The U.S. Postal Service (USPS) is asking people in snowy and icy areas to keep pathways to mailboxes clear to ensure safe and consistent mail delivery. USPS has advised residents to clear snow from mailboxes, sidewalks, and steps to avoid disruptions and protect mail carriers from potential injuries.
Key Facts
USPS has issued a plea to residents in several states affected by winter weather, including New York, Indiana, Minnesota, and Massachusetts.
The request aims to keep pathways to mailboxes clear of snow and ice.
Clearing snow helps ensure that mail carriers can safely deliver mail without risking injury.
USPS states that mail delivery may be suspended if mailboxes are not safely accessible.
The agency provides guidelines like clearing snow from mailboxes and keeping sidewalks and steps free of ice.
USPS emphasizes the safety and accessibility of mail delivery during hazardous winter conditions.
Director-actor Rob Reiner and his wife were found dead at their home in Los Angeles. Police say they are investigating the case as a possible homicide, and a family member is being questioned. Both were found dead from suspected stab wounds.
Key Facts
Rob Reiner and his wife were discovered dead in their Los Angeles home.
The LA Police Department is investigating the incident as a potential homicide.
The LA Fire Department responded to a medical aid call and found both victims dead.
Reiner was 78 years old, and his wife was 68 years old.
Media reports suggest both died from stab wounds.
A family member is being questioned by police in connection to the incident.
Rob Reiner was a director known for films like "When Harry Met Sally" and "This Is Spinal Tap."
Reiner was also known for his political activism and supporting Democratic candidates.
Schools in several U.S. states will either close or start late on Monday, December 15, due to severe winter weather. The weather includes very cold temperatures, icy roads, and heavy snow affecting areas like Ohio, Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia, Tennessee, Pennsylvania, and Indiana.
Key Facts
Schools in Ohio and Kentucky, such as Cincinnati Public Schools and Kenton County Schools, will be closed on Monday.
The Willington National Weather Service warned of extremely cold wind chills in parts of Ohio and Kentucky until Monday morning.
In West Virginia and Virginia, schools like Nicholas County Schools and Tazewell County Schools will be closed, and several others will have delays.
Middle Tennessee schools, including Cannon and Hickman Counties, will experience two-hour delays.
Pittsburgh-area schools, including Pittsburgh Public Schools, plan for delayed starts due to icy conditions.
In Central Indiana, schools will also have two-hour delays with very cold temperatures expected.
New rules now require H-1B visa applicants and their H-4 dependents to have their social media reviewed by U.S. officials as part of their visa evaluation process. This change is aimed at enhancing national security and aligns with existing policies for international students and exchange visitors.
Key Facts
Starting today, H-1B visa applicants must make their social media public for evaluation.
The U.S. State Department will check social media posts and connections from the last five years.
H-1B visas allow highly skilled workers to enter the U.S., important for tech and academic sectors.
The new rules align H-1B checks with those for student/exchange visas such as F, M, and J categories.
The policy is part of a broader move under President Trump to tighten immigration and enhance security.
There are concerns that increased vetting may delay processes and affect free speech.
Social media checks are becoming a standard part of U.S. visa and immigration reviews.
The White House honored Ella Cook, a college Republican leader who was a victim of the Brown University shooting. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt expressed condolences to her family and friends online.
Key Facts
The White House paid tribute to Ella Cook.
Ella Cook was a leader in a college Republican group.
She was one of the victims in a shooting at Brown University.
Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt shared a message on social media.
The message expressed sympathy for Ella Cook's family and friends.
President Donald Trump announced plans to construct a "triumphal" arch in Washington D.C., similar to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The arch will be located near the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Bridge. Details about the project are limited, and the timeline for construction has not been shared.
Key Facts
President Trump plans to build a triumphal arch in Washington, D.C.
The arch will be situated near the Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Bridge.
Trump compared it to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, saying it would surpass it.
Vince Haley, former speechwriter and policy council director, is overseeing the project.
Initial information about the project emerged from a photo showing a map in the White House.
Trump displayed images and models of the potential arch at the White House.
Trump has not provided details about when construction will start or complete.
The arch has been informally called the "Arc de Trump" by some online.
Social Security payments for December are being distributed this week to about 70 million Americans. The Social Security Administration distributes payments based on a person's birth date, with some exceptions. Payments will increase starting in January due to a cost-of-living adjustment.
Key Facts
About 70 million Americans depend on monthly Social Security payments.
Payments are distributed in staggered waves based on birth dates.
Recipients with birthdays between the 11th and 20th of any month will receive their payment on Wednesday, December 17.
Workers retiring at age 62 can receive up to $2,831 per month, while delaying retirement to age 70 can result in a maximum of $5,108.
A Cost-of-Living Adjustment of 2.8% will be applied in January to offset rising living costs.
The average monthly retirement benefit will increase from about $2,015 to $2,071.
The adjustment is based on inflation data from the Consumer Price Index.
A new poll shows Kamala Harris as the leading choice for the 2028 Democratic presidential nomination. She received 31.1% support, ahead of other potential candidates like Gavin Newsom and Pete Buttigieg. Harris is also expanding her public engagements and book tour as part of her political activities.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris is the top Democratic choice for the 2028 presidential run according to a new poll.
The poll was conducted by Big Data Poll, based in Florida.
Harris received 31.1% support in this poll.
California Governor Gavin Newsom got 20.3% support.
Former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg received 10% support.
Harris announced plans to expand her book tour next year.
She encouraged attendees at a Democratic National Committee meeting to think about future plans after current political events.
Reports noted audience enthusiasm for Harris during the DNC meeting.
People in Southern California were advised to stay inside due to unhealthy air pollution levels. The air quality was especially bad east of Los Angeles, affecting cities like Riverside and San Bernardino. The EPA advised that sensitive groups should avoid outdoor activities.
Key Facts
More than 100,000 people in Southern California were advised to stay indoors due to bad air pollution.
The air quality was classified as "unhealthy" on the Air Quality Index.
Affected areas include cities east of Los Angeles like Riverside, Corona, and San Bernardino.
The pollution is from fine particles known as PM2.5.
The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) advised sensitive groups to avoid long or intense outdoor activities.
Sensitive groups include young children, older adults, and people with certain health conditions.
The general public is advised to reduce outdoor activities and take breaks if outside.
Police are investigating the deaths of Hollywood director Rob Reiner and his wife Michele as an "apparent homicide" after their bodies were found at their home in Los Angeles. Tributes from celebrities and political figures highlight Reiner's impact on film and politics.
Key Facts
Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead at their home in Los Angeles.
The police are treating the case as an "apparent homicide."
The family confirmed the deaths through a spokesperson.
Reiner was a well-known director of films like "The Princess Bride" and "A Few Good Men."
He was also active in local and national Democratic politics.
Actor Ben Stiller and actor John Cusack shared tributes to Reiner, calling him a great director and person.
Former Vice President Kamala Harris described the Reiners as "dear friends" who cared deeply for democracy.
The U.S. government, under President Trump, has cancelled citizenship ceremonies for immigrants from 19 countries affected by a travel ban. This action has left many who were about to become U.S. citizens in a state of uncertainty. The administration cites national security concerns for these measures following a recent shooting incident in Washington D.C.
Key Facts
Citizenship ceremonies were cancelled for immigrants from 19 countries that are under a travel ban.
Sanam, an Iranian immigrant living in Oregon, had her ceremony cancelled just two days before it was to occur.
The administration's decision is part of efforts to tighten immigration rules for these countries.
The cancellation of ceremonies affects those who had completed all other steps to become U.S. citizens.
President Trump's administration cited a shooting in Washington D.C. as a reason for the policy changes.
The administration also sent 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington D.C. and reduced the validity of work visas.
The New York Immigration Coalition argues the new restrictions endanger immigrants and are essentially a ban.
Turning Point USA delayed a planned livestream intended to counter Candace Owens' allegations about Charlie Kirk's assassination. Erika Kirk, Charlie's widow and new leader of the group, will meet Owens privately to discuss the matter. The claims have sparked major discussions within the MAGA community and affected relationships in conservative media.
Key Facts
Turning Point USA postponed a livestream meant to address Candace Owens' claims about Charlie Kirk's assassination.
Erika Kirk, Charlie Kirk's widow, plans to meet privately with Candace Owens to discuss the issue.
Candace Owens' claims have become a significant point of conflict within the MAGA community.
Owens has suggested, without evidence, that various groups were involved in a plot against Kirk.
Erika Kirk has publicly expressed frustration with Owens' accusations, defending her late husband's organization.
Owens has a large online following, and her theories have spread widely, causing division.
Some conservative media figures have criticized Owens for her stance, while others have supported her.
Kamala Harris, the former vice president, is showing signs that she might run for president in 2028. She is gaining support in Democratic primary polls and strengthening her connections with key voter groups. Harris is actively participating in events and speaking out on political issues as part of her possible campaign efforts.
Key Facts
Kamala Harris is considering a run for the White House in 2028.
She remains a top choice in Democratic primary polls for 2028.
Harris is focusing on reaching critical voting groups, including Black voters.
She is on a book tour promoting her story and visiting important locations like South Carolina.
Harris attended the Democratic National Committee's winter meeting and spoke out against both political parties.
Harris aims to support efforts to regain Democratic control in Congress.
Other potential candidates, like California Governor Gavin Newsom, are also positioning themselves for the 2028 race.
Harris is leading in some national polls against other Democratic contenders.
Democratic operatives are focusing on California Governor Gavin Newsom as a strong contender for the 2028 presidential race, largely due to his left-leaning views outside California. Some Democratic figures are strategizing on how to challenge him, noting his past scandals and political backing, which could impact his candidacy.
Key Facts
Gavin Newsom is seen as a leading Democratic candidate for the 2028 presidential race.
Some Democrats consider his liberal views as a liability outside California.
Newsom has released a memoir titled "Young Man in a Hurry: A Memoir of Discovery."
His political rise includes actions against President Trump and effective redistricting in California.
Newsom's past controversies involve an affair while he was San Francisco's mayor and attending a dinner during strict COVID-19 lockdowns.
He has attempted to address issues like health care, housing, and homelessness in California.
Wealthy donors, like the Getty family, have supported his career.
Newsom positions himself as a leader open to diverse ideas within the Democratic Party.
Community members in Providence held a vigil to honor victims of a shooting at Brown University, where two students were killed and nine others injured. A 24-year-old man from Wisconsin, Benjamin Erickson, is in custody as a person of interest, but no charges have been filed. The incident happened during final exams in the university's engineering building.
Key Facts
The shooting occurred on Saturday at Brown University's engineering building.
Two students died, and nine others were injured in the shooting.
A memorial service replaced a planned holiday event at Lippitt Memorial Park.
Benjamin Erickson, from Wisconsin, is in custody as a person of interest.
Two handguns and ammunition were found when Erickson was detained.
Most injured students are in critical but stable condition; there is no ongoing suspect search.
A lockdown at the university lasted until early Sunday, with students hiding for safety.
Providence Mayor and Brown University officials expressed condolences and support for those affected.
Senator Rand Paul expressed concerns about potential violence and tension from ongoing efforts by both political parties to redraw voting district lines, known as redistricting. President Trump encouraged Republican-led states to redistrict to gain an advantage for upcoming elections. This has led to measures in states like Texas, which has adjusted its voting map to benefit Republicans.
Key Facts
Senator Rand Paul warned that redistricting by both parties could lead to more civil unrest and violence.
President Trump pushed for redrawing district maps to benefit Republicans in future elections.
Texas changed its voting map to add five Republican seats, responding to Trump's request.
California proposed redistricting to counterbalance Texas's changes.
States like New York, Louisiana, and Florida are also considering redistricting.
Rand Paul noted that extreme redistricting could make voters lose faith in the electoral process.
President Trump criticized Indiana Republicans for not supporting redistricting advantageous to his party.
A student at Brown University named Mia Tretta survived a mass shooting at her high school in California in 2019 and recently faced another active shooter situation at her college. She shared her experience and thoughts on the widespread impact of gun violence in the U.S. at a press conference.
Key Facts
Mia Tretta is a student at Brown University and survived a school shooting in 2019.
She was injured in the 2019 Saugus High School shooting in Santa Clarita, California.
Mia spent over a week in the hospital and still suffers from injuries related to the shooting.
She recently faced another active shooter alert at Brown University.
Mia has spoken publicly about gun violence, including at a 2022 White House event.
The mayor of Providence spoke about the frequency of mass shootings and the impact on students.
Brown University had a lockdown and a heavy police presence after the recent incident.
Representative Ilhan Omar from Minnesota reported that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents pulled over her son but let him go after checking his papers. The incident occurred amid increased ICE operations in Minneapolis, which President Trump has tied to tackling crime and immigration issues. These actions have raised concerns about racial profiling, particularly within the Somali community in Minnesota.
Key Facts
ICE agents stopped Representative Ilhan Omar's son but released him after verifying his documents.
Omar expressed concerns about racial profiling targeting young Somali men.
President Trump has increased efforts to remove undocumented immigrants, including those in Minnesota’s Somali community.
Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, with many being U.S. citizens.
President Trump has made negative comments about Somalis and Congresswoman Omar specifically.
ICE’s Operation Metro Surge in the Minneapolis area aims to arrest undocumented immigrants.
Representative Omar claims ICE activities increased due to Trump’s statements about Somalis.
A shooting at Brown University in Rhode Island left two people dead and nine injured. Police arrested a suspect the next day, and the university imposed a lockdown during the incident. This adds to a history of shootings on U.S. college campuses over the past decade.
Key Facts
The shooting happened at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island, on a Saturday.
Two people died, and at least nine were critically injured in the incident.
A suspect was detained by police at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island.
A shelter-in-place order was issued for the university area during the shooting.
Brown University is a private school with around 7,300 undergraduate students.
This incident is one of several shootings on U.S. college campuses in recent years.
Past campus shootings mentioned include those at Kentucky State University and University of Virginia, among others.
President Donald Trump is talking about his economic achievements, saying prices are going down and more people are investing. However, actual data suggests the cost of living is going up. This article checks the facts behind these claims.
Key Facts
President Trump claims that the economy is improving, with lower prices and higher investments.
Some data shows that the cost of living is actually rising.
The article investigates whether the economic claims match the real numbers.
The focus is on economic indicators like prices and investment.
The article is factual and examines the situation without taking a side.
