Welcome to the RedState Weekly Briefing, your go-to source for the week’s top stories. In case you missed any of the buzz, we’ve compiled the most popular articles that captured readers’ attention. So, pour yourself a cup of coffee or perhaps something stronger, and settle in for this weekend’s digital edition of your favorite news platform.

#1 – Intrigue Unfolds: Kash Patel Shares New Developments on the Comey Case and ‘Burn Bags’ — by Nick Arama

#2 – Pete Hegseth Story Takes Another Turn: New Details Emerge on the Drug Boats Strike — by Nick Arama

#3 – Disturbing Update: NYU Female Student Attack Story Intensifies — by Katie Jerkovich

#4 – Holiday Decor Drama: White House Critiques Jill Biden’s Christmas Display After Melania’s Elegant Touch — by Rusty Weiss

#2 – That Narrative About Hegseth and the Strike on the Drug Boats Just Imploded Even More — by Nick Arama

Now that’s vastly different from the picture that Democrats were trying to push of Hegseth ordering the killing of shipwrecked people stranded in the water. 

The NY Times also cites officials pointing out another problem with the narrative. 

The two officials questioned whether the surviving people were Admiral Bradley’s intended target in the second strike, as opposed to the purported drugs and the disabled vessel. They argued that the purported cargo remained a threat and a lawful military target because another cartel-associated boat might have come to retrieve it.

Translation? Disabled doesn’t equal done and no longer a threat. We’ve been treated to yet another “48-hour rule” story. It’s rolled out with great fanfare and outrage. Then, as more facts come out, you see it isn’t what the Democrats were claiming it to be. But this rather conveniently helped to feed the Democrat “illegal orders” narrative.

#3 – Story of Attack on NYU Female Student Just Got So Much Worse — by Katie Jerkovich

The NYPD later reported that 45-year-old homeless man James Rizzo was suspected of the crime and had been arrested. He was charged with assault, persistent sexual abuse, and forcible touching in connection with the incident.

And it turns out this is not the first time. The New York Post reported that Rizzo has a lengthy criminal past, with 16 total prior arrests.

The report read:

Rizzo has 16 prior busts, including for sexual abuse and forcible touching, and even a 1997 murder rap. He was released from state prison in September after being sentenced to two years behind bars on a persistent sexual abuse conviction, online correction records show.

He was released on parole in September and was still on parole when the suspected attack occurred. Other arrests include him being charged with burglary on four separate occasions, ABC 7NY reported.

#4 – White House Roasts Jill Biden’s Clown Show Christmas After Melania Classes Up the Decorations — by Rusty Weiss

Who could forget this travesty? A travesty described by Mrs. Biden as a “bit of magic, wonder, and joy.” Yeah, so long as you can overlook the accompanying mightmare fuel.

Ah, who doesn’t miss the days when the White House was turned into a high school play production, complete with furry masks and a guy with a giant purple flower on his head?

A bit of magic, wonder, and joy brought to you by the talented tappers of Dorrance Dance, performing their playful interpretation of The Nutcracker Suite.

Enjoy! 💕 pic.twitter.com/qXtCm4t37o

— Jill Biden Archived (@FLOTUS46Archive) December 13, 2023

What in the bejeezus was that, exactly?

The Economic Times described Dr. Jill’s decorations as including a “maypole that resembled a circus tent” and “window drapes … replaced with multicoloured ribbon, creating the illusion of a fun house entrance.”

No matter, Melania, as she often does, is classing up the place once again. Her theme, “Home Is Where The Heart Is,” shows the character of the White House that has been missing for years.

#5 – Musk Gives Epic One-Word Response to Insane EU X Speech Fine, Gets Backing From Rubio — by Katie Jerkovich

Musk’s simple response couldn’t have been more American. Under the EU post, he simply wrote, “Bulls—.”

Bullshit

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 5, 2025

In a follow-up post sometime later, Musk included what a threat to democracy this fine was. 

Freedom of speech is the bedrock democracy.

The only way to know what you are voting for.

— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) December 5, 2025

“Freedom of speech is the bedrock [of] democracy. The only way to know what you are voting for,” Musk said.

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