New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani issued an executive order specifying that the NYPD and several other city agencies will be supervised by the first deputy mayor. This led to online speculation that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch was demoted, but both Mamdani and Tisch confirmed she reports directly to the mayor.
Key Facts
Mayor Zohran Mamdani placed several city agencies, including the NYPD, under the supervision of the first deputy mayor.
Mamdani clarified that NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch continues to report directly to him.
Previous New York City mayors have also given the first deputy mayor oversight of the NYPD.
Social media users speculated about a demotion for Tisch, but Mayor Mamdani denied this.
Tisch confirmed at a news conference that she reports directly to Mayor Mamdani.
Mamdani expressed readiness to work with Tisch to improve public safety in New York City.
A suspect named William D. DeFoor is accused of attacking Vice President JD Vance’s home in Cincinnati. DeFoor, whose father is a Democratic donor and a wealthy surgeon, allegedly broke windows at the residence while the Vance family was away.
Key Facts
William D. DeFoor is accused of breaking four windows at Vice President JD Vance’s $1.4 million home.
The incident occurred while the Vance family was not present.
DeFoor faces federal and state charges, including damaging government property and assaulting federal officers.
The suspect's father, William DeFoor Jr., is identified as a Democratic donor and a surgeon.
William DeFoor Jr. donated significant amounts to Democratic campaigns, including Kamala Harris in 2024 and Joe Biden in 2020.
The suspect attended a private high school in Cincinnati, where tuition costs can be high.
Law enforcement records indicate William D. DeFoor has had previous legal issues.
No motive has been publicly disclosed for the break-in at this time.
Enrique Tarrio, the former leader of the Proud Boys, says he is proud of his past work with the FBI to stop a sex trafficking ring, despite his criminal conviction and sentencing related to the January 6, 2021, Capitol riot. Tarrio was pardoned by President Donald Trump along with more than 1,500 others. He did not physically take part in the Capitol events, as he was arrested beforehand.
Key Facts
Enrique Tarrio once led the Proud Boys, a far-right group.
Tarrio was convicted of seditious conspiracy for his role in planning to stop the certification of the 2020 election results.
He was sentenced to 22 years in prison, the longest for anyone involved in the January 6 riot.
President Trump pardoned Tarrio and more than 1,500 others in January.
Tarrio claims he helped the FBI dismantle a sex trafficking ring before his charges.
He was arrested two days before the January 6 riot but remained in control of the Proud Boys.
Tarrio expressed gratitude to President Trump for the pardon but criticized some of Trump’s appointees.
Vice President JD Vance shared that he was initially doubtful about the U.S. mission to capture Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro without any American casualties. He later noted that the operation was successful and suggested that it could help lower energy costs in the U.S.
Key Facts
Vice President JD Vance expressed initial skepticism about the operation to capture Nicolás Maduro.
Vance believed it was risky to conduct such a mission without American casualties.
The mission to capture Maduro was executed without any American deaths.
Vance thinks taking Maduro out of power may lead to cheaper gas and energy for Americans.
He also mentioned that this could give the U.S. more control over global energy resources.
Nicolás Maduro is a Venezuelan leader who has been indicted for narcoterrorism.
President Trump has taken military action in Venezuela by abducting its leader, Nicolas Maduro. Some U.S. Democrats in Congress want to limit the President's ability to conduct such military operations without their approval. They are planning to raise a resolution to address this issue, though previous attempts have not succeeded.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered the abduction of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro.
Democrats in the U.S. Senate plan to introduce a resolution to limit Trump's military actions.
The attack on Venezuela has raised questions about Congress's role in military decisions.
The Constitution gives Congress the power to authorize military action.
Previous resolutions requiring presidential approval for military action have failed.
Trump has been increasing military presence near Venezuela since August.
The UN has questioned the legality of the U.S. operations in Venezuela.
Thousands of student loan borrowers in the United States may soon have their wages taken by the government due to missed payments. The Education Department plans to send notices to about 1,000 people in early January, with more notices to follow. Borrowers have been given a 30-day warning before this step is taken.
Key Facts
About 1,000 student loan borrowers will get notices about wage garnishment starting in early January.
Borrowers are in default if they have not made payments for 270 days or more.
The Education Department must give a 30-day notice before garnishing wages.
Wage garnishment was paused during the pandemic but will resume under the Trump administration.
Student loan forgiveness under income-driven repayment plans is now taxable, but forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness is not.
In the U.S., around 42.5 million people owe federal student loans, totaling nearly $1.7 trillion.
The government may also intercept tax refunds and federal payments from borrowers who do not have wages to garnish.
U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is carrying out its largest immigration operation in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officers are in the city to focus on addressing fraud, arresting suspects, and deporting immigrants with criminal backgrounds.
Key Facts
ICE is running the biggest immigration operation ever in Minneapolis.
Acting ICE Director Todd Lyons announced the operation.
The operation targets fraud and involves arresting and deporting certain immigrants.
DHS officers are executing the operation under the leadership of Secretary Kristi Noem.
The focus of the operation is on immigrants with criminal records.
This is a developing story, with updates expected to follow.
George Conway announced he is running for a U.S. House seat in New York City. He aims to win in a crowded Democratic primary to succeed retiring Representative Jerry Nadler. Conway is known for his criticism of President Trump and his background as an attorney.
Key Facts
George Conway is running for a New York City U.S. House seat.
The seat is open due to the retirement of Rep. Jerry Nadler.
Conway has a strong presence on social media, largely from his anti-Trump stance.
He relocated to Manhattan from Bethesda, Maryland, for this campaign.
Conway is a former Republican and co-founder of the Lincoln Project.
Several Democratic candidates are also vying for Nadler's seat, including Micah Lasher, Cameron Kasky, and Jack Schlossberg.
Conway is 62 years old and brings years of legal experience to his campaign.
A new internal poll suggests that Democratic candidate Jamie Ager is narrowly leading Republican Representative Chuck Edwards in North Carolina's 11th Congressional District. This district has typically favored Republicans, and Democrats aim to gain seats in the upcoming 2026 midterm elections to take control of the House of Representatives.
Key Facts
The poll shows Jamie Ager with 45% support and Chuck Edwards with 44%; 10% of respondents are undecided.
The poll was conducted with 500 likely voters from December 15-17, 2025, with a margin of error of ±4.4 percentage points.
On an informed ballot, where short profiles of each candidate were presented, Ager leads by 7 percentage points (49% to 42%).
North Carolina's 11th Congressional District leans Republican but has been competitive, especially in urban areas like Asheville.
President Donald Trump supported Chuck Edwards, praising his work as a congressman.
The Cook Political Report regards the race as Likely Republican, while Sabato’s Crystal Ball considers it Safe Republican.
Jamie Ager is the grandson of former Democratic Representative James Clarke.
Dan Bongino, a former FBI deputy director and conservative commentator, criticized former Republican Representative Matt Gaetz in a social media post after Gaetz questioned his past political campaigns. The exchange included personal insults and references to Gaetz's past controversies. This incident comes as Bongino announced upcoming news for his show and discussed Republican unity.
Key Facts
Dan Bongino criticized Matt Gaetz on the social media platform X, calling him names.
Gaetz had questioned Bongino's previous attempts at running for political office.
Bongino previously served as FBI deputy director, appointed by President Trump in March 2023.
Bongino has been involved in the Tea Party movement and often criticized FBI leadership.
Gaetz has faced allegations of misconduct but denies any wrongdoing and has not been charged with a crime.
Gaetz withdrew from consideration for the role of President Trump's attorney general in 2024 due to scrutiny from a House Ethics Committee report.
Bongino has teased upcoming news related to his show and advocated for Republican unity ahead of the 2026 midterm elections.
Abortion will remain legal in Wyoming after the state Supreme Court ruled that laws banning abortion and abortion pills violate the state constitution. The court sided with the state's only abortion clinic and others who argued these laws went against a state constitutional amendment on health care decisions. The ruling came after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, and state lawmakers may consider a new amendment in response.
Key Facts
The Wyoming Supreme Court struck down laws that banned abortion and abortion pills in the state.
The court ruled that these bans violated a state constitutional amendment from 2012 about health care decisions.
The amendment ensures that competent adults have the right to make their own health care choices.
The state argued abortion is not health care, but the court disagreed.
A proposed new constitutional amendment could be brought to voters if lawmakers decide to address the issue.
The ruling follows the U.S. Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade, which protected abortion rights nationwide.
Wyoming Governor Mark Gordon expressed disappointment and supports taking the issue to a voter decision.
The Wyoming Supreme Court stopped two abortion bans from taking effect. The court decided that these bans went against the state constitution, which protects a person's right to make their own health care choices.
Key Facts
The Wyoming Supreme Court issued a 4-1 decision.
The court blocked two abortion bans in the state.
The decision cited the state constitution amendment from 2012.
The amendment protects individual rights to health care decisions, including abortion.
Wyoming is a predominantly Republican state.
The state has not voted for a Democratic president in over 60 years.
Almost 20 U.S. states are experiencing the highest level of flu activity, according to a report from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). A significant increase in influenza cases was observed nationwide in December, with many states hitting "very high" levels. The surge is attributed to lower vaccination rates, a new flu strain, and increased indoor activities during colder weather.
Key Facts
19 states have reached the highest level of flu activity by December 27.
30 states fall into the "very high" tier, which includes Levels 11 to 13 for flu activity.
The number of states in the "very high" category increased from 6 to 30 over December.
Factors contributing to increased flu cases include lower vaccination rates and a new flu strain, H3N2 subclade K.
Indoor gatherings during colder months and holiday periods may also increase flu transmission.
Experts recommend vaccination to help reduce the severity of illness.
Some experts note that high flu activity is typical for this time of year but is more pronounced due to specific circumstances.
Kids returning to school post-holidays could drive further transmission of flu.
President Donald Trump told House Republicans that their party should win the upcoming midterm elections to prevent Democrats from finding a reason to impeach him. He shared this message at a retreat held at the Trump-Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C.
Key Facts
President Trump spoke to House Republicans about the importance of winning midterm elections.
He warned that Democrats might try to impeach him if they gain control of Congress.
The comments were made during a GOP retreat at the Kennedy Center.
The Kennedy Center has been renamed the Trump-Kennedy Center.
The center's board includes members selected by President Trump.
President Donald Trump mentioned the possibility of facing impeachment if Republicans lose control of Congress in the 2026 midterm elections. He spoke about the issue during a meeting with House Republicans, citing past impeachment efforts against him. There are no formal impeachment proceedings underway, but the topic remains significant in political discussions.
Key Facts
President Trump addressed House Republicans about potential impeachment if Republicans lose the 2026 midterm elections.
Trump referred to his previous two impeachment trials, where he was acquitted by the Senate both times.
No formal impeachment actions have started against Trump since he returned to office.
Some believe impeachment could hinder Trump's policies if Democrats gain a House majority.
Political interest in the topic increased after the release of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, although no congressional action has been triggered.
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated Democrats might pursue impeachment if they gain control.
The topic of impeachment is central to both parties' strategies for the upcoming midterms.
In 2025, the number of U.S. law enforcement officers who died while working dropped by nearly 25% compared to 2024. The annual report by the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund noted fewer deaths from firearms and traffic-related incidents. Factors like improved safety protocols and law changes may have helped reduce these deaths.
Key Facts
In 2025, 111 officers died on duty, down from 148 in 2024.
Firearm-related officer deaths decreased by 15%, with 44 fatalities in 2025.
There was a nearly 23% reduction in traffic-related officer deaths.
"Move-over" laws and changes in traffic stop procedures might have contributed to fewer traffic-related fatalities.
Other causes of death, such as health issues and accidents, saw a 37% reduction.
The report did not count deaths from COVID-19 as on-duty fatalities for the past two years.
There were no on-duty officer deaths in 17 states and Washington, D.C., in 2025.
President Donald Trump told House Republicans that he is "not allowed" to run for a third term in office. He made this comment during a speech at their annual policy retreat. The U.S. Constitution currently limits presidents to two terms.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump said he is "not allowed" to run for a third term.
He discussed this during a 90-minute speech to House Republicans.
Trump joked about the possibility of running for a third term.
The U.S. Constitution limits presidents to two terms.
Reports mentioned Trump privately discussing a third term with his legal adviser.
Alan Dershowitz, a legal adviser, has written a book exploring this idea.
The White House spokeswoman praised Trump's achievements in his current term.
The death of Representative Doug LaMalfa, a Republican from California, reduces the Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives to five seats. This narrow majority makes it challenging for House Speaker Mike Johnson and the GOP to pass legislation, as even a small number of votes against can block bills. Upcoming special elections might further impact this slim majority.
Key Facts
Representative Doug LaMalfa, a California Republican, has passed away.
Republicans now hold 218 seats, while Democrats have 213 seats in the House.
The Republican majority in the House is now only five seats.
Special elections in Texas and New Jersey could give Democrats two more seats.
These developments add pressure on House Speaker Mike Johnson to manage the GOP's limited majority.
The Republicans' slim margin means any defecting votes could stop legislation.
Other Republicans, like Representative Jim Baird, have faced health issues, impacting voting presence.
Political experts warn that the majority could quickly shift to Democrats.
Pamela Hemphill, involved in the January 6th U.S. Capitol attack, publicly apologized to Capitol Police Officers. She spoke during a hearing on the fifth anniversary of the event.
Key Facts
Pamela Hemphill was involved in the January 6th attack on the U.S. Capitol.
She rejected a pardon related to her participation in the attack.
Hemphill apologized to Capitol Police Officers during a special hearing.
The apology occurred on the fifth anniversary of the January 6th riot.
Hemphill expressed gratitude to the Capitol Police and regret for her involvement.
President Donald Trump's approval rating is higher than that of 43rd President George W. Bush during the same period in their second terms. New polls also show an increase in Trump's approval rating, with recent surveys indicating his highest levels in months.
Key Facts
President Trump's approval rating is 43.9% as of January 6, 2026, surpassing Bush's 43.6% on the same date in 2006.
Barack Obama's approval rating was 42.4% at the same point during his presidency.
Historically, Bush's highest approval was over 90% after the 9/11 attacks, and his lowest was 19% during the 2008 financial crisis.
Trump's approval rating reached 42% in a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll, up from 39% in December.
An InsiderAdvantage poll showed Trump with a net approval of +8.4 points, his strongest since August.
Approval ratings can influence administration policies and future political strategies.
