidates like Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio as potential options. However, divisions within the MAGA movement and the rise of other contenders, such as Marjorie Taylor Greene and Ted Cruz, could impact his succession plans.
Key Facts
President Trump is considering who will follow him as the Republican candidate in the 2028 election.
Vice President JD Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio are mentioned as possible successors by Trump.
Vance has a 56% chance of being the Republican nominee in 2028, according to Polymarket.
Marjorie Taylor Greene's chances went from 2.7% in August to 4% in November, but she has dismissed rumors of running.
Texas Senator Ted Cruz, who previously ran against Trump, might also be considering a run in 2028.
The MAGA movement is divided on issues, such as Trump's economic policies and involvement in foreign affairs.
Trump's criticism of Greene and events like Tucker Carlson's interview with controversial figures may increase these divisions.
Research by the Environmental Working Group (EWG) found that California uses large amounts of pesticides containing harmful chemicals called PFAS. These chemicals can collect in the environment and in the human body, posing health risks. Fresno County used the most PFAS pesticides from 2018 to 2023, as shown in an EWG map.
Key Facts
The EWG reported about 2.5 million pounds of PFAS pesticides are used annually in California.
PFAS chemicals are considered human carcinogens, meaning they can cause cancer.
The EPA has approved or proposed the approval of these pesticides.
PFAS pesticides can contaminate water sources and harm human health.
Fresno County used the most PFAS pesticides with 2.1 million pounds from 2018 to 2023.
Other high-use counties include Kern, San Joaquin, and Imperial.
California can restrict pesticide use even after national approval by the EPA.
There are concerns due to insufficient testing of PFAS pesticides for health impacts.
Kansas Governor Laura Kelly, a Democrat, leads a state where President Trump had significant support in the past. She focuses on local issues rather than national politics, which helped her win elections in a predominantly Republican state. Kelly also played a key role in recent Democratic successes in other states as the chair of the Democratic Governors Association.
Key Facts
Laura Kelly is the Democratic Governor of Kansas, a state President Trump won by 16 points.
She chairs the Democratic Governors Association and helped elect Democrats to governorships.
Laura Kelly chose to focus on Kansas policies rather than national politics.
She was elected governor in 2018 and re-elected in 2022.
Before becoming governor, she served 14 years as a state senator in Kansas.
Kelly’s predecessor, Sam Brownback, left the state in economic trouble after large tax cuts.
As DGA chair, she influenced the elections of Mikie Sherrill in New Jersey and Abigail Spanberger in Virginia.
Several U.S. states are planning to adjust their tourism taxes on short-term accommodations like hotels and vacation rentals by 2026. These changes will either increase or introduce new taxes, making overnight stays more expensive for visitors. States like Michigan, Colorado, Hawaii, New York, and California are updating their policies to raise revenue for local services and infrastructure.
Key Facts
A lodgings tax is an extra fee added to the overnight stay cost at accommodations like hotels and motels.
Michigan may let local governments add a 3% accommodations tax if approved by local voters.
Eagle County, Colorado, will increase its lodging tax from 2% to 4% starting January 1, 2026.
Hawaii plans to increase its hotel room tax from 10.25% to 11%.
Saratoga County, New York, is raising its local hotel occupancy tax from 1% to 3%.
Menlo County and San Mateo County in California will raise their transient occupancy tax from 14.5% to 15.5%.
San Diego, California, is increasing its hotel-room tax to fund infrastructure and homelessness services.
Some tax changes are voted on locally, while others affect entire states.
People in Georgia have been told by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to stay inside due to poor air quality. The air is considered "Unhealthy" because of high levels of fine particles in the air, known as PM2.5, which can harm health.
Key Facts
The warning comes from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
The Air Quality Index (AQI) in Georgia has reached "Unhealthy" levels due to fine particles called PM2.5.
PM2.5 particles can be harmful to vulnerable groups, including children, the elderly, and people with heart or lung conditions.
There are warnings in counties like Cherokee, Pickens, Dawson, Barrow, Hall, and Rockdale.
AQI readings in some areas are as high as 166, indicating poor air quality for the public.
PM2.5 levels come from sources like power plants, vehicle exhaust, and wildfires.
Atlanta is known for high levels of air pollution due to smog and traffic emissions.
The EPA suggests avoiding outdoor activities or taking it easy if going outside is necessary.
The U.S. House of Representatives is set to vote on a bill that requires the Department of Justice to release documents related to Jeffrey Epstein's case. President Donald Trump, after initially opposing, now supports this move. The bill needs a two-thirds majority to pass and aims to make these documents public while allowing certain personal details to be withheld.
Key Facts
The House is voting on a bill called the Epstein Files Transparency Act.
The bill mandates the release of unclassified documents about Jeffrey Epstein.
It requires a two-thirds majority to pass in the House.
President Trump switched his stance and now supports the release of the files.
The release could include information about Ghislaine Maxwell and flight logs.
The DOJ can redact information to protect personal privacy.
The bill will head to the Senate if it passes the House.
There is uncertainty about its progress in the Senate, as some members have limited interest.
Marjorie Taylor Greene announced that the U.S. House would vote on whether to release sealed documents related to Jeffrey Epstein. President Trump indicated he would sign the bill if it got to his desk. Greene supported the release but previously disagreed with some in her party about the issue.
Key Facts
The U.S. House plans to vote on releasing Jeffrey Epstein's investigation documents.
If approved by the House, the bill will proceed to the Senate and then potentially to the President.
President Trump stated he would sign the bill to release Epstein's files.
Marjorie Taylor Greene publicly supports releasing the files and expressed her stance on social media.
Greene experienced disagreements within her party, including with Trump, about releasing the files.
Trump changed his previous opposition and now supports releasing the documents.
In a segment on Fox News, financial coach Jade Warshaw advised viewers to save money during the holiday season by not buying gifts for adults. She suggested focusing on buying gifts for those aged 3 to 18 due to the current economic challenges.
Key Facts
The advice was given on Fox News by financial coach Jade Warshaw.
Warshaw suggests avoiding adult gift purchases to save money.
She emphasizes budgeting during the holiday season.
The focus should be on children and teenagers aged 3 to 18.
The current economic climate is a reason for this cost-saving strategy.
Warshaw is a co-host on "The Ramsey Show," a personal finance radio program.
House Democrats are experiencing internal disputes. A group of progressive members is considering action against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez because she criticized Rep. Chuy García's election actions. This situation is causing tensions within the Democratic Party.
Key Facts
Progressive Caucus members are thinking about introducing a measure against Rep. Marie Gluesenkamp Perez.
The issue started because Gluesenkamp Perez criticized Rep. Chuy García for his election decisions.
Gluesenkamp Perez accused García of "election subversion" after he dropped out of his reelection bid last minute.
García and his supporters claim his decision was due to health and family reasons.
Democratic leadership tried to stop Gluesenkamp Perez's resolution but were unsuccessful.
The resolution will be voted on in a House session.
Gluesenkamp Perez reportedly received donations from groups like the American Petroleum Institute PAC.
Internally, House Democrats are divided on how to handle this situation.
President Donald Trump called a reporter "quiet, piggy" during a press event on Air Force One, related to questioning about Jeffrey Epstein files. President Trump encouraged House Republicans to vote on releasing unclassified Epstein investigation files, stating there is nothing to hide and labeling the situation a "Democrat hoax." The House will vote on the release of the files, followed by potential Senate consideration and then a decision by President Trump.
Key Facts
President Trump told a reporter "quiet, piggy" when asked about Jeffrey Epstein files.
The interaction took place on Air Force One and involved a female reporter from Bloomberg.
Trump has suggested releasing all unclassified files related to the Epstein investigation.
He described the Epstein issue as a "Democrat hoax."
The House of Representatives is set to vote on whether to release these files.
Should the House approve, the Senate will then consider it, followed by presidential approval.
Trump said he would sign the legislation to make the files public.
