American Democracy Minute Radio News Report & Podcast

How Much Power Does the President Have Over Independent Agencies? Trump vs. Slaughter in the SCOTUS Tests the ‘Unitary Executive” Theory

December 8, 2025December 8, 2025

A case before the U.S. Supreme Court December 8th tests the “unitary executive” theory – how much power the presidency has over agencies Congress designed to be “independent”. The Federal Election Commission is one of those agencies.

U.S. Supreme Court Majority Embraces Texas Redistricting, Ignores District Court Panel Racial Gerrymandering Findings

December 7, 2025December 16, 2025

The U.S. Supreme Court handed the State of Texas and the Trump administration a huge win December 4th, overruling a district court panel’s compelling racial gerrymandering findings. The gerrymandered maps likely deliver five more GOP congressional seats in the 2026 midterms.

Another Politician Accused of Public Corruption, Congressman Henry Cuellar, is Pardoned by President Donald Trump

December 4, 2025December 4, 2025

U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar faced years in prison, accused of taking $600,000 in bribes from two foreign companies. President Donald Trump just pardoned the Democrat December 3rd, after which Cuellar filed for reelection.

Part of Georgia’s Infamous SB 202 Voter Suppression Law Will Get Another Day in Court, Says Federal Court Panel

December 3, 2025December 3, 2025

Georgia was one of the first states to pass sweeping voter suppression laws after the 2020 election. Among many major changes, Senate Bill 202 made it harder to vote by mail and banned giving food and water to voters in line. It survived court challenges, but December 1st, an 11th Circuit federal court panel said free speech issues needed to be considered.

Proposed Congressional Map from Indiana House Erases Both Democratic-Leaning Seats; Support May Not Be Solid in the State Senate

December 2, 2025December 2, 2025

Equitable representation for Indiana’s largest urban centers was eliminated from congressional district maps proposed by the Indiana House on Monday. It’s unclear whether the state senate, which initially resisted the gerrymander, has enough support to pass it.