U.S. immigration agents entered a women's bathroom and detained workers during a raid at a factory in New York. The raid, part of immigration enforcement efforts, has raised questions about the legality of the agents’ actions. A judge ruled that one individual’s rights were violated during the raid.
Key Facts
The raid happened on September 4 at Nutrition Bar Confectioners in Cato, New York.
Immigration agents forced entry into a women's bathroom during the operation.
A total of 57 workers were detained, some had varying immigration statuses.
At least one worker with a valid work permit was deported.
The raid was based on allegations of employing unauthorized individuals and using fraudulent documents.
Criticism arose regarding the legality of the agents' conduct during the raid.
A judge ruled that the rights of one detainee, Argentina Juarez-Lopez, were violated under the Fourth Amendment.
By September 9, 2025, 52 of the 57 detained workers had been deported.
The article discusses how America is divided due to a fear of engaging in difficult conversations with people holding different views. A project by Jubilee, a media company, highlights how discussing conflicting opinions can foster understanding. The piece emphasizes the importance of dialogue in overcoming political and social divides.
Key Facts
America faces division partly because people fear uncomfortable conversations with those holding opposing views.
Sarah's story, shared in a Jubilee project, showed how personal experiences can shift perspectives on polarizing topics.
The Jubilee project brings people with opposing views together for discussions, seen by 4.6 million people.
A Pew survey shows the partisan gap in the U.S. is the widest since 1997.
Avoiding opposing viewpoints might worsen polarization rather than resolve it.
Algorithms on social media reinforce existing beliefs, making polarization worse.
Younger Americans are more open to engaging with people who have different views than older generations.
The article discusses various public figures and their activities during the 2025 holiday season. It uses up and down arrows to indicate rising or falling popularity. Figures mentioned include Kris Jenner, Chrissy Teigen, Patrick Mahomes, Sarah Huckabee Sanders, Tommy Robinson, and Joshua Feuerstein.
Key Facts
Kris Jenner's Christmas Eve party, started in 1978, included diverse guests like her nurse and the woman from CVS, alongside performers.
Chrissy Teigen broke a tooth on a candy cane package while doing a project with her kids and wore a face mask to a recital.
Patrick Mahomes gifted his offensive line over $100,000 in presents after an ACL tear ended his season.
Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders decided not to reopen state offices the day after Christmas despite complaints about church-state separation.
Tommy Robinson's Christmas carol event in London drew just 1,000 people, less than his previous rally.
Joshua Feuerstein's complaints about Starbucks' red cups made him famous ten years ago, but he is now mostly forgotten.
Newsweek's "Conventional Wisdom" segment has been revived, focusing on the rise and fall of public figures' popularity.
President Donald Trump issued an executive order closing federal government offices on December 24 and December 26. Most banks in the U.S. will be open on Christmas Eve, but they will close on Christmas Day, December 25, which is a federal holiday. Customers should check with their local banks for specific holiday hours.
Key Facts
President Trump ordered federal government offices to close on December 24 and December 26.
December 25 is a recognized federal holiday, and banks will be closed.
Most banks will be open on Christmas Eve but might have shorter hours.
Customers should verify specific hours with their local bank branches.
Bank services affected by the holiday include transaction scheduling and check processing, although online account services remain available.
Federal workers are excused from work on Christmas Eve, but some may need to report for duty for essential reasons.
The U.S. economy grew quickly in the third quarter of the year, and gas prices dropped below three dollars per gallon. However, many Americans do not feel optimistic about the economy, with concerns about high living costs, job security, and trade policies. A significant part of the economic growth came from the tech sector, particularly in data centers and cloud services.
Key Facts
Gas prices fell below three dollars per gallon in December.
The U.S. economy grew by 4.3% in the third quarter, the fastest in two years.
Consumer confidence has decreased, with a key index falling to 89.1 in December.
Many Americans worry about expenses like rent, groceries, and car payments.
Economic growth was driven significantly by the tech sector, especially data centers.
President Trump’s tariffs are partly credited for the economic growth.
Tariffs act like a sales tax on imports, raising prices but encouraging domestic investment.
Concerns about tariffs, inflation, and jobs are top worries for consumers.
The article lists the federal, state, and public holidays in the United States for the year 2026. It explains how these holidays affect government and business operations and highlights how different regions celebrate certain holidays distinctly.
Key Facts
The United States has federal holidays established by law which are observed nationwide.
Federal holidays are observed on their calendar date, but if they fall on a weekend, they are celebrated on the nearest weekday.
Each state can declare its own state holidays to recognize regional history or culture.
Mardi Gras is a legal holiday in Louisiana and parts of Alabama, and observed in Mississippi and Florida.
The day after Thanksgiving, also known as Black Friday, is a state holiday in several states like California, Florida, and Texas, among others.
Christmas Eve is often a partial or full holiday in several states, including Maryland, Texas, and Michigan.
Prince Jonah Kūhiō Kalanianaʻole Day is a state holiday in Hawaii.
Indigenous Peoples' Day is observed in many states and co-celebrated with Columbus Day in several regions.
The U.S. housing market is facing a complex situation with rising home prices despite an increase in available homes for sale. Florida and Texas are leading in new home construction, helping slightly ease the shortage in housing needed to meet demand.
Key Facts
The U.S. needs about 2.8 million more homes to meet current demand, says J.P. Morgan.
Homeownership rates in the U.S. fell to 65% in the second quarter of this year, the lowest since 2019.
Home prices increased by 48% from 2019 to 2024, while median income rose by 22%.
Florida and Texas lead in building new homes, with over 173,000 permits in Florida and 225,000 in Texas last year.
The South has the highest number of housing permits in the U.S., followed by the West.
Apartment construction is slowing from its peak in 2021-2022, likely increasing rents by 2-3% next year.
Housing shortages remain severe in the Northeast and coastal markets of the West.
More homes on the market may help reduce competition and slow price growth.
The U.S. Census Bureau projects that the country's fertility rate, or the average number of children a woman has, will decrease to 1.55 by 2100. This decline may lead to an aging population with fewer working-age people to support the elderly. Policymakers are considering measures like financial incentives and family-friendly policies to address this issue.
Key Facts
The U.S. fertility rate is expected to fall from 1.63 to 1.55 by 2100.
The replacement rate needed to maintain the population without immigration is 2.1 children per woman.
Reasons for the decline include financial challenges and cultural changes.
Potential solutions include offering financial incentives like a "baby bonus."
Other measures could involve free childbirth for families with private insurance and improving parental leave and child care support.
Some experts suggest planning for an aging population with adaptable pension and health care systems.
Immigration is viewed by some as a strategy to help maintain the workforce amidst declining birth rates.
As the holiday season approaches, animal shelters in the U.S. see a rise in abandoned dogs, a trend called the "Christmas puppy dump." A rescue in California highlighted this issue by sharing a story about a young cane corso puppy being left at a shelter. The issue is compounded by the popularity of this breed, leading to overwhelmed pet owners giving up their dogs.
Key Facts
During the holidays, more dogs are abandoned at shelters in the U.S.
A rescue in California shared a video of a young cane corso puppy being abandoned.
The cane corso breed is popular but requires experienced handling.
Around Christmas, adoptions decrease as more people buy new pets and later give them up.
The rescue receives approximately 30 new surrender requests daily.
All types of dogs, including seniors and neglected, fill crowded shelters.
The highlighted cane corso puppy received many adoption applications after the video.
The rescue enforces a strict adoption process requiring owners to train their dogs.
Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh suggested that President Donald Trump could use the Insurrection Act to deploy troops in U.S. cities. The Supreme Court decided not to allow Trump's administration to use the National Guard in Chicago. This decision may influence President Trump’s future actions regarding troop deployment.
Key Facts
Justice Brett Kavanaugh mentioned President Trump might use the Insurrection Act to deploy troops.
The Insurrection Act allows the president to use military forces to handle rebellions or enforce laws in states.
The Supreme Court blocked the Trump administration’s request to deploy the National Guard in Chicago.
Justices Samuel Alito, Clarence Thomas, and Neil Gorsuch disagreed with the decision.
Kavanaugh agreed with blocking the Chicago deployment but noted the court didn't address the President’s power under the Insurrection Act.
Trump supporters online have called for using the Insurrection Act after the court’s decision.
Trump previously expressed openness to using the Insurrection Act, especially in cities with high crime rates.
The Supreme Court’s decision might impact other legal challenges related to National Guard deployments in other cities.
The Republican candidate, John Lastinger, won the special election for the South Carolina House's 88th district seat, but Democrats performed better than expected compared to previous elections. Lastinger received 62.3% of the votes, while Democrat Chuck Hightower got 37.7%. In the same district during the 2024 presidential election, President Donald Trump had a much larger margin of victory.
Key Facts
Republican John Lastinger won the South Carolina House election for the 88th district.
Lastinger received 62.3% of the vote.
Democrat Chuck Hightower got 37.7% of the vote.
The Republicans had a win margin of +24.6% in this election.
In the 2024 presidential election, President Trump won this district by 67% to 32%.
The 2024 presidential election saw a Republican net margin of +35%.
District 88 is often considered a strong Republican area.
A winter storm is expected to bring heavy snow and strong winds to several U.S. states from Christmas Eve through Friday. The storm may create dangerous conditions, making travel difficult and potentially life-threatening, according to the National Weather Service.
Key Facts
Up to 16 inches of snow and winds up to 100 mph are forecasted in some areas during the storm.
The states expected to be most affected include California, Maine, New Hampshire, Idaho, and Alaska.
Parts of California could see between 4 and 8 feet of snow in high areas, with winds reaching 60 mph.
Whiteout conditions in California may make travel very dangerous.
Maine and New Hampshire may receive up to 14 inches of snow, with poor travel conditions expected.
In Idaho, the Sun Valley Region might get up to 3 feet of snow in high areas.
Alaska could see up to 14 inches of snow, with certain regions reporting winds up to 35 mph.
The National Weather Service advises travelers to carry emergency supplies like a flashlight, food, and water.
A federal judge ruled that the Trump administration can implement changes to the H-1B visa program, including charging a $100,000 fee for new applications. This change aims to control the use of H-1B visas by making it more expensive for employers to hire foreign workers instead of Americans. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce and other organizations opposed this fee, saying it would impose heavy costs on businesses.
Key Facts
A federal judge allowed the Trump administration to change the H-1B visa program rules.
The changes include a $100,000 fee for each new H-1B visa application.
The visa program helps U.S. companies hire foreign professionals for specialized jobs.
The ruling says immigration law gives the president authority to make such changes.
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce argued the fee could harm businesses financially.
Proponents of the fee believe it will encourage hiring American workers instead.
The White House has advised Americans to consider working in blue-collar jobs due to the risk of technological changes impacting office-based professions. Peter Navarro, a senior adviser to President Trump, mentioned that blue-collar jobs were once a key part of the American economy and could be important again.
Key Facts
The White House suggests a shift in focus to blue-collar jobs.
Technological changes, like AI, could reduce office jobs.
Peter Navarro spoke about this issue on CNBC.
Navarro is a senior adviser on trade and manufacturing for President Trump.
He believes blue-collar jobs could become important again due to new technologies.
Washington Governor Bob Ferguson supports a new tax plan that would impose a 9.9% income tax on people earning over $1 million annually. The plan aims to use part of the money collected to help low-income residents, either by expanding tax credits or reducing sales taxes. Washington is currently one of nine U.S. states that does not have a personal income tax.
Key Facts
Governor Bob Ferguson of Washington endorses a tax on millionaires.
The proposed tax rate is 9.9% on annual incomes over $1 million.
A portion of the tax revenue will aim to provide financial relief for low-income residents.
Options for relief include expanding the working families tax credit and reducing sales taxes.
Washington is one of nine states without a personal income tax.
The proposal is backed by legislative Democrats and is currently under consideration.
The incoming Mayor of New York City, Zohran Mamdani, spoke with Mustapha Kharbouch, a Brown University student wrongly accused on social media of being involved in a shooting. Mamdani expressed support for Kharbouch and invited him back to New York City, promising to combat Islamophobia and anti-Palestinian racism.
Key Facts
Zohran Mamdani is the incoming Mayor of New York City.
Mustapha Kharbouch is a student at Brown University.
Kharbouch was wrongly identified as a suspect in a shooting based on social media speculation.
He faced threats and discrimination due to his Palestinian heritage.
Mamdani reached out to Kharbouch, offering support and an invitation to return to New York City.
Mamdani's campaign included a focus on the Palestinian cause and condemning antisemitism.
The situation highlighted issues of Islamophobia and the dangers of false accusations on social media.
The White House is facing criticism after CBS News decided not to air a "60 Minutes" segment about the Trump administration's deportation practices. Stephen Miller, a senior adviser to President Donald Trump, suggested that CBS News producers who criticized this decision should be fired. The segment was reportedly withdrawn for additional reporting, despite being cleared by the network's legal team.
Key Facts
Stephen Miller, an adviser to President Trump, called for the firing of CBS News producers who opposed the removal of a "60 Minutes" segment.
The segment concerned the deportation of Venezuelan men to a prison in El Salvador.
CBS News removed the segment hours before it was supposed to air, citing a need for further reporting.
Sharyn Alfonsi, the correspondent for the segment, argued in an internal note that the story was factually correct and cleared legally.
CBS News faced backlash after the segment was published online and criticized the decision to pull it.
The White House has not officially commented on the situation.
Bari Weiss, the editor-in-chief of CBS News, requested changes to the segment before its removal.
President Donald Trump suggested that the broadcast licenses of major TV networks should be revoked if they continue to report negatively on him and his political allies. He made this statement on his Truth Social platform.
Key Facts
President Trump expressed his views on the Truth Social platform.
He believes major TV networks report almost entirely negatively about him, the MAGA movement, and the Republican Party.
Trump questioned whether these networks' "valuable" broadcast licenses should be revoked.
He suggested that if the coverage remains negative, their licenses should be terminated.
This statement was made in the context of perceived media bias against him and his political allies.
The Trump administration is working to release all remaining documents related to Jeffrey Epstein, totaling about 700,000 pages. Delays and issues with some documents have arisen, drawing criticism and accusations of misinformation. Despite many records released, no credible evidence links President Trump to wrongdoing related to Epstein.
Key Facts
The Trump administration needs about one more week to review and release all Jeffrey Epstein files.
There are approximately 700,000 pages of documents still to be reviewed.
Recent releases included around 30,000 new investigative records.
Some documents mention President Trump, but their credibility is questioned.
The Department of Justice (DOJ) warned that some records may be politically motivated and not true.
Despite issues, DOJ releases documents to demonstrate transparency, though it missed a Congressional deadline.
An incident occurred where documents were accessed online before being officially released, leading to temporary removal.
No credible evidence has emerged linking President Trump to improper conduct with Jeffrey Epstein.
The US Supreme Court has rejected President Trump's plan to send the National Guard to Chicago. The court decided that the president's power to use the National Guard is limited to "exceptional" situations. This decision comes amid legal challenges to the deployment of troops in Democrat-led cities.
Key Facts
The US Supreme Court denied President Trump's request to send the National Guard to Chicago.
The court stated that such federal deployment is only applicable in "exceptional" circumstances.
The National Guard primarily consists of state-based troops used for major emergencies.
The court's decision is notable because it goes against the recent trend of siding with the Trump administration.
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker called the ruling a victory for Illinois and democracy.
President Trump has deployed troops to Democrat-led cities to address protests and crime.
The Supreme Court upheld a lower court ruling that blocked the Chicago deployment.
Justices Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito, and Neil Gorsuch disagreed with the majority decision.
