President Donald Trump commuted the sentence of former Representative George Santos, who was serving time for fraud. Santos is among several GOP lawmakers who received pardons or commutations from President Trump. The power to grant pardons and commutations is in the U.S. Constitution, specifically for federal crimes.
Key Facts
President Trump commuted the sentence of former Congressman George Santos, who was imprisoned for fraud.
Santos began his sentence in July 2025 and was set for 87 months but got out early.
Santos was found guilty of wire fraud, identity theft, and campaign finance violations.
Presidential pardons can only apply to federal offenses, while state crimes are handled by governors.
Since taking office in 2024, Trump has issued numerous pardons and commutations to political allies and others.
Pardons erase criminal penalties, while commutations reduce jail time but leave the conviction.
Notable recipients of Trump's pardons and commutations include various GOP lawmakers and figures involved in January 6 events.
Trump's use of pardons has sparked divided opinions, with supporters and critics expressing contrasting views.
U.S. prosecutors accused Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi, a Louisiana resident, of joining a paramilitary group that participated in a Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, 2023. He faces charges related to providing support to a foreign terrorist organization and visa fraud. Al-Muhtadi, who claims innocence, was arrested in Louisiana and disputes the allegations against him.
Key Facts
Mahmoud Amin Ya'qub al-Muhtadi is accused of taking part in a Hamas-led attack on Israel on October 7, 2023.
Al-Muhtadi allegedly joined a paramilitary group and armed himself for the attack.
He is charged with providing or attempting to provide support to a foreign terrorist group.
After the attack, he allegedly traveled to the U.S. using a fraudulent visa.
He became a permanent U.S. resident and lived in various locations before settling in Louisiana.
Al-Muhtadi denies involvement in terrorist activities on his U.S. visa application and claims innocence.
He was arrested and appeared in court in Louisiana, where he stated through an interpreter that he was innocent.
A new poll by Morning Consult shows which U.S. Senators are most and least popular in their states. Independent Bernie Sanders of Vermont is the most popular, while Mitch McConnell from Kentucky is the least popular. The poll comes as the 2026 midterm elections approach, where 35 Senate seats will be contested.
Key Facts
The Morning Consult poll surveyed registered voters in each state between July and September.
Bernie Sanders, an Independent from Vermont, has a 71% approval rating, making him the most popular senator.
Mitch McConnell from Kentucky is the least popular senator, with a net approval rating of -30.
Republicans currently hold 53 seats in the Senate, while Democrats and their allies hold 47.
The 2026 midterms will include elections for 35 Senate seats, which could affect President Trump's ability to pass his policies.
Other popular senators include Peter Welch (D-VT), Brian Schatz (D-HI), and John Barrasso (R-WY).
Senators Susan Collins (R-ME), Joni Ernst (R-IA), and Ron Johnson (R-WI) are among those with lower approval ratings.
Mitch McConnell has been the least popular senator for 19 consecutive quarters according to this poll.
Martin Luther King III and Mi Familia Vota have teamed up to increase civic involvement among Black and Hispanic voters in 10 states. This effort is a response to challenges such as voting rights issues and aims to build a united community voice. The initiative will hold meetings and campaign efforts to develop a shared agenda for these communities.
Key Facts
Martin Luther King III and Mi Familia Vota launched a campaign to boost Black and Hispanic voter engagement.
The initiative targets 10 important states, including Texas, Georgia, and California.
This comes as the Supreme Court reviews a key aspect of the 1965 Voting Rights Act.
The campaign plans to unify civil rights leaders, community groups, and policymakers.
Efforts will address challenges like redistricting and political division.
Meetings and policy planning sessions will occur through 2026.
The campaign began in collaboration at the 2024 Democratic National Convention.
The partnership aims to create a national agenda promoting unity and voter protection.
A group of U.S. senators, led by Senator Tim Kaine, proposed a resolution to stop President Donald Trump from using military action in Venezuela without Congress's approval. This move follows rising tensions between the U.S. and Venezuela, with the U.S. strengthening its military presence in the Caribbean. The resolution aims to ensure that Congress has the power to decide on military involvement as stated in the U.S. Constitution.
Key Facts
Senators Tim Kaine, Adam Schiff, and Rand Paul introduced a resolution to prevent unauthorized U.S. military action in Venezuela.
The resolution seeks to ensure that only Congress can authorize the use of U.S. armed forces in Venezuela.
The United States has moved significant military resources, including warships and troops, near Venezuela amid rising tensions.
The U.S. attacks on alleged drug trafficking boats in the Caribbean reportedly resulted in the deaths of at least 27 people.
President Trump confirmed he authorized CIA operations in Venezuela and mentioned planning further actions.
The U.S. Constitution gives Congress the authority to declare war, reinforced by the War Powers Resolution of 1973.
A previous similar resolution failed with a narrow 48-51 vote in the Senate.
President Trump criticized Senator Rand Paul on social media for not aligning with the Republican Party's stance.
The Trump administration is using the government shutdown to significantly reduce the number of federal employees. The aim is to shrink the federal government and eliminate programs that go against the administration’s beliefs. This move has resulted in many layoffs, which are now under legal review.
Key Facts
The government shutdown is being used to fire federal workers for the first time.
The goal is to reduce the size of the federal government and align it with President Trump's vision.
So far, around 4,000 federal employees have been terminated, but these layoffs are currently facing legal challenges.
About 14% of the federal workforce, excluding military and postal service, is expected to leave this year.
These layoffs are impacting unemployment rates, especially in Washington, D.C., and affecting private sector jobs that depend on government contracts.
Some terminated programs include "green New Deal" initiatives and the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau.
There is legal uncertainty about whether using a shutdown to terminate employees is allowed.
The administration plans to lay off more than 10,000 workers during the shutdown.
The "No Kings" protests are planned across the United States, aiming to show that "America has no kings, and the power belongs to the people." Prominent figures from President Donald Trump's MAGA movement have criticized the demonstrations, while senior Democrats have expressed support for them.
Key Facts
Thousands of "No Kings" demonstrations are set to take place in cities across the United States.
The protests aim to convey that the U.S. has no kings and power rests with the people.
House Speaker Mike Johnson referred to the events as the “Hate America rally.”
Some Republicans, including Johnson, claim the rallies are supported by the Communist Party USA.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and former Vice President Kamala Harris have endorsed the protests.
The events follow previous similar demonstrations that occurred in June.
Protests have raised concerns that they might lead to unrest, which could justify government crackdowns.
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy linked the demonstrations to Antifa, a coalition President Trump designated as a terrorist organization.
People gathered in Washington, D.C., and across the U.S. to protest the country's direction under President Donald Trump, calling their demonstrations "No Kings" rallies. These protests happened amid a government shutdown and involved thousands of participants who organized over 2,600 rallies nationwide. Key political figures, including Chuck Schumer and Bernie Sanders, joined the protests, which were also supported by participants in major European cities.
Key Facts
The protests were called "No Kings" rallies and took place in Washington, D.C., and other U.S. locations.
The protests occurred during a government shutdown affecting federal services and programs.
Over 2,600 rallies were organized nationwide with participation in major European cities.
Key political leaders like Senate Leader Chuck Schumer and Independent Sen. Bernie Sanders participated.
Republicans referred to these rallies as "Hate America" events and criticized the participants.
President Trump was not in Washington during the protests; he was at his Mar-a-Lago home in Florida.
Protestors carried American flags and signs, with some expressing concerns about authoritarianism.
Participants included a wide range of people, some of whom felt targeted by "military-style" tactics by the administration.
The National Weather Service has issued warnings about heavy snow and icy roads in parts of Washington state. Advisories are in effect from Saturday night to Sunday night for mountain areas, expecting up to 8 inches of snow in high elevations.
Key Facts
The National Weather Service has issued winter weather advisories for Washington state's mountain regions.
The advisories cover areas in Whatcom, Skagit, and Western Okanogan Counties.
High elevations above 4,000 feet may see 4 to 8 inches of snowfall.
The advisories last from Saturday night to Sunday night.
Slippery road conditions are expected, especially on bridges and overpasses.
Travelers are urged to drive slowly and prepare for winter conditions.
The public is advised to check for updates from the NWS and Washington State Department of Transportation.
Thousands of people in six U.S. states are facing very cold temperatures as low as 21 degrees Fahrenheit. The National Weather Service has issued freeze warnings and frost advisories for parts of Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oregon. They are advising people to protect plants and water pipes from the cold.
Key Facts
Temperatures may drop to 21 degrees Fahrenheit in some areas.
Freeze warnings are in effect for Wyoming, New Mexico, Colorado, Nebraska, Kansas, and Oregon.
The freezing temperatures could harm crops and other plants.
People are advised to protect pipes by wrapping, draining, or allowing them to drip.
Warnings and advisories are in place from late Saturday to Sunday morning in various states.
Specific areas affected include Cheyenne in Wyoming and the Hood River Valley in Oregon.
Frost advisories involve states like Texas, Oklahoma, Idaho, and parts of Oregon.
President Donald Trump's approval rating on the economy has reached its lowest point, with only 42% support. Economic concerns, including inflation, tariffs, and job security, have led to decreased public confidence. The ongoing government shutdown is adding to worries about the economy's impact.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating on the economy is 42%, with 55% disapproving, according to a CNBC poll.
Only 34% of people approve of Trump's handling of inflation and the cost of living.
Just 27% of people believe the economy is "good" or "excellent."
More than 25% of workers fear losing their jobs in the next year.
Inflation rose to 2.9% in August, the highest since January.
The unemployment rate is at 4.3%, the highest in four years.
The ongoing government shutdown could cost the U.S. economy $15 billion a week.
The federal government shutdown has resulted in 4,000 federal workers being laid off.
Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner faces challenges after his past offensive online comments surfaced. Platner, supported by key Democrats like Sen. Bernie Sanders, has issued an apology and explained his past actions as influenced by his experiences as a military veteran. Despite the controversy, some groups continue to support him while others question his readiness for the Senate race.
Key Facts
Graham Platner is running for the U.S. Senate in Maine and previously served in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Past online comments by Platner surfaced, including crude remarks about various groups and statements on Reddit.
Platner publicly apologized, citing his mental health struggles after military service as a reason for his past behavior.
Bernie Sanders supports Platner, hoping to make the Democratic Party more progressive.
Platner raised over $3 million early in his campaign despite the recent controversy.
Maine Governor Janet Mills has also entered the Senate race, ignoring advice to not compete against Platner.
Platner's political director resigned following the media reports about his past comments.
Youth organizations continue to back Platner, viewing him as a key figure for engaging young and working-class voters.
A Texas mom, Alysa Farmer, shared a TikTok video about her 3-year-old son, Brooks, who repeatedly asks if his dad is home every time she picks him up from school. The video gained popularity, resonating with many other parents who have similar experiences with their children preferring one parent over the other.
Key Facts
Alysa Farmer posted a video on TikTok about her son Brooks, aged 3, asking for his dad when she picks him up from school.
Brooks has been asking this question for about a year.
The video has been watched over 700,000 times on TikTok.
Many parents commented on the video, sharing similar experiences with their children.
Farmer mentioned feeling a bit bothered by this but found comfort knowing other moms relate.
Gallup poll data from 2024 showed 66% of moms report a warm relationship with their kids, compared to 57% of dads.
Farmer’s husband feels overwhelmed by the situation of Brooks repeatedly asking for him.
Missouri voters are trying to overturn the state's new congressional map, which they believe unfairly favors Republicans. A group called People Not Politicians Missouri is collecting signatures to put the map issue on a future ballot for a public vote. At the same time, state officials are taking actions against this effort, including legal challenges.
Key Facts
Thousands of people are protesting the new congressional map in Missouri, claiming it favors the GOP.
A group named People Not Politicians Missouri is leading the effort to challenge the map by collecting signatures.
They must gather over 106,000 signatures by December 11 to get a vote on the issue in 2026.
Missouri's new map aims to impact Democratic representation, targeting Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II's seat.
Missouri's Attorney General filed a lawsuit against the referendum, citing constitutional concerns.
The Secretary of State of Missouri initially rejected the referendum petition but later approved it, while disputing the validity of early signatures collected.
California is also involved in redistricting efforts, aiming to favor Democrats.
Missouri's Governor Mike Kehoe, a Republican, signed the new map into law.
Protests called "No Kings" are planned across the United States to oppose policies by President Donald Trump. Organizers expect millions of participants at over 2,000 events.
Key Facts
"No Kings" protests are scheduled to happen nationwide in the U.S.
The protests are against policies by President Donald Trump.
Organizers expect millions of people to join.
More than 2,000 events are planned.
The protests are described as a response to perceived authoritarian policies.
An immigrant detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) faced deportation to a country he had never lived in. After hiring a lawyer, his case highlights issues in the deportation system.
Key Facts
ICE detained an immigrant and planned to deport him to a foreign country.
The immigrant had never lived in the country to which he was to be deported.
The immigrant hired a lawyer to help with his case.
Hiring legal help shows the challenges and shortcomings of the current deportation system.
The case illustrates problems with mass deportation efforts in the U.S.
Volunteers visited members of the U.S. Congress to advocate for cancer research and support resources. The group aimed to discuss the importance of funding and resources for cancer research, without focusing on political differences.
Key Facts
Volunteers went to Capitol Hill to talk to lawmakers about cancer support.
They focused on getting more support and money for cancer research.
The visit aimed to bridge political divides on this issue.
The meeting took place on October 18, 2025.
The advocates wanted to emphasize the importance of federal funding for cancer initiatives.
President Donald Trump called for Representative Thomas Massie to be removed from Congress. Trump criticized Massie on Truth Social and endorsed Navy veteran Ed Gallrein to run against Massie in the upcoming midterm elections. The conflict highlights divisions within the Republican Party.
Key Facts
President Trump called for the removal of Representative Thomas Massie from Congress.
Trump posted his remarks on Truth Social, labeling Massie as ineffective and opposed to his agenda.
Trump endorsed Ed Gallrein, a Navy veteran, to challenge Massie in the midterm elections.
Gallrein has not yet officially announced his candidacy but expressed gratitude for Trump's endorsement.
Trump criticized Massie for opposing GOP spending that Trump supports.
Massie has frequently clashed with Trump and GOP leadership on issues like spending and foreign policy.
Massie recently filed a petition related to the Justice Department’s files on the Jeffrey Epstein case.
A super PAC, MAGA KY, has spent $1.8 million trying to unseat Massie.
President Trump's administration has requested the Supreme Court to allow National Guard troops to be deployed in Chicago, Illinois. Lower courts blocked this deployment, leading to an emergency appeal to the highest court. The case focuses on whether the federal government can send military resources to a state without its consent.
Key Facts
President Trump's team filed an emergency appeal with the Supreme Court regarding the use of National Guard troops in Chicago.
Lower courts, including a district judge and the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals, stopped the deployment, saying legal conditions weren't met.
Trump’s administration claims troops are necessary for safety and that court decisions limit presidential powers.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker opposes the military deployment, citing state sovereignty concerns.
Texas Governor Greg Abbott sent National Guard troops in support of Trump’s efforts.
Past court rulings have often sided with Trump on military and immigration issues.
The Supreme Court asked for responses from Illinois and Chicago officials by the following Monday.
The outcome could influence future cases of federal military intervention in states.
President Donald Trump commuted the prison sentence of George Santos, a former representative from New York who was jailed for fraud. Santos served less than three months of his 87-month sentence before his release. The commutation has sparked discussion about the extent of presidential clemency and accountability for public officials.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump commuted George Santos's federal prison sentence.
Santos was convicted of wire fraud, identity theft, and campaign finance violations.
He served less than three months of his 87-month prison sentence.
A sentence commutation reduces the punishment but keeps the conviction.
Santos was expelled from the House of Representatives, one of only six lawmakers to face expulsion in U.S. history.
The commutation has led to mixed reactions from both lawmakers and the public.
Santos and his attorney, Joseph Murray, praised President Trump for the commutation.
