The number of people applying for unemployment benefits in the U.S. dropped to its lowest in a month. The labor market has been weak, partly because of President Trump's tariff policies. The U.S. unemployment rate was high in November, influenced by federal employees leaving their jobs.
Key Facts
Unemployment benefit claims fell by 16,000 to a total of 199,000 for the week ending December 27.
The four-week average of claims increased slightly to 218,750.
The U.S. unemployment rate was 4.6% in November, the highest since 2021.
A weak labor market is attributed to President Trump's tariff policies and reduced government staffing.
The Federal Reserve cut interest rates for the third time this year to address job market concerns.
The U.S. lost 105,000 jobs in October but gained back 64,000 jobs in November.
Major companies like UPS, General Motors, Amazon, and Verizon announced job cuts recently.
A Jordanian man, Maher Tarabishi, living in the U.S. for over 30 years, has been detained by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). His family is asking for his release, citing his role as the primary caregiver for his bedridden son with a severe medical condition. The case highlights challenges faced by immigrant families with mixed legal statuses under current U.S. immigration policies.
Key Facts
Maher Tarabishi, 62, has been living in the U.S. since 1994.
Tarabishi was detained by ICE in October and is currently in custody.
His family says he has followed all U.S. laws and never committed a crime.
Tarabishi's son, Wael, a U.S. citizen, has a genetic condition called Pompe disease.
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security claims Tarabishi is linked to the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO).
Tarabishi's family argues he has never been involved in terrorism and was allowed to stay in the U.S. to care for his son.
The detention is part of a stricter immigration approach under President Trump's administration.
Zohran Mamdani will become the mayor of New York City at the start of 2026. He will have two swearing-in ceremonies: a private one at midnight and a public one later in the day.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is set to be the next mayor of New York City.
His term begins as 2026 starts.
There will be two swearing-in ceremonies for Mamdani.
The first ceremony is private, with family, at an old subway station just after midnight.
Later, a public event will take place in the afternoon outside City Hall.
House Republicans released a shortened version of a transcript from a closed-door talk with former special counsel Jack Smith. The document reveals details about the investigation into President Donald Trump's actions after his 2020 election loss. Jack Smith shared his reasons for indicting Trump, citing evidence of crimes during Trump's first term.
Key Facts
House Republicans made public a redacted transcript of Jack Smith's deposition.
The deposition focused on the investigation into President Trump's efforts to overturn his 2020 election loss.
The transcript is 255 pages long and covers eight hours of testimony.
Jack Smith stated he decided to bring charges against Trump based on clear evidence.
Smith claimed that Trump broke the law by hiding classified documents and blocking their recovery.
Smith expressed sadness and anger at Trump for targeting legal staff who investigated him.
Democrat Renee Hardman won a special election for the Iowa state Senate, preventing Republicans from gaining a supermajority. Hardman will represent parts of the Des Moines suburbs and is the first Black woman elected to the Iowa Senate.
Key Facts
Renee Hardman is a Democrat elected to the Iowa state Senate.
The election was a special one because the previous Senator, Claire Celsi, passed away in October.
Hardman defeated Republican Lucas Loftin to win her seat.
Her win stops Republicans from having two-thirds control of the Iowa Senate.
Hardman is the CEO of the nonprofit Lutheran Services of Iowa.
She also serves on the West Des Moines City Council.
She is the first Black woman elected to the 50-member Iowa Senate.
President Trump used his veto power to reject two bills that had support from both major political parties. One bill would have helped a water project in Colorado, while the other aimed to expand tribal land in Florida. Overriding these vetoes would require a two-thirds vote in both houses of Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump issued his first two vetoes of his second term.
One vetoed bill focused on easing payments for a Colorado water pipeline project.
The other bill aimed to expand the Miccosukee Tribe's land in Florida.
The Miccosukee Tribe had joined a lawsuit against Trump's immigration policies.
Overriding the vetoes needs a two-thirds majority in both the House and the Senate.
Both bills were approved with bipartisan support in Congress.
Trump argued the vetoes protected taxpayer dollars and criticized special interests.
Congress had successfully overridden a Trump veto before, during his first term.
A transcript and video of Jack Smith's deposition were released by the House Judiciary GOP. Smith, a former Department of Justice special counsel, discussed his investigation into President Trump's actions related to the January 6 Capitol attack. He claimed there was strong evidence that Trump tried to overturn the 2020 election results.
Key Facts
Jack Smith was a special counsel for the Department of Justice.
He was appointed by Attorney General Merrick Garland.
Smith investigated President Trump's actions during the January 6 Capitol attack.
Smith's deposition is from December 17, 2024.
The House Judiciary GOP released the transcript and video of this deposition.
Smith stated there was proof beyond a reasonable doubt that Trump conspired to overturn the 2020 election results.
He mentioned that the decision to charge Trump was based on his actions as alleged in indictments.
Ben Nighthorse Campbell, a former U.S. Senator and Representative from Colorado, passed away at the age of 92. Known for his advocacy on Native American issues and his change from the Democratic to the Republican Party, Campbell served in Congress from 1987 to 2005. He retired to focus on Native American jewelry and consulting work related to federal policy.
Key Facts
Ben Nighthorse Campbell served as a U.S. Senator and Representative from Colorado.
He died of natural causes at the age of 92.
Campbell was a member of the Northern Cheyenne tribe and focused on Native American issues.
Initially a Democrat, he switched to the Republican Party in 1995.
He played a part in upgrading the Great Sand Dunes to a national park.
Campbell retired after a health scare and pursued a career in jewelry making and consulting.
He frequently drove the Capitol Christmas Tree to Washington D.C.
His career in politics began unexpectedly after attending a Democratic meeting.
President Donald Trump vetoed a bill that would have given the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida control over some of its lands. This decision was supported by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who cited the tribe's opposition to a federal immigration detention center as a justification. The veto was one of two bipartisan bills rejected by Trump, despite their broad support in Congress.
Key Facts
President Trump vetoed legislation involving the Miccosukee Tribe's land control in Florida.
Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier backed the veto, linking it to immigration enforcement issues.
The Miccosukee Tribe opposes the Everglades Immigration Processing Center, citing environmental concerns.
The tribe's opposition to the immigration center influenced Trump’s decision to veto.
Trump also vetoed another bill focused on improving clean drinking water in Colorado.
Congress could override the vetoes with a two-thirds vote, but it is unlikely given the current political situation.
The Miccosukee Tribe expressed disappointment, emphasizing their focus on environmental protection.
California has decided to delay taking back 17,000 commercial driver's licenses from immigrant truckers until March, following a lawsuit. The delay aims to give drivers more time to prove they qualify for these licenses legally. The U.S. Transportation Department had pressured the state to act sooner, highlighting issues with checking immigration status and enforcing English proficiency.
Key Facts
California will delay revoking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses to March.
The delay follows a lawsuit filed by immigrant groups.
The U.S. Transportation Department may withhold $160 million if deadlines are not met.
An audit found problems with immigration status checks and English proficiency.
Secretary Sean Duffy already withheld $40 million in federal funding from California.
The Transportation Department is focused on preventing unauthorized drivers from posing road safety risks.
Immigrants make up about 20% of truck drivers in the U.S.
Proposed restrictions on noncitizen licenses are currently on hold by a court.
This article discusses ways to help children recognize and manage their biases. It suggests that while you cannot eliminate all biases, you can teach children to understand and address them. Key advice includes parents examining their own biases and encouraging open conversations.
Key Facts
Experts believe that completely raising an unbiased child might not be possible.
Andrew Meltzoff and Walter Gilliam, child developmental psychologists, stress that biases are learned from the environment.
Parents should start early to influence how children manage their biases.
Meltzoff and Gilliam note that parents can unintentionally pass on their biases to their children.
Open discussions about personal biases with children can help them understand and manage their own biases.
Encouraging diverse environments helps children develop empathy and see different perspectives.
Asking children questions about their thoughts encourages them to examine and question their assumptions.
Promoting conversations about change and growth can help children learn that biases can be unlearned.
President Donald Trump's administration has halted child care funding to Minnesota and asked for an audit of certain day care centers due to concerns about fraud. This decision follows a history of fraud cases linked to government programs in Minnesota, with allegations involving Somali-run day care centers. The Minnesota government is responding by conducting its own audits and investigations to combat fraud.
Key Facts
The U.S. federal government stopped child care funding to Minnesota and asked for an audit after fraud cases.
Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services Jim O'Neill cited widespread fraud as the reason for the fund freeze.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz criticized this action, saying it politicizes the issue.
O'Neill requested detailed records from day care centers, including attendance and licensing information.
There have been major fraud cases in Minnesota, including a $300 million pandemic food fraud scheme.
A federal prosecutor indicated significant potential fraud in federal programs in Minnesota since 2018.
The Administration for Children and Families will now require more proof before sending funds.
Minnesota has a large Somali community, and many recent fraud allegations involve Somali-run centers.
Zohran Mamdani is set to become the new mayor of New York City, with polls showing he is viewed favorably by many New Yorkers. His election is considered significant as he is part of the Democratic Socialists of America and plans to focus on policies like fare-free buses and city-run grocery stores. National surveys show mixed feelings about his potential performance as mayor.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani will take office as New York City's mayor on January 1, 2026.
Mamdani won the election against Curtis Sliwa and Andrew Cuomo, with Cuomo running as an independent.
A poll showed 46% of New Yorkers view Mamdani favorably, while 31% view him unfavorably.
Among New York City voters, 61% have a favorable view of Mamdani.
Mamdani plans to prioritize policies like fare-free buses and city-run grocery stores.
President Donald Trump met with Mamdani in November and expressed confidence in his ability to do a good job.
A national poll found mixed opinions on Mamdani's future performance as mayor, with 27% believing he will do an outstanding or above-average job.
President Donald Trump has initiated a project to build a larger ballroom at the White House for hosting events. This idea is not new, as previous presidents have also discussed the need for more space for entertaining. The proposed ballroom will replace part of the East Wing, and the project cost has doubled from initial estimates.
Key Facts
President Trump is building a larger ballroom at the White House to hold bigger events.
Former White House chief usher Gary Walters noted that past presidents also wanted more room for entertaining.
The proposed ballroom will have space for 999 seated guests.
The project was initially estimated at $200 million but has increased to $400 million.
The East Wing of the White House has been demolished to accommodate this construction.
President Trump intends to fund the project with private donations, including his own.
Gary Walters served as White House chief usher for more than 20 years under several presidents.
President Donald Trump used his veto power for the first time in his second term to reject two bipartisan bills. One bill was about a drinking water pipeline, and the other aimed to give more land control to the Miccosukee Tribe in Florida.
Key Facts
President Trump issued his first two vetoes of his second term.
He vetoed a bill related to a drinking water pipeline proposed by Rep. Lauren Boebert.
Boebert had previously disagreed with Trump over the release of files related to Jeffrey Epstein.
Trump also vetoed a bill giving the Miccosukee Tribe of Florida more land control.
The Miccosukee Tribe opposed an immigration detention center in the Everglades.
Both bills had support from members of both political parties.
Trump expressed concerns about the cost of the water pipeline project.
Rep. Boebert suggested the veto could be political retaliation.
President Donald Trump signed an executive order to create a new government department called the Department of Government Efficiency. This initiative aims to merge federal data from various government agencies, raising concerns among privacy and civil rights advocates.
Key Facts
President Donald Trump began his second term in 2025.
He signed an executive order to create the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE).
The department's goal is to eliminate waste, fraud, and abuse in government.
As part of this effort, the administration seeks access to unclassified data from all government agencies.
The plan involves merging federal data, which has raised privacy concerns.
The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has expressed worries about potential misuse of this data.
There are fears that this data system could be used for political purposes by future administrations.
The initiative includes connecting databases across federal and state governments.
President Donald Trump announced plans for constructing a Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C. The monument, inspired by European designs, aims to honor American history and military service before the United States' 250th anniversary next year.
Key Facts
President Trump announced the construction of a Triumphal Arch in Washington, D.C.
Construction is expected to begin within the next two months.
The arch is planned as part of celebrations for the United States' 250th anniversary in 2025.
The monument will be built near the Lincoln Memorial.
The design is based on European victory arches.
President Trump describes it as a patriotic landmark.
Zohran Mamdani will be sworn in as the new mayor of New York City at an unused City Hall subway station. The oath will be taken at midnight on New Year's Eve, and Mamdani will follow it with a public block party on January 1. His wife, Rama Duwaji, is set to become the city's first Muslim First Lady.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani will be New York City's new mayor.
Mamdani's swearing-in will happen at midnight in an unused subway station.
The subway station has been closed since 1945.
Mamdani will be the first NYC mayor sworn in on the Quran.
Senator Bernie Sanders will administer one of the oaths.
A public inauguration celebration is scheduled for January 1 at City Hall.
Rama Duwaji is Mamdani's wife and will be New York City's first Muslim First Lady.
Representative Thomas Massie from Kentucky has urged his fellow Republicans to stop funding Minnesota day care programs linked to fraud, but he predicts the GOP will continue funding without fixing the issue. Over 60 people have been convicted of fraud in Minnesota related to these programs, with around 90 more charged. Federal funds for these programs are set to expire soon, and there is debate about how to address the ongoing fraud.
Key Facts
Representative Thomas Massie predicts GOP will continue funding Minnesota day care programs without fixing the alleged fraud.
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services announced cuts to Minnesota's child care funding due to fraud allegations.
Over 60 people in Minnesota have been convicted of fraud linked to these programs, with around 90 more charged.
Estimates suggest taxpayer losses could range from $250 million to $1 billion from fraud in these programs.
Federal funding for child care is set to expire early next year.
Massie has questioned the federal government's role in funding day care programs.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has ordered audits and actions to address the fraud in these programs.
Jim O'Neill of HHS confirmed freezing child care payments to Minnesota due to ongoing fraud concerns.
The U.S. Justice Department is reviewing documents related to Jeffrey Epstein for public release. They are working with the FBI and federal prosecutors to ensure all legal requirements are met and to protect victims' privacy.
Key Facts
The Justice Department is reviewing Epstein-related documents for release.
The FBI and federal prosecutors are involved in the review process.
Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche said efforts are ongoing through the holidays.
Redactions are necessary to protect victims' privacy.
The review involves multiple U.S. Justice Department offices.
The goal is transparency while ensuring victim protection.
The Attorney General prioritizes both transparency and victim safeguarding.
