The Maryland House of Delegates voted to override a veto by Governor Wes Moore to create a commission that will study reparations for slavery. The commission will examine how the state can provide benefits to people whose ancestors were enslaved in Maryland or affected by unfair government policies.
Key Facts
The Maryland House overrode Governor Wes Moore's veto to set up a commission on slavery reparations.
The commission will study and recommend benefits for descendants of enslaved people in Maryland.
Proposed benefits could include apologies, financial compensation, and social services.
Governor Moore, who is Maryland’s first Black governor, initially vetoed the bill, urging action over more studies.
The state legislature, controlled by Democrats, decided a formal study was necessary.
The commission is required to give a preliminary report by January 1, 2027, and a final report by November 1, 2027.
The move comes amid national conversations on diversity and inclusion programs.
A woman in Texas was arrested for allegedly putting razor blades in bread sold at two Walmart locations in Biloxi, Mississippi. The police identified and detained her after customers reported finding the razors. No injuries have been reported, and the investigation is ongoing.
Key Facts
Camille Benson, age 33, was arrested for tampering with bread by inserting razor blades in two Walmarts in Biloxi, Mississippi.
Customers found the razors in the bread and reported them to the police starting on December 5.
Biloxi police reviewed store surveillance videos and identified Benson as the suspect.
Benson faces a charge of attempted mayhem, and her bond is set at $100,000.
Walmart checked its inventory and removed the affected bread from the stores.
Investigators have not found any evidence of other stores being targeted, and Benson's motives are unclear.
Walmart is advising customers to check for tampered products and to report any issues to the police.
This incident has brought attention to food safety concerns in the U.S., similar to past cases involving food tampering.
Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced there would be no vote to extend healthcare subsidies that help low-income Americans, meaning premiums may rise for many people. Republicans argue these subsidies were meant to be temporary, while Democrats warn of increased healthcare costs. Some House Republicans might support a Democrat-led effort to vote on extending the subsidies, but significant hurdles remain.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson stated there will be no vote on extending healthcare subsidies.
The subsidies, originally introduced during COVID-19, are set to expire at the end of the year.
Without the extension, healthcare premiums could rise for millions of Americans.
Republicans view the subsidies as a temporary measure, not intended to be permanent.
Democrats warn that not extending the subsidies will raise healthcare costs significantly.
The issue was central during a recent government shutdown lasting over 40 days.
Moderate Republicans face pressure, especially from states that supported Donald Trump, because potential healthcare cost increases could affect re-election chances.
Without a resolution, the subsidies are unlikely to be extended before the holiday break or to pass in the Senate even if the House supports it.
Heavy rainfall and flooding in Washington state have led to at least one death after a car was completely underwater. Levee failures have caused more people to evacuate, and forecasters expect continued rain.
Key Facts
At least one person has died due to flooding in Washington state.
A car was found completely submerged in water.
This flood follows last week's significant flooding in the area.
Levee failures have led to additional evacuations.
The National Weather Service predicts more rain in the area.
The flooding has affected multiple regions in Washington state.
A new poll shows that President Trump's approval rating is now 39%, down from 41% earlier this month, mainly due to economic concerns. Only 33% of people approve of how he is managing economic issues, the lowest since he took office for his second term. Many Americans are worried about rising costs, and some of Trump's supporters are unhappy with his handling of the economy.
Key Facts
President Trump's job approval rating is 39% according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll.
The approval rating has decreased by 2 percentage points since earlier this month.
Economic concerns, especially rising living costs, are a major reason for the approval drop.
Only 33% of people approve of Trump's handling of economic issues.
A Politico poll shows 55% of people blame Trump's policies for rising food prices.
Trump's approval on cost-of-living issues has fallen to 27% from 31% earlier in December.
Among Republicans, support for Trump's economic management fell from 78% to 72%.
Despite the concerns, Trump claims that the US economy is in a "golden age" and denies prices are rising.
President Trump defended his chief of staff, Susie Wiles, after her candid comments in a Vanity Fair interview. He stated she has done a great job and was not offended by her description of him as having an "alcoholic's personality," despite not drinking alcohol. The White House and members of Trump's Cabinet backed Wiles, criticizing the reporting as misleading.
Key Facts
President Trump defended Susie Wiles after her Vanity Fair interview.
Wiles described Trump as having an "alcoholic's personality."
Trump said he does not drink alcohol but understands the description.
Trump claimed the Vanity Fair article was inaccurate and misleading.
The White House and Trump's Cabinet quickly supported Wiles.
White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt criticized the interview as fake news.
A Muslim American group, the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), has filed a lawsuit against Florida Governor Ron DeSantis for labeling it as a "foreign terrorist organization." The lawsuit argues that this designation violates CAIR's rights to free speech, particularly concerning its advocacy for Palestinian rights. The group also claims DeSantis's order lacks proper legal basis and authority.
Key Facts
CAIR has sued Florida Governor Ron DeSantis in federal court.
The lawsuit challenges a state order naming CAIR a "foreign terrorist organization."
CAIR argues this designation violates its free speech rights, especially regarding Palestine advocacy.
DeSantis's order was issued without federal criminal charges or a federal terrorist designation.
CAIR claims only the US secretary of state can designate foreign terrorist organizations.
The lawsuit notes CAIR's role in opposing a Florida ban on Students for Justice in Palestine (SJP).
Governor DeSantis stated he welcomes legal action for potential access to CAIR's records.
Similar actions against CAIR have been taken by Texas Governor Greg Abbott.
Only certain U.S. lawmakers will view the full video of a controversial boat strike from September, according to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. The video relates to U.S. air strikes targeting alleged Venezuelan drug boats in the Caribbean. Some lawmakers are concerned about the legality of the strikes and the lack of transparency in sharing the video.
Key Facts
U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth stated that only specific congressional committees will see the full video of a September boat strike.
The video is related to U.S. strikes on alleged Venezuelan drug boats in the Caribbean.
Secretary of State Marco Rubio was involved in the briefing regarding these military actions.
Most Republicans support the strikes, while Democrats question their legality.
The U.S. military conducted additional strikes on three boats in the Pacific, resulting in eight deaths.
A defense spending bill may require the Pentagon to provide full unedited videos of such strikes to the armed services committees.
The U.S. government posts brief clips of the strikes online but with limited details.
Lawmakers from both parties have requested more transparency and access to the full video footage.
A gunman fired shots in a classroom at Brown University on December 13, 2025, killing at least two people and injuring eight. Authorities are asking the public to help identify the suspect, who was seen in the area before the attack. The FBI and local police are investigating, with increased police presence in Providence to reassure residents.
Key Facts
The shooting took place inside a classroom at Brown University on December 13, 2025.
At least two people were killed, and eight were injured in the incident.
The suspect is a man seen in dark clothing, captured on surveillance footage in the area before the attack.
Providence Police are reviewing large amounts of data to identify the suspect.
The incident has led to increased police presence for safety in Providence.
The FBI has deployed victim specialists and agents to help with the aftermath.
The shooting happened in an older part of a campus building with fewer cameras.
Internal FBI emails released by Senator Chuck Grassley show that FBI officials had concerns about the probable cause for a search of Mar-a-Lago before executing the search for classified documents. Kash Patel, now head of the FBI, says these emails reveal that the Justice Department went ahead despite FBI warnings. During the search in August 2022, agents found over 300 documents marked as classified.
Key Facts
FBI emails showed skepticism about having enough grounds to search Mar-a-Lago.
These emails were released by Senator Chuck Grassley.
The emails date back to 2022 discussions when President Biden was in office.
They show FBI officials suggested using less invasive methods first, like working with Trump’s attorney.
The Justice Department wanted a broader search due to uncertainty about where documents were.
Despite concerns, a court approved the search warrant in August 2022.
Over 300 classified-marked documents were found during the search.
The charges against Donald Trump were later dropped after he became President again.
The latest jobs report shows that the U.S. job market is slowing down, with unemployment reaching its highest point in four years. However, the report also notes a positive increase of 64,000 new jobs last month.
Key Facts
Unemployment in the U.S. has risen to its highest level in four years.
Last month, 64,000 new jobs were added to the economy.
The jobs report was delayed because of a six-week government shutdown.
Geoff Bennett talked about the report with David Wessel from the Brookings Institution.
The report highlights signs of a cooling labor market, meaning the job market is not growing as fast as before.
Prosecutors in Los Angeles plan to charge Nick Reiner with first-degree murder in the deaths of his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner. The Trump administration is adding five new countries to its travel ban list. A Washington judge is unlikely to halt the construction of a new $300 million White House ballroom.
Key Facts
Nick Reiner is facing two first-degree murder charges.
He is accused of killing his parents, Rob and Michele Reiner.
The Trump administration is expanding its travel ban.
Five more countries will be added to the travel ban list.
A federal judge in Washington discusses a $300 million White House ballroom.
The judge does not plan to stop the ballroom construction project.
House Speaker Mike Johnson decided against voting on extending additional financial assistance for people buying health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. This decision means that around 20 million Americans might see higher insurance costs soon.
Key Facts
House Speaker Mike Johnson will not hold a vote on extending extra subsidies.
These subsidies help people buying insurance through the Affordable Care Act.
The additional subsidies are set to end at the month's conclusion.
Without the extension, insurance costs will rise significantly.
Around 20 million Americans will be affected by this change.
Alternatives to continuing the subsidies are being discussed.
Senator Bill Cassidy discussed the current discussions on Capitol Hill about health care subsidies. As both a senator and a physician, he is actively involved in these discussions.
Key Facts
Senator Bill Cassidy represents Louisiana and is affiliated with the Republican party.
He is actively involved in health care discussions on Capitol Hill.
Health care subsidies are a primary topic of these discussions.
Senator Cassidy is also a physician.
The discussion is focused on addressing rising health care costs.
There is a concern about some subsidies that are set to expire.
Authorities are looking for the person who was responsible for a shooting at Brown University, where two students died and nine others were hurt. Amna Nawaz interviewed Juliette Kayyem, a Harvard professor and former Department of Homeland Security official, to discuss the investigation.
Key Facts
A shooting took place at Brown University.
Two students were killed in the shooting.
Nine other students were injured.
Authorities have not yet found the gunman responsible.
Amna Nawaz discussed the investigation with Juliette Kayyem.
Juliette Kayyem is a professor at Harvard Kennedy School.
Kayyem is a former assistant secretary at the Department of Homeland Security.
Vanity Fair published a profile featuring Susie Wiles, President Trump's chief of staff, where she shared insights on the inner workings of the White House during his second term. The article covers her views on several high-profile figures like Elon Musk and J.D. Vance, as well as her thoughts on a hypothetical third-term run for Trump. Wiles questioned the framing of the article, suggesting it painted a chaotic picture of the administration.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles, Trump's chief of staff, participated in interviews with Vanity Fair revealing White House dynamics.
Wiles compared Trump to her late father, suggesting he has some traits similar to an alcoholic's personality, despite not drinking.
She described Elon Musk as a ketamine user and criticized his approach to downsizing government agencies like USAID.
Wiles denied speculation that Trump would attempt to challenge the 22nd Amendment to run for a third term.
The article remarked on potential future political roles for Vice President J.D. Vance, including a 2028 presidential run.
Vanity Fair's portrayal of the Trump administration was labeled as negative by Wiles, who claimed it left out important context.
Donald Trump Jr. and the White House press secretary expressed strong support for Wiles' leadership in their statements.
The White House is defending Susie Wiles, the chief of staff, after her blunt views on President Trump's policies were shared in an interview with Vanity Fair. Wiles had criticized some of Trump's decisions, including January 6 pardons and tariffs, but the White House remains supportive of her.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is the chief of staff and a key aide to President Trump.
Her comments to Vanity Fair criticized some of Trump's policies.
Wiles questioned pardoning all January 6 defendants and criticized Elon Musk's actions with USAID.
Wiles admitted there were disagreements over the rollout of Trump's tariffs.
Some of her comments contradict the administration's public stance on certain issues.
The White House press secretary and other officials expressed strong support for Wiles.
Wiles criticized the handling of Jeffrey Epstein files and disputed claims involving former President Bill Clinton and Epstein.
She mentioned concerns within the MAGA coalition about Trump's close relationship with Israel.
Millions of Americans may lose or see changes to their health care coverage if Congress does not extend the expanded Affordable Care Act (ACA) tax credits by the end of January. The expansion was originally put in place during the COVID-19 pandemic to help more people access health insurance. There is disagreement within Congress about whether to extend these credits, with Democrats mostly in favor and Republicans split on the issue.
Key Facts
ACA tax credits that helped more people get insurance were expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic.
These credits are set to expire at the end of January unless Congress acts to extend them.
More than 24 million people have health care coverage through the ACA marketplace.
About 22 million people could see higher premium costs if the credits are not extended.
Some Republicans have introduced their own bill but are not planning to hold a vote on amending it to extend the ACA credits.
Democrats have introduced proposals to extend the credits for one to three years, with some bipartisan support.
KFF and Gallup polls show significant support for extending the credits among ACA Market participants and highlight concerns about the health care system overall.
President Donald Trump will visit Dover Air Force Base in Delaware to attend a dignified transfer ceremony. This ceremony honors two Iowa National Guard members and a U.S. civilian interpreter who were killed in an attack in Syria. The transfer involves moving the remains of the fallen to the base's mortuary facility.
Key Facts
President Trump will be at Dover Air Force Base on Wednesday.
The ceremony is for two National Guard members killed in Syria.
The guardsmen are Sgt. Edgar Brian Torres-Tovar and Sgt. William Nathaniel Howard.
They were part of the 1st Squadron, 113th Cavalry Regiment.
A U.S. civilian interpreter, Ayad Mansoor Sakat, was also killed in the attack.
The dignified transfer ceremony involves moving the remains of fallen soldiers.
The ritual is a solemn duty for the President as commander in chief.
President Trump's Chief of Staff, Susie Wiles, responded to a Vanity Fair article that presented a negative view of the Trump administration. Wiles disputed the portrayal, claiming the magazine ignored important context. The article includes her remarks on Trump, Vice President JD Vance, and Elon Musk.
Key Facts
Susie Wiles is the first woman to be White House Chief of Staff.
Vanity Fair published an article where Wiles discussed aspects of the Trump administration.
Wiles described President Trump as having an "alcoholic's personality."
She stated Vanity Fair ignored significant context to create a negative narrative.
Wiles suggested there could be elements of retribution in Trump's legal actions against rivals.
She criticized tech billionaire Elon Musk's cost-cutting efforts in government.
Wiles had a history with Trump, including managing his 2016 campaign in Florida.
